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:
AffenpinscherDespite also being known as the Monkey Terrier, this curious little creature from Germany can be afraid of heights.
Airedale TerrierThis "King of Terriers" is the largest of the terrier breeds, and has a pretty high prey drive.
American Eskimo DogAvailable also in other sizes, this American bred dog was never actually used by the Eskimos!
American FoxhoundDeveloped from its English counterpart, this dog loves to explore and chase.
Australian TerrierBrave and playful, this small terrier from Australia can be quite the digger when it wants to be.
Boston TerrierA popular breed in America, this is an active terrier that can like to nip if not properly trained.
Cairn TerrierThis shaggy little terrier from Skye in Scotland will be familiar to most people as "Toto" from the film "The Wizard of Oz".
Canaan DogAn old breed that has been around for millenia, this dog comes from Israel.
ChihuahuaThis big eared little wonder is more robust than its fragile size may suggest.
Chow ChowThis faithful Chinese dog has had many jobs in the past, including giving up its fur for making clothes.
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DachsundA short legged former hunter of badgers from Germany, this dog loves to be around others of its own kind.
English Springer SpanielThis forerunner of the English hunting Spaniels can become a little over depepndant if not handled correctly.
Finnish SpitzThis fox-like dog from Finland can often appear aloof, but in fact it makes a loyal companion.
German PinscherThe ancestor of many other pinchers, this dog almost became extinct aftet the Second Word War.
German ShepherdAlso 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 DogThis huge animal from Switzerland was used for a variety of purposes including pulling carts.
Great PyreneesThis is a tough dog from France, and was bred to guard sheep from wolves and bears.
Irish Water SpanielA natural clown from Ireland, this spaniel tends to be a one-person creature by habit.
Jack Russell TerrierCompact 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 ApsoThis long coated dog was once considered sacred in its country of origin, Tibet.
Miniature PinscherLean and confident little rat catcher from Germany.
Miniature SchnauzerWith a characteristic beard covering his "schnauze" or muzzle, this vermin hunter from Germany can be a bit of a barker.
PapillonThis dainty lap dog from France has characteristic large feathered ears.
PekingeseFragile looking and all the way from China, this dog tends to snore thanks to its short muzzle.
Petit Basset Griffon VendeenKnown as the Happy Dog due to its tail-wagging nature, this dog from France was bred originally as a hunter.
PoodleDespite 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.
RottweilerNamed after the town of Rottweil in Germany, this can be something of an aggressive dog.
SamoyedA peaceful natured dog from Russia, this dog is thought to be related to the Siberian Husky.
SchipperkeThis brave and playful dog from Belgium is not to be trusted around smaller pets, especially those normally kept in cages.
Scottish TerrierOne of the oldest terrier breeds, this dog originates from Aberdeen in Scotland, and was bred like many terrriers for controlling vermin.
Shetland SheepdogA herder from the Shetland Isles, this is a charming and loyal dog.
Shih TzuThis elegant and proud little dog from Tibet has a long and silky coat, making it an ideal lap dog for keeping people warm.
Silky TerrierBred originally in Australia, this dog is a cross between the Australian terrier and its Antipodean counterpart, the Yorkshire terrier.
Smooth Fox TerrierThis is an inquisative little terrier from England that was formerly used to spring foxes from their dens.
Welsh TerrierAn outgoing terrier from Wales sporting a characteristic beard.
West Highland White TerrierOrginally bred for hunting, this active terrier from Scotland can also be stubborn.
Wire Fox TerrierLike 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 TerrierA true northern dog, this poor animal was originally used down the mines in Yorkshire for controlling vermin.