Getting a large vicious dog is probably mistake #17 or 18. I have a little Pug that stays in the house. You absolutely cannot come on my property and get close to my house without her alerting me to that fact. That's all I need. She doesn't eat a lot and I have over a years worth of food for her.
As noted in Survial Blog small dogs have a lot in their favor.
1. The small dog (with regular walks) can live happily enough in an apartment. He'll provide a vocal deterrent to intruders, which is often encouragement enough to find a different target. Conversely, large dogs and apartments do not mix well...
2. Small dogs are easier to train than you think. The key to all canine interaction is establishing dominance. The smaller the dog, the easier this is.
3. The small dog will eat and drink next to nothing. This is clearly a massive pro if you're hitting the road after all hell breaks loose.
4. The small dog can be carried easily. In your backpack no less. Imagine your 60+ pound Doberman has gone lame after walking 20 miles on asphalt. Enough said...
5. In a world of guns and gangs it's foolish to think that an attack breed dog will even the odds. On the contrary, that scary dog is more likely to spark the firefight that will end your life.
Oh yeah....Every knows the vicious barking sound of little yappers.....That'll scare them away fer sure....
The small dog can be carried easily. In your backpack no less.
:o
Hey, get one of those big bad dog recordings, and tape it to your Chihuahua.