Best Dog Breeds for Survival.

[9mmMaster]

Hey So, another Prepper Friend and I have been discussing best Dog Breeds for Survival.
Here are my thoughts. Many dogs could be good for this. However I think some breeds are obviously better than others.
I think to be in the top 5 the Dog should be good at both hunting and protection at least watchdog ability. The ability to Both feed itself and you and aid in protection are good. This can be a problem since most dogs made for protection don't hunt IE German shepherd.

Not You're Favorite Dog Breeds but what you think is best for all around survival.

[Cedar]

I believe there is another thread started on this.

Cedar

[CharlesH]

I’ll throw out a different idea, what about a terrier like a Jack Russel?  I’m a country boy so I think in terms of farm living.  A good rat dog won’t hunt or do a good job of protecting me physically, but it can keep rodents at bay (a  problem that can be bigger than you think on a farm) and it can alert me to danger so I can protect myself.  Finally, a smaller dog requires fewer calories to support itself, and those darned rodents it kills can supply some of the food it does need.

[fritz_monroe]

I could really buy into CharlesH's mindset.  Small dogs don't eat as much, so don't put as much a strain on your stores to keep it fed.  The down side of a small dog like this is they tend to be mouthy.  Not a good thing if there's a time when stealth is required.

As for your list, I knew a guy with a Rhodesian Ridgeback.  That dog was the most protective dog I've ever seen.  He knew who his people were and kept a close eye on the kids.  I don't know if that's the norm, but based on that dog I'd be happy to have that breed.

[fred.greek]

Small or large, a dog is no match for a bad guy with a gun, or poisoned bait.  I see a dog as an early warning system.  Our dog is relatively small, but even in the house with the television on, she somehow hears people walking by outside before they reach the property line.  She has learned that if she makes a good enough show of barking at the front door, followed by a proven open door view of someone passing, she gets her treat.  In SHTF, her actions could be lifesaving.

[fritz_monroe]

Small or large, a dog is no match for a bad guy with a gun

Yep, but how many real badasses have had all the steam taken out of their sails just by the threat of the cops sending in the dog?  A dog works pretty well as a deterrent as well.  Easily taken down?  Sometimes, but people are more delicate than dogs.  If I was a bad guy in a SHTF situation and I'm looking to do you harm, I wouldn't be gunning for the dog.

It's all about layered defenses and tools.  A dog fills the need as a warning system and a deterrent, but also as a tool to rid the area of pests.

[Cedar]

I thought there was one
http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php?topic=23328.0

Cedar

[fritz_monroe]

I thought there was one
http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php?topic=23328.0

Cedar

Yeah, I was going to merge them, but when I did my search I saw that was from 2011 so figured I'd let this one run a little on its own then merge them later.  There's another thread from 2013 as well.

[Carl]

Whatever these dogs are:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ_CDZAicgQ

[Smurf Hunter]

I lost 2 big dogs in the past year.  One to sudden illness, the other we put down after 16 years.

So we're left with the "little" 11 pound havanese.  Not ideal as a Jack Russel terrier, but she does give me a heads up when UPS truck is down the block, or teenagers are hanging out in the neighborhood late at night.

Personally, I enjoy playing with a bigger dog. I like to "rassle" (as grandpa would say), go on long walks/hikes. That part of me would enjoy a lab-mix or something along those lines.
But for general household security, a little dog can be pretty keen about surroundings.

[9mmMaster]

I had two Akitas Great Protection Dogs.

[Carl]

  I like the Charter Arms Bulldog in 44 special....

[Smurf Hunter]

All this dog was a sweetheart, but couldn't even protect a baofeng walkie-talkie.

[T Kehl]

I have a different take.  I raise critters to eat (rabbits, chickens, goats, & cattle).  As such, I have a strong preference for the shepard type dogs.  (Anatolian, Akbash, Great Pyreneese etc.)

They are HIGHLY protective of the house and kids, big, but also protect my stock, and more importantly don't chase and kill the critters that I want to grow and eat.

My current dog is 1/2 Pyreneese, gentle with my kids, and I saw it lick a goat kid nose yesterday.  For strangers, he alerts, then follows my ques.  When I'm friendly, so is he.  He will also not allow a coon or coyote within 1/8th mile of the house or goats.  A VERY good dog.

[Skispcs]

Best all around dog, hunting, watchdog, whatever would be a German Short Hair Pointer.

[9mmMaster]

TWK I hadn't thought of that I dont raise livestock but Yeah for that those are Ideal.