Guard dog
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A guard dog or watchdog (not to be confused with an attack dog) is a dog used to watch for and guard people or property against unwanted or unexpected human or animal intruders.[1][2]
History
The use of dogs as guardians is well known since ancient times. The Romans used to put mosaics (Cave canem mosaics) at the entrance of the houses to warn visitors and intruders of the presence of dangerous dogs at the property.[3]
One of the first dog types used as guardians were the ancestral
Some ancient guard dogs in more urban areas, such as the extinct
Barking
Both guard dogs and watchdogs
The following breeds are the best at watchdog barking:[7]
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd Dog
- German Spitz (including Keeshond)
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Scottish Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
If the risk is from human intruders, a suitable dog can be simply trained to be aggressive towards unrecognized humans and then tethered or enclosed unsupervised in an area that the owner wishes to protect when he is not around (such as at night); the stereotypical "junkyard dog" is a common example of this. If the purpose of the dog is to protect against human intruders after nightfall, a large, dark-colored dog in a dark house (lights off) would give the dog an advantage over the burglar.[8]
It is claimed that female dogs tend to make better personal guardians than males, due to maternal instincts, but males are considered better for guarding property because of their greater territorial instinct. That may be true in general, but all dogs are individuals.[9]
Breeds
Many currently prominent guard dogs started as general purpose farm dogs, but gradually developed into guard breeds. Some dog breeds such as the Dobermann and the Dogue Brasileiro were specifically bred to guard.[10][11][unreliable source?]
Guard dogs are not restricted to mastiffs. Other dogs, like some shepherd dogs, Spitz dogs, cattle dogs and some catch dogs are also great guard dogs as well as being useful as multifunctional dogs, acting as attack dogs, personal protection dogs, police dogs, sport dogs such as schutzhund dogs, etc.
Guard dog breeds tend to be territorial, averse to strangers, dominant, and protective and loyal with family. The Fila Brasileiro for example has a reputation for being very intolerant of strangers and guests to the home and property. Other fierce guard dogs include breeds and landraces of the Ovtcharka type and other farm guard dogs such as the Boerboel.
Some breeds who make excellent guards are more commonly having breed specific legislation passed against them, banning them from some communities and whole countries.[12]
Legality
The laws regarding ownership and usage of guard dogs vary from country to country.[13][14][1] In England the main legislation relating to the use of guard dogs on commercial premises are contained within the 1975 Guard Dogs Act. The act specifies the requirements of kennels and the need to display guard dog warning signs at the entrance to sites.[15]
See also
- Attack dog – Dogs trained to attack people
- Bandog– Type of dog
- Beware of the dog – Warning
- Dogs in warfare – Overview of the role of dogs in warfare
- Faithful Ruslan
- Livestock guardian dog – Dog type bred for the purpose of protecting livestock from predators
- Working dog – Dog trained to perform practical tasks
References
- ^ a b Department of Economic Development, Jobs. "Guard dogs". agriculture.vic.gov.au. Archived from the original on 17 March 2020. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ "Definition of GUARD DOG". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ "Pompeii guard dog mosaic back on show". 27 July 2015. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
- ^ a b "Livestock Guardian Dogs and Their Care in Winter". www.omafra.gov.on.ca. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ Beilby, Ralph (1792). A General History of Quadrupeds: The Figures Engraved on Wood. S. Hodgson, R. Beilby, & T. Bewick.
- ISBN 9780414048188.
- ISBN 9780521425377
- ^ Tierney, John (11 June 2011). "For the Executive With Everything, a $230,000 Dog to Protect It". The New York Times. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ISBN 9780876055519.
- ^ "DPCA | The Doberman | History". dpca.org. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
- ^ "Brazilian Dogo – Facts, Pictures, Puppies, Price, Temperament, Breeders | Animals Adda". Retrieved 17 July 2019.
- ^ "A short history of the 'dangerous dog' and why certain breeds are banned". BBC News. 4 January 2018.
- ^ "Guard Dogs Act 1975". www.legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ "Permits and Housing of Guard Dogs – 6.10". Town of Rangely. 30 March 2016. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ "Guard Dogs Act 1975". www.legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 17 August 2019.