Which farm dog is best: Caucasian Ovcharka or Tibetan Mastiff?

That answer is going to depend more on the individual dog's temperament and socialization- reaching out to breeders in your area is a good idea to see what early socialization they do, if the litters are raised with other animals/dogs, etc. Any puppy, if socialized well enough, should be OK to get along with your current pets. Most active working guardian dogs also spend most of their time with the flock than with other dogs (unless they are also guarding), but the key is to lots and lots of socialization early on so that your guard dog recognizes your pets as "friend".

There is no agreed-upon consensus in the dog world as to which one, single breed is "best" at this - so I'm afraid it's not really possible to give you this kind of answer :) Much also has to do with the particular breeding lines you get your dog from, as well as the way the puppy is raised and trained. A Caucasian shepherd would be a very reasonable breed choice for a guard or protection dog, so if this breed appeals to you, go for it! Depending on your lifestyle and specific needs, you could also consider a Great Pyrenees or German Shepherd. If it's important to you that the dog be a good protection dog, I would also strongly recommend seeking training from a professional in your area to ensure that the dog understands what you want.

I recommend a Great Pyrenees or other livestock guardian dog. They learn the farm boundaries and the animals and people in the household and stay around to protect everything. They are gentle and prefer to live outside. They will become protective if one of their ‘family’ is in danger only. Many breeds, as you are aware, are more hunting oriented and will take off and follow a scent or go exploring when they want. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

I would look into a guardian or herding breed such as a Great Pyrenees or other type of shepherd. Often, these dogs are bred to spend their entire time guarding flocks with little human interaction, and do well living outdoors among the herd. Speaking with local breeders in your area that raising working stock may help you get a better idea about these dogs and see if they are right for you.

For purposes of looking after children, the first breed to come to mind is Great Pyrenees. They are flock guardian dogs, are known to be loyal and protective, and are large and robust enough to live outdoors if given proper shelter. As a thick-coated breed, they do require regular brushing and grooming to keep from getting matted. German Shepherd/Alsatians are also excellent family dogs, very loyal and protective and highly intelligent. Bernese Mountain Dogs are loyal, confident and intelligent. Rottweilers are also a good breed as they are very loyal and protective. Some people are put off by their reputation but they are a product of their environment, as is any dog. As long as the children are taught to respect and properly treat a dog, there is no need to worry.

I do not recommend a Rottweiler or Bullmastif for a first time dog owner. These are very strong willed dogs, and are not ones that should ever be owned by someone who has no experience with dogs. A great family friendly dog is a Golden Retriever. While they aren't a guarding breed, you need to know that the typical guarding breeds are not suitable at all for first time owners. They can be aggressive if not trained and handled correctly, and that is not safe at all for your kids. A Golden Retriever is very smart, friendly to the family, but they do bark and can look after a family. I also don't recommend keeping a dog outdoors all the time. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

I would choose a Doberman, although I may be biased since I currently own one. Any dog you choose should be introduced to your pack before a final decision is made. If well trained, either will not attack dog or human without being given the command.