"Michael A. Ball" wrote in message
...
On 1 Jan 2007 18:21:27 -0800,
wrote:

Good grief.

With the exception of the Mastiff/Great Dane recommendation, what was
the point of most of those other replies?...

Relax. Some folks were merely trying to add a bit of levity. Its not
easy to give an objective answer to your question. No one here knows
you. You might be a bit anti social--which is probably okay with most
folks here. However, you also seem very easily riled, and I don't think
dogs should be around such folks.

Do you happen to have one of those "Beware of Dog" signs on your gate or
near the door bell? That sign wouldn't slow me down much, but your
"Please, ring bell" sign would probably stop me. If the doorbell failed,
and I truly needed to speak with you, your dog's appearance--including
teeth--would probably not stop me.

I see that the folks you're most interesting in repelling are, let's
say, average; which means they are more of an annoyance than a threat.
Size and shape will repel most folks; however, little yappers, which
serve as "alerters" or alarms, would probably be best for you. A nervous
Chihuahua or a territorial terrier should work well for you.

From observation, dogs with dark, preferably black, muzzles are more
intimidating that dogs with white or blond muzzles. A dog with dark eyes
and a dark muzzle works great because their face is hard to read. Hair
over the eyes can work.


I think perhaps my dog Muttley may fit the image of a scary dog, and he has
backed that up (unfortunately) with inappropriate use of his teeth. You can
read more about him and see what he looks like at
www.smart.net/~pstech/MuttleyStory.htm. It is possible that he had been
bred by drug dealers to have the characteristics of other dogs thought of
as intimidating or scary: German Shepherd, Chow, Boxer, and Pit Bull. He is
a solid, powerful 75 lb or so, and has a large head with a black mask, and
brown eyes. He was a rescue from a bad neighborhood in Baltimore, and he
was an Alpha pack master of 3 other dogs including a black Lab and a
Rotweiler.

He is not really a terribly dangerous or aggressive dog, but he has shown
some very serious dog aggression, and he did bite someone after he was
unintentionally provoked. He has calmed down a lot since I got him nearly a
year ago, and he has met many new people without problems. However, he is
initially a bit fearful, and is usually somewhat aloof, even with me. In
that behavior he seems almost a bit wolf-like, as I noticed with a friend's
half-wolf. He was a nice animal, but his rather cold and distant, almost
feral, stare was slightly intimidating and commanded respect.

If you really want a dog that might scare people to keep their distance, I
would suggest checking with Animal Control, shelters, and Humane Societies
for dogs who have not had good luck being homed. Look for a dog that is
large, obviously powerful, and somewhat wolf-like in size and demeanor. You
don't want a truly dangerous dog, but one who is initially wary of you is
likely to scare off a stranger. You don't want a dog that instantly takes
to you and acts goofy and subservient. Such a dog might make a wonderful
pet but will not be what you want. The only problem I see with a dog like
Muttley is that he may be very aggressive toward your other dog, and it
could get ugly if he wants to assert dominance.

I'm really a novice with dogs, and have been criticised a lot here, but I
think I have done a good job with Muttley and he is now family. And the
only thing I fear when walking him at night is that he could get loose and
cause injury to someone or another pet, so I must take precautions and will
need to work with him and probably a good trainer or behaviorist.

Good luck,

Paul and Muttley.