Watch Dog Breeds
Watchdogs are dogs that are very alert and will raise the alarm by barking vigorously whenever someone approaches your property. They are different to guard dogs (that deter intruders) in that they are there to merely alert you to possible danger. He is a list of dog breeds that make suitable watchdogs:
Affenpinscher
Despite also being known as the Monkey Terrier, this curious little creature from Germany can be afraid of heights.
Airedale Terrier
This "King of Terriers" is the largest of the terrier breeds, and has a pretty high prey drive.
American Eskimo Dog
Available also in other sizes, this American bred dog was never actually used by the Eskimos!
American Foxhound
Developed from its English counterpart, this dog loves to explore and chase.
Australian Terrier
Brave and playful, this small terrier from Australia can be quite the digger when it wants to be.
Boston Terrier
A popular breed in America, this is an active terrier that can like to nip if not properly trained.
Cairn Terrier
This shaggy little terrier from Skye in Scotland will be familiar to most people as "Toto" from the film "The Wizard of Oz".
Canaan Dog
An old breed that has been around for millenia, this dog comes from Israel.
Chihuahua
This big eared little wonder is more robust than its fragile size may suggest.
Chow Chow
This faithful Chinese dog has had many jobs in the past, including giving up its fur for making clothes.
<Dachsund
A short legged former hunter of badgers from Germany, this dog loves to be around others of its own kind.
English Springer Spaniel
This forerunner of the English hunting Spaniels can become a little over depepndant if not handled correctly.
Finnish Spitz
This fox-like dog from Finland can often appear aloof, but in fact it makes a loyal companion.
German Pinscher
The ancestor of many other pinchers, this dog almost became extinct aftet the Second Word War.
German Shepherd
Also known as the Alsatian, this imposing looking dog was originally bred as a herder before being used as a police dog in many countries.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
This huge animal from Switzerland was used for a variety of purposes including pulling carts.
Great Pyrenees
This is a tough dog from France, and was bred to guard sheep from wolves and bears.
Irish Water Spaniel
A natural clown from Ireland, this spaniel tends to be a one-person creature by habit.
Jack Russell Terrier
Compact and bold (put 'em up Scoob) this terrier is very popular in the UK and was named after the Reverend Russell, who initailly bred this line.
Lhasa Apso
This long coated dog was once considered sacred in its country of origin, Tibet.
Miniature Pinscher
Lean and confident little rat catcher from Germany.
Miniature Schnauzer
With a characteristic beard covering his "schnauze" or muzzle, this vermin hunter from Germany can be a bit of a barker.
Papillon
This dainty lap dog from France has characteristic large feathered ears.
Pekingese
Fragile looking and all the way from China, this dog tends to snore thanks to its short muzzle.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Known as the Happy Dog due to its tail-wagging nature, this dog from France was bred originally as a hunter.
Poodle
Despite being known for its French origins, this water dog was actually standardised in Germany, where it is known as the Pudelhund, with Pudel relating to puddle.
Rottweiler
Named after the town of Rottweil in Germany, this can be something of an aggressive dog.
Samoyed
A peaceful natured dog from Russia, this dog is thought to be related to the Siberian Husky.
Schipperke
This brave and playful dog from Belgium is not to be trusted around smaller pets, especially those normally kept in cages.
Scottish Terrier
One of the oldest terrier breeds, this dog originates from Aberdeen in Scotland, and was bred like many terrriers for controlling vermin.
Shetland Sheepdog
A herder from the Shetland Isles, this is a charming and loyal dog.
Shih Tzu
This elegant and proud little dog from Tibet has a long and silky coat, making it an ideal lap dog for keeping people warm.
Silky Terrier
Bred originally in Australia, this dog is a cross between the Australian terrier and its Antipodean counterpart, the Yorkshire terrier.
Smooth Fox Terrier
This is an inquisative little terrier from England that was formerly used to spring foxes from their dens.
Welsh Terrier
An outgoing terrier from Wales sporting a characteristic beard.
West Highland White Terrier
Orginally bred for hunting, this active terrier from Scotland can also be stubborn.
Wire Fox Terrier
Like many terriers this little dog from England was originally bred for hunting foxes, and so is quite agile and fast when it needs to be.
Yorkshire Terrier
A true northern dog, this poor animal was originally used down the mines in Yorkshire for controlling vermin.