| For hundreds of years, humans have employed dogs | | | | guardian and devoted companion. They do not have |
| to alert us to the presence of danger. Dogs are | | | | the biggest bark, but they always alert their family to |
| naturally protective, making them well-suited for the | | | | approaching strangers or unusual noises. |
| role of alerting their "pack" when something is awry. | | | | 4. Chihuahua: The Chihuahua may be small, but they |
| Guard dogs and watch dogs are not the same. A | | | | pack a huge bark. As if trying to make up for their |
| guard dog not only alerts the family to danger, it is | | | | small size, they bark vigorously and ensure you are |
| large and powerful enough to intimidate and subdue | | | | aware when someone is approaching your property. |
| an intruder. A watch dog will not usually attack; | | | | 5. Pekingese: The Pekingese's bark rivals that of the |
| instead, they will alert their owners anytime a | | | | Chihuahua. They are a regal toy breed with an |
| stranger approaches. | | | | incredibly enthusiastic bark. They enjoy being |
| A dog need not be especially large or aggressive to | | | | pampered, but take the job of alerting their family to |
| make a good watch dog. A strong bark is all it takes | | | | danger very seriously. |
| to alert the family to an approaching stranger. | | | | 6. Miniature Pinscher: Many people assume that the |
| Would-be intruders are often deterred just by | | | | Miniature Pinscher is a descendant of the Doberman |
| hearing the bark. Just about any dog that barks | | | | Pinscher. To the contrary, the Miniature Pinscher is |
| when something out of the ordinary is happening can | | | | the older of the two. They are a cross between |
| serve as a watch dog. However, there are some | | | | terrier and greyhound. The Miniature Pinscher is a |
| breeds that are renowned for their excellent watch | | | | very inquisitive breed and will always alert their owner |
| dog abilities. | | | | when a stranger is nearby. |
| 1. Boston Terrier: One of few truly American breeds, | | | | 7. Irish Setter: The Irish Setter is energetic, friendly |
| the Boston Terrier is compact, yet muscular. They | | | | and beautiful. While larger than some watch dogs, |
| are protective of their home and family while being | | | | they won't attack an intruder, but they are excellent |
| gentle and friendly at the same time. Boston Terriers | | | | at alerting you to potential danger. |
| have a strong bark that alerts their owner when a | | | | 8. Standard and Miniature Schnauzer: Both of these |
| stranger approaches. | | | | German breeds make great watch dogs. They are |
| 2. American Eskimo: The American Eskimo is a small | | | | not only protective, but intelligent and reliable as well. |
| to medium sized dog that descended from the | | | | 9. Schipperke: Nicknamed Skips, Schipperke |
| German "Spitz" line. They were bred for hundreds of | | | | (pronounced "skipper-kee") were bred to be hunters, |
| years as watch dogs. The Eskimo forms a close | | | | companions and watchdogs. They excel in all three |
| bond with family and has a strong distrust of | | | | areas. |
| strangers. They are excellent at watching over | | | | 10. Norwegian Elkhound: The ancestors of these |
| people and property. | | | | courageous watch dogs served with the Vikings. |
| 3. French Bulldog: The French Bulldog is a natural | | | | They are brave, bold and athletic. |