Quote: ingrid rosenquist

I was waiting for someone to mention the ACD. Personally, I never recommend this breed for what is being requested. If you want a big dog that looks scary but won't go after the mailman, the ACD is definately not the breed. A) because they are not big and B) because they will go after the mailman if not trained ;-)

My impression was that he wanted a dog who looked the part and had some natural inclination to protect family and home. He also said training was his thing. I guess I didn't assume he meant just protection training. Given that, I would think the mailman should be safe from any breed he chooses!

Every one of my ACDs are good guard dogs, but probably not to the specifications or standards of some here. I've never purposely "trained" a dog to attack anyone and to the best of my knowledge, none of them would. But I've never tried to put that to the test. (Why would I if we don't have any specialized training?) Still, my current dogs seem to be off-putting (to some) without actually being overbearing. And yes, my dogs ... like most dogs ... required some simple basic training and socialization to help them become good citizens!

While I do think ACDs tend to have a pain threshold off the Richter scale, mine have always respond well to the E-collar ... even around highly aroused livestock. Maybe I'm just lucky. (Not)

Obviously, YMMV.

Cher

I was looking into the Shepherd picard, i just love those dogs.2 of my relatives in France has one and really like the breed.I thought of going there and buy one next year.I am still investigating, researching the "working ability" of those dogs.
http://berger-picard.fr/
They have a lot of tracking competition.They are supposed to be great trackers.

 Quote: Will Rambeau

They're the smallest breed that I think could effectively defend you ( sorry, Corgi owners! ) and as everyone knows, I'm *reallY* picky about my protection breeds.

LOL Will, What about the Chi? Those ankle wounds could fester ;-)

Ok, Ok, you guys win :-p If you are willing to put the time into training an ACD, they can be a good breed for deterrance. Heck, they are a good deterrance breed even without the training, you just need to have an attorney on call for when he/she bites <vbg>

At least with the type of ACD I like and own as they can be cocky little jerks that would take out the mailman if they do not have a clear understanding of what is and is not appropriate behavior. There are softer ACDs out there (I own some) but they are not my style. I like jerks :-)

Hey Will - look me up in a couple/three years :-) I am hoping to import from europe a puppy bitch next year sired by a second generation SchH III ACD (Sire scored a 270 in his last SchH III - for an ACD that is darn good!) to eventually breed to my young male who is the nephew of the one photographed below.

 Quote: Will Rambeau

I'd like to add my support for consideration of an ACD as an alternative breed:

Just get one!

The next breed that I try instead of my beloved GSD's and Mal's will most certainly be an ACD. These dogs have intrigued me for decades and I'm been inching towards ownership of one for a long time now.
They're the smallest breed that I think could effectively defend you ( sorry, Corgi owners! ) and as everyone knows, I'm *reallY* picky about my protection breeds.

Gald to hear this Will! I'm sure you won't be disappointed one bit! Your experience and knowledge and their gusto will make a great team!

I've never had any regrets!

Cher

Wow Angelique. I took a look at that site. That would be pretty cool to see one of those dogs doing schutzhund. By their looks, they don't look the typical guard dog and would be a great dog the OP should consider.

Ingrid, when it's time for me to make the jump to an ACD you are of course my choice as a breeder....you should know that!

Maybe I'll start a new fad with trialing an ACD, and man, transporting a smaller dog would *rock*!


Please Lord, let's not go into really smaller dogs on a SchH field. I still sudder to remember a certin MinPin doing it's WH......

Thanks Alex, I think they are pretty neat dogs and I think that they look like mutts but cute one in my Book.
It's actually a very old breed...

 Quote: Will Rambeau

Please Lord, let's not go into really smaller dogs on a SchH field. I still sudder to remember a certin MinPin doing it's WH......

LOL!! Will, are you serious??? I've read about a SchHIII Golden Retriever, but a MinPin??

Alex, I've seen actual footage of a Boston terrier doing bitework. The decoy had to sort of lean over, but the little guy was fearless. I can't imagine trying to work either of my minpins in SchH, but my female sure has the bite for it, if she was way bigger. For a little fart, she has a good grip, my male not so much. Both have wicked prey drive.

Edited by Janice Jarman (07/11/2007 03:15 PM)
Edit reason: spelling

 Quote: Janice Jarman

Alex, I've seen actual footage of a Boston terrier doing bitework. The decoy had to sort of lean over, but the little guy was fearless. ....

Me too, Janice .... maybe the same Boston. Cool dog.