The Shikoku as a guard dog?
Can the Shikoku-ken be a guard dog? As in, if you're ever threatened or attacked, if they would protect you. And what would a Shikoku do if a thief broke into your property? Just curious about the aspects of this breed.
Comments
Loa is very watchful, but I would not consider her to be an impressive watchdog. So I think it depends on the bloodlines.
I agree with Heidi tho, a Shikoku is a great alarm dog... tho having written that, I have NEVER heard Loa bark.
Plus, Shikoku really aren't that big (they are compared to Shibas but not to other dogs). They are only about 19 - 20.5 inches tall and weigh around 40 lbs (some heavier, some lighter). So even if they were protective, they still are smallish dogs.
I think Kris makes a good point, they are kinda small and therefore less intimidating.
Also, Ahi loves people too, and is pretty submissive to them... but I have seen her react to a person she didn't like or didn't feel was safe and it is rather hectic. She has a warning bark that would stop even the most confident of dog people... so I'm not sure an intruder would get past the noise.
Also, Shikoku are kinda wild looking - this seems to freak people out... so they have that working for them too.
Having said everything I have said, I'm not sure I would pick a Shikoku-Ken as a breed if I was looking for a watchdog... The watchdog / alarm-dog quality of a Shikoku is more like an added bonus and not a breed strong suit.
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It would also have a lot to do with their temperament. If someone broke into our house, Loa would run away and if corned would roll over on her back.
Ahi would bark, a lot, and then if corned would bite.
Ahi is a very dominant dog, Loa is not... that might be the difference that makes a Shikoku a good guard dog or not.
Personally I would never want a dog to be any more protective than warning barks.
I agree with jessica. True guard dogs are not pet. If you are really looking for some protection for your home, get an alarm system.
I just wanted to be clear I was not advocating using a Shikoku solely as a watch/gaurd/alarm dog.
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I think the summary would be, yes a Shikoku makes an ok alarm/watch dog but not like a German Shepard or Dobe.
Sorry Glacier, I did not mean to misread your intentions.
Keep in mind, many of us work in rescue settings and in situations where people have misguided intentions. I am always hoping that I am saying something you already know (i.e. guard dogs are not pets) but sometimes need to make points like that clear also for the benefit of people who read and do not post to make sure they understand that point.
it's funny how dogs are so dissimilar even after so many years of selective breeding.
tammy (lurker and lover of northern breeds like shikokus!)
Thanx for the input, I didn't mean to generalize... I was just trying to make a point. All the Dobes I have met have been super cool... I like the breed a lot.
Aren't Dobes supposed to let any intruder into the house but not let them leave? <- Someone told me that was the breeds M.O.
I met the meanest Golden the other day - freaked me out!
And as for golden retrievers, my dog got mauled by a golden retriever a few months ago! How's that for breed temperament?
Brad - Almost every Dobie I've seen does not operate like that. They bark at strangers passing from the house they're guarding. Actually they even bark a bit too much, IMO.
Kei-kun will definitely sound alarm if HE thinks something is wrong. Otherwise, he'd just as soon as spring up to the "intruder", jump on him/her and then follow him/her home. He's SUPER FRIENDLY. So, I wouldn't recommend the breed as "guard dog". Then again, my 30 lbs, 19 inch puppy prevented one of my roommates from re-entering the house because he was springing around all over the place <--- crazy kid (my puppy). So maybe this is the "new guard dog way"? Whatever works, right? lol. He play nips too <-- and that leaves marks, believe you me!
Dobermanns generally have a silent guard and sneak up on you if you intrude. This is according to Dober-owners of a past Dobermann forum I used to be on. Dobermanns have goofy and fun-loving personalities. Most indeed aren't suited as guard dogs, very few nowdays are. So sad.
Lynx was attacked by a Golden Retriever once, as a pup -frowns-.
-disappears again-
from my experience, a dobe (especially a dobermann) that guards well will not allow intruders to enter, much less leave. they are all or nothing. and my jindo was the silent attacker type. gardeners beware!
if ever i have the property and the need for a true guard dog, i plan on choosing a flock guardian breed, like a tibetan mastiff or a great pyrenees. IMO those are the best guard dogs ever bred. ovcharkas are probably known for being the "best" out of the lot, but i don't feel up to the challenge of owning one!
thanks for the welcome everyone!
-tammy
Guard? HA! No. Watch? Oh yeah! He's tops. He'll bark if anyone even thinks about coming into the yard.
In fairness, Tasha, my Akita is as much of a guard OR watch dog as a hamster. She won't bark, and she's as vicious as a cotton ball. As for good guard dogs not being excellent pets, I disagree. Jack, my male Akita was the BEST guard dog (never trained, just the natural instinct), and he was my absolute heart-dog. He was the best companion I could ever have asked for.