guard dog

[huskygirl]

hey everyone. i'm new here. i was wondering what type of breed dogs are good as guard dogs? i love siberian huskies but they aren't good guard dogs, are they?

[Renee750il]

It depends on what you want from a guard dog and the circumstances you live in.

Will your Husky protect you if he thinks you're in danger? I wouldn't bet against it! They aren't as territorial, though, as some breeds. If you think about what they were bred to do, it makes sense, though. They traditionally have to live and interact with other dogs in situations where they may have to work with strange dogs at any time. They also had to live in fairly close communities with a number of different people, since populations were clustered in that harsh environment.

German Shepherds and Dobermans are superlative guard dogs, especially in populated areas, as they will take direction well and will look to their owners for guidance and are relatively easily socialized, even though they are protective and territorial and are very capable of subduing a full grown man.

Dogs like our Filas, and dogs like the Anatolian and the Komondor, for example, are "ultimate" guard dogs and need either a more rural setting, or very strong, dominant owners who are extremely dedicated to proper socialization and nurturing, although a combination of both is best. They also need more room than is typically available in the suburbs or city. These dogs use their own judgement regarding threats, a necessary trait when entrusted with the guardianship of herds without constant human supervision, so it is imperative that the owner provide them the socialization experience to differentiate between what is a threat and what is not, especially when you consider their size and strength.

Of course, these aren't the only breeds that are good guardians; they're just examples of types. There are so many breeds to choose from that if you do some research, you can come up with the breed that will suit your personality and your lifestyle perfectly.

[Aussielover]

I can only give you advice on my personal experience. I own 2 Australian Shepherds and they are the best dogs and guard dogs I have ever owned. They are very nice dogs but very very protective of our house. It is their territory. My male dog has jumped out of the front window (through the screen) when my daughter fell on the front lawn. They are herding dogs so there has to be some caution if you have young children. We discourage the behaviour with our children so it hasnt been a huge problem. Only when they are in the pool, our dog will herd the kids and keep them in the pool. I have had what you would call "guard dogs" and I would much rather have our Aussie's. They are nice if you were to meet them at the dog park but don't walk into our house with my husband or me. You can read up on the breed to see if they would fit into your life style. Good luck on your quest, I hope you get a life long companion in addition to security. :D

[Renee750il]

You're right about the Aussies. We have a blind Aussie - born that way - rescued from the shelter just as everyone was saying good-by to him before they took him back to put him down (seems no one wanted to adopt a 3 month old blind puppy; their loss). He lives at my parents' home, where he is greatly loved and cherished and has a fenced in yard to run in. O'Riley's getting older now, but all his life he's been a great watchdog, if you can say that about a blind dog. He hears everything and challenges everything, and he's absolutely fearless. He has a big advantage, too, if anyone were to try to come in at night! I can't say, though, that he's particularly social with anyone other than the family; if he doesn't know you he will react aggressively. And yes, even blind he herds EVERYTHING!

Also, I don't know if it's peculiar to the breed or if it's just his personality, but I've never seen a dog with such joy in everyday life. He's really amazing.

[pitbulliest]

If you're thinking of getting a guard dog, you should probably do some research first. Alot of guard breeds have damaged reputations because of the public's ignorance to educate themselves. Also, some home owners insurance policies will reject home owners if they own certain breeds of dogs..so you should also check that out.

Owning a guard dog, or any dog for that matter is a huge responsibility. Make sure you keep your dog safe and make sure others are safe as well. One bad incident that your dog is involved with could further add onto any negative stereotypes that the general public has for your specific breed of dog, and make it worse for other dog owners of that breed as well.

Also, you will need to train the dog properly. Training a guard dog on your own is probably not the best idea. You can find alot of very good training schools which will give you the right advice and techniques for training your pet so that you can also become more educated at reading your dog's body language and having a stronger relationship with him/her...Always be a responsible dog owner...

