When we think of having a furry friend for home protection, large dog breeds usually come across our minds. Their intimidating looks and commanding presence can easily scare away intruders. But what if I tell you some small dog breeds are also well suited for protection work?
Some small dogs are highly alert of their surroundings and make excellent watchdogs. They are incredibly loyal to their owners and exihibt a protective nature towards them. Terriers and some other little pooches are a good fit for this purpose.
Small watchdogs come with a wide range of personalities. Some of them are energetic and lively despite their small size. Others tend to be calm yet attentive. Many of them have excellent hearing abilities and make wonderful pets for apartment dwellers.
Here are 7 best small dog breeds for home protection and alertness.
Best Small Dog Breeds for Home Protection & Alertness
1. Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are courageous, spirited, and lively dogs. They are highly affectionate to their owners and approach their lives with plenty of terrier curiosity. With a small yet sturdy build, Australian Terriers make loving family pets.
Their alert nature and self assured personality, make them good watchdogs. According to the American Kennel Club, these devoted companions are adaptable to a variety of situations. Their high intelligence and natural protective instincts make them well suited for the role of home protection dogs.
Very similar to a Yorkshire Terrier in appearance, Australian Terriers love playing and have a natural desire to chase small critters. Despite their small size, these active dogs have high energy levels. So, they need regular exercise for stimulation.
Boredom can lead to destructive behaviors. Daily play sessions, whether indoors or out, is enough to keep these pooches happy.
2. Cairn Terrier
These little earthdogs were originally bred to hunt foxes in the rocky Scottish countryside. Curious, alert, and fearless, Cairn Terriers are compact dogs with unique qualities. Their eyes shine with intelligence and their short-legged body exudes strength.
Cairn Terriers are small enough to make wonderful cuddly buddies, but sturdy enough for a good romp in the yard. These traits, combined with their independent thinking ablity, make them ideal watchdogs for apartment dwellers.
These little pals thrive on human contact and bond deeply with their families. Cairn Terriers need moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They are smart, love their owners, and learn quickly, but may try to test your patience.
Early training and socialization is important to turn your Cairn Terrier into a well behaved pet. They love taking part in dog sports like agility, earthdog events, herding, and tracking.
3. Miniature Schnauzer
Smallest of all Schanuzers, Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and obedient dogs with sporty good looks. These sturdy little guys have a lively and spirited personality. Miniature Schanuzers are bright and friendly companions having an adaptable nature.
Their compact size make them well suited for apartment living. At the same time, they are tireless enough to patrol acres of farmland. Miniature Schnauzers are natural watchdogs, capable of alerting owners about potential intruders with their loud bark.
However, these wonderful little dogs have a tendency to bark excessively. This behavior can be overcome with proper training and socialization starting from an early age. These cute little guard dogs are family oriented and have natural protective instincts.
According to PetMD, they enjoy play as well as good snooze. Still, they need at least an hour of exercise a day for their physical and mental well being.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier is a spunky and sassy little fellow having a tomboyish personality. Under their glossy floor-length coat, beats the heart of a typcial fiesty, old-time terrier. Despite their small size, Yorkies have a big, bold, and fearless personality.
Their big-town attitude and hypoallergenic hair make them loved by all. Yorkies have been providing love, laugh, and companionship for years. They are watchful of their surroundings and are known for alerting owners when they sense something wrong.
These traits make them astonishing little watchdogs. Yorkies love to learn, play, and be part of the action. They are incredibly loyal and affectionate towards their owners and like spending time with their loved ones.
Yorkies were bred to control vermin and are hardwired to chase. They still enjoy cuddling on the couch and make loving lap dogs.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahua is a graceful, sassy, and charming toy dog. National symbol of Mexico, Chihuahuas are alert and amusing ‘purse dogs.’ Due to their small size, you can easily carry them along wherever you want. Chihuahuas love hanging out with their pet parents.
Chihuahuas have natural protective instincts or in other words, ‘built-in’ guard dog mentality due to which they tend to protect their people from strangers. Britannica explains that they are not outgoing with unfamiliar people.
They use their feisty and persistent bark to alert their owners about potential dangers. Chihuahuas make good watchdogs for home protection. They are well suited for homes with children who know how to handle a fragile dogs.
Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and eager to please canines, but can be a bit strong willed. They excel at canine sports like agility and obedience.
6. Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers are fun-loving and fearless toy dogs, known for a high-stepping ‘hackney gait.’ Having a big-dog personality, Min Pins make great security systems for your home. They are small yet bold, which means they will let everyone know when there is an intruder.
Their high-pitched noisy barks are probably better than any other alarm systems. Min Pins are naturally alert of their surroundings and make good watchdogs. They are super energetic as long as you give them daily walks and engage them in play sessions.
Min Pins are smart and love their families. They learn quickly but also have an independent streak, so they may try to test your limits. Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them a great choice for apartment dwellers.
7. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are described as territorial and feisty toy dogs. With a spirited and confident personality, they make wonderful watchdogs. They have natural protective instincts and tend to bark at strangers, making great protectors.
They were bred as hunting dogs and have still retained their instincts. These bold and clever canines enjoy brisk walks and upbeat play sessions. Scotties have a natural aloofness towards strangers. They can be stubborn and have an independent personality.
Scotties are affectionate towards trusted humans and love cuddling them. Their high intelligence also helps shape their personality. Scottish Terriers’ coat does not shed much and grows continuously instead. It needs special attention to stay in top notch condition.
Conclusion
Usually, large dogs make excellent guard dogs. However, some small dogs are also known to have natural protective instincts. They are incredibly loyal to their owners and form deep bonds with them. However, they do not like strangers.
They also have loud barks, which they yse to alert their owners. These trats make them excellent watchdogs. Many of these little guard dogs have fiesty and spirited nature. Their liveliness and playfulness make them excellent family pets.
