After we got our little girl 12 years ago, we were also worried about a dog or a coyote coming out of no where to attack. I love hiking, walking and running, and the Yorkie, although a tuff little dog, just does not have the legs to keep up for miles, I decided (with my wife's permission) to get a larger breed that can do all of the outdoor stuff, and one who is also a guardian. I remembered when we were in Southern Italy, I say the best looking dog I had ever seen. Here, in the USA they are called the Cane Corso. Did my research, flew around to several breeders, and finally made my choice. He has been terrific. Very few dogs pull to us when out for a walk, but if they do, he gets in between us and them, but yet he is heavily socialized, off leash trained, and is just so gentle with the Yorkie Maxine it is not funny. She is the boss. My wife usually carries Maxine most of the walk, and we let he walk when she tells us she wants to get down. When she was young, we went for 3 mile walks and she loved it. Now, she prefers to be carried or ride in her carriage, but does walk several blocks.
Best deterrent is a large breed TRAINED dog. Second best is a Stroller of some type, If a dog comes flying at you, most likely you will not have time to grab the mace and spray accurately. JMHO.
The Yorkie believes that she is the guardian...she treats him, all 125 pounds like her son. |