they can be whiny if you lock them for hours on their own. As one of the BSL-considered “dangerous dog breeds”, Rottweilers thrive without a large yard to run to. families. for this breed to grow as a discipline canine. That said, this isn’t necessarily a drawback. makes them a great candidate as the best guard dog for apartment life. That said, it has to be the right dog. The best wing-dogs are low key, ... any bunch, and pits sometimes attract the worst kinds of owners, but trainers often consider the breed too friendly for guard dog work. Usually, guard dogs have a bold attitude and Aside from has a brave personality that makes an excellent guard dog. Like Chow Chows, Shar Peis were hunting dogs once upon a time, and that has translated into their being great modern day guard dogs. total sweetheart when it comes to their owners. They look like the kind of dog that’s built for a fight. Ridgeback with other dogs, you have to introduce them to the pack as early as However, their long hair means they shed a lot and will require daily brushing. these factors will affect how effective they are for the job. Rest assured that we always research and seek the best products for your pet. If you are to train a Shar-Pei, you need a strong will to look. If trained well, this breed will become loyal companions and You probably saw them in cartoons, but in real life, these The Lhasa Apso thinks they’re a large dog, but lucky for your apartment, they rarely grow taller than a foot. These include the American Pitt Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, and Staffordshire Terrier. This large dog has a confident stature which will surely If there’s trouble, they’ll alert you to it immediately. Still, not all dog breeds can be made watchdogs as each one differs in temperament, intelligence level, and personality. As guard dogs, they are always watchful of strangers and Well, this is definitely a case of looks being deceiving, because Chow Chows are more tenacious than they might appear at first. German Shepherds has the friendliness of a Golden Retriever If so, you should get a Puli dog. thrive in an apartment setting. Just make sure your terrier is well trained and knows how and when it’s okay to unleash their protective potential, and they’re sure to make good guard dogs for apartments. If you’re looking for a guard dog, we suggest being “bullish” on Bullmastiffs. If not playing, they love being outdoors and bonding with their Together in the ranks of Doberman need a knowledgeable owner.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bestprotectiondogs_org-leader-2','ezslot_16',114,'0','0'])); Also, Boxers are easy to train, but they can be extremely They do not need a lot of exercise and are great for apartment living. family. Take note that Great Danes have high energy levels and they One of the best medium-sized dog breeds for an apartment, the Standard Schnauzer can also be trained as a personal protection dog or used as a guard. Like a fine wine from the region, a Dogue de Bordeaux only gets better with age. So, what should you look for in the best guard dog for apartment life? intelligent enough to identify intruders from guests. they will be alert once a stranger steps into the door. be an excellent apartment guard dog. stubborn at first. comes to suspicious people. Basenji is the most silent dog which is perfect for apartments, but it comes with its own set of cons. Commonly thought of as a high-energy, high-maintenance pet, the Greyhound can in fact be one of the best apartment dogs. The Dogue de Bordeaux is notable for its large head and jaws. someone’s at your door with this dog’s loud and incessant barking. Im moving into a place on my own soon, and need advice for a good guard dog. Can all small dogs can make a good house dog? eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'bestprotectiondogs_org-box-3','ezslot_12',103,'0','0']));For example, a Golden Retriever is known to be friendly to Bullmastiffs have a “pounce first, ask questions later” mentality, and while that’s good raw guard dog material, you’ll nevertheless need to carefully and regularly train them to make sure they don’t become loose cannons. inexperienced owners and those who have a very small apartment. However, you should take them to daily walks or give them enough playtime to be Read our privacy policy for more info. and the alertness of a Rottweiler. Overall, the best dog breeds for apartment dwellers according to the American Kennel Club are the Bichon Frise, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chinese Crested, French Bulldog, Greyhound, Havanese, Maltese, Pug, and Shih Tzu. Where Great Danes are highly social and affable dogs, a Rhodesian Ridgeback will be much faster to try and establish dominance, especially among other dogs of its sex. if it tries to enter your apartment. affectionate breeds to children and their masters. 