When we think about a protective canine companion, breeds like German Shepherds and Rottweilers usually come across our minds. On the other hand, small dog breeds are usually associated with comfort and companionship.
However, some small dog breeds make adorable little watchdogs. They are quite alert and observant of their surroundings. These loving dogs are quite protective of their owners and form strong bonds with them.
They bark to inform their owners when they sense something unusual around them. Their courage, loyalty, and fearlessness are proof that these traits are not size-dependent. These fiercely loyal dogs make excellent guard dogs and family pets.
Have a look at the 7 best small dog breeds for a protective home companion.
Best Small Dog Breeds for a Protective Home Companion
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are sassy little dogs with a big personality. They are incredibly loyal to their pet parents and love hanging with them. Chihuahuas love being carried and are always up for warm snuggles. They exhibit a protective nature when it comes to their favorite humans.
Thanks to their built-in ‘guard dog’ mentality, they tend to protect their favorite people by barking at strangers. They have an uncanny ability to hear unfamiliar people and other dogs even before they are in your vicinity.
Their temperament makes them excellent watchdogs. Chihuahuas are intelligent and alert dogs, having an eager-to-please nature. These playful dogs have high energy levels, and they often think they are larger than they actually are, explains PetMD.
Despite their small size, Chihuahuas excel at various canine sports like obedience training. They need a firm yet gentle trainer.
2. Scottish Terrier
Having the personality of a grumpy old man, Scottish Terriers are known for their independent and confident personalities. These spirited and high-energy dogs are a bit territorial and make excellent protection dogs.
Their suspiciousness towards strangers makes them wonderful watchdogs, explains the American Kennel Club. Scottish Terriers are bold and clever dogs who love their humans. However, they have strong hunting instincts, which can complicate things for your neighbor’s cat.
Their dignified signature looks exudes pure charm. Scotties tend to bark at unfamiliar faces and have a strong-willed personality. This breed is a thinker and will not respond if they get bored. So, they do best with training sessions not lasting more than 15 minutes.
Scotties can be easily recognized by their wiry coat, signature beard, and longer hair around their legs and lower body. The coat does not shed much but requires specialized care.
3. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso is a smart and confident small dog breed that was originally bred as a watchdog for monasteries in the Himalayas. They are family comedians but tend to be aloof towards strangers. These hardy dogs can be easily recognized by their distinctive floor-length coat.
Lhasa Apsos are known for their frequent and loud barks, which they use to inform their owners. They have an alert nature and an independent streak. Early socialization and obedience training help turn them into well-behaved pets.
Positive reinforcement training using treats and toys works best for this breed. This small guard dog needs moderate exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. Lhasa Apsos excel at agility, scent work, and retrieving.
Their luxurious coat needs plenty of grooming to stay in top-notch condition. Regular brushing and bathing every two to four weeks help keep the coat healthy.
4. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terrier is a loyal and charming small dog, full of fun and highly affectionate. These energetic dogs were originally bred for poaching and have the personality of a typical terrier breed. According to Purina, they are quite courageous and make effective watchdogs.
Their gracefully shaped body provides them with great speed and endurance. They are energetic but not overly rambunctious and need regular exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. Proper training and socialization help bring the best out of your Bedlington Terrier.
They are immensely loyal to their owners and make great family dogs. Their coat requires regular grooming to keep looking beautiful. Despite their small size, they are better suited for experienced dog parents.
Bedlington Terriers get along nicely with children due to their gentle and playful demeanor. They are well-suited for apartment living.
5. Cairn Terrier
Alert and cheerful little buddies, Cairn Terriers were originally bred to root out foxes and other small prey. They are small enough for a lap top snuggle, but sturdy enough for a good romp on the lawn. These active and intelligent dogs make outclass watchdogs.
Cairn Terriers thrive on human companionship and make good family pets as long as they are getting proper outlets for their energy. These dogs tend to think independently and have a strong urge to chase every moving object.
Proper training and early socialization can help overcome this behavior. Cairn Terriers love their humans but may try to test their patience when it comes to training. They like digging, so never leave your Cairn Terrier in the backyard unsupervised.
Cairn Terriers need moderate daily exercise for stimulation and can adapt well to a variety of living situations. They excel at activities like obedience, agility, herding, tracking, and earth dog events.
6. Danish-Swedish Farmdog
Danish-Swedish Farmdog is one of the newest dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. These companion dogs love to work and enjoy taking on challenges. They have an alert nature and have been working as efficient little guard dogs for years.
Danish-Swedish Farmdog is full of energy and loves playing with its people. Bored and lonely pups can exhibit destructive behaviors like excessive barking. Proper training and socialization can help overcome this problem.
Danish-Swedish Farmdogs are impressively smart and trainable. They respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement-based training. Danish-Swedish Farmdogs enjoy activities like swimming, hiking, flyball, and agility.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate and sprightly dogs, having a big, bold, and fearless nature. These inquisitive and outgoing dogs love to explore things and make fine little watchdogs. Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin, so they are hardwired to chase.
This lively breed learns to play, learn, and be a part of action. It means they need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Their luxurious, silky coat resembles human hair and deserves similar attention.
Regular brushing and frequent bathing are needed to keep the coat in top-notch condition. Also, the coat is hypoallergenic, making them ideal pets for allergy sufferers.
Yorkies love companionship and are very intelligent and eager to please. Proper training and socialization can help turn them into well-behaved pets. They excel at activities like rally, agility, and obedience.
Conclusion
When we think of guard dogs, usually large dog breeds come to mind. However, some small dog breeds, such as the Chihuahua and Scottish Terrier, also make wonderful watchdogs. Despite their small size, they have an alert nature.
They are incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them. Their energy levels and personality make them well-suited for individuals looking for a little guard dog. Proper training and regular exercise help turn them into well-behaved pets.
