Family guard dog recommendations?

[Leglas]

I've always had Spinones in the past and since moving out to the country we're looking to get a dog again. Was thinking of a lab or possibly another spinone but we recently discovered the gentleman who has just moved in next door after inheriting the cottage has something of a reputation locally, and prior to this had been spending time at HM's pleasure for thieving agricultural equipment. Needless to say the doors are no longer unlocked at night, and I'm getting a camera on the barn. But in terms of dogs, can anyone recommend something which is relatively easy to train to a basic level, safe with kids, and will keep the tractor on site while I sleep? Potential for becoming attached to one person would be an issue too as the dog would be home with the family when I have to travel for work.

 

[Magnificent 7]

Alsatian

 

[User00025]

Mastiff, daft as a brush with kids but very off-putting to thieves.
Alternatively a good Doberman bitch, I had two when I keepered in a place not far from the local city scrotes. They were great with my boys, big protectionists.

 

[Redders]

Good old German shepherd they strike fear into any man if they're not your dog

 

[patrol01]

Malamute or German Shepherd , Malamute don’t suffer from hip displacement and fantastic family dog great with kids. Very head strong but fantastic Dogs.

 

[FISH BOY]

Lab if your looking for more of an alarm dog rather than a full on guard dog.

 

[Donkey Basher]

+1 for a good old 'land shark'

 

[Sealgair nam fiadh]

Get a Rottie, useful for deer as well

 

[Jameshenry]

This might sound a bit daft to some, but a cousin of mine got a Labernese (Lab x Bernese mountain dog) as a rescue dog, good as gold with his 5 year old stepson, with a hell of a intimidating bark, he runs a car servicing business, and there a lot of people won't get out of there cars to him, he doesn't wander off and is a proper protector of the home, surprised me if i'm honest,

 

[McKenzie]

Gwp would be good for a variety of tasks.

 

[Jon P]

Friend of mine has a few Cane Corso’s running around his farm, they live quite a good age too for a big dog. - surprisingly enough he never gets broken into

 

[Sealgair nam fiadh]

Sorry, couldn't resist it

 

[AGR]

I've had a German Shepherd, but think that Dobermans are probably a bit more alert.
Personal observation. Of course a terrior would be a great alarm dog, just not so scary!

 

[vitalspark]

Our German Shepherd was great with both our kids although my best mate refused to visit after we got him. As someone mentioned, hip dysplasia can be an issue but you'd have the pup hip scored anyway. Our one lived until 14 years and I wouldn't replace him with any other breed.

 

[Mountain Bug]

How about a Caucasian Ovcharka? They'll keep you safe from bears, wolves....and neighbors.


All kidding aside, we have two Rottweilers to protect our kids from mountain lions and anything else that goes bump in the day or night. Not yet met any strangers that were brave enough to try and reason with them. Great with kids too if they're raised right.

Scott

 

[BryanDC]

Don't forget the warning sign. I like this one on an industrial estate in Poole

 

[old keeper]

I know someone with an Akita. Amazing looking dog scared the you know what out of me! Would probably eat any children though and sheds hair all the time. Perhaps not a good idea after all!

 

[Fair Hill]

Hard to beat a Collie for alertness and protection of property.

 

[jimmy milnes]

Don't forget the warning sign. I like this one on an industrial estate in Poole

View attachment 213407

Years back when I had English Bull Terriers, I was told not to put a "beware of the dog" sign on the gate as it was admitting I had a dog that would bite, and as such if it did get hold of someone I could get done..
My signs said please close the gate bull terrier running loose,
A clever play on words without admitting anything.

 

[delta wolf]

I have worked several of the guarding breeds and now work with dogs that have strayed from their best behaviour! Be really careful, it's a fine line between something that will guard against the people you dont want yet accept the visitors you do.
German shepherds are not necessarily the easy dog, pet lines are poor but working lines can be demanding. I would say a decent Rottweiler could be a better pet but with the presence you require. Would need choosing wisely though. Have you considered one of the bull breeds? Great family dogs but with a presence to those who don't know them? Whatever you choose be careful as it's easy to end up regretting your choice.
Good luck!