Dogs have been bred for a variety of purposes throughout history, from hunting and herding to companionship and guarding. While many dog breeds excel as watchdogs or guardians, alerting their owners to danger or intruders, some breeds are not suited to this role. Their friendly nature, lack of territoriality, and tendency to be overly trusting may make them less effective guardians. Here we look at the nine worst dog breeds for guarding, and reveal the attractive qualities that make them better suited to other roles.
9. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds have long ears, droopy eyes, and are known for their laid-back, gentle nature. Originally bred for hunting, they have a keen sense of smell, but are not particularly wary of intruders. Their calm, easy-going nature means they are more likely to greet strangers with a wag of the tail than a bark. Basset Hounds are generally not territorial and lack the protective instincts that characterize effective guard dogs. Their friendly nature means they are more interested in making friends than guarding their home. While their deep, resonant bark may scare some people away, their overall demeanor makes them a poor guardian.
8. Beagle
Beagles are friendly, inquisitive, and energetic dogs known for their excellent sense of smell and tracking abilities. However, their sociable and friendly nature means they tend to greet strangers with enthusiasm rather than suspicion. Beagles are not particularly territorial and tend to see anyone as a potential friend. Their small size and non-threatening demeanor also make them less effective as guard dogs. They may bark at unfamiliar noises or people, but their primary motivation is usually curiosity, not a desire to protect. Beagles are great companions and excellent family pets, but their friendly nature makes them one of the worst choices for guard dogs.
7. Bulldog
Bulldogs have distinctive wrinkled faces and stocky builds, and are known for their gentle, docile nature. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, Bulldogs are generally very friendly and affectionate with family and strangers. They are not naturally protective or territorial, which makes them a poor choice for guard dogs. Bulldogs prefer to enjoy a laid-back, relaxed lifestyle rather than being on high alert for potential threats. Their low energy levels and laid-back attitude mean they are unlikely to react aggressively to intruders. Although Bulldogs are loved for their affectionate and loyal nature, they are not a good choice for guard dogs, as they lack a protective instinct.
6. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, known for their friendly, sociable, and gentle nature. These dogs are very sociable and tend to get along with everyone they meet, including strangers. Golden Retrievers lack the territorial instincts necessary to be a good guard dog, and tend to greet intruders in a friendly manner with a wagging tail. Golden Retrievers are not useful as guardians, as they are trusting and non-aggressive. They may bark to alert their owners to unusual behavior, but their primary motivation is often excitement, not a desire to defend. Golden Retrievers make great family pets and companions, but their friendly nature makes them one of the least useful guard dogs.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, affectionate dog known for its calm, friendly nature. This dog is very sociable, preferring human companionship and seeking affection rather than guarding against strangers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lacks the protective and territorial instincts that characterize a good guard dog, and because of its small size and non-threatening demeanor, it is less effective at deterring intruders. This dog is more interested in providing security to its owner as a lap dog than being a watchful guardian. Although it may bark to warn its owner, its overall friendly demeanor does not make it a good guard dog.
4. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large, gentle giant known for its calm and friendly nature. This dog is so gentle that it is often referred to as the “gentle giant.” Newfoundlands are not naturally protective or territorial and tend to greet strangers in a friendly manner with a wagging tail. Despite their large size, their gentle and affectionate nature makes them less suitable as guard dogs. Newfoundlands are known for their love of people and their desire to befriend everyone they meet. While their barking alone may be enough to deter intruders, their overall lack of aggression and protectiveness makes them less suitable as guard dogs.
3. Whippet
Whippets are known for their slender, athletic build and calm, quiet nature. These dogs are generally very friendly and sociable, so they tend to seek companionship rather than acting as guardians. Whippets are not particularly territorial and do not have the protective instincts necessary for a good guard dog. Their primary motivation is to find a comfortable place to relax, rather than to be on the alert for potential threats. Whippets are known for their speed and agility, but their calm, trusting nature makes them less effective as guardians. Although they may bark at unusual sounds, their overall demeanor is too friendly to be considered an effective guardian.
2. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, lovable dog known for its affectionate and friendly nature. This dog is very sociable and enjoys being around people, including strangers. Shih Tzus do not have the territorial or defensive behaviors that characterize effective guard dogs, and because of their small size and non-threatening demeanor, they are less effective at deterring intruders. Shih Tzus are more interested in providing security to their owners as lap dogs than they are as watchful guardians. They may bark to alert their owners to unusual behavior, but their primary motivation is often curiosity, not a desire to defend. Shih Tzus make great companions and family pets, but their friendly nature makes them one of the least effective guard dogs.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers top our list of least suitable guard dog breeds. This dog is known for its friendly, sociable, and gentle temperament. Labradors are very sociable and tend to get along with everyone they meet, including strangers. They lack the territorial instincts necessary for a good guard dog and tend to greet intruders with a wagging tail and a friendly attitude. Labradors are not useful as guardians because they are trusting and lack aggression. They may bark to alert their owners to unusual behavior, but their main motivation is often excitement, not a desire to defend. Labradors make great family pets and companions, but their friendly temperament makes them the least useful guard dogs.
All of the dog breeds on this list are known for their friendly and sociable personalities, but despite their charm, they are not good guard dogs. These dogs tend to seek companionship and affection rather than protection from strangers. Their calm and trusting natures make them great pets and companions, but they are not suited to guarding roles. Owners looking for a guard dog should consider breeds that are more territorial and protective. However, for those looking for a loving and friendly companion, these breeds are the best.
