9 Alert Small Dog Breeds That Make Great Watchdogs

Sometimes happiness comes in small packages. These small dogs are often overlooked because of their size, but despite their small size, they come with fun-loving and bigger personalities. If you are looking for a dog who is of the perfect size to fit your lap and alert enough to protect you from intruders, these little pups are here for you.

Ever wonder what’s the best thing about owning a small dog breed? Well, you can carry them everywhere with you. Whether you are going to the mall, hospital, or traveling to another country, these small dogs can easily come with you and provide you required services. Wait no longer, keep reading this article and find a perfect dog for you.

Alert Small Dog Breeds

Is it true that small dogs have bigger personalities? Let’s find out!

1. Yorkshire Terriers

Often known as “Tomboy Toy,” Yorkshire terriers are one of the AKC’s most popular dog breeds. These tiny little dogs make everyone their best friend. You cannot stop yourself from petting them due to their lovable and affectionate nature

They are perfect lap dogs full of energy, and they thrive on good quality food. They are excessive barkers and have no hesitation in barking at whoever and whatever seems to be approaching their area. According to PetMD, they are a good choice for those who have dog allergies, thanks to their hypoallergenic coat, making them a suitable service animal, as they are very low shedders.

They tend to be great alert dogs, as per Service dog certification, they can be trained as service dogs to detect epileptic seizures and subtle changes in a diabetic’s glucose level, alerting their owners to take immediate action.

Furthermore, their sense of hearing and intuition can also help people with hearing impairments, anxiety disorders.

Advantages of the Yorkshire Terrier

• They are intelligent and can be trained easily.

• They only need moderate exercise.

• They can easily be picked up and are suitable for homes of any size, including apartments.

• Alert owners to important sounds and alarms.

2. Chihuahua

The world’s smallest dogs, Chihuahuas, are surprisingly affectionate and alert dogs despite their small stature. With huge personalities, these small dogs were originally bred to thrive in Mexico’s warm temperatures.

As per AKC, they are quick learners and respond well to positive training methods. There are 2 types of Chihuahua service dogs, one that can help an impaired individual to cross a street or pick up items for someone who is unable to reach things from the floor. The other is a therapy dog that can provide comfort and emotional support.

They have a strong sense of hearing and alertness, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They have the ability to perform deep pressure therapy, alerting to anxiety, and can immediately notice the symptoms of a person entering a seizure. They also remind their owner to take medicines on time if trained well.

Advantages Of Chihuahua

• They need less exercise.

• They are easily trained.

• They can adjust well in small places and apartment life.

• Their coats don’t require regular grooming, making them low-maintenance dogs.

3. Pomeranian

These fluffy foxy faces with big round eyes can steal your heart in a second. Known for their eagerness to please and intelligence, they pick up commands very quickly. Despite their small size, according to Pet Plan, they require plenty of exercise and indoor playtime to keep them healthy and fit.

These small dog breeds can be trained for different tasks, such as alerting their owners to medical issues like low blood sugar levels, seizures, and other medical emergencies. They are great for the hearing-impaired and deaf. This small breed loves to explore new things.

Advantages of the Pomeranian

• They can comfort people with psychiatric disorders such as autism and social anxiety disorders.

• They are very smart and easy to train.

• They require less food, but are healthy and strong to perform the required tasks.

• You can easily carry them to places where large dogs are not allowed.

4. Miniature Pinscher

Famous as the “king of toys,” this small dog is a strong and active breed. They have the attitude of a big dog. Miniature Pinschers have high mental stimulation and physical needs. As per Britannica, they are best known for their hackney gait, a high-stepping prance that resembles a horse’s trot, which is not found in other breeds.

These small breeds are not easy-going lap dogs, instead, they are extremely bold, fearless, and independent dogs. They are always ready to alert you to anything that seems fishy to them. They are an excellent choice as an emotional support pet.

Due to their hunting background, they will always protect you from potential threats. Despite being truly devoted to their owners, they can often have problems with other dogs without proper socialization.

Advantages of Miniature Pinscher

• They eat all types of quality dog food happily, whether it’s prepared at home or manufactured commercially.

• They are highly social, playful animals and affectionate towards children and family members.

• They don’t require extensive grooming due to their short-haired coat.

• They are brave and fearless dogs.

