Some dog owners may underestimate their small dog breeds when it comes to personal protection and home security. While some tiny pups only serve as good lap dogs, others have an alert and watchful nature.
Such tiny fellas are highly observant of their surroundings and therefore make wonderful watchdogs. These loving pups are incredibly loyal to their humans and do not like strangers around them. Many small dog breeds are more vocal than large dog breeds.
They may not be capable of taking down an intruder, but they can timely inform you when someone’s coming. Their loud and boisterous barks make them think twice before entering your house. Thanks to their small size, these little guard dogs can adjust well in smaller spaces.
Here are the top 7 small dog breeds that make surprisingly good guard dogs.
Small Dog Breeds: Surprisingly Good Guard Dogs
1. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are small dogs hailing from Germany. Originally bred to exterminate vermin, today they make excellent guard dogs and wonderful family pets. Miniature Schnauzers are naturally wary of strangers and highly devoted to their family.
These highly affectionate dogs enjoy playtime with their humans and are no couch potatoes. They need at least an hour of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Their alertness and high intelligence make them well suited for the role of a watchdog.
Smallest of all Schnauzer breeds, Mini Schnauzers are quite adaptable canines. They get along nicely with other pets and children. However, these tenacious canines have a tendency to bark, according to Royal Canin. This behavior can be corrected with early socialization and proper training.
Despite their feisty personality, Miniature Schnauzers are incredibly loyal. They’ll happily snuggle with you as long as you let them.
2. Chihuahua
One of the smallest members of the dog world, Chihuahuas are bold, brave, and endlessly charming. They are known for having a ‘terrier-like’ tenacity and confidence. Chihuahuas often become strongly attached to one person in the family and can become hyper-protective of them.
Chis prefer spending most of their day in their owner’s lap if given a chance. They can kick up a ruckus when someone tries to enter your home, mentions Orvis. Therefore, these pint-sized pups make excellent family guard dogs.
Chihuahuas are smart dogs who pick up on new commands quickly, but can be a bit strong-willed. This can make house training a bit harder. They are fiercely loyal to their humans and thrive on attention. Chis are playful and energetic dogs who think of themselves as much larger dogs than they actually are.
Thanks to their small size, you can easily take them wherever you want. Fun activities for Chihuahuas include walks and indoor playtime.
3. Pomeranian
These petite dogs have been quite popular among dog lovers. Pomeranians are friendly, inquisitive, and full of life. They are affectionate dogs that form strong bonds with their humans. Poms are highly alert and attentive to their surroundings.
These traits, combined with their protective nature, make Pomeranians great guard dogs. Having said that, they can be defensive and snippy with young children. Proper training and early socialization help turn Pomeranians into well-mannered dogs.
While they make incredibly loyal lap dogs, Pomeranians have an independent nature. Sometimes, they prefer walking on the ground instead of being carried in your arms.
Do You Know? Pomeranians were originally developed as much larger dogs and were used for herding. Modern day Poms were obtained by reducing them in size through selective breeding.
Despite their small size, these Spitz dogs have large personalities and can develop ‘small dog syndrome’ if not guided properly.
4. Miniature Pinscher
Affectionately known as Min Pins, Miniature Pinschers are active, curious, and alert dogs hailing from Germany. These fearless dogs love to play and get your attention through their clownish antics. Miniature Pinschers are incredibly loyal and affectionate dogs.
They love to snuggle up on a sofa and stay close by your side all the time. Min Pins are highly alert to their surroundings and have natural protective instincts. They are often suspicious of strangers and make one of the wonderful protective dog breeds.
Min Pins are active and energetic dogs who need regular exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. Their smooth and shiny coats need very little grooming to keep looking good. They also enjoy canine sports like agility training, that exercise their minds and bodies.
Miniature Pinschers have an eager-to-please nature, and they learn new commands easily. However, Omlet mentions that they are independent and have their own mind which can make training a bit challenging.
5. Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Spaniels are active and alert little dogs. Affectionately known as Tibbies, these sturdy fellas thrive on human companionship and are incredibly loyal to their humans. However, they can be aloof towards strangers.
Tibetan Spaniels were originally bred as guardians, so they love to watch and bark at anything out of the ordinary, even if it’s just a mailman. That is why they make excellent protection dogs. Tibetan Spaniels have an independent nature, which can make training a bit challenging.
However, they have an eager-to-please nature and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training. Tibetan Spaniels have moderate energy levels and need daily exercise of half an hour to one hour every day to stay healthy and content.
Their long and beautiful coat needs only occasional grooming to keep looking good. However, fur behind the ears, on the tail, or under the armpits is prone to matting and needs more attention.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are energetic little dogs with a spunky and determined nature. They were originally bred to catch rats in textile mills, nit loved today as ultimate lap dogs. Yorkies are extremely affectionate and incredibly loving towards their humans.
Yorkshire Terriers are highly protective of their people and territory. They will bark loudly at anything and go to any length to inform you about the arrival of visitors. Thanks to these traits, Yorkies make great guard dogs.
These moderately energetic dogs require only a few daily walks and indoor play sessions for physical and mental stimulation. Yorkies are loved for their long and silky coat, which needs daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
7. Cairn Terrier
You may remember this breed as Toto, Dorothy’s spunky little companion from the movie, ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ These pups were originally bred as hardworking dogs with plenty of drive and stamina. Having a thick, weather-resistant coat, Cairn Terriers were bred to work in the harsh conditions of Scotland.
These loyal, friendly, and easygoing dogs possess a true terrier temperament. Cairn Terriers are tenacious, alert, and lively dogs who make wonderful little guard dogs. They are always up for some entertainment and have lots of energy to run and play.
The duty to protect their property is ingrained in their DNA since they have a history of patrolling farms. They have a courageous temperament and will never hesitate to bark when someone approaches the door.
Conclusion
When we think of small dog breeds, usually companions or lap dogs come to our minds. But you’ll be surprised to know that some bold and brave little pooches also make good guard dogs. Despite their small size, they are highly alert and observant of their surroundings.
These canines are incredibly loyal to their humans and form strong bonds with them, which leads to protective behavior. However, they are somewhat suspicious of strangers and bark to inform about someone’s arrival.
