>Why do people think they need tough dogs? What are they compensating for? Why not get a good, perfectly harmless dog instead?<
Some folks need a big dog to act as a deterrent to those with bad intentions, be they 2 footed or 4 footed. They are compensating for not having the dog’s far better sense of smell and more acute hearing and its protective nature for instance. My shepherds are a huge comfort to my daughter and to me. They also discourage predators like raccoons and coyotes.
Why do you care if others desire a dog with more ability to deter than your little spaniel? A large dog can give you time to get to a firearm if you are threatened, and will, in most cases, make an intruder think twice before invading your home.
My shepherds are perfectly willing to leave you in peace if you are welcomed into my home. They are never allowed to roam and have passed temperament and obedience tests.
‘Some folks need a big dog to act as a deterrent to those with bad intentions, be they 2 footed or 4 footed.”
You mean like men who’d like to meet some woman offline and beat her up?
I can see that, sure....LOL