When you think of the term ‘guard dog’ you probably think of breeds like the German Shepherd or a Bulldog. While it is common for people to associate guard dogs with bigger and taller animals, small guard dogs can also serve as one of the best guard dogs for your protection. They may not have the strength that their larger counterparts do, but their personalities and alertness can make them quite fearsome against any threats. So if you’re looking to get a guard dog but want to opt for one that is small in size, here are some suggestions for the best small guard dogs you should consider.
1. Chihuahua
A relatively well-known breed of dog, the Chihuahua is a tiny but definitely confident dog. Despite their small appearance, the breed is quite bold and aggressive and can be compared to that of a larger-sized dog. They display hostility towards things that are unknown to them and they have no problem standing up against something several times their size. As a result, they can be one of the best small guard dogs if trained properly and if you live in an area where space is limited.
2. Bull Terrier
As the name suggests, Bull Terriers were originally bred for bullfighting and bear fighting. As a result, these dogs are quite fearless in nature. They are both protective and energetic and can also be quite aggressive. They have the strength of a bulldog and the alertness of a terrier, making them a great choice for one of the best small guard dogs. Due to their aggressive nature and trait of possessiveness, they require an assertive owner and have to be disciplined at an early age. Socialization and obedience training can help focus the Bull Terrier’s energy towards guarding and making them great companions.
3. Dachshund
The Dachshund, bred to enter small areas such as tunnels and hunt for other animals, can make for a great guard dog. They are ideal for small apartments and their territorial and aggressive nature can make them the perfect dog for guarding your home. They are also very lovable and have a great personality which can make them awesome companions to have, both as house pets as well as guard dogs.
4. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are small, muscular dogs that do well in small spaces. They are accustomed to barking and usually do if there is an unwanted person or animal nearby, helping to shoo away any intruders near your home. Boston Terriers were originally bred to kill vermin, as a result, it is important to introduce them to your other pets at an early age so they do not attack them. They have great hearing and can identify even the smallest of noises. If trained properly and from an early age, they can easily be one of the best small guard dogs to have.
5. Beagle
Beagles can make for great guard dogs for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they have a very distinctive bark which makes them sound a lot bigger than they actually are and is perfect for scaring away any intruders or unwanted visitors. Beagles are also known as a hunting dog. They have a keen sense of smell and have a pretty high prey drive causing them to be aggressive towards other smaller animals. They do require a fair bit of training as they’re fairly active and can take off if not on a leash.
6. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are another dog breed that has been known to be efficient watch and guard dogs. They are pretty active barkers and do a great job of alerting you of anything that moves, no matter how small. They are quite an active breed and require a lot of exercise, so cannot be kept inside all day, especially in a smaller space. They do require a bit of training as they are stubborn, and have no fear of mixing in with larger dogs. So it’s best to keep your eyes on them, especially during their early years.
7. Shiba Inu
Bred for hunting in the mountains in Japan, Shiba Inus are very strong and agile for their small size. They have very strong jaws and a sharp bite, which is a good factor for keeping strangers at bay. Their small size allows them to be quite agile and fast. Inus are very loyal dogs to their owners and families and when trained and socialized properly, they make for some good guard dogs.
Also Read: 12 Calm Dog Breeds for New Owners
