Yard dog

sikaran

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 May 2006
Messages
540
Location
Northern England
Visit site
I recently lost my German Shepherd and I'm looking to replace her. I don't want another shepherd but want a large dog. My yard is in a rural and quite isolated location and I'm happier having a large dog on the yard with me as I'm by myself most of the day. I have terriers but don't have them on the yard - they have the run of the house and garden. I don't like small dogs around horses as they can get under their feet. Any ideas/suggestions please? I've had lurchers but had problems with them disappearing in the blink of an eye, and I'm not a fan of rotties or mastiffs.
 
What about a Doberman. Beautiful dogs with a big enough bark to dissuade unwanted guests, but nice nature for you to enjoy having around.
 
How big ? :)

My friend has a Great Dane. Looks for all the world like the ultimate guard dog. When he puts his feet up and looks over the fence its enough to worry most would be intruders, but when he barks he puts the fear of god into me, and I know him for the softest daftest dog he really is.

Just to add, watching him and my chihuahua play is hilarious. She is like a little flea leaping around, he just ties himself in knots trying to see where she is next. He is so gentle with her.
My friend and I have ended up actually in pain from laughing at them.
 
Last edited:
Hi,
We have a Great Dane and she is wonderful and lives in the house.... She definetly has the presence but I wouldn't recomend one as an outside dog... they don't really have the coat to deal with it and are quite clings.

We have a Dogue x Rottie who lives with MIL in the farmhouse.... Probably scarier than the dane and would do more dammage if she wanted... but she is old now.... and again.... not that suited to outdoor live.

We are currently looking for a yard dog due to a few issues with people being around.... I don't want anything viscious just something to let us know that someone is about.... and again I would feal safer when I'm on my own.

I know our local force rehomes failed police dogs... our friend has recently had one.... he is lovely and v. scary, so we have asked to be kept informed. I'm aslo thinking about a rescue dog that is struggling form one of the rehoming centres but not sure if the centres would like it?!
 
Sorry, I must have misunderstood.
I thought the OP wanted a dog on the yard with her in the day, to go home with her at night. Not one to live on the yard night and day.
 
Sorry, I must have misunderstood.
I thought the OP wanted a dog on the yard with her in the day, to go home with her at night. Not one to live on the yard night and day.

She may do Ribbons. It may be my interpretation... In which case a Dane would be very good. We had an issue with some little Oiks on the farm the other night.... She went out with OH and terified them too...
 
I have two labrador bitches. Very friendly and sensible around livestock but always let me know if a stranger is about.
 
any reason why you don't want another GSD?
i have a GSD x rottie (1/4 rottie)- he keeps me company at the farm with the horses, which i like late at night when i am alone- as lots of big barns and no real security (although he is the biggest softy with people! but looks the part as a guard dog)
 
Have to agree with the Labrador idea, I have had great experience with them in the past, built a great relationship with my other animals!
 
Thanks everyone for your input. To answer a few questions - I live at the yard so the dog would be outside when I was, and I don't want another GSD because of the temperament issues with the one that was recently pts. I have decided to get a Leonberger bitch puppy, and should hopefully pick her up next week. Really looking forward to getting her :-)
 
Thanks everyone for your input. To answer a few questions - I live at the yard so the dog would be outside when I was, and I don't want another GSD because of the temperament issues with the one that was recently pts. I have decided to get a Leonberger bitch puppy, and should hopefully pick her up next week. Really looking forward to getting her :-)

Lovely dogs, shed like there is no tomorrow. Not quite sure how you would sort this but try to check the actual bone structure. I had a close friend who bought an exceedingly well bred leonburger bitch, had issues as a pup and their vet said the pups joints were like square pegs in round holes. This was a dog they went to some considerable effort to find as well. She was one of the nicest and softest dogs I have ever met.
 
Top