Dog Breeders Gallery - Dog Directory SA

For centuries, dogs have been employed as living alarms and guards. Their protective nature made them ideal to alert a family that something strange was amiss. Along with being a companion, dogs can and do still perform watch dog roles.

Watch dogs are not the same as guard dogs. A watch dog alerts their owners when strangers approach, but they do not usually attack. A good watch dog doesn't have to be big or aggressive; he or she just has to possess a strong bark that lets the family know someone is approaching the house.

Often, just hearing the bark deters would-be intruders. A guard dog can do the same, but is also large enough to intimidate and, if necessary, attack an intruder.

Almost any dog that barks when something unusual happens can serve as a watch dog, but some breeds are better known for their natural watch dog abilities. These include:

1. Rottweiler

2. German Shepherd

3. Doberman Pinscher

4. Scottish Terrier

5. West Highland White Terrier

6. Miniature Schnauzer

7. Yorkshire Terrier

8. Chihuahua

9. Cairn Terrier

10. Airedale Terrier

11. Standard Poodle