Anyways, I wish you well and hope that you know what you are getting into before you jump in...

good luck :)

[chazhound]

Hi Pittbullist, welcome to Chazhound Dog Forums!

Well said. Even though my dobie was a pussy cat, it was hard to find insurance.

Chazhound

[Renee750il]

I actually had a homeowners' carrier (Indiana Mutual, I think the name was) cancel me rather abruptly because of Bimmer. Of course, he'd saved them a ton of money and possibly worse a few weeks before by scaring off a man who pulled up in front of my house with an empty van - thinking no one was home - to clean me out. Bimmer was in the house with me and went berserk. Dude LEFT! He must've left 10 feet of burned rubber tracks in front of the house. When I called the police and gave them a description of the van, the man and the tag numbers, it turned out that they knew him and he had a rather extensive record for breaking and entering.

So, a trained guard dog isn't necessary to take care of you, your family and your home; just a dog with the right personality and a sense of responsibility and some normal, everyday training that you would give any family pet. There are lots of breeds that will fit that description, and you don't have to have a 100 pound dog to do the job, either.

You can find a great dog at your local shelter, especially if you're willing to adopt an adult dog. When you adopt an adult dog you not only know how big it's going to be, but you can get a good, solid grasp of the dog's personality. It seems like there's really a special bond between a dog and the person who saved him or her from the shelter, especially when they're grown. They know what's going on, and they know what you've done for them.

[shredhead (DOG LOVER)]

So, a trained guard dog isn't necessary to take care of you, your family and your home; just a dog with the right personality and a sense of responsibility and some normal, everyday training that you would give any family pet. There are lots of breeds that will fit that description, and you don't have to have a 100 pound dog to do the job, either.

Amen to that. My miniature dachshund saved me from a burglar when he pulled up into my driveway. All the lights were off in the house so the man started to hit the door with a crowbar. My dog started barking like crazy and scared him away. lol a 10 pound dogs scared away a full grown adult man. I gave the burglars descriptions to the police but he was never found.

[Renee750il]

I've seen many interviews with men convicted of armed robbery and burglary, and they all say the same thing: an alarm system poses no great threat to them, but the thing that will most often make them pick another house is a loud dog, not even necessarily a big one - one that's loud. Of course, I doubt it hurts when all that noise is backed up by a set of jaws full of teeth!

When I was a kid we had the ideal combination - a very loud, angry toy Fox Terrier and a German Shepherd.

[Renee750il]

I got this link from a Fila newsletter. It describes a breed that sounds almost too good as far as being an ideal guard dog that doesn't have a lot of high energy requirements and temperament traits:

http://groups.msn.com/FilaBrasileiroClubFBC/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=&ID_Message=535

And this should pique the curiosity of some of you; this is the breed of dog that played Ol' Yeller in the movie.

[seaecho]

As far as Filas go - they are more for the experienced dog owner, as they have to be watched carefully. They can easily have trouble distinguishing friend from foe upon first meeting someone. Same with Neopolitan mastiffs and Cane Corsos. They are naturally very aggressive and could easily mistake any quick movement from a human as a threat. Too much liability there. I'd say German Shepherds tend to be the most reliable guards. Many Dobies are big wimps - they tend to be either all or nothing type dogs. Either very aggressive or pussy cats! So seeing both parents would give you a very good indication of how your pup would respond to a potential threat when he gets older. If the parents bark a warning when you approach, but don't try to attack, you'd probably have a good chance of having a dog who would sound a warning. You don't want your dog attacking everyone who comes to your door, so there's a fine line, and you have to be careful not to overdo aggressiveness.

I have to agree that many Aussies are good watchdogs. They'll put on a good, loud show and some will bite if provoked. But they can tend to be excessive barkers, as can German Shepherds.

