Well, I did tell you that some of these questions would make you laugh – poor Joey! If you just want something that barks get a rat dog. The little guys are just going to end up being collateral damage. I also don’t want anyone coming back on me saying “Ash, you said I’d be safe with one of the breeds on this list!”. However, you can provide these dogs with training so that they only bark at would-be intruders. Yes, you read that right. 3. The Dachshund comes by his aggressive nature honestly, having been bred to enter tunnels and thickets in search of vermin. These dogs are very dedicated to their work and families. I know, I know. These dogs are also excellent herders. So, this breed of dog, although even at 40 pounds would be considered more toward the “medium-size” classification, I think we can safely say that it’s near enough to the “small” end to qualify as one of the best small guard dogs for apartments. If you’re looking for a dog that will stand beside you no matter what, the Skye terrier is a good choice. This is not a breed that responds well to rough handling, and usually gets along better with older children who are less boisterous. Boxers are regarded as one of the best guard dogs because they are extremely protective of their family. The breed is believed to be descended from Chow Chows, and was originally used in China for hunting and boar fighting, as well as for fighting other dogs. Here are 5 small guard dog breeds: 1. Unless you’re an experienced dog owner, it’s generally best to leave training a dog of this breed up to the pros. #2 – Pug If you're after that, you'll need to go with a much larger canine. They are naturally suspicious of anything out of the ordinary, thus alerting you to any intruders on your property. With the exception of the Puli, there are no small dogs on the list. Also, make sure that you can see the parents of the puppy you’re considering, as well as the littermates. Beagles were bred as hunting dogs… The Chow Chow is solid and muscular, and in terms of genetics, the breed that’s closest to the wolf. They will alert you to pretty much anything it deems out of the ordinary, no matter how small the issue may be. They reach a weight of around 7 – 15 pounds. 22 Best Dog Christmas Gifts for 2020: Presents Your Pooch Will Love! But if you feel that you need more information we suggest the following books to learn more: Small Dogs, Big Hearts: A Guide to Caring for Your Little Dog, Revised Edition and Little Dogs: Training Your Pint-Sized Companion. A well-trained, properly socialized Shar Peil can definitely be one of the best small guard dogs for apartments. Better to go elsewhere, where the neighbors aren’t going to be alerted to the fact that something untoward is going on. They don't like things they are not used to. Well, yes. They’re highly alert to anything that seems out of the ordinary, and will let you know immediately if an intruder is on your property. With the ability to grow as tall as 24 inches in height, Thai Ridgebacks are on the higher end of the medium-sized breed spectrum. These dogs are on the bigger side of small, and although they’re never going to be as good a guard dog as, say, a Mastiff or a Rottweiler, they are very courageous, and might be able to put up a pretty good fight if you were in danger. You won’t. A watchdog is another thing entirely. With that being said, adequate training is essential. Like, in case I meet someone dangerous who isn’t, like, a nice romantic vampire? If I weren’t doing this list alphabetically, I would put the Chihuahua at the very bottom of my picks for best small guard dogs for apartments. There is a selection of great medium-sized breeds that do well in this regard. If you can control his barking, though, you’ll have a dog that’s very willing to protect you and your family. But my Chihuahua loves me, and would fight to the death to protect me; isn’t that worth something? Typically, the females are more aggressive than males. This is an old breed of dog that was originally used for hunting in the mountainous areas of Japan. Dogs have been used to guard humans throughout history. They are very loyal to their pack and not very trusting of strangers until they are properly introduced. This is why larger dogs with strong jaws are typically associated with being guard dogs. In the right hands, the Lhasa Apso can be a loyal, protective companion. The Bull Terrier is not good with other small pets, and needs an assertive owner. ... high intelligence and easy trainability combined with agility and strength make poodles and poodle mixes excellent small to medium guard dog breeds. 10 of the Tiniest Guard Dogs for ApartmentsPlease send to everyone the best videos1. In other words, you want a Mastiff, or a Rottweiler, or a Doberman, or some other type of large breed. In an attempt to answer this question, I turned, as I often do, to dog whisperer Cesar Millan. Properly trained and socialized, Boston Terriers can be very effective small to mid sized guard dogs. They tend to be a bit standoffish with strangers, so if you don’t welcome someone warmly into your home, neither will your Rott. Well, the toughest small dog is the Chihuahua, but he’s not going to be able to do much by virtue of protecting your mom. ), Extra Large Dog Houses for Great Danes (and other big breeds), How to Convince Your Parents to Get a Dog: 7 Benefits of Owning a Dog, Top 9 Best Pet Collar Cameras & Harness Cams for Your Dog, Top 9 Best Outdoor Dog Tie Outs and Stake Options, Dog Friendly Hair Dye: Best Practices to Safely Dye Your Dogs Fur, Top 8 Best Dog Waste Disposal Systems, (in & above ground), Top 7 Best Artificial Grasses for Dogs .. (or any other pets). Good small watchdogs are probably never going to disable an intruder, and realistically, someone desperate enough and bad enough to want to get into your home and take your stuff, or hurt you, is probably not going to be deterred by barking, but your average, garden-variety burglar might very well decide, upon hearing a yappy little dog, that it’s not worth the bother. 