Getting a dog ... need some advice.

[ceyko]

German Shepherds and Collie (or similar) type dogs are the ones I've had good luck with.

To me the key is protective, but obedient for welcome visitors. Both dogs (a lot of others too, I'm confident) have a great ability to be trained for just that. Both can become quite large too.

Collies shed like there is no tomorrow though.

[Vertnut]

My min pin loves daily walks, and doesn't attack, but would defend me with her life. Too bad that she's only a snack to most threats.

I love both of my MinPins. Smart and loyal. Both of mine are females, and one can be pretty damn mean. They think they weigh 50lbs. but they're closer to 12. LOL!

[Tx Redneck]

I have a boxer but have been around Akita's too. To me, the Akita looks more intimidating than the boxer and they do have a big can of whoop keester, I just don't know how tolerant of little ones they are.

Akita or boxer...

[turboford]

Every chow I owned wasn't either of the cases. Both were very lovable and kid friendly. Now if someone that the dog didn't know both were protective of there domain.

If you don't have room for poop then don't get a big dog.

[Baba Ganoush]

Avoid a Chow like the plague. They are stubborn, aggressive, impossible to train and mean as hell.

Growing up my dog was Chow/Lab. Extremely attentive and aggressive, he proved very hard to train. It paid off though, he was the perfect watch dog.

My vote is for German Shepherd. I adopted a 2yr old female from a local rescue that was found with a chain imbedded in her neck. I took her on walks daily, including some time off leash. I had her trained off leash in a few weeks. Smart dogs that will be your shadow when you need them, and protect your assets.

[JC316]

I wanna get a pup/young adult. I want one that has natural instincts to protect. One that doesn't have a history of attacking people. Easy to train as well. I am interested in making this an indoor dog that will be taken on daily walks.

Ones that come to mind are chows/rotts/ germans sheps/labs.

Thanks for any advice or stories of experience with dogs not to get.

Avoid a Chow like the plague. They are stubborn, aggressive, impossible to train and mean as hell.

My vote goes to rottweilers. I have had two now. They are a handful until they turn 2, then they calm down and turn great. Loyal, great watch dogs, and fairly gentle. The downside is that they love to dig, can be destructive if ignored, and they have a natural herding instinct, which can knock you down.

[idrivea4banger]

Chihuahua

[Cooter]

get a pit bull... raise it right, and you'll never have a problem

[8mpg]

Id get an Akita

[Cooter]

can't stand boxers

[YALE]

I'd have a Rat Terrier again in a heartbeat. IMO, I'm the security system. The dog should be an alarm system. A Rat Terrier will let you know if someone's trying to get in. They can tell the difference between someone being on the sidewalk, and on the doorstep. They hear it, and raise high holy hell.

[Tannerm]

Doberman /thread

Boxer. They are awesome dogs that range in size from 60-100 lbs depending on parents. VERY loyal and protective dogs. But be ready, they are high energy dogs that always wanna play. Mines 2 1/2 years old and sleeps in bed with my wife when Im at work (work nights). He stirs at the first instant of noise or trouble.
Oh, and...
/thread

[motoman]

Doberman /thread

[Machx2]

I wanna get a pup/young adult. I want one that has natural instincts to protect. One that doesn't have a history of attacking people. Easy to train as well. I am interested in making this an indoor dog that will be taking on daily walks.

Ones that come to mind are chows/rotts/ germans sheps/labs.

Thanks for any advice or stories of experience with dogs not to get.

I have a young adult female german shep. She is 11 months old. She is fixed and is a very playful dog. Loves attention. Barks when a car pulls up ect.

[Big A]

I wanna get a pup/young adult. I want one that has natural instincts to protect. One that doesn't have a history of attacking people. Easy to train as well. I am interested in making this an indoor dog that will be taking on daily walks.

Ones that come to mind are chows/rotts/ germans sheps/labs.

Thanks for any advice or stories of experience with dogs not to get.

My min pin loves daily walks, and doesn't attack, but would defend me with her life. Too bad that she's only a snack to most threats.