American Bulldog

[Delvis]

How about a Leonberger? Soft as anything and big

 

[Bonjour]

Saint Bernard?

 

[SexyGreyFox]

literally cannot think of a better method.

I worked with Juvenile prisoners and believe me a dog never put them off. They preferred dogs than normal security alarms.
I would think that adult burglars probably feel the same way.

 

[spoffle]

i was agreeing that the current "dangerous dogs" policy is whoa fully out of date.

I think it's a blessing in the skies

 

[TripleT]

Boxer! Whilst technically not a "large" breed still very substantial, great with kids, soft, daft but protective.

I've got a 4year old called Dave, 37kg of muscle but thinks he's a lap dog

I think it's a blessing in the skies

Is that typo on purpose?!

 

[Bonjour]

Boxers are lovely dogs.

I also rather like Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

 

[Woden]

Boxers are lovely dogs.

I also rather like Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

Pretty sure that's a dragon from harry potter

 

[dowie]

Just one more, with the house I have now and not trying to sound snobby, I need a dog with a bit more of a presence than my current dogs mainly to act as a deterrent but obviously be a good family dog too.

you can get dogs with presence that could be guard dogs only in so far as they might be a deterrent (visually) and will bark (so good watch dogs rather than guard dogs really!) but really are pretty friendly towards strangers... and don't have the big powerful jaws/previous breeding for fighting

Lots of Spitz type dogs would fit that sort of criteria, working dogs... some breeds can have presence/look muscular... but lots of the breeds are just all round friendly types and you don't have the issue of the stupidly powerful jaws on the off chance something does go wrong

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitz

thinking more along the lines of:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoyed_(dog)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Elkhound

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaskan_Malamute (well it would have 'presence' at least but wouldn't bark much and generally very friendly to everyone)

but NOT:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akita_(dog)

for example

 

[~>Dg<~]

any dog can turn. most attacks are caused in britain wait for it ..by staffies.

we have to two Kangals.handful but beautiful dogs.

just be sensible.

 

[Chris Wilson]

any dog can turn. most attacks are caused in britain wait for it ..by staffies.

we have to two Kangals.handful but beautiful dogs.

just be sensible.

I would love to see photos of the Kangal dogs, I am a great fan of livestock protection breeds and have several. I have always had a few around, and find the more primitive breeds fascinating.

 

[ttaskmaster]

any dog can turn. most attacks are caused in britain wait for it ..by staffies.

Almost all of the aggressive Staffies in Britiain are... wait for it... NOT actually Staffies.

Staffies have been bred for family qualities for many many decades. It's only recently that aggressive traits have been bred in from crossbreeding with other dogs, usually by puppy farms selling to the Chavvy status dog market.

 

[Closing]

All dogs can turn and leaving a dog (any breed large or small) alone with a toddler is hugely irresponsible.

 

[Delvis]

you can get dogs with presence that could be guard dogs only in so far as they might be a deterrent (visually) and will bark (so good watch dogs rather than guard dogs really!) but really are pretty friendly towards strangers... and don't have the big powerful jaws/previous breeding for fighting

Lots of Spitz type dogs would fit that sort of criteria, working dogs... some breeds can have presence/look muscular... but lots of the breeds are just all round friendly types and you don't have the issue of the stupidly powerful jaws on the off chance something does go wrong

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitz

thinking more along the lines of:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoyed_(dog)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Elkhound

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaskan_Malamute (well it would have 'presence' at least but wouldn't bark much and generally very friendly to everyone)

but NOT:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akita_(dog)

for example

Funny how you mention malamute when they're renowned for having mental issues with regard to behaviour

 

[~>Dg<~]

I would love to see photos of the Kangal dogs, I am a great fan of livestock protection breeds and have several. I have always had a few around, and find the more primitive breeds fascinating.

they are great dogs we had to get rock climbing ropes to make leads out of because they were snapping normal leads seems to work.

big strong fun great dogs.if i get chance later may stick pic up later.

 

[ttaskmaster]

Funny how you mention malamute when they're renowned for having mental issues with regard to behaviour

Or a Samoyed having 'presence' as a deterrent dog, when it is known as "the dog that carries in its face and heart the spirit of Christmas"... That pretty much sums up all the Sams I grew up with.

From that very link:
"Samoyeds' friendly disposition makes them poor guard dogs; an aggressive Samoyed is rare".

 

[TacticalFish]

Hmm I can think of better deterrents, land mines, minigun attached to a motion tracking system, a moat filled with beasties. You've got the land OP. Makes the most of it.

 

[Sliver]

Hmm I can think of better deterrents

Sharks with lasers !

 

[Sirrel Squirrel]

Just wanted to update this thread although sad timing with the news that a little boy was killed by an American Bulldog today

We've opted for a Great Dane, obviously very big but they have a fantastic reputation for being good with children and fiercely loyal.

 

[Bonjour]

Good choice

 

[sigma]

Does he/she have a name yet? Certainly ticks the big dog check box!

I read this recently which is interesting: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/18/furious-cat-attacks-seven-startled-pitbulls/