Ratsicles
Posted : 11/25/2007 3:16:19 PM
However, even though I own an APBT and love the breed, I do not recommend the breed to first time owners, especially those who "want protection." Usually wanting a dog for protection tends to mean the owner is going to treat the dog in a way that will antagonize it and teach them to be aggressive in un-orthodox ways....with all of the BSL bull$% that's going on, I wouldn't want another APBT to be in the news because of the way the owner treated it and ruin it for the rest of us who own perfectly wonderful dogs...
Definitely want to echo this. And anyway, decently bred pit bulls make HORRIBLE guard dogs. Out of all of my dogs, the two APBTs are by far the most likely to welcome intruders with open arms and show them where we keep the silver. Sometimes they don't even bother to bark. To them, stranger = friend, and possibly treats if they're good. Worst guard dogs ever.
Let's see...Pyrenees make good guard dogs, but I wouldn't recommend them for a first time owner. "Following directions" is not generally one of their strong suits. They need confidant, in-control owners and a pretty firm hand or they just straight up won't listen. Plus they like to majorly wander if given half a chance.
Honestly, based on the conditions you listed, I'm going to jump on the "big-laid-back- mature-black-dog-from-the-shelter" bandwagon. Something that has been temperament tested with cats. That way you'd know exactly what you were getting, and you'd be saving a life too. From what you listed you don't seem to need any specific breed- a mix would do just fine. Adult shelter dogs are often already house trained and some of them even know some basic obedience. Perfect for a beginner.