Huskies of any type don't tend to be very good watch or guard dogs. They aren't particularly territorial, and are often escape artists, destructive, and tend to be whiny and yappy. I don't think most people would be happy with one. They need a tremendous amount of grooming too, they shed terribly, and and difficult to train because they are stubborn. They love to dig holes, and generally have too much energy to burn because they are bred to pull sleds all day long. Not fair to keep a dog like that shut into a yard where he can't run to his heart's content!

Great Danes will sound an alarm, and just their size alone is enough to deter most intruders. But they aren't usually known for attacking. Even though they are so big, they are sweethearts with their family and known friends, so that is why I'm personally getting one. Good protection because most people wouldn't dare take the chance of coming in my gate with a dog that size standing there! Even if he wasn't even barking at them!

Just some thoughts for you to chew over.

Randi

[Renee750il]

Randi, prepare yourself for an onslaught of retorts from justifiably outraged owners of the breeds you've just dismissed so summarily. Although if you're lucky, we're all too fed up with the rash of ignorance about dog aggression that we've dealt with recently to be bothered and you'll just be ignored.

The properly bred and raised Fila Brasiliero is not an aggressive animal. It is a guardian and a drover. They do not have trouble distinguishing between friend or foe upon a first meeting. Filas do not have "friends" on first meeting typically; it's called ojeriza; they do not want to be friends with strangers, they expect to be left alone and the expect their people and property to be respected. You can go to this thread in the forum: http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=799

Also visit http://www.mindspring.com/~anableps/fila.html

It's also a serious temperament fault for a Dobie to retreat from a threat.

Please educate yourself before you make completely unjust, libelous and sweeping generalizations about dog breeds. You sound like you're writing recommendations for these homeowners' insurance companies that so arbitrarily discriminate against breeds.

Good owners bring out the best in their dogs; bad owners cause problem dogs.

And be glad you didn't mention Pits or Staffies in your post!

[pitbulliest]

OH..and a really important word of advice..never just chain your dog in the backyard and expect it to take care of itself..i find alot of people that want "guard dogs" doing this....I mean, the dog isn't going to take care of itself...it needs to be properly socialized and loved..not just expected to sit out there and watch out for strangers...the dog, just like any other, will require daily exercise (this sure as heck doesn't include the back yard :rolleyes: ) plus a chained up dog is an unhappy dog that ends up depressed, anti-social, and at many times, develops behavioral and even aggressive problems...so like I said before...make sure you really know what you're doing and getting yourself into before you get a dog of ANY sort for ANY purpose.

[FaceZ Of DeaTh]

Dude you guys left out a aswome guard dog the rottweiler. You may also wanna consider A GIANT SCHNAUZER

[RD]

Seecho, I see MANY flaws in the observation you just made but I'm going to just point out that your observation of many of those breeds was incorrect.

Just for the record (I can't resist) Sibes make EXCELLENT watch dogs and if they are bathed and have their undercoat raked out regularly, they don't shed much.

[ButtGumbo]

I'll throw Rottweilers into the mix here because I had one that was a great watchdog.

Rotties, like Pits get a bad rap, mainly because of irresponsible owners and breeders. A well bred and trained Rott is an amazingly loving, obedient, and protective dog. Their herding instincts tend not to be as aggressive as smaller BC/ACD type dogs, so they tend to be easier with family kids. If you want a dog that will scare the BeJesus out of an unwelcome intruder, a snarling Rott mug is the canine equivilent of hearing a pump action shotgun rack a shell. My female Rottie was an imposing figure to any unknown person in our yard. If startled she would growl and bark, unless I was there to say "He/She is o.k. Friend." She was not aggressive but WOULD attack on command. She sure as hell looked aggresive though :)

Pit Bulls can be good guard dogs, but are unfortunately a liabilty (through no real fault of their own), for the most part they are sweet dogs and very protective of those around them. I personaly am not crazy about them, but only because of asthetics...has nothing to do with the breed.

