Choosing a Dog suitable as a watchdog
Before choosing any dog to suit your lifestyle requirements you should read our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog to get an overall view of the many areas you should consider before making your final decision to get the right pet dog for you.

Dog breeds that make good watchdogs:-
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Good watchdogs are alert, intelligent dogs that raise the alarm by barking. Often small dogs they do not always make good guard dogs.

There are some basic areas that anyone, whatever their lifestyle requirements, should consider before making the choice of what type of dog would be most suitable.
These start with details about your lifestyle:- (Previous dog owners will probably have assessed these points already but their lifestyle and requirements may have changed).

Our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog contains a further, broader, range of information that you should consider before choosing any new pet dog.

How active are you, what are your energy levels? The activity levels of dog breeds will vary, many dogs require long walks and outside exercise (boredom and bad behaviour often result from lack of exercise}
What size of dog would suit your lifestyle:- (dogs fall into three size groupings- small, medium and large),
Is your accommodation and outside space sufficient for a large dog?
Are you able to handle a larger dog on walks?
Could you lift or carry a larger dog if necessary?
Small dogs can also be full of energy and busy dogs at home can cause all sorts of problems
How much time can you give to your pet dog. Apart from exercise, dogs could make other demands on your time.
Easy to train dogs obviously require less time spent on training.
Little or no grooming may be a factor.
Do you require a dog that likes playing or a more docile “lapdog”?
Noise levels…many dogs react to unfamiliar noises, some by barking or growling and others who may be more shy or reserved can become frightened. Extreme barking can obviously cause problems for you or your neighbours.
Will you need to leave your dog alone for short periods? (Doctor or hospital visits even social visits to “dog free” zones). Some dogs can cope with this, others, unless trained, find it difficult and can get bored.
Will the added cost of keeping a dog fit in with your lifestyle and circumstances?

Some suggestions for Dog Breeds will be good watchdogs.

Dog Breed

Airedale Terrier
Feisty and independent, can be affectionate and good with children and other animals if socialised with them from an early age. Good temperament with a possessive nature towards owner, which makes them good all-round family dogs

Bichon Frise -
Good natured small dogs that make excellent pets . Very attractive and distinctive with a predominately white coat and a pocket-sized appeal, they do not need particularly long walks and are just happy in big houses or small flats Good with children and other pets they make excellent gentle and loving companions.

Boston Terriers -
Small impressive looking dogs who often prefer the company of their owners to other dogs. Not demanding with a gentle demeanour. They are gentle and friendly dogs who are easily housetrained. Not requiring lots of exercise they are happy in big houses or small flats

Brussels Griffon

Cairn Terrier
The cairn is typical terrier; plucky, spirited, inquisitive, hardy, clever, stubborn and scrappy. It is responsive to its owner's wishes with a desire to please. It enjoys playing with children and is tough enough to withstand some rough friendly play. Not requiring lots of exercise they are happy in big houses or small flats

Chihuahua -
Alert, spirited, bold little dog that is also friendly and affectionate.Devoted to owners and usually good with children and other pets Chihuahuas have strong personalities and tend to bond with one adult. Their tiny size makes them easy to handle. They are easy to train, require little grooming and they are happy in big houses or small flats

Dachshund
Available as long or short haired varieties, Small but active little dogs. Friendly with family and other pets but can become a "one man dog". Playful, friendly, brave and fearless. They need little grooming and exercise and they are happy in big houses or small flats

Jack Russel Terrier
Small dogs but full of energy and character, Popular and well known they make ideal family pets but can also be used as a working dog. Affectionate and loyal is good with children especially if raised with them.

Maltese -
The Maltese is a tiny, docile breed that is extremely affectionate and loves to be pampered it is among the gentlest mannered of all little dogs, and its trust and responsiveness are appealing Easy to train, they love to play fetch and learn tricks. They do not shed but require regular brushing to keep their coats from matting. Like other non-shedding dogs, they are a good choice for allergy sufferers. A good pet in limited accommodation, the Maltese's exercise needs are minimal

Pinscher (Miniature)
Feisty, independent, brave, curious dogs that are constantly busy, Intelligent and easy to train, a good family dog easy to train and god with children and other animals

Schnauzer Miniature
Alert and playful enjoys human company. Intelligent they are reasonably easy to train good with children and other pets make good watchdogs

Norfolk Terrier
Norfolks are charming small, active teddy bears of dogs that are friendly and amusing companions.
Outgoing, fearless dogs that enjoy playing with children.

