A Word of Caution About Guard Dogs

There are several breeds of dogs (such as the Cane Corso, the Chow Chow, the Bull Mastiff or the Black Russian Terrier) whose purpose was to guard; either livestock or their humans.  These working dogs oftentimes are independent and almost primal in their behavior.

There are people who feel they need a guard dog for protection, but it’s important to remember that these dogs come with a certain responsibility and can be a liability.  Most are good with immediate family members ONLY and will not accept strangers…even friends of the family.

These breeds needed to think for themselves out in the field and therefore may be difficult to train.  These dogs need a strong leader and an experienced dog owner.  They need lots of stimulating exercise to prevent aggression due to boredom and they need lots of socialization when young.

When choosing a puppy, the breeding stock is very important.  Ensure both parents are socialized properly and are raised as members of the family.  Responsible dog ownership is very important and these breeds are not for the faint at heart and they should not be owned by anyone using them for the sole purpose of “looking tough”.  They are wonderful breeds and can be good companions, but they should be owned by only those with extensive dog experience.