Best Watch Dog Breeds

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     Most people have a beloved pet in their home, which in most cases is a dog. While we are seeking companionship without canine, we also want them to protect our households from any potential harm. By this we want them to be able to sense danger, and alert us in plenty of time to be able to take action. While all dogs will bark if someone knocks at the door or if they hear strange unfamiliar sounds, there are breeds that have a keener sense of danger and are more alert to this. For instance, the Shih Tzu breed, even though they are adorable, they would rather us protects them than the other way around. This is an example in saying that toy breed dogs do not make the best guard dogs.

A popular breed for a watch dog is a Doberman pincher, which was originally a mix of Rottweiler, greyhound, and terrier, is a very protective dog and extremely loyal to its family. The temperament of the Doberman pincher will vary from one dog to the next, but will not hesitate to attack if it senses danger. Another highly sought after breed is the infamous Rottweiler. This dog encompasses incredible strength and will protect a family with its life if necessary. They have an amazing resistance to pain and fear when they are in a protecting mode. For this reason they should be trained from the time they are puppies, for they are some of the most intelligent and loyal breeds around.

The schnauzer breed is a highly sought after dog, with the giant version being an excellent watch dog. The schnauzer has a tendency to become very attached to its owner/family, and will trail behind them everywhere in the house. This paired with their loud astute bark make them a good guard dog. The Rhodesian ridgeback and the German shepherd are often used with police staff to aid in the capturing of fugitives. The German shepherd has been used for search and rescue missions. The Rhodesian ridgeback only barks at certain times, so when it does, the owner should pay close attention. Training should be done early on to ensure optimal compatibility and behavior.

These are just a few of the many examples of watch or guard dogs out there. Generally a good rule of thumb is to direct your search towards the hunting, sporting, and herding breeds. These dogs have usually spent more time outdoors, and will have a keener sense of awareness of the dangerous and elements that are "out of place." Watch dog breeds are generally excellent with children, and will protect them at all costs. Just be sure to ask the breeder plenty of questions, and do your own research of the particular breed you are interested in. This will ensure that the breed will match the needs of the individual. With a little planning beforehand, a person can find the perfect watchdog that will make an excellent companion for many years.