If you need a dog with good alert instincts and the muscle to back up a threat, Rotties are a good choice. Do NOT get a Rottie and chain it up. Rotties require obedience training and activity to keep them from becoming bored...they are extremely intelligent animals.

That said, being a defense/gun guy my "guard dog" needs have changed over the years. Nowadays I simply need an "Alarm Dog". If I was away on travel like I was years ago I would want a Rottie (or breed the others have discussed) at home to protect the family. Now I'm home every night, so all I require is the best early warning dog I can get.

For that reason I chose a (mixed) herding dog, medium sized. My 3YO son is scared of "BIG dogs", and since a Rott would be overkill anyway I searched out and found mixed breed dog that had some Rott and herder in it. Just like the blind BC story, herding dogs have excellent hearing and are very vocal when they perceive a threat. You need a some room to let them burn off their ample energy, but they are very protective of "their pack" and smart, funny, and sweet. They also excell at agility and flyball if you would want to do any sporting activities with your dog as well.

I really like Heelers/Australian Cattle Dogs. Be warned that they do need good training and socialization as they have VERY strong natural herding instincts. Trained, they are sweet and protective dogs that have great personalities.

Boarder Collies are good alarm dogs too, but be prepared to work with them and exercise them a fair amount as they have boundless energy.

I also have seen very protective Shelties and they are sweet family dogs.

Best advice I could give is to find an AKC dog obedience/agility show and talk to a bunch of people. If you find a purebred you like then there ya go...if you find TWO you like, try and find a mix. :)

I ended up with what I think is a Rott/BC mix and she's perfect for the house.

[RD]

Well I certainly can say that a Border Collie is a very effective deterrent.. My pup is already protecting his home turf at, um, 11 weeks. :p (If anything I'll have to train him to be LESS protective)

[Mz_Mutley]

...Same with Neopolitan mastiffs and Cane Corsos. They are naturally very aggressive...

Not jumping down your throat or anything here Seacecho but that is one hundred percent true. Yes there are Neapolitan Mastiffs out there that are aggressive BUT not all of them. This is not what the breed standard requires of the Neo


Temperament

The Neapolitan is a guard dog and is protective by nature. Even though they have a fierce appearance, they are generally peaceful, steady dogs with even temperaments. They are usually wonderful with their own families but wary of strangers. If they have a personality flaw, it is that, like many mastiffs, they can be stubborn and can be shy. It is important to socialize the Neapolitan and to get it accustomed to different people and places. It is also critical that owners never forget the instinctive nature of the dog. Raising a Neo requires an awareness of how dogs think and behave, and a consistent sensible discipline.

Taken from www.neorescue.net


Temperament

TEMPERAMENT - Steady and loyal in character, not aggressive nor liable to bite without reason, a defender of property and its inhabitants, he is always vigilant, intelligent, noble and majestic.

Taken from the Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Standard (Australian National Kennel Club)

They are a protective breed and will protect their family with their life if required, but in general are by no mean vicious... I have a a few that even been used to visit nursing homes.... certainly something that an aggressive dog could not do.

Sorry but I just wanted to have a chance to let those who are not aware that there is a difference between aggressive and protective

Cheers
Mz Mutley :D

[Renee750il]

Not jumping down your throat or anything here Seacecho but that is one hundred percent true. Yes there are Neapolitan Mastiffs out there that are aggressive BUT not all of them. This is not what the breed standard requires of the Neo

[sic]

They are a protective breed and will protect their family with their life if required, but in general are by no mean vicious... I have a a few that even been used to visit nursing homes.... certainly something that an aggressive dog could not do.

Sorry but I just wanted to have a chance to let those who are not aware that there is a difference between aggressive and protective

Cheers
Mz Mutley :D

Thanks for the post!

The distinction between aggressive and defensive/protective is one that's getting lost in sensational headlines.

We have Fila Brasileiros, and it's frustrating at times to hear them spoken of or see them written about as aggressive. They'd really rather just be left alone, but, like your Neos and so many other dogs branded with the adjective "aggressive," will defend their owners (do you ever really own a molosser? ;) ) and their property.

