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You want your dog to keep the scary people away, not scare you. Let history help you choose the right security dog for you

Guard Dogs

Guard dogs are not generally trained to attack. Rather, a guard dog's task is to alert its owner of a stranger's presence (i.e., bark, growl, etc.). And contrary to popular belief, a guard dog does not make a good attack dog, or vice versa. Typically, small breeds are used as guard dogs; among them:

• Shar-Pei
• Pug
• Chihuahua
• Pekingese
• Chow Chow

Attack Dogs

Attack dogs, conversely, are usually associated with modern police work, but they have played a pivotal role in the history of human-canine relationships. During the height of Roman Empire, attack dogs were used to break the first line of enemy armies, and were feared for their ferociousness. In more recent times, dogs were trained by the military as sentry guards, protecting troops from attack. And as silent scouts, dogs would warn troops to the presence of enemies, diminishing the chances of an ambush. The troops lucky enough to have these attack dogs by their sides were most likely to survive war.

During World War II, the U.S. military called for the donation of pet dogs for service. They began with more than thirty breeds and through trial and error, narrowed them down to a handful of breeds that were ideal for military training. These included the:

• German Shepherd
• Belgian Sheepdog
• Doberman Pinscher
• Farm Collie

Well-trained attack dogs are socialized, loyal, and unerringly obedient. They will not attack unless their owners are facing a threat or have commanded an attack. Some breeds are better than others when it comes to this type of training, since it requires strength, calmness, loyalty, a love of humans, and a highly developed intelligence.

Attack dogs are trained to bite on command, as well as stop biting on command. Unfortunately, some dogs are not properly trained and are instead used to fight other dogs, or to inflict fear and brutality on others. Of course, this creates a dog that is capable of attacking unsuspecting people or animals without warning or cause.

Getting a dog for protection as a family pet can be a difficult decision. However, the German Shepherd, Belgian Sheepdog, Bulldog, and Collie have been known to be great with children, while dogs such as the Pit Bull are not generally considered safe for families with kids. It is important you research when choosing an "attack" breed, and always check with local laws, which may prohibit certain types of dogs.

Contemporary Dogs Recommended for Attack / Protection

• Rottweiler
• Bullmastiff
• German Shepherd
• American Bulldog
• American Pit Bull Terrier

Image: Michael Gil / via Flickr