The Big Chi – For big fans of little dogs

Considering getting a chihuahua? Or maybe you have one and love it? Heard about the breed, but aren’t sure if a chihuahua would make a good guard dog or not? Can Chihuahuas be guard dogs? Let’s explore! Chihuahuas are considered the “biting yappy dog” of dogs. They have been misunderstood by society for years. But do chihuahuas make good guard dogs? What are the qualifications of a good guard dog anyway? Chihuahuas may be small, but they are incredibly brave and sweet-tempered. Chihuahua owners can attest to this. Chihuahuas make fierce watch dogs. These little dogs will protect their family from intruders without fail or hesitation. Some owners say that their Chihuahua “guard dogs” growl when someone knocks on the door of their home. However, Chihuahua owners also state that their little watchdogs aren’t noisy or territorial toward visitors to their homes. Experts say that chihuahuas might not be the best breed for a guard dog. But that does not mean they are not able to provide great protection in your home. Do Chihuahuas Protect Their Owners? First let's ask, Are Chihuahuas protective? Chihuahuas are often mistaken as “plush toys” or “fashionable accessories that happen to bark”, when in fact they can be fierce protectors. This has led many people to wonder whether or not chihuahuas make good protector dogs. Do Chihuahuas protect their owners? Chihuahuas have long been known for being cute dogs with big personalities. They are also known to bark and be protective of their owners. Do they really protect them when push comes to shove though? In many ways, yes! Chihuahuas are great dogs to have as protective help around the home. Though they are not “guard dogs,” by nature, due to their size. Chihuahuas make great watch dogs. Watch dogs alert their owners when someone is close by. Dog Breeds Experts say that Chihuahuas bark whenever they discover something or are alarmed by something. Chihuahuas might not be able to fight off an intruder, but their bark is an amazing asset! They can loudly alert of intruders, which is a great form of protection for their owners. However, their small bites and miniature size makes them less ideal for using any force to protect the home. What Are The Qualities of a Guard Dog? Guard dogs are basically the opposite of lapdogs. They are calm, and alert canines who have been trained by their respective owners to protect certain areas or buildings. For this reason, they’re often used in military and industrial settings as protection against intruders. Guard dogs aren’t just large though. There are several small types that can be just as effective as a large dog when it comes to protecting a given area. Enter: the Chihuahua. A guard dog is a dog that protects a property or people. Some are inherently protective, despite not being trained to guard. Others are trained specifically for this purpose. What all guard dogs share, however, is specific characteristics that enable them to protect people and property more effectively. What qualities define a good guard dog? A guard dog is one that acts under the direction of a handler as opposed to its own will. All dogs—the Chihuahua and the Saint Bernard—can be trained to protect property and people. But truly, only a few dogs have what it takes to be real guard dogs. You know, the kind of dog that can ward off intruders and keep you safe. Key Qualities of a Guard Dog: FriendlinessApproachability - CalmnessIntelligenceObedienceProtectiveness (Source) Guard dogs vs. Watch Dogs Watch Dogs: A watchdog, also called an “Alarm Dog”, is a dog that warns you of danger. A watchdog is an example of a conventional guard for your home. If you have a watchdog, it will alert you to any intruders or trespassers on your property. What’s important about a watchdog is not necessarily the size, but the courageous behavior. A watchdog is a type of dog, but not all dogs are watchdogs! The size of a dog doesn't predict its loyalty and tenacity. Guard Dogs: A guard dog is a dog that guards your property, and for this reason is effective at deterring theft. A guard dog tries to drive a potential threat away with a forceful display, but if that doesn't work they engage the threat. These dogs are typically bigger and stronger breeds because they are trained to take action against dangerous intruders. Guard Dogs require specific training because they can be dangerous.A dog that is large enough, strong enough, brave enough, and steady enough will make a good guard dog. How to Train Your Chihuahua to Be a Watch Dog Great news! Your chihuahua is already by nature one of the best candidates for a watch dog! These little dogs take their job seriously and have a tendency to be very protective of their owners. They are loyal, and Chihuahuas are always alert and keep a watchful eye over their domain. Canna-pet says that because of the Chihuahua’s fierce personality, it’s best to train them while they are younger. While many dogs bark at strangers, Chihuahuas go well beyond that in protecting their owners. It takes very little human intervention to make your Chihuahua guard your home. In fact, this breed will protect your home without any training. This is because Chihuahuas are extremely loyal to their owners, and very attached and territorial of your shared home. Ever notice your little friend barking when people walk by on the street? What about when they terrorize the mailman? That is your Chihuahua trying to alert you of potential danger, as well as trying to scare it off. “Chihuahuas are eager to learn and train best with positive reinforcement,” says BarxBuddy, so if you’re going to be encouraging your canine to bark when a stranger is near, try giving them a treat when they surprise you with that watch dog behavior! By giving them a treat, you’re telling them they did a great job at protecting you and the home. Conclusion Now that you know the difference between a watch dog and a guard dog, you know that the Chihuahua is much better equipped to be a watch dog. Because of its size and tiny bite, the breed is not strong enough to physically fight off intruders. However, its loyalty and territorial temperament make them stellar watch dogs.

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