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Best Watch Dog Breeds

Which is the Best of the Watch Dog breeds? What makes some breeds better watch dogs than others?

A watch dog can be any size, because their main job is to be observant of what is going on in their immediate environment, and then relay their findings to you, the owner.

This means they must be alert, have a great sense of hearing, and sound the alarm if something just doesn't sound right to them.

The best watch dog breeds are those that know when to bark, usually when there is something novel in their range of sight and hearing. 

These dogs do not bark constantly, but have honed their discriminatory senses to alert you when they do sense something different.

Most all dogs will bark if excited at seeing something such as a squirrel or rabbit hoping across the grass.

Some breeds will alert you visitors some of the time.  The best watch dogs are those that are consistent in their efforts. 

Guard Dogs Vs. Watch Dogs

Are watch dog breeds protective?  It depends.  There are some great watch dogs that are also protective, but these are dogs that could do some serious damage if they did take matters into their own hands (err, I mean paws). 

Many protective breeds are also very independent and need extensive training to be a good protection or guard dog. Some of the natural characteristics you might see in a guard dog include:

Guard Dogs Are:

  • Territorial
  • Aggressive
  • Physical Strength
  • Courage
  • Ability to Work Independently
  • Loyalty to Family
  • Trainability
  • Wary of Strangers

Watch Dog Are:

  • Any size,  small breeds often make the best watch dogs
  • May or may not be wary of strangers
  • Good Sense of Hearing
  • Great Vocal Cords
  • Territorial

Good Watch Dog Breeds

There are many more dogs that could have been placed on this list.  If your great watch dog is not here, why not tell us why he should be listed. 

At the bottom of the page is a place where you can tell us what kind of dog you have and what his watch dog abilities are like.  Oh, and don't forget to upload a picture or two of your great watch dog.

AND, what if your breed is listed on this page?  We want to hear from you too.  Tell us all about you great watch dog and add a few photos too.

Affenpinscher

Loyal, Playful, Busy

Airedale Terrier

Good-natured, Loyal, Protective

American Eskimo Dog

Loyal, Independent, Loving

Boston Terrier

Affectionate, Loyal, Playful

Brussels Griffon

Sensitive, self-confident, bold

Cairn Terrier

Curious, Spirited, Cheerful

Chihuahua

Graceful, Mischievous, Alert

Dachshund

Energetic, Clownish, Teritorial

Fox Terrier

High energy, Friendly, Smart

Keeshond

Friendly, Confident, Adaptable

Manchester Terrier

Fast, Independent, Close Companion

Miniature Pinscher

Stubborn, Inquisitive, Spunky

Miniature Schnauzer

Friendly, Fearless, Energetic

Papillon

Gentle, Devoted, Happy

Pekingese

Aloof, Determined, Loyal

Poodle

Intelligent, Friendly, Happy

Scottish Terrier

Agile, Alert, Territorial

Shetland Sheepdog

Affectionate, Loyal, Obedient

Shiba Inu

Bold, Active, Determined

Shih Tzu

Friendly, Playful, Spunky

West Highland White Terrier

Tenacious, Happy, Friendly

Yorkshire Terrier

Domineering, Stubborn, Lively

Watch Dogs that are Also Guard Dogs

Akita

American Staffordshire Terrier

Anatolian Shepherd

Beauceron

Belgium Sheepdog

Belgium Tervuren

Black Russian Terrier

Boerboel

Bouvier des Flandres

Bullmastiff

Cane Corso

Doberman Pinscher

Dogue de Bordeaux

German Shepherd

Giant Schnauzer

Komondor

Kuvasz

Neapolitan Mastiff

Rottweiler

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Standard Schnauzer

Tibetan Mastiff

Weimaraner


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