The watchdog is a dog there is wary of the unusual happening around them and they bark to alert about it. Here are 10 small dog breeds that make great watchdogs.
#1 – Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small breed of dog, weighing no more than 6 pounds, is native to Mexico. With the Short-Hair-Chihuahua version, they almost need no grooming and do not take much time for cleaning. Chihuahuas are loyal, intelligent and charming dogs. They are the ideal pet for families living in city apartments with busy lives already and with their small size, you can easily take them with you to go meet friends or even travel long days. In addition, Chihuahuas are also considered a watch dog because they tend to bark at strange objects or strange sounds.
#2 – West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terrier, also known as Westie, is a medium-sized terrier originating from Scotland. The Westie has a compact body, with longer legs than other Scottish terrier, and has a white double coat that fills the dog’s face with rough outer coat. And they are also a hypoallergenic dog breed. The Westie is a highly social, friendly, loyal, jolly, slightly curious dog and requires regular exercise. In addition, the Westie is very quick to bark any new sights or sounds, making them great watch dogs.
#3 – Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher, also known as Min Pin, is a small dog breed of the pinscher type that originated in Germany. The Miniature Pinscher is a sturdy, compact, well-balanced dog with smooth-coated and naturally well groomed. The Miniature Pinscher is an energetic, active, outgoing, alert, independent dog and they are also a good watch dog because they are alert at strangers.
#4 – Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, originating in the Scottish Highlands. Previously, this breed was used to hunt foxes or other small prey between the cairns in the Scottish highlands. The Cairn Terrier has a harsh weather-resistant outer coat that can be black, cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled in any of these colors. And a notable characteristic of Cairns is that brindled Cairns frequently change colour throughout their lifetimes. The Cairn Terrier is loyalty, cheerful, alert, independent dog and also a good watch dog with lots of close family contact.
#5 – Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the Schnauzer breeds of German origin. The Miniature Schnauzer has eyebrows and a beard that greatly impresses people at first sight. They are also breeds of thick, soft double coat, and sheds very minimally, hypoallergenic, as their other Schnauzer brothers. The Miniature Schnauzer is also a friendly, intelligent, alert, docile and easy to train dog. In addition, the Miniature Schnauzer is a good watchdog and they are notorious for barking so much for its instinct to protect its family members.
#6 – Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is a small breed of dog that weighs no more than 6 pounds. They are covered with thick curly hair, they shed very little, and are hypoallergenic. Toy Poodle is an intelligent, agile, obedient, and easy-to-train dog. The Toy Poodle is great companions, smart, docile that you can carry with them and also do not have to worry about shedding, or cause allergy to the people you meet. In addition, The Toy Poodle is also considered a good watch dog because they tend to bark sharply at the door.
#7 – Dachshund
The Dachshund is a very famous small breed and is called with many other names such as: Doxie, Weenie Dog, Wiener Dog, Sausage, Teckel, Dackel. Dachshunds are friendly, emotional, energetic, but stubborn dogs. They always tend to want to be touched, cuddled, sit on their owner lap. However, Dachshund can become excessive barking without proper training. Just a strange sound, or objects moving suddenly through them also makes Dachshund bark continuously. Well-trained Dachshunds will become great watch dogs.
#8 – Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a non-sporting dog breed originating in Tibet. In the past, they were bred as a watchdog in Buddhist monasteries. The Lhasa Apso is famous for a floor-length, flat-hanging coat, parted in the middle and draping each side of the body. Lhasa Apsos are intelligent, loyal, independent, comical dogs and they are also quite wary of strangers. In addition, The Lhasa Apso is a low-to-moderate energy dog and spends a lot of time sleeping.
#9 – Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is one of five breeds of terrier that originated in Scotland. They have short legs and a compact appearance. The Scottish Terrier is characterized by a longer coat on the beard, legs and lower body may be slightly softer than the body coat but should not be or appear fluffy. The Scottish Terrier is an intelligent, playful, confident, independent, alert dog and is considered an excellent watchdog.
#10 – Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is also known as the Chinese Lion Dog, a small breed originating from China. They have a straight, silky coat and this coat has minimal shedding, and Shih Tzu is also considered a dog that does not aggravate allergy symptoms. The Shih Tzu is affectionate, loyal, outgoing, playful, alert, and sometimes stubborn. Although Shih Tzu is also a dog that can sleep anytime, anywhere, the Shih Tzu is also an excellent watchdog because of its alert and active nature.
