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Notes -
If you were living through a societal breakdown/apocalypse (well, the kind that doesn't immediately kill you) and you had to pick a canine companion, what would you opt for?
It would definitely be a German shepherd for me. Loyal to a fault, smart and intimidating to strangers without being bloodthirsty. I miss mine a lot, but he had a good life and that's what counts. I'd expect a GSD would do a good job keeping you safe.
It certainly wouldn't be my lab, I tell you. An absolute lovable doofus who traded brains for brawn, turning out 50% larger than the average lab.
They were bred to hunt semi-independently, so they don't have the temperament for military/police work that German Shepherds and Malinois are prized for, but Rhodesian Ridgebacks are be another good breed in the "won't freak out and attack family or other non-threats like a pit bull might (I don't want to come across as overly anti-pit bull), but would protect family 95% as effectively as a pit bull" category.
Looking at a combination of size, strength, and controlled aggression, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are some of the most badass dogs I have met. But I wouldn't want to own one.
They're a great breed for households that can handle dogs in that size and energy range, but dogs in that size and energy range and/or with a hunter's prey-drive aren't for everyone.
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