[LeloPaul]

I've been thinking about adopting a dog for a long time. My home was recently burglarized, so I've decided now is the perfect time to adopt a furry companion that will also act as a watchdog while I'm away. Does anyone have any recommendations as to what breeds make good watchdogs?

I'd like a medium to large dog who will bark when people come to the door...but who is actually a big, loveable softy.

Thanks for your help!

[Lunareclipse]

Sounds like you want a saint bernard. Mine wouldn't even think about biting anyone, yet they scare the living daylights out of anyone that comes to the door for the first time. They have really nice barks. They also lay in front of the front and back doors so nobody could get in the house if they wanted to.

[lange]

I think St Bernard's would fall under the XX-large category. LOL Part Chihuahua...the irony.


There's a lot of breeds who fit that description since most breeds do bark when someone comes to the door (maybe not my Akita though! I may have trained her too well when it comes to our front door).

Aside from Akitas, I really like German Shepherds as watch dogs & they're good family dogs if raised well but many other dogs might fit better for you.

You should list the top 10 most important traits you want or don't want in a dog, then go off that. Most dogs are territorial and will at least bark at the door if you don't train it out of them so research the breeds that seem to suit your lifestyle the best then pick the more vocal one.

Dog Owner's Guide: Breed Selection

Dog Breed Info Center®, DBI

[akismaster]

A boxer dog would be good. But you need to walk them everyday to release their energy. Or else, they can be a destructive dog.

Another good dog would be a german shepherd they are old reliable dogs that's very good at guarding your house but not as powerful as rottweilers.

[nattiej1976]

Most dogs will sound the alarm when someone is around their home regardless of breed.
You could do one of two things, visit a shelter and see if there is an adoptable dog that meets your needs nature wise, you will very likely be able to pick the dogs that will make their presence known when you first turn up.
Alternatively have a think about other traits and characteristics you are after and between us all we may be able to suggest some appropriate breeds for your family to then pursue with good breeders.
At first thought labs, golden retrievers or even standard poodle pop into my head, they are all alert breeds and generally would warn a household to someone moving around their home, but are generally very well rounded in nature and sociable. But those 3 suggestions are only the tip of the iceberg. There are soooo many other breeds that could offer you everything you want or need.

[Lunareclipse]

I may be a bit biased, but I still think he should get a saint bernard. They sleep, bark at strange people if they have the energy and they think they are cute little lapdogs.

[lange]

Originally Posted by Lunareclipse

I may be a bit biased, but I still think he should get a saint bernard. They sleep, bark at strange people if they have the energy and they think they are cute little lapdogs.

Am I bad if I think you are biased? lol Kidding. I think St Bernards are adorable dogs but a deterrent to anyone wanting to get in your home on size alone! Just looking at your pictures of your Saints makes me want to reach out and cuddle them. I'm especially pro-Buster for sure. A mailman loving Saint..who would'a thought it.

[reeskujo]

Originally Posted by nattiej1976

Most dogs will sound the alarm when someone is around their home regardless of breed.
You could do one of two things, visit a shelter and see if there is an adoptable dog that meets your needs nature wise, you will very likely be able to pick the dogs that will make their presence known when you first turn up.
Alternatively have a think about other traits and characteristics you are after and between us all we may be able to suggest some appropriate breeds for your family to then pursue with good breeders.
At first thought labs, golden retrievers or even standard poodle pop into my head, they are all alert breeds and generally would warn a household to someone moving around their home, but are generally very well rounded in nature and sociable. But those 3 suggestions are only the tip of the iceberg. There are soooo many other breeds that could offer you everything you want or need.

Standard Poodles are actually excellent watch dogs!

[akismaster]

Hmm... Mixed breed dogs are also good. The rescued ones are good. You don't really need to look for a specific breed unless it's a husky. Huskys aren't watchdogs.

You can go with an English Bulldog or a Bull Mastiff.

[Lunareclipse]

Get a chihuahua. There will never be a more territorial doggie that will warn you if they even think there is someone even thinking about walking by your house.

[lange]

In smaller breeds the Lhasa is another perfect watch dog. That's the only job they were bred for so be sure you'd really want that! haha Plus they have uncanny hearing for it and are just adorable looking, like teddy bears when kept clipped.

[rikku2122]

Rottweiler German Shepherd Doberman Pinscher Scottish Terrier West Highland White Terrier Miniature Schnauzer: These dogs are probably your best bet on watch dogs. I would highly recommend having a German Shepherd though out of all of them. They're easy to train, they're fantastic watchdogs, and with their height and stature they'd scare any robber away. They are also big cuddly teddy bears. I use to own one. His name was Killer (my ex boyfriend named him who'd had thunk) We were burglarized...get this....in the middle of the night when we were sleeping upstairs, but Killer sounded the alarm, started barking at him, and actually bit his arm like those police dogs do during K9 training. He was the best!

[reeskujo]

As I'm sure Nattie and Lange will agree, Akita's are absolutely one of the best breeds for guarding as that's one of the things they are bred to do..However they are definitely not for first time dog owners or for someone who has no experience with the breed..They should also never be trained for personal protection..Since it's so instinct to them you would wind up with a killing machine on your hands..

I have to say though,I feel more safe with an Akita in my home then I would with an elaborate security system but again they're a breed only for experienced owners.

[nattiej1976]

Originally Posted by reeskujo

As I'm sure Nattie and Lange will agree, Akita's are absolutely one of the best breeds for guarding as that's one of the things they are bred to do..However they are definitely not for first time dog owners or for someone who has no experience with the breed..They should also never be trained for personal protection..Since it's so instinct to them you would wind up with a killing machine on your hands..

I have to say though,I feel more safe with an Akita in my home then I would with an elaborate security system but again they're a breed only for experienced owners.

Deffinately a natural guardian, although we are finding the Keeshond, whilst not guarding by nature, certainly raises alarms when someone or something is moving around the property...........we just wont tell anyone that they are welcomed after the initial barks...lol

[reeskujo]

Originally Posted by nattiej1976

Deffinately a natural guardian, although we are finding the Keeshond, whilst not guarding by nature, certainly raises alarms when someone or something is moving around the property...........we just wont tell anyone that they are welcomed after the initial barks...lol

LOL..I've trained a few of them in the past and they really are sweeties!

[Lunareclipse]

My great pyrenees scared the hell out of a visitor I had today. All he did was walk up and sniff her.

[lange]

Kuma baffles me. She's the sweetest friendliest thing & loves everyone we "meet". But then I'll watch her when they're alone in the yard and then I see her guarding. Now, when she's inside & someone comes to our door, she runs & must check out who's here and watch but she won't guard. If I let them in she is all butt wiggles & happiness.

I would love for someone to come to our door or even better COME IN! (lol) when we're not around and video her response because I think she guards only when I'm not around. She's also still young so I'm curious to see if anything changes later. I do love that she thinks and observes & not just automatically reacts to things.

Originally Posted by Lunareclipse

My great pyrenees scared the hell out of a visitor I had today. All he did was walk up and sniff her.

I was going to ask you when I seen the pics earlier, who's bigger Porter or Buster?

[Lunareclipse]

Porter and Buster are both the same size. There is exactly 5 pounds difference. They are the same height and length. I think the weight difference is Porter's hair. He has so much more hair than Buster.

[Collie_Holly]

Originally Posted by nattiej1976

Most dogs will sound the alarm when someone is around their home regardless of breed.

I Agree with this statement 110%. Both of my dogs are super friendly with people, but don't like it when someone shows up unannounced.