ok i work from 8-5 mon - fri soo I need a good guard dog that is good with cats, any sugestions, I am only looking for pedigree
Answers:
"guard dogs" tend to be more high-maintenance- theyre larger and need more exercise. How large is your yard? small city lots (on average 1/3 acre) leave little room for roaming. If you have a larger area with a fence it would be better.
You HAVE to be willing to take lots of walks. Lots. Like, everyday when you get home, or before you leave, you should spend a minimum of 20-30 minutes with the dog. This can be walking, playing fetch, etc.
Also, getting a puppy will help early on with adjusting to the cats. However, having a puppy requires lots of time - new puppies have to go potty every 1-2 hours, and as babies they really cant be left out from 8-5, or 7-6, or whatever. puppies need near-constant supervision.
If you go for an adult dog, just keep an eye out for one that is already used to cats.
Huskies, german shepherds, golden retrievers and herders, (australian shepherds, border collies, collies, etc.) all make great dogs. Herders tend to be a bit more friendly, depending partially on training, and very loyal to family. Border collies are bit more hyper/yippie; collies are more friendly and, if long-haired, require a tad more maintenance. Australian shepherds are fairly well-rounded. Huskies require more physical activity, and german shepherds need good training so that they dont get too aggressive. Golden retrievers are friendly, and like alot of attention. theyre also great with kids and bit more laid back than some herding breeds.
Check out the AKCs website, too; I think they have a quiz you can take to reccomend a breed for you.
www.akc.org
Good luck!
Are you planning to keep this dog outside? If youre planning to keep this dog inside, since you want it to be good with cats, are you planning to take the time to housebreak it. You are probably gone from around 7 to 6. No problem for a cat. A big problem for a puppy. German shepherds are excellent guard dogs as well as family friendly and very intelligent. But youve got to do the training. If you are not inclined to do so, dont get a puppy but a trained adult dog.
Get a stuffed animal.
Seriously.
Puppies and dogs need more time than you have to give. Cats dont mind but dogs need attention.
Stuffed toys are cheaper too.
Get a St. Bernard. Theyre great w/ other animals and people. They dont do the best job of actually guarding your home, but their size alone will deter people from breaking in.
Depends on the climate as well. Deep in Saskatchewan, my guard dog is a 110lb husky, built for outdoors, great guard dog and yet a wonderful family dog. But he is outside 24 hours a day, even when its -40 celcius outside. If you are in a climate where you dont get this nasty cold weather, shepards and rottis are great. As long as you can bring the dog in your family as a pup. he will get used to the cats. Mine wont even move when the cats go by anymore.
Only the best, a
rottweiler, needs exercise though and some space, so morning and afternoon walks amust, if they can guard a car yard all night they can guard a home from 8-5, i owned 2 and had 2 cats years ago and they loved each other
pit bulls. i have one and he loves cats. and people and other dogs. and kids. and he dotn destroy the yard or the house.
