One of the many reasons people enjoy having dogs around, is for a little extra protection. After all dogs can hear someone coming from much further away than we can. So choosing a breed that makes a good watchdog is a great option for many people. Another factor that plays a big role in one's decision-making is size.
As many don't want to or cannot house a large or giant breed. For this reason here we've listed "Top 10 Most Excellent Small Watchdogs" that are small in stature. But don't worry what they lack in physical size they make up for in personality.
Cairn Terrier Dog :
The Cairn Terrier is small but mighty, and is typically not recommended for the novice owner. They are very active and intelligent dogs that are particularly stubborn and will have no problem taking over your household that said. A well-trained Karen makes it outstanding active companion that will alert to anyone approaching his home (1).
Dachshund Dog :
Both the standards and miniature Dachshunds, make excellent watchdogs. They are alert, and stubborn, but our affectionate and about it towards their families. The breed is prone to resource guarding even their owners. So, it's important to remind them that alerting to unusual behavior is acceptable but aggression is not (2).
Miniature
Schnauzer Dog :
Miniature Schnauzers may be smaller than their standard and giant counterparts, but they are no less courageous. The breed was originally used as a ratting dog and has Terrier like personality. They make great watchdogs and take their job very seriously (3).
Schipperke Dog :
The Schipperke is a small Spitz type breed for Belgian. Originally used for sheep herding they are active, alert, and intelligent dogs, and getting past one without being noticed is nearly impossible. They are very strong-willed and are generally not recommended for first-time dog owners (4).
Tibetan Terrier Dog :
The Tibetan Terrier might look like a lazy lap dog. But it was actually bred to be a companion to Buddhist monks and watch dogs for their monasteries. They are deeply affectionate and loyal to their families, but assertive in wary of strangers. They have maintained the ability to be excellent watchdogs (5).
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Toy
Miniature Poodle Dog :
Both the toy and Miniature Poodle are listed here because their temperaments and watchdog capabilities are both excellent. The size difference is not huge to Toy’s being 10 inches tall, in Miniatures 10 to 15 inches tall. At the withers although the breed has a reputation of being stubborn and grouchy. They are actually all active and intelligent dogs that make great companions with the right training and exercise (6).
Scottish Terrier Dog :
Scottish Terrier maintains a true Terrier temperament, strong-willed, and confident. They are wonderful watchdogs and typically reserved towards strangers. That said they become very attached to their families and make great active companions (7).
Chihuahua Dog :
The Chihuahua is known for being a marker, but when properly trained the breed is actually an outstanding watchdog. Many Chihuahuas get away with yapping but they can learn to bark only when needed. It can be counted on to be dedicated alarms. Chihuahuas are generally very sweet and affectionate dogs that make great companions with the right training (8).
Miniature
Pinscher Dog :
The Miniature Pinscher might be a fraction of the size of the Doberman it resembles. But it is just as fearless, in fact many prefer. Miniature Pinschers as guard dogs because they are constantly active and alert. Assertive and independent this breed does best with experienced owners (9).
Lhasa
Apso Dog :
The Lhasa primary function was that of a household Sentinel guarding the homes of Tibetan nobility and Buddhist monasteries. Particularly in or near the sacred city of Lhasa, the large Tibetan Mastiffs guarded the monasteries entrances. But the keen hearing in sharp bark of the Lhasa Apso served to warm residents by acting like a burglar alarm if an intruder happened to get past the exterior guards (10).
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