What kind of dog should I get?

bullmastifs are great with kids and very protective. they are fantastic guard dogs but also extremely loving and gentle around children. They are also one of the best guard dogs. They are big but don't shed much at all. AMAZING DOGS.

Ooh I have to share with you that Dalmatians and Husky's can be the two most dangerous to family and kids. Look into something a little different like possibly a Giant Schnauzer. incredibly smart, able to be excellent dogs for protection, hypoallergenic, not a high prey drive, so safer with kids and other dogs ( smaller ) not the same level of bite problems as a Dalmation or Husky, also you could consider a Great Dane is an extremely loving and fun dog, they alert but do not attack unless under extreme situations. They are indoor dogs and require good food. The other dogs I think of are Labs, Bouvier des Flanders, but I think a Giant Schnauzer. or Bouvier might surprise you with all that they offer.

I'd suggest the Dalmatian. They're very friendly with people and children, but make sure to socialize the dog or it may become timid. They're excellent watchdogs, so they'll alert you of any intruders, and will only attack if the intruder threatens it or its family.

Huskies love people, especially children, but they aren't at all watchdogs or guard dogs.

If you get the Dalmatian, first make sure that you know how to display leadership over it. Half the people who adopt dalmatians do not keep them past the first year because the dalmatian becomes the alpha and that causes all sorts of problems. Read how to display leadership over the dog here:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/topdogrules.htm

I'd say the male. It's true that the males are friendlier, but it's not true that the females are smarter.

I hope this helped.

Well I had a Dal up until second grade, and he didn't like kids very much to be honest. He was very short tempered and did not take to teasing very well. He also wasn't a very strong dog, so he couldn't guard very well. Huskies are poor guard dogs because they have a loving nature towards humans, and don't have any natural protection instinct, so while they may bark, they are not the least bit inclined to approach the stranger if the break in. They are strong, but must be trained to protect if that's what you want them to do because they won't do it on their own. Everywhere I read says huskies make poor guard dogs. Dogs that you might be looking for could be either:

Belgian malinois

Dobermans

Rottweilers

Boxers

Boxers are probably the best with kids, and they are very clownish, but can be serious when they need to be. They also have too much energy for the average person, and they are known to knock small people flying on accident because of their exuberance. Dobermans have a big, deep, scary bark, that they sound at the most appropriate moments, and intimidating looks, and are amazingly calm and reliable around children.

Rottweilers are all business. They are good with kids, but they take their protection job the most serious out of all of the breeds. They don't take much interest in chasing balls or sticks (much to many children's disappointment), so they would be better suited if you wanted a mainly guard dog. Lastly, the Belgian Malinois. I saw you don't like shepherds, so I put this instead although it may be too close for you. One word to describe Mal's is INTENSE. They look like lighter, short furred shepherd's but they are very different personality wise.

Unlike the laid back shep, mals are very high energy, but they are also better watch dogs. They are determined and will not stop until someone tells them to do so or they have accomplished what they were trying to do.

If I were you, I would go with the Doberman. They sound and look scary as Hell, but they're really big babies and can be fabulous with kids- not to mention very low grooming requirements. They don't bark excessively, but they are very loud and most burglars do not want to meet the dog that just went into land-shark mode on the other side of the door.

Here's a dobie in Protection mode:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67HwmSASFLo

You see? If I were a burglar, I would **** myself just hearing that thing. Not to mention they are tall, agile, and built to protect. I remember just chilling out in the yard with my grandma's friend's Dobie. He was awesome, and he was amazing with kids. Here's a kennel if you decide dobermans (or Rotties)

http://www.kimbertal.com/

Huskys are NOT happy living in a house or even a back yard. They are a working breed that is a difficult, destructive dog if not kept busy. Dalmations can be hard to train and due to overbreeding have a LOT of health problems. The absolute BEST dog you can give a family with kids is a Boxer. Playfull, protective, loyal, and eager to please you. They love to snuggle and are great "nanny dogs". Male or Female, its best to spay/neuter early, otherwise, you end up with a 7yr old dog that still behaves like a puppy. Please think about a rescue group, they can set you up with a young dog for less than you would pay a breeder. Good Luck! Oh, and i have a standard Poodle (really large dogs), you could do a lot worse, they don't shed or smell like dog, love kids and play, and said to be one of the smartest breeds.

I have worked with dogs for 22 years and owned many, a Rottweiler, Great Dane, Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Pit Bulls and mutts. Both breeds you refer to are not a good fit for guard or family or both. Dalmatians, though cute, can be very aggresive dogs and at times unpredictable. That is why so many wound up in the pound after 101 Dalmatians came out...everyone wanted one. Huskys...alot of grooming and exercise and training. They are bred to pull sleds...they need a job. I don't know your experience level with dogs so based on that, even though you don't want to hear it, I would say a Golden Retriever or a Lab. They both will bark like mad when someone comes to the door or in and they love all your family...sorry

huskys make poor guard dogs as they are stubborn so can be hard work to train and need so much exercise it is unbelievable also they tend to be very destructive and do not bark or bite .

if you want a bigish dog that's easy to train and needs a moderate amount of walking you could look at a Labrador,they are brilliant with family but will bark at a stranger and will be protective if needed..they don't make as much mess when molting as a husky or German shepherd(both of which are heavy shedders) they tend not to be as boisterous as a dalmatian and are not over intelligent like a collie/sheepdog breed would be therefore learn more of the things you want them to and less of the self taught bad habits.

Husky's are EXTREMELY hard to maintain. I think a German Shepherd would best suit you. However they DO get very protective of their territory and their owners. They're awesome with children. They're very smart and loyal. That's why they are the dog that Police Forces use.

Australian shepherd is a great dog and require lots of mental stimulation and German shepherds are great around kids and aggressive to strangers husky is also good

A greater Swiss mountain dog is a perfect dog (except if you live in a hot area). It's big, hairy, cute, friendly, playful, protective, and smart. Only thing it's long haired and needs brushing. But I'd also recommend a mastiff, though their not the cutest dog, they are one of the biggest and friendliest. But I highly recommend the greater Swiss mountain dog.