10. They can alert you and your family of any possible danger so that you have time to act appropriately. Australian Kelpie. As a result, they're naturally suspicious against outsiders or those who exhibit any ill-will toward their family. While that's certainly the case for many guard dogs out there, a dog's physical size isn't the only factor that determines whether or not they're capable of protecting their family. Mr. Millan suggests that there are 10 dog breeds that represent the very best when it comes to guard dogs, according to expert trainers. They can yip aggressively at small children who aren’t behaving interestingly enough and are very vocal when displeased. A Chihuahua will be very willing to protect you, though. If not, you’re probably just going to have to trust in the security guards – mom needs at least a ShibaInu for a guard dog, and preferably something even larger. I actually have a large dog. Chow Chows are extremely loyal, and often bond hard and fast to one person. This is quite simply because, as I’ve previously suggested, your best bet for a guard dog is a large breed. Guard dogs are strong, courageous, fearless and watchful. Despite their curly locks and overall silly appearance, the Spanish Water Dog is a great breed for guarding. For this reason, if you have other small animals (cats, for instance), you’ll need to introduce your Boston Terrier to your other pets at an early age, and supervise carefully. Bull Terrier. We go to great leng ths to help users better understand their dogs; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Are Bears Related to Dogs, or is the Resemblance Coincidental? The Bull Terrier is one of the best small guard dogs for apartments because of his background – these dogs were bred originally for pit sports. The Shepherd is still a good choice for a family guard dog, though, because of his intense loyalty and intelligence. Chihuahuas also have somewhat of a Napoleon's complex. Accordingly, the following breeds are among the most aggressive, toughest small dogs. Thai Ridgebacks were originally bred to be guard dogs. Airedale Terrier Image Credit: jarobike, Shutterstock. They can run fast, as they were originally bred as herding dogs. They'll go into any obstacle headfirst without giving it a second thought. When you look at a Pomeranian, it’s hard to take him seriously – he’s just a funny-looking, fluffy dog. Also, his distinctive bark will often warn away intruders, since Beagles often sound a lot bigger than they actually are. Shiba Inus are not good with other animals, but if properly exercised, trained and socialized, they can be among the best small guard dogs for apartments. Lhasas need to be treated with respect, and properly socialized. Briard. No, no and no. The Lhasa Apso breed has been known to serve as a guard dog in ancient Tibetan temples, these dogs look cute and adorable due to their small size and wavy fur coat, but they are quite intelligent and act as serious guard dogs. A guard dog is an animal that you can reasonably expect to take down someone who is breaking into your home or otherwise threatening you with bodily harm. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO. In this rating, there are smartest among the small dogs. You need to start training and socializing early on, and teach your Jack Russell to respect all family members. They can work all day long and still have enough fuel to play. They can also suffer from separation anxiety so it’s best to get a dog sitter if you plan to be away for more than a few hours. They have very muscular bodies and powerful jaws. Sometimes, in fact, Cocker Spaniels can be aggressive to the point of no return, and that’s not a good thing. If you would like a guard dog, but cannot manage or do not want one of the larger breeds in your home, these medium-sized dogs are some good choices. Can I trust him to protect me? With their tri-colored coats and playful attitudes, it's easy to mistake. If you’re considering a Cocker Spaniel, you should be very careful to buy only from a reputable breeder. Joey might protect you, if his love for you overcomes his fear of… well, just about everything. They get their name from their penchant for retrieving waterfowl. Although the Jack Russell is one of the best small guard dogs for apartments and other small spaces, a Jack Russell is not meant to be kept indoors day in and day out. The Shar Pei, sometimes referred to as the “Chinese Wrinkle Dog,” is a rare breed, not often seen outside dog shows. A well-trained Beagle will do his best to protect his family. Here they are, in alphabetical order. 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