Little Dogs Equal Great Watchdogs!!
@whiteheather39 (24403)
United States
March 24, 2008 4:39pm CST
On today's Rachel Rae Show a retired home burglar/robber was being interviewed and gave tips on how to protect your home from burglars. One of the tips was when asked which dogs made the best watchdogs. I was surprised (and pleased) when he said small dogs were the best for the following reasons:
1. They make one heck of a noise.
2. Aggravate the burglar and break his concentration.
3. They were too fast/quick and the hardest to catch.
Rachel Rae said she has a pit bull who is scared of her own shadow. Being the proud owner of three chihuahuas that really make me feel good. Although I have always known they do not realize they are small and are completely fearless.
What do you think?
10 people like this
15 responses
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
25 Mar 08
I agree. With both. Having any kind of dog is very good protection against burglars. Plus, yes, it is likely that the small dogs would bark a great deal & get aggro with burglars.
I have two dogs. A large Dalmation & one min fox terrier.
I dont think either would physically intervene with a burglar, but they sure would bark. The mini fox terrier in particular can make a kind of agitated bark, & this would indicate to us that something was very wrong.
I have never had a break in, or even attempted breakin.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
25 Mar 08
The man on the TV show indicated that when burglars "case" the home of their potential victims they tend to avoid homes with barking dogs.
2 people like this
@mummymo (23706)
•
25 Mar 08
I have said this sooo many times before sweety! Neighbours across the road from me got a Great Dane (quiet cruel as the house and garden are too small and they work long hours) and another neighbour commented on what a good guard dog it would be - especially when in partnership with the dalmation they already had - I told him I thought they would be far better getting a small dog and he thought I was mad! 2 weeks later their garage right beside the house was broken into and the police were around asking if we had heard anything , when I asked about the dogs the policeman told me they hadn't made a sound - that would never have happened with a little fella! xxx
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
25 Mar 08
That is the point that the man who was being interiewed also made.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (120897)
• United States
25 Mar 08
I agree. I have a small dog and 3/4 of him is Chihuahua. The other fourth is Corgi. He can make a noise like you wouldn't believe! Ironically he is intimidated by other small dogs, but frequently goes right up to pit bulls and German Shepherds and tries to jump on them.
@Marg12 (329)
• United States
25 Mar 08
Well I never thought about a little dog being a good watch dog but it sure does make sense. I have big dogs and I don't know what they would do. My border collie would just be really glad to see the burglar and my Aussie probably would bark but don't know if she would attack. She might.
But little dogs would be hard to catch, they run so fast. Maybe I should go get a little dog. I bet one of the mini pinchers (sp) would be a great watchdog.
Good subject
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
25 Mar 08
Oh I tend to agree!! I have one chihuahua who is 9 years old and two puppies that are chihuahua mixes that are 6 months old. My nine yo and the smaller of the two mixes are the yappyest dogs I've ever seen! They start barking and don't know when to quit! lol Before we got the puppies, I'd take Peanut with me on trips to Florida when I was picking up our God kids for the summer because he'd let me know when someone was too close to my car and alert me. I'm legally deaf so with his help, I stayed pretty safe for that long 12 hour drive. He's awesome!! And the others will too in time and training.
2 people like this
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
24 Mar 08
hi whiteheather39 I think its great that the little guys are actually better watchdogs. I know my mom had a chihuahua and its bark was so shrill it would have scared any burglar and I do no think it ever realized it was not a great big dog I should say she really.She was as quick as anything specially when mom wanted to give her a bath.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
25 Mar 08
When it is time for anything they think unnecessary or unpleasant they can disappear in a flash.
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
25 Mar 08
I have had every size of dog from Tana my doberman pinscher to my chihuahuas so i can really see how brave the little ones are.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169479)
• United States
25 Mar 08
I always noticed that tiny people and tiny pooches make up for their tininess with energy and enthusiasm. They are assertive, and will "tell you all about it". Very feisty.
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
28 Mar 08
I have heard this years ago but we have found out to that most people for some reason are afraid of chows . They wil not even get close to the fence.
and that bark could scare any one but not the bark the growl and teeth showing ya never know what they think.
We even watch grand d aughter around them for one has been known to snap at a kid but we dont know what the kid did.
DIdnt see but its scary enough to watch HER close. When outside with them mostly we put them in the house when outside!
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
25 Mar 08
We had a small dog and they do make a lot of noise. Also they are quite fast, and the burglar would not see them coming. So it is best to have a small dog. With big dogs, even if they are Doberman Pinschers or Pit Bulls, they might even help the burgler. I watched Rachel Ray as well and I thought that was interesting. I am sure glad we had our Shitsu Poodle, she would have given the burgler he!!.
1 person likes this
@lightningMD (5931)
• United States
25 Mar 08
I saw that episode. I thought it was very interesting with really great tips.We have a miniature sheltie she is no watch dog though. She would invite you in and give you the house as long as you petted her.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
25 Mar 08
I've never had dogs...though one day would..and hate to say it always loved larger dogs..would love to get a Husky..they remind me of wolves which is one of my favorite animals...But yes, I've heard of this "phenomena" that large, intimidating looking dogs can actually have the heart of a wimpy teddy bear while small dogs make better watch dogs..
2 people like this
@Foxfire1875 (2010)
•
25 Mar 08
I never really thought about it until I was out walking one day and heard a man shouting "get your dogs away from mine". He came into view with a rottweiler and the person he was shouting at appeared with a couple of westies. Those westies sure weren't afraid of the rottweiler so I doubt they'd be afraid of anything.
Those westies sure weren't afraid of the rottweiler so I doubt they'd be afraid of anything.1 person likes this
@whittby (3072)
• United States
29 Mar 08
Our little chihuahua/yorkie is usually quiet unless there is someone walking by or at the door. He won't attack anyone coming into the house, but he is so friendly, he drives a non-dog lover crazy. I can see where a burglar would have no peace with him around. He is also incredibly fast, especially when he has one of our socks! He does battle with my big teenage son so the fearless is quite true.
