Watch Dogs
If you are looking for a watch dog, make sure you understand the difference between guard dogs and watch dogs. Whereas watch dogs will alert you to strangers on your property, guard dogs will actually take care of the problem.
The ideal watch dog is smart, loyal, and vocal. Because you are not relying on a watch dog to chase down or attack strangers, the size of the dog is irrelevant. Rather, you need a dog who will alert you to the presence of threats to your person or property so you can take steps to ward off a potential attack.
If you live with a watch dog, you must commit to spending the time it takes to train him. A dog who barks at everything is not a watch dog; he is merely a nuisance. Your dog must be able to distinguish between normal noises and threatening noises, not an easy skill to teach.
Some of the best breeds for watch dogs are those that are reasonably laid back, but able to spring into service at the first sign of danger.
Breed Guides: Select a breed below
Airedale Terrier
Boston Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Chihuahua
Dachshund
Doberman Pinscher
Fox Terrier (Smooth)
Fox Terrier (Wire) German Shepherd Dog
Lhasa Apso
Miniature Poodle
Miniature Schnauzer
Pomeranian
Poodle Miniature
Rottweiler
Schnauzer Miniature
Schnauzer Standard
Scottish Terrier
Shetland Sheepdog
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier
Standard Poodle
Toy Poodle
West Highland White Terrier
Wirehaired Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
Zwergspitz (Pomeranian)
Zwergteckel (Dachshund)
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