HELP! Good Beginner Dog For These Conditions?

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.

I reckon an Australian Cattle Dog. They're medium-sized and don't have a deep bark, but if you've ever had one defending its territory against you, you might know that it doesn't matter much! They have this way of jumping up rather too close to your hands and barking furiously. They bark loud and they're utterly fearless. If someone tried to come in your yard, you'd sure know about it. But they're also a herding breed, so are very easy to train. They like exercise, but if you bond with one, they won't care much as long as they're with you. In Australia at least, they have a pretty fearsome reputation and no one cares to tangle with them. I have never met a dog breed more loyal and fearlessly protective. People say they need heaps of exercise or they get destructive, but around here people keep them as yard dogs and they never leave their yards. Of course, that makes for vicious ACDs, but it doesn't take much to socialise them so they don't turn out that way, and if you win one over, he won't care so much about exercise. You can get really laid back ones, too. I'd trust my life to an ACD. Many Australian cattle drovers have and still do.

Also, Boxers make pretty decent guard dogs, but are still fun and pretty easy. My mother's boxer cross gives me pause when she hasn't realised it's me coming down the path, and I know she'd never in a million years hurt me. She has a big, serious sounding bark, and her hackles come up.

 A good APBT should be the *worst* protection dog ever.  They are meant to love people. An APBT that is willing to bite or threaten a person is a dog that should probably be euthanized, IMO. (I'm a pibble lover, but I hate what bad breeding has done to the dog).

I have owned Great Danes in the past, and based on my experience with them, they are a wonderful choice if what you're looking for is a medium to low energy dog whose appearance alone can cause people to think twice before approaching you. All of the ones I had got along wonderfully with cats and small dogs as well. And although they were good protectors (barking and trying to come across as mean as possible ) when strangers would arrive at my home, they were sweet as honey to everyone I allowed in the door. Dobermans are very loyal protectors as well, but may not be so willing to warm up to anyone other than their immediate family. I would just do as much research as possible on the breeds you are considering and take your time deciding. Others have mentioned visiting your local shelters (which is always a good idea) and once you've researched individual breeds, you'll be more equipped to chose the right mix breed if you decided to go that route. At any rate, good luck in your search.

i agree with the above.. have a closer look at shepherds. just keep him in mind they can be clingy and nervous unless you get them exposed to a LOT of situations. i think they would be a good beginner's dog because they aim to be your number one best buddy and DESIRE to please you.

i wouldnt get an American Bulldog unless there were absolute serious physical threats. a bulldog will NOT give in to pressure(i.e. someone charging towards you) they will meet that threat head on and give as good as they get... but they dont always give YOU, the handler, a warning.... so the person rushing towards you could be a long lost family member that has missed you a great deal. all the dog is going to see is a threat and will try to get rid of it. they're like... the stereotypical body guard or bouncer you see on tv... big muscle head that kinda pushes people out of the way.. but with family they are absolute dolls.

so in saying that, a shepherd is going to put up a great threat display. and unless the threat knows dogs REALLY well... the average person is going to avoid a dog that is barking and snarling and lunging for them... any dog.. even cocker spaniels.... bulldog's mean every bit of that bluster.  

I know several cattle dogs and they ALL have a "paint peeling" shrill bark.  They are very talky as well.

A friend just lost her Dane a few months ago.  She was 165 lbs of love bug with a terrifying bark (to the UNinitiated).  Morgan thought she was a lap dog! Nobody ever bothered Angela out on her walks. She was also very low energy.

Depending on YOUR energy level, you might consider an Airedale.  They are a medium sized dog and are very smart.  They are a busier dog than a Mastiff or Dane, but take their guarding works seriously.  Like all terriers, they need a firm hand, but can be great dogs in the right hands. 

You haven't mentioned what your budget is like. Are you willing to buy lots of dog food? Vet costs don't vary much by size, but food will.  Also, no matter what breed(s) you end up owning, make double darned sure to  go to obedience classes! Lastly, spay or neuter your animal.  Most pet owners have NO need of an intact animal and unaltered pets are a giant headache.

i'm a little late on this. I agree with the mix. A cop once told me a dog bark, of any size, is a great deterrent.

Now, as far as purebreds go, i might recommend a rhodesian ridgeback. Talk about a great guard dog! I've owned 4 so far, and i think they're awesome. Wyatt might bark too much though...he barks everytime he hears someone locking their door (the ones that honk). I really think Wyatt would be willing to defend, too. On the flip side, he is one of the most friendly dogs i know. He loves everyone (unless it's night time and we're on a walk). He is also the easiest dog i've ever owned. He doesn't yank on the leash, he's never been to obedience, but he's sooo well behaved, he hardly sheds, he doesn't stink, and he's just plain good. The only problem we have is he will tear things up when i'm gone. Another problem is their high price. If not from a rescue, be willing to pay at least $1500.

Noccy

I live in a very bad part of town, with soon to be only my dad and myself, and lately, my dad and I have been entertaining the thought of getting a dog for possible protection while I'm alone in my house. I'm a homeschool student (a junior to be exact),

Please also consider that within a year or two or maybe even more, you will be reaching many of life's milesstones and yours and your dad's home situation may change.  Whatever dog you get, please consider that the dog will be under you or yours dad's care for the next maybe 15 years.  In this thread there have been many good suggestions on the kind of dog you could consider and I suggest you think through this very carefully.