Dogs. They are mans best friend. They have been our companions for thousands of years, and were the earliest animal to allow humans to tame them. They come in all shapes and sizes, colors, temperments, purposes. How is one to choose the right dog for themselves and their family? More importantly, how does one choose the right family pet(s) for shtf?
Although there may be some debate to the theory, it seems universal that a preppers best and most practical line of defense is a canine. I'm not talking a lapdog, or some frou frou puffball that superstars carry around in their handbags. I'm talking about big, mean, well bred animals that can fit the dual role of family pet and guardian. When doing a quick search of the internet, it becomes apparent that there is a pretty standard top 10 roll call when it comes to guard dogs. Mixed in with your standard hallmarks such as the german shepperd, the rottweiller, etc, there are also names like the south african ridgeback, the giant snauser, and standard poodle. All dogs have traits, habits, and tendancies that are desirable and less desirable, so the question I ask my fellow preppers is this:
What in your opinion is the best shtf guard dog. Take all things into consideration (things that YOU would NEED the dog for... Like defense, hunting, alarm, personal comfort, whatever your requirements may be).
Of course, all animals must be trained to the task required, but some are better suited then others. What kind of dogs do you already have? What kind would you like to get? What are their benifets? Their drawbacks? I would love to hear everyones thoughts.
See you all after.
I chose two breeds... The Leonberger and the Maremma. Size, healthly giant breeds, working protection, outdoor only, fearless and taste quality. I have three Maremma's and one Leonberger that is 168lbs.
Indoor dog is a Wheaton Terrier.
I'm assuming that the taste quality, you just read that somewhere. I hope lol.
I myself have been considering different dog breeds. I like the size, strength, and fearsome appearance of mastiffs, predominantly the englush mastiff. The only issue with them is that because of the short coat they would have to predominantly be an indoor animal during the cold months.
I also considered doberman pinchers, but they would have the same issue. Both would make excellent guard dogs in ideal circumatances my eyes, but just not sure how they would hold up in a shtf scenario. Might be too difficult to keep them alive.
See you all after.
We have had a number of dogs over the years. The biggest piece of advice I can give is based on what many of us do already: if things go bad, know that quality health care may be few and far between . Therefore, it is a good idea to may sure that we are healthy before things go sideways. That said, many purebreds have certain health issues. Most of the time it is a simple matter of a vet visit to fix our friend and guardian. But I have often found that things tend to go wrong at the worse possible times. Crossbreeds and mutts are my recommendation. Just my two cents.
Any particular crossbreed you would reccomend muskeg? I agree that mutts may make perfect family pets, but I would be concerned about their guarding abilities, and you don't really know "what's in the stew" so to speak... So you won't know what to expect behaviorwise. Does anybody know why purebreds have greater health issues then crossbreeds?
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I many cases purebreds have a very shallow gene pool compared to the more diverse "mutt". Because of that, deficiencies and weaknesses are amplified in the breed.
Does anybody know why purebreds have greater health issues then crossbreeds?
Purebreds tend to be inbreds and genetic disorders become compounded. I agree with Muskeg, crossbreeds and mutts. The smartest dog I ever had was a Black Lab/German Shepherd cross. 😎
Those who are unwilling to defend freedom, will become unfree.
I have a Rottweiler X German Shepherd (not 100 % sure of the Shepherd bit)for size, strength and protective instinct and Jack Russell X ??? for speed and alertness. Both intelligent animals (as are most dogs). Never had an issue (health wise) with either of them. I agree Xbreeds have less health issues than purebred dogs. I've had purebred dogs before....plus the associated initial cost to purchase, and ongoing vet bills for (inherited) health issues that were not obvious when they were young. I will always take a mutt now.....especially a "pre-loved" animal regardless of age.
Russell Coight....outback legend
I'm assuming that the taste quality, you just read that somewhere. I hope lol.
We should actually do a poll on who here would kill, butcher and feed on their pet after the S has HTF.
Very few Leonbergers were left in Germany after WW2 as most were eaten.
I'd have no issue chowing down on purebred or X.
Better the family pet taking a nap than a human family member. Yes yes I know a pet is just like a family member to many including me. But hey its survival of the fittest. If you cant even take down Fifi then how the heck are you going to protect your family by any means necessary?
I have a lot of pets. Among them are ducks. We have kept ducks for over 15 years. We do not eat them they truly are pets. My daughter has three pet rabbits. We would not dream of eating one of them either (although I love roast rabbit). However after a SHTF situation their status would immediately be enhanced to something, shall we say, more useful. A pet is a pet but after all dinner is dinner.
saw an interesting clip on doomsday preppers of a guy who raises rabbits. he names them things like "slow-roast, blackened, crock-pot".
thanks for the opinions everyone, keep them coming.
See you all after.
One of my dogs is a pittbull / boxer mix. We have had her since she was 5 weeks old. VERY protective, kinda hyper, but dumb as a post. I can remember walking her in the city and no one could sneak up on me. There was one instance where I was putting some mail into the corner mailbox when suddenly she was up on her hind legs barking madly at a guy she thought was walking by me too close. I was able to hold her back on the leash, but that guy must have needed to change his shorts! She is very friendly with us and I have no worries with her around my 2 young children. We keep her tied outside during the summer and because of that, we have no need for a doorbell as she lets us know when someone is in the driveway. Our other dog is a purebred husky and takes over outdoor guard duty in the winter. Although quite a bit calmer, he still lets us know when something isn't right.
I can't count how many times these dogs have alerted me to danger, or even repelled a potential threat. They are well worth the $25.00 permit fee and whatever they cost in food. I have no worries about keeping chickens next year, even though we have a good sized fox population in the area.
As for the dining on Fido, yeah no problem for me but the kids might freak on the idea. So that would have to be well managed. What I actually want to eat is the rotten horse that keeps causing problems. If things go sideways I might eat him before I am out of canned food or even popcorn. Come think of it, maybe the next time the power goes out.... we'll consider it a disaster drill. Then I won't have to fix the fence for a while. 😉
kid - "mom? dad? this steak tastes funny. can I give it to Rex instead?"
parents - 😯
See you all after.