"Aggressive" is a word that's been thrown around far too cavalierly to inaccurately describe too many dogs and breeds. There are too many aggressive owners who manipulate their dogs' defensive instincts, but very few truly aggressive breeds.

[Mz_Mutley]

Renee,
I totally agree with you.... finally someone that can see where I am coming from *YAY* I think that forums are a great place for people to have their say but it absolutely infuriates (sp?) me when people start going around and stating their opinions as facts!! If you wish to state something then you need to have some sort of knowledge about the topic you are discussing.

Seaecho if you are reading this I just think that next time you choose to pass judgement on a breed you actually research the breeds before you let your fingers do the typing. A lot have been offended by your unfounded and downright incorrect comments.

(do you ever really own a molosser? )

Never as much as a molosser owns you :D


Cheers
Mz Mutley :D

[Mz_Mutley]

Hi there guys,
I just reread my first post. When I was writing it i was understandably wild and was not paying much attention to what I wrote, don't get me wrong... I meant every word of it, I just wanted to say sorry for all the typos.

And thank you for yuor support serena and renee.

Cheers
Mz Mutley :D

[RedHotDobe]

Many Dobies are big wimps - they tend to be either all or nothing type dogs. Either very aggressive or pussy cats! So seeing both parents would give you a very good indication of how your pup would respond to a potential threat when he gets older. If the parents bark a warning when you approach, but don't try to attack, you'd probably have a good chance of having a dog who would sound a warning.

First of all, it is Dobe. Second of all, I don't believe "pussy cat" or "aggressive" are listed anywhere under the temperament requirements for a Doberman. Like Renee said, that is a fault.

From the AKC standard:
Temperament
Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient. The judge shall dismiss from the ring any shy or vicious Doberman.

Shyness: A dog shall be judged fundamentally shy if, refusing to stand for examination, it shrinks away from the judge; if it fears an approach from the rear; if it shies at sudden and unusual noises to a marked degree.

Viciousness: A dog that attacks or attempts to attack either the judge or its handler, is definitely vicious. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs shall not be deemed viciousness.

Another point I would like to make is that you usually don't get a chance to see both the dam and sire of a litter. The breeder rarely owns both the sire and dam.

As far as protective instincts, all responsibly bred Dobermans have them. They are personal protection dogs (not guard dogs), and are therefore bred to protect the ones they love. The only dogs that may deviate from the standard protective instincts, are those that you get from the BYBs in papers and online ads.

As I think everyone has thoroughly proved, your "knowledge" on dog breeds is far from fact.

[siemens716]

Giant Schnauzers are great guard dogs. Absolutely fearless, courageous, and loyal to death.

[Rose's Gal]

Giant Schnauzers are great guard dogs. Absolutely fearless, courageous, and loyal to death.
So are standard Schnauzers. ;) I also have to disagree with the Neo and Cane Corso comment. Mastiffs are some of the most easygoing breeds out there. They normally won't attack unless the situation really demands it. But then, to get that, the dogs have to be socialized a LOT.
Bad breeders, and poorly unsocialized dogs in any dog, but particuarly the guarding breeds, is just asking for an attack.

Also, mutts can make great gaurd dogs. Blackie is a Lab mix (we don't know if he is part Rottie or not. He might even be pure Lab. *shurgs shoulders*) He is a very good gaurd dog. He loves people, but I have no doubt in my mind that he would defend us if the situation called for it. He also can tell when something isn't quite right, and will bark to tell us that. He doesn't just bark at anything.

[Love4Pits]

I own 15 Siberian Huskies (im a Musher) and it all depends on the dog. I would advise not to get one if your just wanting a good guard dog. 4 of my huskies are protective Hitch, Akara, Nera, and Buck are all not too into strangers on the property but airn't overly aggressive they just bark more then the others thats all. All my other huskies are almost overly friendly lol but thats ok.

