Good Dog Breeds for a Watchdog

A guard dog is not the same thing as a watch dog. A watch dog barks, alerting his owners that someone is approaching or on the premises. A chihuahua, as small as it is, makes a good watch dog because chihuahuas bark a lot. On the other hand, a guard dog is capable of harming an intruder, which a watch dog doesn't necessarily do but could. A guard dog is trained to attack or restrain an intruder whereas a watch dog is a natural barker and protective of his family.

  1. Dobermans

    • Doberman pinschers are good watch dogs and are often guard dogs as well.

      The best watch dogs are barkers. They sound the alarm. Excellent watch dogs include the doberman pinscher, which is an excellent watch dog as well as a guard dog because he is loyal and obedient to his family. Female dobermans are more protective of their human family than are males, while males may be smarter at figuring out a solution to a problem. Dobermans run fast and can cover a lot of territory.

    German Shepherd

    • The German shepherd is another good watch dog. German shepherds are aloof and not easily befriended. If someone approaches your house and the dog doesn't know them, he will inform you of their approach. German shepherds are often used as police dogs because they can be trained well and have a great sense of smell.

    Miniature Schnauzer

    • Consider getting a miniature schnauzer if you are in the market for a watch dog. Schnauzers are quite vocal and adept at barking. A schnauzer will avoid new people until his owner shows him that it's okay to accept them.

    Scottish Terrier and Westies

    • The Scottish terrier also fits the bills as do West Highland white terriers. The Scottish terrier is the ideal watch dog because it's vigilant. Although small, this is a powerful dog and can become aggressive if he thinks his owner in his trouble. The West Highland white terrier is a noisy dog. He will alert you of anyone in the vicinity.

    Airedale

    • Airedale terriers are excellent watch dogs. This terrier is an alpha dog and doesn't like someone coming into his territory. He will bark to announce visitors and let them know who's the boss. This terrier is smart and devoted to his family. The dog can provide a high level of protection to your family because he is not open to new people.

    Not Good Watch Dogs

    • Dogs that do not make good watch dogs because they aren't likely to bark include the Alaskan malamute, Siberian husky, bulldog, basset hound, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, blood hound, climber spaniels, Scottish deer hound, pug and Irish wolfhound.