Excellent Small Watchdogs

This is a list of the best-of-the-best watchdogs. These dogs are very alert breeds who will always bark at the presence of a stranger on their turf!

Important: a "watchdog" is not the same as a "guard dog". A watchdog barks to raise the alarm--he "warns" you of a stranger on your property, whereas a "guard dog" is a dog that actually attacks. None of the small breeds are guard dogs (they simply don't have the strength to stop an intruder). So don't confuse the two--the list below is simply a list of the best "watchdogs".

Also, keep in mind that almost every dog will bark at a stranger at the front door or in the home. But the breeds below have proven themselves to be the best at it!

Note: this list is in no particular order. (Click on the thumbnail image to find out more about the breed.)