[gapeach]

Carey is a big mutt and is very protective (especially over me)She loves people, but not people she doesn't know. Everyone has to "meet" her outside, then when they come in she's fine. I'd hate to see it if someone tried to break in.

[darkchild16]

i ahte to see someone break in with walker specially a guy he doesnt like littttttle kids tho he wont bite or growl just bark his fool head off. but it depends on the dog like akira ur an idiot to hurt me or jd but morgan hes the sweetest dog in the world

[gapeach]

Carey thinks she's a lapdog if she knows ya, my mama can't sit on the floor at my house

[darkchild16]

same with walker and hes 50 lbs and growing

[Doberluv]

I liked your post Red Hot. I liked lots of posts here, but since I am owned by a Doberman, I especially could relate to your post Red Hot.

Well here is my .02 worth and my opinion. I think someone looking for a protection dog needs to really research the whole thing extensively and find out not only on dog forums, but go into the breed clubs and see breeders, dog shows and read books....find out how to train and just everything they can get their hands on first.

Yes, indeed, a true pussy cat for a Doberman would be a serious fault. A well bred, well socialized and obedience trained Doberman with correct temperament absolutely must not be shy. They do NOT back down. That's one of their traits talked about that distinguishes them from lots of protective dogs. A lot of dogs will back down under certain situations. They may act like pussy cats and goof balls with their families, but when a real threat presents itself, they go into serious action. I've experienced this on 3 occasions with my 21 month old boy. They should have a healthy suspicion of strangers.....not exceedingly outgoing until they make friends. My Dobe is not aggressive with friendly strangers or any strangers for that matter as long as they're not breaking into my house or threatening me. He totally knows the difference. They are real thinking dogs. (generalization....not all are correct)

So, I agree that the post about all these breeds is way off the mark if we're reading it right. I think the word, aggressive might be meaning different things to different people. Most Dobermans are aggressive. Most dogs of most any breed will display some sort of aggression some time, a ferocious bark at an intruder, going after prey forcefully, biting something or someone who is threatening their resources or family. That is aggression. They are, because of their pack nature designed to protect their pack and the different breeds vary in degree with that nature. But what I think, or am guessing most of us are meaning here is: is this dog or that dog INDISCRIMINATELY aggressive? Is the dog not educated or is the dog not a thinking animal? A dog that runs out and bites someone without assessing the situation first is indiscriminately aggressive and dangerous. I think most of our dogs who we're talking about here are not that way. They have the potential to be aggressive, but know the difference between flying off the handle and how to assess.

I have a great combination: Two Chihuahuas who sound the first alarm in many cases because their hearing is unbelievable and then a Dobe with all the teeth. LOL. If someone hears the little ones barking, they may think, "Big deal." But if they come closer, they'll get the suprise of their life. LOL. Lyric doesn't mess around when someone comes near the house and we're all inside. He gets vicious at the window. As soon as I open the door and speak in a friendly way to the person, he is settled and just watches....not aggressive anymore.

Some Dobes are good protectors and some aren't. They have been mellowed out in recent years. They use to be, in the beginning a much more aggressive dog.

[Renee750il]

I'd really, REALLY love to see the phrase "aggressive dog" become extinct. It's used far too much to describe what is really a defensive dog. Defensiveness is a natural trait of many, many breeds; aggressiveness is something instilled by a human trainer or breeder.

[Rose's Gal]

Well, I have this article that is pretty informative on the guard dog issue. (This is our of Your Pure Bred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide second edition written by Michele Welton.)

