Dog Pregnancy Calculator And Timeline
Do you have a watchdog at your home? Then, you are lucky enough to have him. Having a watchdog always makes you feel safe and secure, right?
But, you may be having a question “Are watchdogs and guard dogs similar?”
Actually No! Watchdogs and guard dogs are entirely different. A dog can play either the role of watching or guarding or both. So, you must know the differences between these dogs.
Watchdog Vs Guard dog
| Characteristics | Watchdog | Guard Dog |
|---|---|---|
| What are they? | Dogs alert the owners about the threatening situation by barking or sound the alarm | Dogs will take care of the master’s property or sometimes the livestock such as birds, fish etc. |
| What they actually do? | These dogs will only bark at the strangers but won’t bite them | These dogs will bite the strangers in worst situations |
| Expected Role | Able to differentiate the normal and abnormal situations | Should not involve in action immediately. Should dare the strangers first, alert the owner and then only indulge in action |
| Required traits | Barking. Size and shape are not the actual needs | Size, strength and courage |
| Training | Needed only for barking | Needs special training to know the difference between a visitor and a stranger |
It is much important to note that guard dogs can play the role of watchdogs, but watchdogs cannot play the role of guard dogs.
Now, you will agree with us that barking, loyalty, and alertness make your dog a great watchdog although he doesn’t have a big look and a scary face.
Watch Dog Breeds For Families
Need a watchdog, but can’t decide the breed? No worries. We will tell you about the wonderful watchdog breeds for your family.
Here’re the top twelve watchdog breeds for your families. Take a quick tour of each watchdog breed and choose your favorite from them.
1. German Shepherd
German shepherds are the best watchdogs for your families.
Size
The size of this dog varies with gender. Generally, German Shepherds(black, white and brown) are 26 inches tall. Males’ height is 24–26 inches whereas the females’ is 22-24 inches.
An adult male German Shepherd weighs 65 to 90 pounds and the female weighs anywhere between 50 to 70 pounds.
Lifespan
German Shepherds live for about 7 to 10 years.
Traits
- Intelligent
- Alert
- Smart
- Confident
Barking levels – Low
These dogs do not allow the strangers to enter your home and don’t bark too much and annoy you. Thus, these qualities will make him the best watchdog.
If given proper socialization training, these dogs are affectionate and protect your kids as well.
2. Akita
Akita is a Japanese dog breed. These dogs were bred initially for hunting and guarding purposes. Akita simply loves family and aspires to be a family companion.
Size
Akita looks large in size. Males are 26 to 28 inches tall and the females are between 24 and 26 inches.
Males weigh between 100 and 130 pounds and the females weigh around 70 to 100 pounds.
Lifespan
Akita lives for about 10 to 13 years.
Traits
- Self-thinker
- Loyalty
- Courage
- Dignity
Akita predicts dangers well before they happen and alert their owners. These dogs always want to protect the people who show love to him.
Barking levels – Quiet
These dogs don’t bark much but have the ability to predict the harmful situation. Thus, he is definitely a wonderful watch dog for your family.
You must provide well socialization training to these dogs at a young age.
3. Chihuahua
Chihuahua, the oldest breed of America, is a small dog breed.
Size
Chihuahuas are tiny dogs that stand between 5 and 8 inches. They weigh less than 6 pounds.
Lifespan
Chihuahua has a long life. These dogs live for about 14 to 16 years.
Traits
- Alert
- Clever
- Confident
- Graceful
- Loyalty
Barking levels – High
These clever dogs will be one of the best watchdogs for your family. Due to her inbuilt nature of love and care, she will protect your family in a better way.
But, these dogs bark much even at a visitor.
Thus, it is essential to provide socialization training for Chihuahuas from his young age to welcome the visitors.
4. Rottweiler
Rottweiler is a large dog breed and is an excellent watchdog. He is very much loyal to his master.
Size
These dogs are large in size. The height of male dogs is between 24 and 27 inches and the females’ height is around 22 to 25 inches.
They weigh based on their height. Male Rottweiler weighs between 95 and 135 pounds and the females weigh around 80 to 100 pounds.
Lifespan
These dogs have a lifespan of about 10 years.
Traits
- Loyal
- Gentle
- Confident
- Strong
Barking levels – Moderate
These dogs well observe the outside world and the alert the owner about the dangerous situation. Also, these dogs will definitely bark at strangers but do not bark unnecessarily and annoy you. So, these qualities will definitely make him a great watchdog.
But, these dogs are not a suitable choice for an inexperienced owner. Thus, he needs early training and socialization.
5. Cairn Terrier
Finding an excellent watchdog? Cairn Terriers are the treat for you. These dogs are small but powerful dogs.
Size
Male Cairn Terriers are 10 inches tall whereas the females are 9.5 inches tall. These dogs are smaller in size.
Males weigh 14 pounds and the females weigh 13 pounds.
Lifespan
Cairn Terriers have a long life for about 15 years.
Traits
- Alert
- Strong willpower
- Courage
- Busy
Barking levels – High
These dogs have a keen observation of the surroundings and immediately alert the masters about the threatening situation. These traits make him being an excellent watchdog.
But, these dogs bark when they hear even small sounds. This will annoy your neighbors.
So, you have to give him proper socialization training to change his aggressive nature.
6. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is a wonderful working dog. They are predominantly used in police and military works.
