Hello everyone. I'm looking for some experienced opinions and feedback from owners of the various mastiff breeds. Here is the situation:
I travel a great deal for work which leaves my wife and children at home alone. I would feel much better if there were a dog in the home that was not only trustworthy around my family and other pets (proper socialization would be a given) but would not hesitate to attack an intruder if the situation arose. Not stand back and bark, but have the courage to attack and fight an intruder in my home until the problem was solved. This dog would need to be very stable and trustworthy around invited guests, including small children (my boys are 6 and 8 and often have friends over). I'm actually leaning towards purchasing two...one to travel with me sometimes while I am away and one to leave home with the family. Most of the time the two would be in the home together.
I am an experienced dog owner and have owned Pits, American Bulldogs and English Mastiffs over the years. I still have a 7 year old female EM and she is an awesome family pet, but I honestly don't think she (or most members of that breed) would offer much beyond an intimidating bark and appearance should an intruder decide to fight back. Maybe I'm wrong...let me know if you have observed otherwise.
I appreciate any feedback you all may have in helping me select the best breed for my needs
I travel a great deal for work which leaves my wife and children at home alone. I would feel much better if there were a dog in the home that was not only trustworthy around my family and other pets (proper socialization would be a given) but would not hesitate to attack an intruder if the situation arose. Not stand back and bark, but have the courage to attack and fight an intruder in my home until the problem was solved. This dog would need to be very stable and trustworthy around invited guests, including small children (my boys are 6 and 8 and often have friends over). I'm actually leaning towards purchasing two...one to travel with me sometimes while I am away and one to leave home with the family. Most of the time the two would be in the home together.
I am an experienced dog owner and have owned Pits, American Bulldogs and English Mastiffs over the years. I still have a 7 year old female EM and she is an awesome family pet, but I honestly don't think she (or most members of that breed) would offer much beyond an intimidating bark and appearance should an intruder decide to fight back. Maybe I'm wrong...let me know if you have observed otherwise.
I appreciate any feedback you all may have in helping me select the best breed for my needs