It's surprising where they can hide when they are very motivated.
A pair of dobies are hard to beat. Short haired dogs are a little easier to take care of.
When I was in K-9 we took our dogs home with us. Both of my dogs would sit and look out the door. They'd fire up when people would walk down the sidewalk in front of the house. Alot of the rats in the area would actually cross the street a few doors down from my house because they were afraid of the dog. And all the neighbors loved them.
The things I fear the most, the things which make me uneasy, are mean dogs and swords.
I was once in a gun shop and a customer and his wife were handling a quality reproduction sword. The guy turned to me and sort of jokingly drew the sword back. I told him politely but firmly that he made me nervous and to please not do that. As a matter of fact he scared the dickens out of me. The fact that the guy was a little weird probably contributed to the sensation.
I know most people probably don't share the same fears as me, but still I think that is one of the reasons I keep several swords, spears, and a dog for protection, as well as guns.