Should I buy a golden retriever or a boxer to guard my house?

Question

A couple days ago I got robbed in the middle of the night. And I want to buy a dog that will bark when someone tries to break in. So which should I buy?

Answer 1

you want a boxer..to guard... your house?!?

HAHAHAHA... they are the biggest goof balls that will go up to ANY one for attention

If you want a barker, go with a smaller dog

YIP YIP YIP  

Answer 2

Neither - buy a security system if you want a guard. What you want is a watchdog - a dog that will be a wonderful, friendly, family pet and will bark but not do anything else .

A guard dog will actually hold someone at bay while waiting for you, at which time you would either tell the dog to go after the perp or back down. That sort of dog needs expert training over the course of a few years. It isn't a Do-it-yourself kind of thing unless you like law suites and euthanizing every dog you get.

Any dog can be taught to bark at a stimulus. You could go adopt one from the local shelter if you wanted! You just re-enforce the barking at any sound - which is a natural thing for dogs to do anyway - that you would perceive as a sign of someone breaking in. You should also invest in teaching it regular obedience so you can get it shut up! Lol.

I would also like to point out that a dog is a big time commitment. To get one for the sole reason to alert you to a person breaking in is NOT a good reason to get a dog. Period. You need to be ready to commit to walking the dog daily, brushing the dog daily, feeding/watering the dog, and training the dog properly - that means no teaching it to "guard", just to alert you to someone by your home. You also need to be ready to spend a bit of money - about $400 not including the dog in the first few days, and another $100+ a month for food and other needs.

Answer 3

Hi, I definitely think that a boxer will do the job brilliantly! I had 2 boxers up til recently-sadly one passed away a couple of months ago. My other remaining boxer makes a fantastic guard dog, as did my other one! If he hears a noise, especially at night, he will growl and bark! He definitely scares away any intruders!! Even though boxers are very soppy and friendly, they are extremely loyal and make a great companion and it's their instinct to protect their owners! With boxers, you are sure to feel safe!

-Word of warning though, boxers are very high maintenance dogs and cost a lot to keep, they also have lots of energy so need around 2 walks a day! But they are amazing dogs!

Good luck!  

Answer 4

Golden Retrievers aren't good guard dogs, I mean if you're looking for one to attack, Goldens aren't it. Goldens will give you a warning bark, but nothing more. Boxers, I don't know, though they can scare away robbers by their look/size and bark. Goldens are very well known for their gentle personality so, chances are, the robber won't be as frighten from the Golden than he will be from the Boxer.

Golden if you want him to "retrieve" your robber

Boxer if you want him to "box" the robber out.

Hah, I'm joking, I thought that was kinda funny :-)

I hope I helped, Good Luck ! :D

Answer 5

I have a labrador retriever which is a VERY good guard dog i feel much safer now as i know that she will bark if anyone she doesn't recognise comes into or near the house. She is particularly is weary of tall built men. Labradors are also very easy to train. In my experience i would definitely recommend a labrador retriever.

Answer 6

You want a dog that gives a warning bark....that's doable.

A boxer would fit the bill, but they are tremendously athletic and thus a lot of maintenence. There are other criteria to consider.

Why not take a breed selector quiz to match you with dogs that suit your personality and lifestyle? Try this one:

http://animal.discovery.com/breedselecto...

And, just to be safe, I'd invest in a home security system before getting a dog.

Answer 7

Suggest the boxer.  Golden's are pretty mellow and may sleep through the whole thing.

Answer 8

Most dogs will bark if someone is trying to break in in the middle of the night.  

If I were you, I'd be investing in a Brinks Alarm System instead of a dog.  

Answer 9

Neither. Invest in a security system!  

Answer 10

Look at this it's gonna help =} http://www.breederretriever.com/sort/4/b...

Answer 11

Any dog is a good guard dog.  As long as it is not a little yappy dog.  Researchers would say the boxer.  I would go with the dog that is more fitting for you and your lifestyle.  I had a lab mix that I know would have fought to her death for me.  This forty five pound lab mix even backed up a rottweiler that was growling at me.  I always felt very safe with her around.

Answer 12

You should get an alarm system.  Only get a dog if you truly want to make a commitment for the next 10 years or so.  Dogs take time and money so getting one to protect your house is not a good reason to get a dog.  

Answer 13

get a pit bull. :) I have a female one. She's usually hyper and extremely friendly, but if she sees a stranger, she barks like mad until I tell her to stop :)

Security Alarm system is another thing. At least it will trace it to the police (optional) if the alarm is triggered.

Or if you don't want either one, have a community police patrol your area once a week or two to make sure everything is okay.

Answer 14

a terrier

Answer 15

ADT ,

buy a dog that barks.  That is priceless, great reason to get a dog.

Answer 16

golden retrievers are more a family pet get a boxer instead but there are other good guard dogs too

Answer 17

you know getting a "Beware of Dog" sign would be easier.  People don't want to break into houses that have dogs in them because they bark.