Size
Male dogs are 24 to 26 inches tall whereas the females are 22 to 24 inches tall.
Males weigh more (60 to 80 pounds) than females (40 to 60 pounds).
Lifespan
Belgian Malinois lives longer. These dogs can live for about 14 to 16 years.
Traits
- Hard worker
- Confident
- Smart
Barking levels – Moderate
These traits make him a watchdog. But, these dogs always want to keep themselves busy.
7. Boxer
These dogs are playful, people-oriented and affectionate with children.
Size
Boxers usually grow up to 25 inches. The height of males is between 23 and 25 inches and the females’ height is between 21.5 and 23.5 inches.
Males weigh anywhere between 65 and 80 pounds. Females weigh less than 15 pounds compared with their male counterparts.
Lifespan
Boxers live for about 10 to 12 years.
Traits
- Active
- Sensible
- Smart
Barking levels: Low
Boxers are able to identify the difference between a visitor and a stranger. These dogs only bark at the needful situations. So, a boxer will be a good watch dog for your family.
8. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are small dogs and it is the best watchdog.
Size
The height of the miniature schnauzer is between 12 and 14 inches. Miniature Schnauzers weigh between 11 and 20 pounds.
Lifespan
Miniature schnauzers live for about 12 to 15 years.
Traits
- Obedient
- Smart
- Friendly
- Courageous
Barking levels – High
These dogs bark at the strangers and threaten them. This makes him a good watchdog.
9. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff is a large and powerful breed.
Size
The height of male dogs is between 25 and 27 inches and the female’s height is around 24 to 26 inches.
Male dogs weigh between 110 and 130 pounds and the females weigh around 100 to 120 pounds.
Lifespan
These dogs have the lifespan of about 7 to 9 years.
Traits
- Intelligent
- Brave
- Alert
- Confident
- Loyal
Barking levels – Low
The gigantic look and appearance of Bullmastiffs are scary to strangers. Bullmastiffs do not bark much unless there is a need.
Irrespective of their size, these dogs are fond of families. So, these traits make him an excellent watchdog.
But, these trustworthy dogs need early socialization training.
10. Cane Corso
Cane Corso is a large breed.
Size
Cane Corso has a majestic look. Male’s height is between 25 and 27.5 inches and the female’s height is anywhere around 23.5 and 26 inches.
Their weight is equal to his height.
Lifespan
Cane Corso lives for about 9 to 12 years.
Traits
- Intelligent
- Confident
- Versatile
- Smart
- Noble
Barking levels – Moderate
Like Bullmastiffs, the look of these dogs itself makes the strangers scared. It has an appreciable trait that he is fast in alerting the owner about strangers. Thus, Cane Corso will be a good watch dog for your family.
But, these dogs need a witty owner. You should also breed him in a responsible manner and early socialization is essential.
11. Newfoundland
Newfoundland is a large dog breed. These dogs are powerful, trustworthy and great watchdogs for families.
Size
Male dogs stand tall at 28 inches whereas females stand at 26 inches. Males weigh between 130 and 150 pounds and the females weigh anywhere around 100 and 120 pounds.
Lifespan
The lifespan of Newfoundland is about 9 to 10 years.
Traits
- Sweet
- Patient
- Devoted
Barking levels – Low
These dogs only bark when there is an actual need. So, these dogs will be a good watch dog for your family.
12. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher is a large dog breed. It is one of the best protection dogs.
Size
The height of male Doberman is between 26 and 28 inches. Females’ height is around 24 to 26 inches.
Males weigh between 75 and 100 pounds. Females weigh around 60 to 90 pounds.
Lifespan
The lifespan of Doberman is about 10 to 12 years.
Traits
- Intelligent
- Fast
- Alert
- Loyal
Barking levels High
The traits these dogs possess help him to always observe their surroundings and alert the owners in a short span of time.
These dogs are sensitive and respond fast to their owner.
But, proper socialization training is essential as they may act aggressively toward other dogs.
There are about eight breeds of military dogs: Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Dober, Springer, Marinua, Labrador and Kunming, and they all have different characteristics and uses. Military dogs provide experience for police dogs. Police dogs are meritorious officers in the police, human loyal partners! The Police coins recognize the contribution of police officers and police dogs to society.
Other Watchdog Breeds
You can also have any one of the below-mentioned dog breeds as a watchdog:
- Giant Schnauzer
- Shiba Inu
- Great Pyrenees
- Airedale Terrier
- Schipperke
- German Pinscher
- Miniature Pinscher
- Australian Shepherd
- Great Dane
- Bernese Mountain Dog
Fearless Dog Breeds
Fearless dog breeds are those who are courageous, heavy-weighted and having the skills to protect people from dangers.
Few of the fearless dog breeds are:
- Presa Canario
- German Shepherd
- Pitbull
- Rottweiler
- Doberman
- Cane Corso
- Boerboel
- Caucasian Shepherd
- Boxer
- Dogo Argentino
Best Attack dogs
Dog breeds that are of high intelligence enough, larger in size, sincere and protect the owners from strangers are the best attack dogs. These dogs dare the strangers through their look and appearance.
These dogs are helpful in detecting narcotics or explosives, as well as used for patrolling and search operations.
The below-mentioned dog breeds can be the best attack dogs:
- Groenendael
- American Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Dutch Shepherd
- German Shepherd
- Belgian Tervuren
- Rottweiler
- Belgian Malinois
