Naturally I have to chime in with my Pit. Got him from the Pound, owner surrender, 1 yr old. No idea why he was surrendered, maybe puppyhood? He was afraid to go out of the fenced yard at first. I took him out to the barn, check fences, trees on a leash, until he got brave enough to go with me off leash. Now he goes out everywhere with me. No interest in chasing anything. Accompanies me on chores, then back to the house. Doesnt even chase the Canada geese at the pond. Enjoys a swim in the pond (or horse trough in summer), cleans up grain the horses drop. He barks at visitors but understands when its OK. And yes, he was fierce that time I needed him to be. Mostly he’s my sweet boy that loves naps. He’s crazy about my grandbabies, currently in love with the 3 month old. I want another Pit for a companion for him. He stays in the house all day while I work.
It doesn’t sound like you have a passion for wanting a dog, in which case don’t even go there. For guarding a small holding like you have, a donkey will do it, plus be a much better companion animal than goats or sheep. These animals need very specific care, as well, so I would learn about them and get them because you like them not because they would be companion animals. They aren’t very good companion animals for a horse. A donkey is.
As for a dog, when you have a passion and want a dog for yourself, do your research and get one for you, in the house. If you allow it out of the house without you, you will need to make sure its a dog you can contain on your property. I had a friend with a Kuvash which is a similar great pyrenees, and the electric collar was completely useless on the dog. She never even acknowleged it. Make sure its a dog you can contain and keep leashed and one you want for yourself.
We have a GSD/pitt bull mix who we have had since she was a puppy (10 weeks old). She is INCREDIBLY protective of our house and very limited surrounding property (i.e: the porch, front yard and back yard LOL). I think the protective nature comes from the GSD part of her. She’s also super friendly once she realizes that whoever is “invading” her home is OK.
If I were you I’d look into adopting a dog from the shelter. It sounds like you mostly want something that will deter unwanted guests away from your property. IME, it seems like any medium - large breed type dog might do the trick. I’ve heard Anatolian Shepards and GP can be quirky, so if you don’t absolutely need that breed for a specific job, it might be best to steer clear.
