“De gustibus non disputandum est” or simply “each to their own”. Big dogs, small dogs, medium dogs, tiny dogs… Everyone has a taste and there is no point in arguing which is better. But, there is a point in discussing whether a small dog can be a good guard dog.

Many people have small dogs as family dogs, and it is natural to wonder – can my Dachshund help me when intruders come?

Guard Dog Or Watch Dog?

There is a difference between being a good guard dog and a good watchdog. Numerous dogs no matter the size are not good guard dogs, but they will alert everyone when there is something suspicious happening. That means they are good watchdogs!

They will not engage or intimidate with a guard stance but bark to let the intruder know someone is watching him/her or let the owners know about the intruder. This is valuable for many reasons.

However, our topic is whether small dogs can be good guard dogs. Can they stop an intruder and not just bark all night without taking any action? Some of them can! They are feisty, brave, and very protective of their territory and family.

Breeds To Consider

These are just some of the breeds we consider to be good small guard dogs. We based our research on how willing they are to stand in front of you and the problem if a problem comes. They might try to bite or bark to defend you. What they lack in size, they make up in courageousness! 

Dachshund 

The wiener dog is one of them. They are friendly to their small circle and not naturally aggressive, but their territory means a lot to them and they will let you know what is theirs.

This can be directed into guarding. 

They might even trip an intruder with their long sausage-like bodies! Joke aside, Dachshunds are brave dogs that can come in handy if you’ve got some intruder problems. Especially if they are squirrels!

German Spitz 

We are talking about a medium or large German Spitz. Our member teams have come across them and even though they look all fluffy and cute they did not allow anyone to mess around on their turf.

This particular Spitz we met was highly protective of its favorite human, ready to attack anyone who barged in the yard without his favorite human giving a green flag. Amazing little feisty dogs!

Pumi 

A new dog in the dog breeds world. Pumis were registered at the AKC in 2011, but they were accepted into a herding group in 2016. They were bred from Pulis (Hungarian herding dogs) and they are just as protective of what they consider important. Pumis are not common, but it is easier to find them in Europe than in other parts of the world.

One thing is certain, Pumis are very protective and they are useful as watchdogs that can turn into guard dogs when needed. They won’t back away from a fight.

Jagdterrier

These are brave and smart dogs. Like other terriers, Jagdterrier is a very good hunter dog. They were originally bred in Germany (Jagdterrier means hunt terrier) to hunt underground vermin. 

But, they can also be very feisty and protective, and they will stand their ground. 

It is a very special feeling when your dog is always by your side no matter the threat. And, it doesn’t matter they are only up to 16 inches tall (40cm). They’ll go for the ankles if needed.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Who hasn’t heard of the famous Corgis? Both Pembroke and Cardigan are famous and loved around the world. But, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can be a good guard dog. They are not willing to share their territory and will protect what is theirs.

Pembroke Corgis are not very tall dogs – they’ve got little legs! However, they can be heavy and fluffy-looking. Just like all the other dogs on our list, it depends on what you are looking for from a dog. They can guard and they will protect their territory. The question is what is it they are protecting it from?

Scottish Terrier

This is a beautiful dog breed with the most cartoonish but serious looks at the same time. Their long mustache and eyebrows combined with a haircut that gives them a “tiny pants” look make them stunning!

But, don’t be fooled! A Scottish Terrier is a brave dog that firmly stands on its four paws! Their protective nature is very present in everyday activities, and they need proper socialization like any other dog, no matter the size.

The AKC lovingly describes them as spirited, independent, and confident. We agree. Scottish Terriers are excellent as small guard dogs.

Shiba Inu

Another beautiful dog with a highly protective nature. Shiba Inu is one of the oldest dog breeds originally bred in ancient Japan. Shiba Inus are vigilant and ready to protect. They have smooth coats and muscular bodies and are popular as “smiling dogs” online.

What most people don’t realize is that these smiling dogs can also be great guard dogs. Just like other dogs on our list, Shiba Inus are small but very brave! 

Lhasa Apso

We move on to another very old dog breed. The marvelous-looking Lhasa Apso is around 1.000 years old. They were originally bred by the monks living in the Himalayas, hence their long and silky coats.

Lhasa Apso looks beautiful, but they are also very vigilant and protective. However, you have to understand that these dogs are very small and won’t do much if a big intruder comes. But, they will surely protect you. There is no doubt about that.

Schipperke

This is a lovely-looking dog with the “spitz type” face. They come in one standard breed color – black, but they can be other colors too. For example, apricot blue, fawn, red, etc.

Schipperke is not completely reserved toward strangers. They are friendly and open, but they rule on their turf. That means they are very protective of their territory and they will let everyone know that. 

They are vocal, smart, and trainable. Their need to do some work makes them very easy to train. But, it also means they need constant mental and physical stimulation. Otherwise, you will have a destructive, depressed, or aggressive dog on your hands.

Shetland Sheepdog

They are the herding masters of the Shetland Islands. Shetland Sheepdog was bred for what the name tells us – herding sheep. This makes them very watchful, alert, and protective. 

Shelties look like the smaller version of a Collie, but they are separate breeds.

However, they do share the beauty. They’ve got a lush-looking double, long coat. 

As for their protectiveness and guarding abilities, you won’t be disappointed. Shetland Sheepdog is a smart dog, eager to please and learn!

Smooth Fox Terrier

Short coat, long snout, V-shaped ears, and a small but muscular body – it’s a Smooth Fox Terrier. They are not as small as you might have thought. Both males and females are around 15.5 inches (40cm).

Compared to some other dog breeds on our list today, they are quite big. Of course, their size is not what makes them excellent small guard dogs. It’s their energy, alertness, and protective nature.

It’s something that a lot of dogs from a Terrier group share. But, we chose those that are truly protective. Of course, keep in mind that each dog is different and that you can always have exceptions.

Size Matters

After all the dog breeds we talked about, we do have to say that to be an effective guard dog, size does matter. It doesn’t mean a Great Dane will protect you better than a Shiba Inu, but the sheer size of the dog will scare an intruder or make it think twice before entering the property.

So, yes, size does matter when it comes to guard dogs. A well-trained and socialized English Mastiff will do more effective guarding than any small dog breed. They’ve got deep, booming barks and size to show a dog is protecting the place.

On the other hand, a feisty terrier can also make a person think before going into your yard. But, the first one is a certainty, and the latter is a possibility.

Final Thoughts

There is another thing to think through. A dog is a good protection, but they can’t protect you from everything no matter how big or fierce-looking they are. A Presa Canario is a mighty dog, but it can also fall if a truly bad person comes. 

We’re talking about fire weapons. So, having a guard dog is an excellent choice and covers 99% of situations. But, for those 1% having an alarm system as well is a good decision.

These small dogs we mentioned are firstly watch dogs. They will notify you if there is someone and might even give you time to react while they charge with their small but brave hearts.

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