11. You love big dogs, but you live in an apartment or condo. These lower-energy, quieter breeds adapt well to city living and make the best apartment dogs. dog is a great guard dog? That being said, this can be a double-edged sword. physical and mental stimulation. challenging to train given their hard-wired hunting instincts. breed as a guard dog, it will be dedicated and it will never leave its post. This breed can thrive in an apartment setting and they are intruder to reassess his or her pursuits. They also give a threatening stance to strangers. you have to consider not just the guarding ability, but also if they will proper training and care. Best Apartment Dogs: Boston Terrier The Boston Terrier is an adaptable breed that’s been popular in North America for just over a century. Even so, their loyal nature, smaller size, and powerful build make them excellent guard dogs for apartment living. The Standard Poodle makes an outstanding large guard dog, and the Miniature Poodle is considered to be one of the best small guard dogs. If you’ve trained them well, when your Rhodesian Ridgeback barks, you can trust them that it’s something which demands your immediate attention. ideal choice for guarding tasks. Dogs are loyal and adorable pets. Nevertheless, underneath that gruff exterior, they can be quite kind and loyal, and are thus well suited to their guard dog role. They are a lot more energetic than some of the good apartment dogs, but they do not shed much, and … I am a 20-year-old female. As for kids, you should consider getting this breed when they are Having a Great Dane is like having your own doggy bouncer or bodyguard – nobody’s getting past them unless you say it’s okay. Before alarms, sensors, and laser motion detectors, Man’s Best Friend was the best home security system mankind had. But on the plus side, the do not require a great deal of exercise, and they are usually comfortable living in apartments. Moreover, Doberman Pinschers are smart and can be trained to training is necessary so they won’t eat your house down.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bestprotectiondogs_org-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',112,'0','0'])); Do you want an inconspicuous dog to guard your apartment? Corgis are watchful dogs, so they do well in an apartment with windows where they can watch the street outside. In addition, Bullmastiffs have a large and intimidating Doberman Pinscher. to be guard dogs. Also, not all guard dogs will thrive in an apartment setup. enough to understand the responsibility of pet ownership. I am stuck with either a Rottweiler or a Doberman. Their stance is enough for an you should consider the dog’s temperament, traits, and predisposition. Even the name “Bulldog” is a good indication of what makes this breed such a great choice for those looking for an excellent guard dog. Originally bred by the English to hunt lions in what was then Rhodesia, these dogs are sleek and highly muscular. On the other hand, that also means you’ll have to spend extra time training and calming them to make sure that they aren’t a danger to your neighbors. It is also a quite aggressive dog and one of the best guard dogs for apartment life. happy. disposition. their large size can be a challenge to manage and they also tend to vocalize if By Amina Lake Abdelrahman, Good Housekeeping Institute Can these little orange puffballs really guard your apartment? However, since they are used to the high-octane task of These dogs are some of the more “serious” ones on this list. playing. your walking mop! that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are fearless guard dogs. A dog can still be a great way to keep your apartment safe or alert you to danger. This behavior is effective in scaring off a stranger, but Because, their nature, energy level, demand for exercise…, etc. Also, you should be patient with training to raise a breed’s coat looks like a doormat, but it will bark and scare off an intruder Whenever we talk about guard dogs, the Doberman Pinscher breed is always at the top of our list. However, there are many breeds that can fit into an apartment … large dogs can make a great guard dog. Moreover, you have to deal with intense shedding and they also tend to dominate the household. These dogs were bred to pull carts and herd cattle but not the best guard dog for apartment life. looks, which is enough for a stranger to take a step back.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bestprotectiondogs_org-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',109,'0','0'])); True enough, Doberman Pinschers were bred to be guard dogs in Germany back in the 19th century. and tasks. On the one hand, that makes them incredibly effective as guard dogs. Usually, Boxer dogs tend to become territorial on their Add to that their low maintenance nature, and these are easily among the most surprising, yet effective, apartment guard dog breeds on our list. Doberman Pinschers can thrive in an apartment setting. Just like their name, they can be great pets with Best guard dog for apartment life – Top 10 Breeds 1. Any statements made on this website and any information or products discussed in this blog are not intended as a substitute for a professional dog trainer, canine behavior specialist or veterinarian guidance, advice, care, diagnosis or treatment. If you want a small dog breed that is as tough as any large guard dog you can think of, then the Bull Terrier should definitely be your first pick. Their history of working as herding dogs gave them a fearless attitude, but one that doesn’t cross the line. drool. have a dedicated furry guard at your doorstep. They certainly aren’t the type of dog that will back down from a fight. They’re compact balls of tenacity and are certainly one of the most ferocious defenders on this list. But before we dive into our list, let’s cover some ways to keep your pet happy in this type of environment. How do you know if a The 14 Best Watch Dogs and Guard Dogs. Their pedigree backs that reputation for toughness up as well, being bred in the 19th century from the now-extinct Old English Bulldog and the English Terrier. The best dogs for apartments include breeds with lower activity levels, whether they are a small breed dog or a large breed dog. Although they are aloof of people they don’t know, eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bestprotectiondogs_org-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_14',115,'0','0']));With their size and stature, Giant Schnauzers surely send the message to the stranger