Do you want your dog to be a watch dog? First, let's define the way I'm using the term. A watchdog barks when he sees or hears someone or something near his property. Because every breed can and usually will bark or offer some kind of alerting behavior, every breed is a potential watchdog. Some breeds are more consistently watchful than others, but when an individual dog happens not to be alet to strangers, that is usually the individual, not the breed.
The majority of burglars will shy away from homes in which any dog is barking. THus, even the barking of a little dog or a friendly dog whose bark is one of welcome rather than warning is all the "watching" that most families need. If you're looking for a dog whose appearance and behavior would give burglars even greater incentive to stay away, choose a medium or large or giant dog who looks imposing and who is aloof with strangers.
Now, if you're looking for a dog who is inclined to do more than bark, please consider the following: Some breeds are naturally protective, but they must be taught how to protect, i.e., where and whn to bite. Professional training is expensive, and the result is the equivalent of a loaded gun. Guns often do more damage to the innocent than to the guilty, and a dog has no safety catch and connot be unloaded. (Proponents of guard dogs argue that a dog, unlike a bullet, can be recalled, but they will also agree that few dogs are that well trained.) And training carries no guarantee of protection because a professional criminal has many ways of dealing with a trained dog: Mace or a bullet, for example.
Perhaps you want a naturally protective breed but don't want to gog to the trouble and expense of professional training. Perhaps you believe that an untrained Doberman will protect you "naturally." You may be in for a shock. Let's say the burglar isn't even a professional with a gun. Let's say he simply ignores your barking Doberman and breaks into your house, where he's promptly bitten. Don't you agree that a man who was already bold enough to enter a home in which a big Doberman is barking is going to fight back?
You bet he is. And since an untrained dog usually bites at the leg, the burglar, with both hands free, will knock your beloved dog's brains out wiht the nearest chair, or stab him with a pocketknife. A few really tough dogs might continue to make a fight of it, but most inexperienced dogs who suddenly find themselves in a real fight with a human being will back down. NOw the tables have turned as the angry burglar chases your bewildered dog with murderous intient.
Many a protective dog has lost his life trying to defind his owner's TV set, while the dog who is "so friendly he'd escort the burglar to the silverware" escapes unharmed. Thus it can be a disadvantage to own a protective breed, for no TV set is worth serious injury or death to a dog who is a member of your family.
But what if it's not your home and propertyl that is endangeed, but yourself - by, say, a mugger on the street? WOuldn't you want your dog to protect you then? Actually, he may not have to, because most muggers, like most burglars, will shy away form anyone whith a dog. Dogs can bark, and barking draws unwanted attention. But if you believe firmly in self-defense and you want your protective dog to be similarly equipped, consider joining a Schutzhund club. Schutzhund is a rigorous German sport that combines tracking, obedience, and protection. The training is exciting, and the result is a dog-owner team that works together in a close relationship.
Final recommendation: If all you want is a dog who barks or otherwise alerts you that people are approaching, you can make your choice from among all the breeds. But if you must have a breed with some size, muscle, and a reputation for defending his home and family, read the profiles carefully to see what is said about protective instincts and terrioriality. Unless it is specifically mentioned, a breed should be considered to be only average or below in these areas.
Once you've gone ahead and brought home your protective breed, don't ever allow him to threaten anyone. Let him serve as an imposing presence that will discourage most criminals, but reassure yourself that he will never die because hs actually bit a criminal who then called his bluff.

And I also want to say this: a well trained dog can also keep people away. If you get a scary looking dog (even if it is the freindliest dog in the world and even a mutt) and you are having it do tight heels and sits on command, etc. some people will wonder what else it might be capable of.

[Barb04]

Renee, I agree with what you and other have said. My Anatolian is not a dog for first time owners. When Max stands up in the front window of my house, you can hear him bark across the street; this alone makes some (solicitors) not come to my home. Kona who is pit/neo is also a dog that must be handled properly by a responsible owner. I love pitbulls and fell in love with the neopolitans. Most people wouldn't come near my house because they say please keep that dog away from me, I'm afraid, and they are talking about CJ. She gives the look and bark which is all I ask of her.

It doesn't matter what size the dog is, sometimes it's just the look & bark that will keep strangers away.