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The relationship between people and domesticated dogs dates back at least 25,000 years, but the first definitive evidence of canines selectively bred for guard dog duties can be found about 2,000 years ago in classical antiquity. Greece. Cerberus – the terrifying three-headed dog that guarded the gates of the underworld may have been a reflection of the huge and imposing dog breeds which were used to guard livestock and the property of both the rich and the poor.
In the two millennia since then, humanity’s needs have diversified – and our selective breeding of watchdogs has only become more sophisticated and specialized. There are a lot of dogs that can make great watchdogs, but some breeds are recognized to produce the best watchdogs. Whether you’re looking for a new pet or just curious, here are eight of the best watchdogs, focusing on how diverse these breeds are.
#8: Standard Schnauzer – watchful and stubborn dogs that do not shed
The Standard Schnauzer may be German, but it was essentially bred to be the Swiss Army Knife of working dogs. These dogs were mostly used on farms and were bred for hunting vermin, herding sheep and cattleand protecting their caretakers on the road. Both the thumbnail and the Giant Schnauzer were bred with this dog, but the original size was not an error. The Standard Schnauzer was close enough to a small breed to travel and hunt comfortably in farm carts rodents in their burrows, but they also had enough mass to intimidate potential threats to livestock. Schnauzers were bred to keep the farm safe and healthy, and that has instilled in them both a strong sense of family and a strong sense of self. They tend to build close relationships with their caretakers, but they also tend to be stubborn. Schnauzers are not only a great watchdog perfect for families, they are also hypoallergenic.
#7: Irish Terrier – A capable and flexible worker
The Irish Terrier shares a few things with the schnauzer: a hypoallergenic coat, a robust but medium-sized body, and a reputation for being a capable centipede. These low-shedding dogs were initially bred as companion dogs, guard dogs, and hunters — but they’ve even been used as messenger dogs, delivering messages in World War I trenches. These are one of the oldest terrier races on the planet, as well as one of the most protective, and they are sometimes known for being brash and reckless at times. Their fearlessness is matched by a fierce loyalty to their caretakers. And while the Irish Terrier’s bark should warn you of intruders before they even set foot in the door, you can also expect them to come to the rescue of their families immediately.
#6: Chow Chow — China’s Ancient Royal Guard
The Chow Chow may look like a cuddly teddy bear, but they tend to be reserved dogs who bond closely with one or very few people and see everyone else as a threat. It is an appropriate temperament for dogs that guarded palaces in imperial China. Combine that with the fact that they are as smart as they are stubborn, and you’re left with a breed known for its tough reputation. But if you get a Chow Chow early and socialize and train them properly from a young age, they can make exceptional family dogs in addition to being strong watchdogs. They are one of the most protective of large breed watchdogs, but they are also generally an energy efficient breed.
#5: German Shepherd – a typical watchdog
The German shepherd was bred to be the perfect working dog – and while the verdict isn’t out yet if it worked, there’s little doubt that these large breed dogs are among both the most protective and the most protective best choices of dog breeds for families. As the name suggests, they were originally bred to be herders and understandably have developed a strong ability to listen and follow directions. A keen sense of intelligence and a reliable sense of initiative mean that you can generally count on one of these dogs to make the right move in any situation. Some of the breeds on this list do not shed, but German Shepherds are not one of them. These dogs are known for losing hair in abundance, which is doubly true during shedding season. Some would say that’s a small price to pay for a dog who will never back down when his family is in danger.
#4: Doberman Pinscher – Surprisingly Fast Large Breed Protector
The Doberman Pinscher is often treated in popular culture as a
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icious and efficient watchdog, but that perspective is only half true. Dobermans are very sociable and people-oriented dogs, but they are also the last choice you want if you’re looking for a low-energy dog. Their natural athleticism allows them to overpower intruders at a pace few other dogs can achieve and can reach a maximum speed of 32 miles per hour. But Dobermans excel best when they have discipline. They share the sharp and attentive minds of their German Shepherd family and can become temperamental and fearful if not given a fair amount of both physical and mental stimulation.
#3: Cane Corso
Corso dog have vigilantly protected their human companions since the days of ancient Rome, but waning interest in this breed forced an intervention to save them in the 1970s. This revival has brought them back from the brink of extinction after targeted attempts to revive them. A large breed with an enormously stocky build, the Cane Corso can typically intimidate human threats without even having to move a muscle or make a sound. These dogs are bodyguards through and through – and while they are generally calm and low in energy, due to their massive size, they need proper socialization and training. But beneath all those intimidating muscles is a dog who adores his human family and showers them with gentle affection.
#2: Jack Russell Terrier – Small Breed, Big Bravado
If you don’t think a small breed can be an effective watchdog, meet the 15lb Jack Russell Terrier. This breed is built like a hunting dog and Pied Piper, but it turns out that their powerful hunting instincts also make them an exceptional choice for watchdog duties. These dogs have particularly keen senses that are almost always in tune, and they articulate almost every discovery they make. But their highly territorial nature can make them too vigilant at times. Often confrontational with other dogs as well as friendly strangers, the typical Jack Russell often needs to be kept on a short leash. But they are fearless in the face of great danger and relentless in their desire to protect the people they love.
#1: Bullmastiff — The strong and quiet type
The result of breeding between the English Mastiff and the Old English bulldog, the average bullmastiff is an imposing dog that can reach a shoulder height of almost two feet and can easily weigh over a hundred pounds. Originally bred to protect the game animals on large properties from poachers, they were built to protect vast tracts of land – but their physicality and skills also translate well into the modern home. But perhaps the bullmastiff’s most useful trait is that they have been bred for generations to rarely bite or bark. Instead, they use their exceptional strength and surprising speed to track down and immobilize invaders until they can be dealt with. And while they are diligent guards, these dogs love their caretakers outside of work and make some of the best watchdogs for families.
Next one: Do sharks sleep (and how?)
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