Im confused by the post also. I'd suggest going to some events,talk to some competitors, and go with the people you can work with later. Possibly within that group you'll find the dog for you.

A woman trying to figure out what she wants, men trying to figure out what she wants, other women are confused. It all makes perfect sense.

I agree with your statement, and am really looking for a dog that will actually defend me if need be and not pee itself and run to the corner.

That is going to have a lot more to do with the individual dog than it will which breed you choose.

Sure some breeds are chosen because they tend to be more proactive in their protection of their pack, but there will be huge variables within each breed, and even which litter.

In my non-expert opinion 90% of the time a large dog with a large bark and a defensive posture will be enough to ward off most any threat.

 Quote: steve strom

A woman trying to figure out what she wants, men trying to figure out what she wants, other women are confused. It all makes perfect sense.

HUH??? (joining the ranks of the confused women) Steve, you make me laugh! And you're damn easy on the eyes if you happen to be either of the gentlemen in your signature photo. Or even more so if you're one of the dogs.

Now back to the OP's question......I'm confused why not a GSD or Mal?

 Quote: Amber Alexander

Ok, I am going to try and clarify this a bit further, I am looking for breeder recommendations for a large breed dog capable of personal protection, other than a gsd or mal.

I was a professional PPD trainer for several years, and I've vendored well over a hundred PPDs to homes both here and abroad.
In my experience ( which I'm going to say is very broad ), the only breed that I would recommend as a serious PPD ( outside of a GSD or Mal ) would be a Rottweiler, and it will be significantly harder to find a good Rottie than a GSD or Mal.

There are absolutely *no* dogs of the bully bred family that would be reliable enough that I would use one for personal use or sell to a client. I've worked them all as a decoy or for their temperament tests, and they *all* failed - and I'm talking about hundreds of dogs now.
They're great for show, they look intimidating, they have a great bark - but when they are faced with a really determined attacker...they'll retreat. And that could mean the difference between life and death in a terminal situation.

Look to the bully breeds if you must, but don't kid yourself ( or let some scam artist PPD wannabe salesman fool you ) that the dog will be there to save you when you really need it.

Thanks to all for the info! I will probably be investing in an adult GSD that i've found.

Well, good luck with whatever you decide to do, and feel free to post a few pics and information regarding your new dog in the forum's Bio section when it's a done deal!

Hi Amber,

Contact Amore Cane Corsos. David has Cane's that are titled in personal protection and Schutzhund. http://www.amorecanecorsos.com.

Lisa