Many people relish the idea of having a guard dog – a pet that should be large, strong, and fierce enough to be able to deter intruders or other potential sources of trouble. While some may think guard dogs are interchangeable with watchdogs, the latter usually only has one job: to alert their owners when they detect something unusual, such as an intruder. For that reason, the size of the dog doesn’t matter; alertness and the ability to bark loudly are important factors.
24/7 Tempo reviewed the report “Dogs and home insurance: what you need to know” from the U.K.-based insurance, utilities, finance, and automotive comparison site Confused.com, which ranked breeds based on a survey of over 200 dog obedience judges, to compile a list of the best watchdog breeds. Information on a breed’s personality attributes, typical size, and life expectancy came from the American Kennel Club.
Our list demonstrates that size is not crucial when it comes to being a good watchdog, as these breeds might be characterized as large, medium, and small, respectively. According to the report, the top three watchdogs are the Rottweiler, the German Shepherd, and the Scottish Terrier. The Rottweiler, which typically weighs between 80 and 135 pounds, does double duty in that it is also among the top three guard dogs. The German Shepherd, which weighs between 50 and 90 pounds, is also good at both tasks. (For whatever purposes, these are America’s most popular dogs this year.)
The Scottish Terrier, which typically weighs only a third as much as the German Shepherd, qualifies for the job of watchdog based on its confidence, persistence, and aloofness towards strangers. At No. 8 is the Chihuahua, which deserves special mention because of its size. It weighs no more than six pounds! However, according to the American Kennel Club, the Chihuahua has a huge personality and a terrier-like demeanor. (Here are the most popular tiny dog breeds in America.)
Here are the best watchdog breeds
10. Poodle
- Attributes: Active, proud, very smart
- Typical size: over 15 inches, 40-70 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-18 years
9. Airedale Terrier
- Attributes: Clever, friendly, courageous
- Typical size: 23 inches, 50-70 pounds
- Life expectancy: 11-14 years
8. Chihuahua
- Attributes: Charming, graceful, sassy
- Typical size: 5-8 inches, 6 pounds or less
- Life expectancy: 14-16 years
7. Cairn Terrier
- Attributes: Alert, cheerful, busy
- Typical size: 9.5-10 inches, 13-14 pounds
- Life expectancy: 13-15 years
6. Yorkshire Terrier
- Attributes: Affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish
- Typical size: 7-8 inches, 7 pounds
- Life expectancy: 11-15 years
5. Miniature Schnauzer
- Attributes: Friendly, smart, obedient
- Typical size: 12-14 inches, 11-20 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
4. West Highland White Terrier
- Attributes: Loyal, happy, entertaining
- Typical size: 10-11 inches, 15-20 pounds
- Life expectancy: 13-15 years
3. Scottish Terrier
- Attributes: Confident, independent, spirited
- Typical size: 10 inches, 18-22 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 years
2. German Shepherd
- Attributes: Confident, courageous, smart
- Typical size: 22-26 inches, 50-90 pounds
- Life expectancy: 7-10 years
1. Rottweiler
- Attributes: Loyal, loving, confident guardian
- Typical size: 22-27 inches, 80-135 pounds
- Life expectancy: 9-10 years