Just for kicks... the breed for me?

[RD]

I was having a conversation with a friend of mine who disagrees with my breed choice for a protection dog. I asked him to give me another option that fit my needs, and he couldn't.. But since he said there are so many other breeds out there that would suit me, I figured I'd ask you guys.

Without going into extensive detail, here's my situation: in the next couple of years I am going to be moving out of the country and we've decided that a protection dog would probably be a good way to go. I already do have a breed in mind (Fila Brasileiro) but was curious as to what other people think would be suitable.

Requirements:
-Highly protective, defensive by nature
-Intuitive and observant
-Preferably over 90-100lbs
-Intelligent
-Active enough to keep up with me and a Border Collie, take 5-6 mile walks per day, hike, swim, work etc.
-STABLE temperament. I want a dog that is wary of strange people and animals, but that can still go places with me without getting too stressed out.
-Reliable with other dogs when raised with them. I can't have a dog that will turn on my dogs. Honestly, if it'd protect them too that would be a massive plus. wariness or aggression towards dogs outside the pack is not a huge issue, I've never been a real "dog park" person anyway.
-Intense, drivey dog. I am simply more compatible with an intense, driven dog than I am with a mellower couch potatoe.

I have no preference for any specific:
Coat type/length. (I'm a groomer, so managing coat isn't a biggie)
Dominance level (I'm compatible with all but the most painfully submissive/shy dogs)
Training/socializing requirements (I have quite a bit of time to devote to my dogs and the amount of training/socializing needed is unimportant)
Color/appearance (I'm looking for temperament and compatibility, not looks)


I do prefer a dog that likes to be close to me and aware of what I am doing, rather than off somewhere doing its own thing. While it may be an obedience/agility/schutzhund dog, its primary job will be to be my companion and protector. I don't necessarily -need- a dog with an almost Border Collie-ish level of responsiveness and awareness, but that would be a huge plus.

/novel

Anyway, since I told this friend I'd have an open mind and all that.. Any breed suggestions, Chazzers?

[dirtmcgirt]

Based on your list.. Cane Corso sounds like it would fit perfectly.

[Giny]

Originally Posted by dirtmcgirt

Based on your list.. Cane Corso sounds like it would fit perfectly.

Hehe, I was thinking the same thing. I know someone who owns one and every criteria RD posted fits perfectly with this CC. Though I’m not familiar to Filas.

[Gempress]

Heh, we are also getting a fila once we get buy a larger house in the country. So I'm doing also research out the wazoo right now, LoL.

The only snag I can see is that you want a dog that can "go places." A fila breeder I met in Austin said that she has only one fila that can go places. The rest have have way too much ojeriza, so she will not take them around strangers. LoL, and as a typical fila person, she was very proud of that fact. And from checking some breed websites, that seems to the be norm for fully adult filas.

How about a Great Pyr? Beautiful, protective dogs, and you can take them out and about in public.

[RD]

Hmm, I did a bit of research and the Corso does seem like a good fit. Adorable dogs, too.
I love Pyrs, too (especially the hair.. I have a thing for furry dogs, I'm not sure why!) my only issue with them is their responsiveness. I don't know if it is a real breed trait or not, but the Pyrs I know are not very aware of/responsive to their handler. Like I said I don't expect a Border Collie in that sense, but a "middle-of-the-road" dog as far as that goes would be nice.

Gem: That was the argument that my friend had against the Fila. Honestly I don't see why I couldn't take a well socialized, well trained Fila into public with me. I don't know many of them, but the Filas I have met are fine and comfortable in public as long as they are left alone. Strangers simply passing by in a normal manner don't seem to bother the ones I know at all. Perhaps they have softer temperaments, but if that's the case I think a Fila with a softer temperament would be great for me. **shrug** I do value my friend's opinion so I told him I'd at least have an open mind about it.

[stevinski]

i dont really know but i have a question - what breed is the dog in your sig? its really stunning

[RD]

Thanks! He's a Papillon.

[Gempress]

Originally Posted by RD

Perhaps they have softer temperaments, but if that's the case I think a Fila with a softer temperament would be great for me. **shrug**

Hmm, than an adult fila rescue might be best. If you get a puppy, there's no sure way of knowing for sure if its adult temperament would be hard or soft.

[Renee750il]

I've never quite figured it out . . . Buffy was HARD . . . extremely hard. But she knew when that leash went on and we left the house that civility was in order. Never once did I have a problem with her. Granted, she didn't invite people to approach her, but she never acted out either. Kharma is an extreme guardian, but she's a perfectly well mannered little socialite when she's at the store or out somewhere. I can only think it's because I got them out in social situations early.

Of course, we all know what Shiva's like "Why isn't EVERYONE paying attention to me???" We've decided that's what happens when Daddy is an imported Show Dog She is getting in touch with her inner bitch though. She dearly loves letting people know they shouldn't walk near the car . . .

Truthfully, you're right about a well socialized Fila. Trust your experience and your instincts. Most good breeders go out of their way to stress the temperament - even to the point of exageration sometimes, and to be fair, not many real breeders take their dogs out for those day-to-day jaunts that are so important - for one thing, it's very difficult to find the time!

[anna84]

from what i've read about them on this board fila's seem like an amazing breed. If i was ever going to get a dog that large and protective though i think i'd go with an anatolian shepherd they've just always appealed to me another one i love the look of but can't give to much info on personality is the giant schnauzer. I know there protective not completely sure about responsiveness