Big, big dogs best security
Big, big dogs best security
Updating your home security system? Forget all that digital gadgetry and take
at look at a Leonberger or a Japanese Akita – theyre big, bold and theres not
a micro-chip in sight. Jeremy Hunt takes on some hefty canines
I HAD braced myself for something. Probably a collie that was poised to dash out like an Exocet missile and bark hysterically or even a territorial terrier ready to yap and snap at my heels – but I hadnt bargained for a lion-killer.
It wasnt just the size of this golden-coated canine hunk or even the deep growls that interspersed its deafening bark that scared the daylights out of me – it was knowing full well that it meant business.
I pinned myself against the wall of the farm-building as the dog hurled itself towards me. I was resigned to my fate… death by dog.
But the length of chain used to tether the brute had – thank goodness – been very carefully measured by the farmer. It was just short enough to halt the slobbering, growling jowls within a foot of me, but strong enough to restrain the heaving mass of the Rhodesian Ridgeback in full attack mode.
An angry Rhodesian Ridgeback is not a dog to be trifled with. The breed originated in Africa where it was bred as a lion-killer. In this case it wasnt too bothered if it ate a journalist instead of a lioness. After all this was a Lancashire farmyard near Oldham and not the Serengeti.
Even in these days of the multi-million pound industry that has grown up on the back of home security and property protection, theres still nothing quite as off-putting to the potential burglar as a large and daunting-looking dog.
Notice that I do not include the word aggressive in my description because in many cases its enough for a dog to look as though "he might" rather than actually know that "he would".
* Dogs all slept
When we were burgled some years ago the criminals had an easy time of it. They broke in, loaded their loot and left. We slept on… and so did the dogs… all five of them. Its the only time I wished that our Labradors had been Rottweilers or Dobermans. Perhaps the intruders would have had second thoughts or at least the noise from the dogs would have ensured that we would have been alerted.
Although sales of the latest alarm systems, surveillance cameras and electronic gates are booming most police officers will tell you that a "b****y big dog" is still hard to beat when it comes to keeping out crime.
You can wire-up the remotest farmhouse to the most sophisticated anti-thief gadgetry and even turn your home into Fort Knox but put 10 stone of four-legged unpredictability in the drive and most unwanted callers will think twice.
Farms are not the sole preserve of collies, terriers or the loyal retriever; in fact over the years Ive been "welcomed" by a host of breeds ranging from Scottish Terriers and Hungarian Viszlas and Ive even shared a kitchen sofa with two very large but very sleepy Great Danes.
But for those who are becoming more security conscious and who are considering a member of the canine corps to provide an effective deterrent, heres a word of advice – dont assume your choice is limited to a German Shepherd Dog or a Rottweiler.
For those who want the sort of dog that says "dont mess with me" but that turns into a veritable pussycat with his nearest and dearest, there are plenty of breeds to choose from.
* Imposing breeds
Recent years have seen many imposing breeds arrive in Britain from the Continent. Their stature and appearance make them ideal for the job of looking every inch the archetypal guard dog – when in fact most are good-natured and ideally suited to a country life-style where their size is an advantage and not a hindrance.
Take a look at the powerful Japanese Akita. This breed has become one of the glamour boys of the UK dog showing world but its formidable appearance is enough to deter even the most determined burglar. Nevertheless the Japanese love their Akitas; an inscription written beneath a statue of this imperious breed outside a Tokyo railway station is simply translated into "tender in heart and strong in strength".
Another big breed is the Leonberger, known as the "Gentle Lion". This big, thick-coated German breed stands up to 31in and can weigh as much as 11 stone. Leonberger breeders are adamant that this not a guard dog; but anyone who rated their chances against one may have other ideas. Theres a well known saying among Leonberger owners: "Ask any of us where our dogs sleep and we will tell you. Anywhere they like!"
Film-makers have often used Mastiff-type dogs to play the role of the "Hound of the Baskervilles" – even though a Mastiff is not a hound breed. Bull Mastiffs and Old English Mastiffs are two distinct heavyweights that are well established in the UK but there are two new arrivals – the Tibetan Mastiff and the Neapolitan Mastiff.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a good companion breed but is naturally protective of its owner and its home territory. Weighing around 10 stone and with a massive head of wrinkled skin, the Neapolitan Mastiff is truly impressive.
* Thick-coated
Weighing-in at around 12 stone is the Tibetan Mastiff. But this breed – which has a thick coat and is usually black and tan in colour – has a remarkable turn of speed (burglars please note). Despite their size they can reach up to 35mph. As pups they look like cuddly teddy bears – as adults they are powerful, can be aloof and independent and are strongly territorial.
And if this breeds looks arent enough it has a unique bark combining howling, growling and almost crowing. A real spine-chiller.
So if you want a burglar alarm you can cuddle up to, or even one that you take for a walk and talk to, try a dog or better still, try a very big dog.
Burglars beware! The Leonburger (left) and Japanese Akita.