Dogs are great! They alert us when someone is approaching our front door, they watch Netflix with us on Saturday afternoon, and they always welcome us home with enthusiasm. Here are five dogs that not only make the perfect companions but excellent watchdogs in your apartment, too:
1. Dachshunds
Members of the hound family, dachshunds are described as faithful, reliable, and loud. With their short legs, long body, and low-hanging belly, dachshunds generally weigh less than 30 pounds. The breed makes a great watchdog because of their loyalty to their owner and distrust of strangers. ADT identifies them to be great home protectors because of their vociferous bark, but does warn potential owners that they can be difficult to train and don’t do well with small kids. The dachshund would make a wonderful pet and watchdog for an elderly person or couple that lives alone in an apartment.
2. Scottish Terriers
Often referred to as Scotties, Scottish terriers are feisty, smart dogs with coarse coats that weigh less than 20 pounds. They are territorial, confident, and cautious of strangers, which make them excellent watchdogs. Their small size is great for apartment living, but it should be understood that they require moderate exercise. Exceedingly loyal and good-natured, Scotties make wonderful protectors for those living with kids in the home.
3. Poodles
Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Toy and miniature poodles are ideal for apartments because of their small size. Because of their lightheartedness, the breed is often overlooked as a watchdog. According to this Best Guard Dogs chart, the poodle makes a first-rate watchdog because of its intelligence, territorial behavior, and trainability. 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. Poodles are great with small kids.
4. Chihuahuas
They may be small, but Chihuahuas make fabulous watchdogs. This breed makes a great companion due to their little size, light weight, and alertness. Chihuahuas are loyal and innately protective; they won’t hesitate to growl or bark if they suspect trouble. Perfectly content indoors, Chihuahuas are wonderful apartment protectors and take on their owner’s temperament. They are, however, not recommended for families with young children.
5. Miniature Schnauzers
Miniature schnauzers make excellent watchdogs; they distrust strangers, are very territorial, and always looking to please their handler. Unlike many dogs that bark at random, schnauzers bark for good reason, typically when someone appears threatening. The miniature schnauzer is one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. because of their obedience, intelligence, and friendliness to children.
Before you purchase or adopt, you’ll want to carefully review your apartment lease for any pet restrictions including size, weight, or breed. Renters can easily find dog-friendly apartments for rent on Apartments.com! For pet adoptions, Pet Finder allows you to search for an adoptable dog (or cat) in your area, as well as the location of nearby animal shelters and pet rescue organizations.
