My family is considering a Lab/Chow dog that fits in every way w/ out family but one. The deal breaker for me is that the dog, who is still a 1-year old puppy, shows no guard dog inclinations. In fact the transition family says he never barks unless he’s lonely. He’s somewhat imposing for a mid size dog but without some territorial instinct does not meet my number 1 requirement. I’ve told the others that I’d reconsider if the dog can be trained or will grow into the role. I’m not looking to create a beast just one that will let me know when an intruder is in the house.
What do you all think??

If that's what you're requiring in your pet, then take him to a trainer. I don't see anything wrong with it, but it'll have to be YOU to get him trained, so that he/she knows to protect you and your family.

I don't why you would 'still be considering' this dig if he does not fit your requirements. There is no sense in trying to introduce a trait into a dog that is unnatural to the breed, which is the chow portion; chows are pretty laid back and are not very vocal, so this is probably the predominant portion. If you just want a 'dog on duty' then get one suited to the purpose and get a puppy you can integrate properly into the family.

I don't why you would 'still be considering' this dig if he does not fit your requirements. There is no sense in trying to introduce a trait into a dog that is unnatural to the breed, which is the chow portion; chows are pretty laid back and are not very vocal, so this is probably the predominant portion. If you just want a 'dog on duty' then get one suited to the purpose and get a puppy you can integrate properly into the family.

That's def valid. Andundett have you considered other typical guard dog breeds like rottweiler, doberman, or perhaps a type of mastiff (if you have the room)?

Dogs don't guard anything, they will guard their home and their families... You're not even giving this dog a chance..

A huge number of dogs, even the smaller "foo-foo" dogs will bark if someone comes to the door. I'm not sure why you think he wouldn't bark if someone came to the door in your home. He may not do it right away, give him time, he'll alert you to strange things.

Dogs don't gaurd anything, they will gaurd their home and their families... You're not even giving this dog a chance..

A huge number of dogs, even the smaller "foo-foo" dogs will bark if someone comes to the door. I'm not sure why you think he wouldn't bark if someone came to the door in your home. He may not do it right away, give him time, he'll alert you to strange things.

I would hate think, given the chow personality, that if the dog doesn't live up to expectations he would not be welcome. I do agree that any dog, no matter how big, is a deterrent when barking inside the house when alerted.

The other family has already stated that the lab/chow has no guard dog tendencies and only barks when lonely.

It is wonderful that a dog is being re-homed to a good family, but I doubt that it will work under the circumstances if the OP wants a 'guard' dog. It doesn't necessarily have to be a typical guard dog, rotty, or whatever, any other breed, or mixed breed will do the trick, but a younger dog who will do what is expected when the dog bonds with the family.

Honestly none of the dogs that I have now started barking at strange noises until they were a bit older, for whatever reason.
But when they settled into THEIR home with THEIR people, it didn't matter where they were, in the house, in the car, at the park, when someone got too close (car and out) they sounded the alarm. When someone pulls into the drive they alert me.
And while chows are pretty laid back and not very vocal I have found that (in our family at least) they are the ones who showed more of a protective nature.
I think if you are not going to let him settle enough to know how he will react then you should not even consider him, if you are going to place him elsewhere in the future because he doesn't display this protective behavior, then do it now.
Not all dogs exhibit this, they love everybody.
Actually, I think it is not a good reason to get rid of a good dog.
Perhaps look into training for this purpose, but most dogs alert on their own.

Dogs don't need to be trained to guard. Attack dogs-- different story. It's natural instinct for a dog to protect his home and family. One of my dogs still doesn't bark--and she's going on 7, but I pitty the person who tries to enter my home with out consent.

I agree with the other posters, if he is not 100% what you are looking for, don't ruin his chances of finding his forever home.

That's def valid. andundett have you considered other typical guard dog breeds like rottweiler, doberman, or perhaps a type of mastiff (if you have the room)?


I don't think she's looking for a guard dog. I think she's looking for a dog that will protect her family, and that's another story.

If the OP is inexperienced, as she appears to be, I think any strong willed dog will be problem - rott, doberman, mastiff. They need strong leadership.

I happen to like GSDs. Have 1 right now who doesn't bark very often. At night she growls if something isn't right, doesn't bark unless I become alarmed. When you weigh (currently 138 pounds) you don't need to bark. You just need to show your face.

And that goes back to the rott, etc. discussion - my dog outweighs me by more than 30 pounds. I have to always be in charge (and be top dog), or she'd run all over me (literally).

She's very laid back, but anyone who would even try to put his/her hands on me would find out really fast that she's very protective. I've seen her ears go back when she never made a sound and I know something is amiss.

And any dog has to get used to its surroundings, figure out who its people are, what it's expected to do.

In this case I think this dog is set up to fail - it isn't a barker, maybe never will be. To take the dog with a "but" in the transaction and then return it is unfair all the way around, and I think that could happen.