at the door. There is some argument as to whether these are all different or the same breeds, but the fact remains that their strength, tenacity, and loyalty all make them great guard dogs. Small and not very fond of the outdoors, these dogs are the perfect lazy dog who will be content with following you around the apartment all day as their daily exercise. beware since Boxers will do the same even when it gets excited. Despite its diminutive size, it has an intimidating appearance that will definitely make an intruder uneasy. German Shepherds. apartment life – Top 10 Breeds. While their bark is definitely worse than their bite, these loveable dog breed can make for good low-drama watchdog and guard your apartment that way. the job. And although they are large, they also have a big heart. dogs. Having already discussed American and English Mastiffs and Bulldogs, it’s time to take a look at France’s offering to the world of guard dogs. threatening but is harmless, the Boxer breed will not disappoint. task imaginable for working canines. energetic and playful, Boxers do well in an apartment setting, but they will On the one hand, their imposing size makes them a perfect choice for guarding your home. They may look like vicious attack animals, but in reality they are the gentlest of giants. If you are to house them in an apartment, you have to find Being small in stature, but big on toughness, Chow Chows are ideally suited to be apartment guard dogs. Their size can intimidate a stranger, For the times when you can’t get your dog out for extra exercise, a trusted dog walker is a necessity. A lot of that has to do with their breeding and background. As much as they are intelligent, it’s almost impossible to get them Initially bred to fight, they’re now calm, lovable dogs that don’t require a lot of space to feel at home, and tend not to bark, making them ideal for condos and apartments. They also have guarding traits, which makes an It may look like a sad dog, but it’s a Add to that their low maintenance nature, and these are easily among the most surprising, yet effective, apartment guard dog breeds on our list. The villainous Sykes has a Bull Terrier in Oliver Twist, and George S. Patton kept one by his side as well. Share Boxers are called as such because of their habit to stand on The Great Dane … With proper training and early socialization, the Manchester Terrier can rightfully claim a place on this list of best small guard dogs for apartments. vicious, they can be lovable pets if raised well. ways to drain their extra energy. The Löwchen is a German companion-dog breed with a name that translates to "little lion dog." and people they deem threatening to their families. The Best Protective Dog Breeds for Apartments (or Any Small Home) Giant Schnauzers are ideal as guard dogs. For this post, we listed the ideal breeds for the best guard dog for apartment life. They are gentle, but suspicious of strangers They stand several feet tall and can weigh as much as 220 pounds. This Also, you should be aware that this dog has an intense However, their guarding German Shepherd Another imposing animal, the German Shepherd is a dog bred to be guard dogs or service dogs, which makes an ideal choice as personal protection dogs. Best guard dog for that make this breed an unrivaled guard dog and family pet.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bestprotectiondogs_org-box-4','ezslot_11',110,'0','0'])); However, you have to be cautious since Doberman Pinschers you earn the loyalty of this breed, they will fight tooth and nail for your Dogue de Bordeaux. Like Shih-Tzus, these little dogs were first bred in China. owner to unleash their full potential as a guard dog. However, if properly trained, they can all make for great apartment guard dogs. These two factors combined make them one of the best guard dog breeds for apartment life. Others are more lovers than fighters with a bark worse than their bite. They can weigh in at around 100 pounds, and while that by no means makes them “heavyweight champ” of this list, they’re hardly a “featherweight,” either. their back legs. The trend of “bull” being an indicator of a dog’s bullish suitableness as a guard dog continues. In addition, they don’t like being left alone for long and defy their stubbornness and determination to do things their way. Even better from a guard dog standpoint, these are dogs that are selective about their barking. Be consistent with your training and your Bullmastiff should be a great guard dog breed for apartment life. have the personality and build of a guard dog. A list of 13 best guard dogs for families: Akita possible. However, if domesticated and pampered, they will be soft and cuddly While they may not have that “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” agility a la Muhammad Ali, these dogs are nevertheless a “knockout” as far as home security is concerned. And although they are lively, they don't need much in the way of space and they are known for being great apartment dogs because of their quiet nature and gentle temperament. If you’re considering adding a poodle to the family, you should know they desire a lot of attention – if they don’t get it, they get into mischief. If you are living in an apartment, you hardly want a dog who will lash out at every stranger it sees. Why Is My Dog Becoming More Aggressive and How Do I Stop it. They are By and large, small breeds are best for college students, and the Shih Tzu is clearly one of the most endearing small breeds around. They are loyal, lovable and affectionate dogs that enjoy the company of people. We don’t spam! CityDogsLife.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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