OP you really need to rethink this. Big “protection” dogs; ie shepards, pit bulls, boxers, etc come with big energy, alpha tendencies, big poops, and many other issues. Just get an alarm system.

We have a Golden. He certainly isn't going to bite anyone (in fact, he'd greet any intruder with a wagging tail), but he does have a loud, deep, formidable bark. On numerous occasions, I've opened the front door to salesmen or other people, and noticed that they're standing several steps back away from our front door, obviously a bit intimidated by the barking dog inside. Also great with kids and cats, though lots and lots of hair, and needs a fair amount of exercise.

I agree with the other folks that you should probably wait a bit to get settled before getting a dog, since dogs are a LOT of work. However, if and when you do get a dog, I wouldn't rule out some more 'friendly' types of dogs, such as labs and goldens. They're not 'protection' dogs, but will provide a big, solid presence for your family.

There are definitely a lot of lab mixes available for at rescues if you don't care about a purebred. Retriever puppies are very high energy and tend to be 'mouthy' - probably easier to get a 2-3 year old from a rescue. If you do get a puppy from a breeder, need to do a LOT of research. (Goldens especially tend to have a lot of health problems, so best to look for health clearances on the parents/grandparents/etc and longevity in the line.)

Yeah, don't get a German Shepard as a first-time dog owner. They are for advanced owners. They are very smart and if bored, will destroy stuff. Same goes for practically all working dogs.

Try the AKC breed selector for assistance: https://www.akc.org/dog-breed-selector/

Or, if you're on reddit, the r/dogs community will help you out.

Be prepared for you cat to act out and have 'accidents' around the house.

Get a rescue.

Anonymous wrote:So, will you ever travel? How long are your work days? What time do you leave and come back home? I ask because you plan is flawed. Adopted dog is what you get, not what you want and for what you want the dog. Most dogs are not good watch dogs at all. Some have to be trained to be watch dogs. Dogs that are territorial tend to be watch dogs, and they tend to show aggression unless their owner knows what he/she is doing. This sounds like a disaster, you never had a dog. You are about to move, and you will add a dog to that stress? Rethink this please.

Yes, I travel sometimes ( few days) but have a sitter for that as I have a cat as well. I work remotely 3x/weeks, jjust need recs on dogs who are good with cats and children, the watch/protection part would be a plus not a must...

Anonymous wrote:Thank you- Can you also recommend age? What would be an easier age for a first time dog owner? I see listings with puppies, adults and seniors

None, don't get a dog. Wait for a year until you are settled in your house.

So, will you ever travel? How long are your work days? What time do you leave and come back home? I ask because you plan is flawed. Adopted dog is what you get, not what you want and for what you want the dog. Most dogs are not good watch dogs at all. Some have to be trained to be watch dogs. Dogs that are territorial tend to be watch dogs, and they tend to show aggression unless their owner knows what he/she is doing. This sounds like a disaster, you never had a dog. You are about to move, and you will add a dog to that stress? Rethink this please.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Im a single mom about to move in a much bigger house and suburban area. I would like to adopt a dog for protection so one who is imposing in stature and also ready to defend but as well a good family dog, great with kids and cats. Ive never had a dog before so looking for breed recommendations. ( we have a cat). Thanks

Please don’t get a dog for protection. Get an alarm system.

I will get that too. This would be for walks on trails or around the neighborhood

Thank you- Can you also recommend age? What would be an easier age for a first time dog owner? I see listings with puppies, adults and seniors

Anonymous wrote:Im a single mom about to move in a much bigger house and suburban area. I would like to adopt a dog for protection so one who is imposing in stature and also ready to defend but as well a good family dog, great with kids and cats. Ive never had a dog before so looking for breed recommendations. ( we have a cat). Thanks

Please don’t get a dog for protection. Get an alarm system.

I'm a big fan of German Shepherds. They're great looking dogs and imposing in stature. Police also use them because they're very intelligent.

Before we adopted our dog from Lost Dog, we could look online at the dogs that were to be featured at the adoption. They would have profiles of their personalities and that of the breed (or mixed breed, if that's the case). I emailed with the people who fostered the dogs as well.

I agree, mixed breeds are the best. So many purebreds have 'bad' with the 'good' of the breed.

Honestly, mixed breeds tend to have the best temperament, of all the dogs I have owned and known.

Im a single mom about to move in a much bigger house and suburban area. I would like to adopt a dog for protection so one who is imposing in stature and also ready to defend but as well a good family dog, great with kids and cats. Ive never had a dog before so looking for breed recommendations. ( we have a cat). Thanks