What kind of dog?

[disenthral]

I haven't had a dog in a few years and was looking to get a new one. I am soon moving to the hills. The houses are somewhat remote and I don't want someone breaking down and walking up to my house with out me knowing. And there are small to medium size black bears there, that people say are generally skittish but sometimes braver then not. I was wondering what would be a good family and playful dog, yet also a good guard and fearless against large pray.

In the past i've had pitbulls, bandog (pit/neo) and boxer. Any thoughts on a good dog for me?

any help would be great.

 

[sleewell]

i am biased but its nearly impossible to go wrong with an english mastiff. they simply are amazing animals. so gentle, noble and friendly, loyal to death, and just a great family dog. as far as protection i think the bark alone would scare away most intruders, but i most certainly would not want to find out what happens if you dont belong on my property. its safe to say that my 160lb puppy is far better than any security system you could install. i have owned labs, bulldogs, beagles and shelter mutts and love my mastiff more than all of them combined. the way he looks at me; we just have this bond, impossible to describe unless you have one too.

downsides: cleaning drool off of everthing, high cost of food/medications, shorter life spans.

 

[Sabrina]

Cane Corso would work too....actually any mastiff breed I'd think...

 

[acoz47]

Yes I believe most any of the mastiff breed would do two would be better but I digress. I own Two Cane Corso and my girls are awesome.

 

[Ripsmom]

well...since i work at a shelter I would say go for another pit, they are great family dogs and there are a ton of them looking for homes and you already have had experience owning one. Of course you might be screwed if you don't want anyone (human) coming near the house...as i'm sure you know a pit will lick them to death

 

[Brad]

I would recomend a Bullmastiff, they where originally bread to protect english estates. They are called the games keeper dog and are natural gaurd dogs. They also make great family pets and are great with kids. My bullmastiff patrols my house at night when I'm sleeping, rarley barks so when she does you know there is a reason.

 

[moose]

well i think we need more information , Size and activity level...any mastiff would be good by your original op but if you have any other preferences it might help narrow it down.

 

[Dogue Lover]

All mastiffs are born with the guarding extinct. I'd say you'd have to choose which one goes with your lifestyle best.

 

[disenthral]

Well, i am very active. Would take the dog on runs and always busy, So i would like one on the smaller size. 90-140 so he could keep up well and not worry to much about having any hip problems from such activities. I was also looking into the Am bulldog. I've always liked the Am bulldog ,presa, and cane corso. But i'm guessing the presa can be a stubborn one to train not to mention hard to find a reliable breeder.

I used to take my bandog weight pulling and the lady who ran it had an Am bully and the girl was just an amazing dog.When you have money and space for a new dog, its just to hard to decided, so many great ones.

 

[Gemsmom]

For a dog in that size range, a bullmastiff would be perfect And I second Brad, they rarely bark, but when they do there is always legitimate reason. Avoiding hip troubles though is a whole other problem..

 

[ElJayBee]

i would think either a corso, a bullmastiff, of a boerboel would fit your situation well. The corso and boerboel being slightly smaller than the bullmastiff, but all fairly athletic and certainly protective. An American bulldog would do well, too. I think you would be pleased with any of those 4 breeds, personally. Good luck in your search!

 

[HXNKSL]

I would highly advise a boerboel obtained from a reputable breeder. If you do a little research I think you will find that they were bred for the specific purpose of protection of homestead.

Not sure how many boerboels ELJAYBE has owned regarding her comment about boerboels being smaller than bullmastiffs etc. I have rasied both - my male bullmastiff peaked at about 125 lbs - my male boerboel was albeit large, but he was nearly 200 lbs (standard is about 150-160 lbs). My female boerboel, I currently own is demure as far a boerboels go, and shes about 120 lbs.

My personal experiences are with boerboels, bullmastiffs, cane corsos and rotties

 

[Enzos Dad]

I would say a Leonberger they are big intimidating in size and are athletic enough to go on runs

 

[ElJayBee]

I would highly advise a boerboel obtained from a reputable breeder. If you do a little research I think you will find that they were bred for the specific purpose of protection of homestead.

Not sure how many boerboels ELJAYBE has owned regarding her comment about boerboels being smaller than bullmastiffs etc. I have rasied both - my male bullmastiff peaked at about 125 lbs - my male boerboel was albeit large, but he was nearly 200 lbs (standard is about 150-160 lbs). My female boerboel, I currently own is demure as far a boerboels go, and shes about 120 lbs.

My personal experiences are with boerboels, bullmastiffs, cane corsos and rotties

Me, my family, and my vet collectively own 5 boerboels. None are over 145 lbs. As a vet tech, I've seen quite a few bullmastiffs, none under 145. So I'm just basing it off my personal experience. The bullmastiffs I've seen have always been bigger than the boerboels I've seen. But, as with almost any breed, there are always variances and exceptions.

 

[Brad]

Bullmastiffs should not be over 140". My one feamle is 95". They are often mix breed and confused with other mastiff breeds.

 

[PresaDogue]

I personally think you were on the right track looking at the Corso's, and Presas, maybe the AM bulldog as well. They would fit well into your lifestyle. There are a few good Presa breeders i know about and could provide info on them if interested. Good luck.

 

[dogman#1]

I have Filas, I go on 5 mile runs with them, they are cafib so they are not the gigantic ones (have a female 125lbs and another 110lbs), VERY atheltic. Hip dysplasia is nuts in this breed but I ofa and good so far. extreme caution to be taken near strangers, never have a stranger within lunging distance unles you have expertly trained your fila and even then I would be a lil nervous. I love American bulldogs, especially johnson lines...some can be pretty protective but that is not a guarantee and may need protection training to be effective but are usually very DA. you have your work cut out for you, there are many good choices, good luck.

 

[mia]

Get one of each! PUPPY PARTY

 

[ElJayBee]

Get one of each! PUPPY PARTY

Haha! I like this idea!

 

[Bentley]

I know this breed is right on the edge of the molosser family tree but have you considered a ridgeback. They are naturally guardians and good family pets.