5. Papillon

These happy, adorable dogs with ears like butterflies will grab your attention at first glance. Generally friendly and energetic, they love to spend time in their owners’ laps. They are extremely sociable from a young age, so if you have any other pets such as cats or other dogs, you don’t have to worry.

Not only are they cute, but they are also super intelligent dogs. They tend to learn all the basic things and commands, and tricks very quickly. They require high-quality dog food to stay healthy.

According to Papillon Club, their natural alertness makes them an excellent choice as hearing dogs. They don’t bark much, but they can alert you. They don’t hesitate to bark at strangers approaching the house or unfamiliar noises outdoors.

Advantages of having a Papillon

• They are happy and outgoing dogs who love to socialize with other dogs and cats.

• They have the ability to track their owners’ moods and can be good therapy dogs.

• They do not bark much.

• They can easily adjust to small spaces, including apartments.

6. Toy Fox Terrier

Smaller in size but bigger in personality, these dogs have a muscular body with erect ears and dark brown, round eyes. They are full of energy and natural athletes; they need regular exercise to keep themselves in shape and fit.

These little dogs can easily get bored, so it’s important to keep them busy in interesting games and activities. They are always aware of their surrounding, so if they find anything unusual, they will alert you immediately.

They are extremely loyal watchdogs, so be careful, as your neighbors can get a little frustrated from their barking. Toy Fox Terriers make excellent candidates for small service dog thanks to their intelligence, alertness, and strong trainability. Their cheerful temperament and eagerness to please enhance their suitability for tasks such as seizure alert work or serving as hearing dogs for the deaf. Their adaptability and keen awareness make them a valuable companion in supportive roles.

Advantages of Toy Fox Terrier

• They are super friendly, spirited, and affectionate dogs

• They require minimal grooming.

• They are intelligent and energetic

7. Rat Terrier

Rat Terrier popularity has been increasing in the United States recently. With pointy ears and sharp features, these dogs stand out among the most intelligent dog breeds. They can perform well in many different tasks, such as watching over the farm and helping people with disabilities.

Despite their calm nature, they are incredibly energetic and require lots of energetic and fun activities to keep them active and healthy. They can be a great small-breed service dog breed for farmers as they are capable of hunting rats on the farm. Additionally, due to their emotional and sensitive nature, they make great Psychiatric service dogs.

Advantages of Rat Terrier

• They are extremely loyal and will do anything to protect their owner.

• They require minimal grooming.

• They can adjust to any environment, such as the city, the suburbs, and the countryside.

8. Maltese

Best known for their silky white coat, Maltese are friendly and alert dogs who love the company of people. Despite being tiny in size, they have many qualities of good service dogs. They are always aware of their surroundings and can easily detect if there is something wrong with their owner’s behavior or health condition.

This dog breed is popular among many famous stars, such as the late Elizabeth Taylor loved and took her dog everywhere with her. Moreover, they have been originally bred for centuries to be companion animals.

They are the best choice for people who struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, and developmental disorders. They have great skills to perform deep pressure therapy, which helps relieve pain and stress and helps you overcome an emotional overload.

Advantages of Maltese

• They don’t require an excessive amount of exercise.

• They are very smart and learn things quickly, which makes their training easy.

• They are healthy dogs with not many complications.

9. Miniature Schnauzer

With a mustache and big human-like eyes, these feisty alert dogs want to know everything around them. They were bred from schnauzer, Affenpinscher, and poodle. This unique combination makes their personality different from other dogs.

Don’t worry about their long fur, their coat doesn’t shed much, making them hypoallergenic. These smart dogs do incredibly well in canine dog sports such as agility, obedience, and rally.

Their nosy nature makes them great watchdogs. They are always in alert mode, ready to bark if something seems off. They also make excellent Diabetic Alert Dogs will alert you if your sugar level is dropping, and PTSD Service Dogs.

Advantages of the Miniature Schnauzer 

• They are excellent watchdogs, their alert nature will always protect you.

• They don’t shed much

• They are perfect for apartment living.

Wrapping it up!

Yes, these small dogs can be of big help sometimes. These service dogs with an alert nature and a high intelligence level are there for you as seizure alert dogs, hearing dogs, and great companions. Including these small service dogs, many other large breeds also have such abilities, for example, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and many more.