Best Watchdog Breeds

Even the most cuddly dog can, by nature, be considered a good watchdog. You see, some breeds inherently bark and make noise when they feel threatened or suspicious about something. A watchdog is great to have to help protect your house and alert you if, say, an intruder was trying to get into your home. If you’re thinking of what breed would be the best watchdog, keep reading…

First, it’s important to know the difference between a watchdog and a guard dog, is that a watchdog will typically not engage in a threat. That means they will not bite or attack, but rather just let out a warning with their bark.

Truth be told, whether you want one or not, you may end up with a watchdog because that’s just how certain breed interacts. For example, I have a hound/pitbull mix and he barks and barks when the doorbell rings or he hears something, but he definitely would just pee out of excitement and jump on a person.

So, if you’re looking for an almost guarantee way to keep your home safe, you may want to get a watchdog. Again, these breeds shouldn’t cause any harm to their threats, however, every dog is different.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is known to always be on alert and protect its owners. Now, because of this, the barking can become extreme. Luckily, this breed is easy to train, so you can train your dog to not bark at every passing noise. 

Boxer

Boxers are way more intimidating looking than they actually are, and aren’t known to have a violent streak. However, they do have incredible intuition and can understand intentions of those who come into your home.

Great Dane

Great Danes are incredibly gentle and shy creatures, with a bark that’s so frightening, it will scare any intruder. If you’re not use to dealing with a Great Dane’s bark and size, you will definitely be afraid. However, as owners, we know these pups are very timid.

Bullmastiff

Now, this is a breed that definitely has the ability to take down a grown person. However, when properly trained, its attention to detail and alertness will be shown through its bark, not its bite. Again, they are intimidating looking, but are super gentle creatures. 

Poodle

Don’t underestimate the size of a poodle. We all know that these small dogs can bark… a lot. Females tend to be more protective over their families. Again, the poodle is not known to be aggressive, and therefore makes it an ideal watchdog, not guard dog. 

Australian Cattle

Bearded Collie

This fluffy breed has some bark! While bearded collies are not good guard dogs, their intense bark will scare away many!

English Cocker Spaniel

This breed will definitely sound the alarm if needed. English Cocker Spaniels are barky and protective. 

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle

Flickr photo via Wendy Hodges

Very alert? Check! Weary of strangers? Check! Plus, the bark is sure to make anyone a little weary of entering.