So many small breed dogs make the best watchdogs, sounding the alarm when they hear something or someone prowling outside their door. Their spirited nature and assertiveness make them fearless and can give their owners headaches. Which small dog breeds are the most fearless? Here are the top 10 fearless small breeds.
1. Cairn Terrier
A big dog in a small package is an understatement when referring to a Cairn Terrier. Toto in The Wizard of Oz skyrocketed the popularity of Cairn Terriers. These tenacious terriers are happiest when working, ridding their home and yard of any vermin. Cairn Terriers do not see themselves as small, and their fearlessness can quickly get them in trouble when they feel the need to challenge bigger animals and even people. Stubborn but loyal, Cairn Terriers make good pets if they get enough exercise and stimulation.
2. West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terriers, commonly called Westies, are close cousins to the Cairn Terrier. They were the same breed but since white was a disqualification, breeders began developing the new breed and named it a West Highland White Terrier. The confident demeanor of Westies combined with their alert nature makes them great little watchdogs. They are bold and fearless for such a small little terrier.
3. Shih Tzu
Most people do not think of a Shih Tzu, with its long flowing hair and top knot, as a bold, fearless dog. They are active, alert, friendly, and confident. These pampered pooches are also assertive and will not back down when challenged. A Shih Tzu is also loyal and protective of their family. Proper training and socialization will keep your Shih Tzu from becoming overbearing and unmanageable.
4. Boston Terrier
These small tuxedo terriers are friendly but also strong and fearless. They are determined and stubborn companions full of energy and highly trainable. Boston Terriers need a lot of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Boston Terriers, despite their size, make excellent watchdogs, not realizing they are small dogs. Interactive toys will keep them busy when you do not have time to engage them in training or playtime.
5. Pomeranian
Tiny balls of fur with a big attitude perfectly describe the Pomeranian. These spirited, bold dogs are fearless and lively. Known to have a ton to say on any subject, their frequent barking can be tiresome. Training is important to ensure a Pom is well-adjusted. Make sure they get plenty of exercise, but do not be surprised if they spend much of their outdoor time patrolling their yard, watching for intruders. Pomeranians are loyal to their families and generally wary of strangers but will happily accept any challenge big or small.
6. Scottish Terrier
Another fearless terrier on the list, the Scottish Terrier, affectionately called a Scottie, is a confident, fearless, and tenacious dog. Scotties have a strong prey drive and do not do well in a house with smaller house pets. They also like to pick fights and will look for things to get into unless properly trained. Their vigilant nature makes them an ideal watchdog although if not properly trained, they can become biters.
7. Dachshund
Tenacious badger hunters, Dachshunds may be small in stature but are big in courage. Wiener dogs, as they are affectionately called, are known for their persistence and bravery. They fearlessly approach new challenges and do not see themselves as small dogs. Their strong prey drive can sometimes lead them into trouble when they pick up a scent and refuse to listen to commands. Many Dachshunds have a loud, deep bark that is great for startling intruders.
8. Miniature Pinscher
Sometimes called a miniature Doberman, the Min Pin is a tiny, fearless dog with a huge personality. They are assertive, energetic, intelligent, and ready to meet any challenge. Some Miniature Pinschers are nervous little dogs, but they are also fiercely independent. They do require consistent training or they will continually test their boundaries. Min Pins can become dominant if not properly trained and their protective nature can become overbearing.
9. Jack Russell Terrier
Of course, the Jack Russell Terrier is among the most fearless small dog breeds. These small terriers are known for their boundless energy, fearless nature, and athletic abilities. Bred originally to hunt foxes, their determination and intelligence will keep their owners on their toes. Jack Russell Terriers do require a lot of mental and physical exercise. Interactive toys are a great way to keep them engaged, but you will need several to keep boredom at bay. They can become destructive when they do not have enough exercise or mental stimulation. Regardless of their size, these fearless terriers will meet any challenge head-on. Proper socialization and training are necessary to ensure your Jack Russell Terrier is a well-adjusted family member.
10. Chihuahua
One of the smallest dog breeds, but one of the most fearless, Chihuahuas are a popular breed. Their boldness and fierce loyalty make them a charming companion. They are assertive, often forgetting their small stature, and have no problem challenging big dogs. These tiny watchdogs are energetic and intelligent, requiring a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored. It is common to see a Chihuahua patrolling their territory and looking for intruders. They take exception to anything invading their space. Proper socialization and training are required to ensure your Chihuahua does not become snappy or unmanageable.
Small-breed dogs are notorious for their big personalities. Whether protecting their family, playing, training or just lounging in their home, these small dogs are alert and fearless when needed. Owners find their outgoing nature and abilities to rise to any challenge charming. Big or small dogs will always benefit from proper training and socialization. Your next fearless small dog needs to know its boundaries and not become a terror instead of the happy-go-lucky companion they are meant to be.