Norwich Terrier
Feisty but friendly little dogs, lots of energy and enjoys play. Good family pet who enjoys children and other pets if socialised early. Intelligent and easy to train.

Papillon -
A small pretty and lively dog ideal as a companion or as a loving easily socialised dog for families Its beautiful coat is prone to frequent shedding and needs to be combed at least daily. These dogs make wonderful lapdogs, and they are relatively quiet, compared to other small breeds.The breed is also relatively hardy.

Pomeranian -
These vivacious, extrovert little dogs will bring a smile to any face, although sometimes they can be noisy. They just love to snuggle up and nap in a person's lap. They usually prefer adults to children and get along well with other pets. They are intelligent, feisty dogs and have a low need for exercise. Despite having fluffy coats they do not need much grooming.

Poodle (Miniature) -
The miniature poodle is lively, amiable, playful, eager to please, responsive and obedient making it one of the most popular varieties of dog. Quite sensitive, tending to be devoted to one person, may be reserved with strangers. It is good with children, other pets and dogs. Some tend to bark a lot.

Poodle (Toy)
Good natured, affectionate and dependable dogs full of spirit but responsive. Highly intelligent making the easy to train. great family pets, good with children and other animals

Rottweiler
Bold, courageous and confident dogs they are calm ,affectionate and protective but often not very demonstrative even with their owners.Very intelligent and one of the easiest dogs to train, however this should be done from early age. Good with kids and other pets but can be very protective.

Fox Terrier
Loyal but independent dog that bonds with owner and family. Intelligent and moderately easy to train. Lively and full of energy with an alert and curious nature. Good with children and household pets but can be wary and aggressive with strange dogs.

West Highland Terrier
Very popular pets, active and playful they can sometimes be feisty and independent but they are also affectionate and loyal.
Alert dogs they make good watchdogs.
Affectionate and loyal towards owners and great with children if raised with them.
Friendly with strangers and other dogs if well socialised. .

Yorkshire Terrier -
Small but feisty, tenacious and courageous.
Popular dogs that are intelligent and easy to train, learning commands quickly .They love human companionship without being too clingy Good with children and strangers
Very affectionate and loyal. Their long coat can be trimmed to a shorter length for ease of maintenance. They do not shed and are good low-allergy dogs.

Affenpinscher Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier Brussels Griffon
Cairn Terrier Chihuahua
Chinese Crested Dachshund (Miniature)
Jack Russell Terrier Maltese
Miniature Pinscher Miniature Schnauzer
Norfolk Terrier Norwich Terrier
Papillon Pomeranian
Poodle (Toy & Miniature) Scottish Terrier
Silky Terrier Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier Yorkshire Terrier

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Dog breeds that make good watchdogs:- . Good watchdogs are alert, intelligent dogs that raise the alarm by barking. Often small dogs they do not always make good guard dogs.

How active are you, what are your energy levels? The activity levels of dog breeds will vary, many dogs require long walks and outside exercise (boredom and bad behaviour often result from lack of exercise}

How much time can you give to your pet dog. Apart from exercise, dogs could make other demands on your time. Easy to train dogs obviously require less time spent on training. Little or no grooming may be a factor. Do you require a dog that likes playing or a more docile “lapdog”?

Noise levels…many dogs react to unfamiliar noises, some by barking or growling and others who may be more shy or reserved can become frightened. Extreme barking can obviously cause problems for you or your neighbours.

Will you need to leave your dog alone for short periods? (Doctor or hospital visits even social visits to “dog free” zones). Some dogs can cope with this, others, unless trained, find it difficult and can get bored.

Will the added cost of keeping a dog fit in with your lifestyle and circumstances?

Some suggestions for Dog Breeds will be good watchdogs.

top of page

Dog breeds that make good watchdogs:-
.
Good watchdogs are alert, intelligent dogs that raise the alarm by barking. Often small dogs they do not always make good guard dogs.

How much time can you give to your pet dog. Apart from exercise, dogs could make other demands on your time.
Easy to train dogs obviously require less time spent on training.
Little or no grooming may be a factor.
Do you require a dog that likes playing or a more docile “lapdog”?