Can English Shepherds Be Guard Dogs?

Wanting to adopt an English Shepherd puppy and wondering whether an English Shepherd can be a good watch dog or if English Shepherd Dogs are protective of their owners?

According to dog trainers, English Shepherd Dogs score out of 5 in the scale of breeds that are considered the best guard dogs.


Can English Shepherds Be Guard Dogs?

Can English Shepherds Be A Watch Dog?

    This dog is not recommended to be a watchdog.

    Training an English Shepherd To Be a Watch Dog

    Lots of people get a pet dog because they want more safety and security around their houses. A guard dog, or a canine that will actually stop an intruder, generally takes special breeding and training, but there are many dogs that are excellent watch dogs.

    A watch dog simply alerts their owner to someone coming close to their house. Even when your pet dog isn't a police dog, most barking dogs will deter an intruder even if they aren't big. Most guard dogs also make great watch dogs, but not all watch dogs make great guard dogs.

    Top 5 Best Guard Dogs

    1. Doberman Pinscher - The Doberman Pinscher is German breed originally used for safeguarding, police and military work. They are huge, strong dogs that will alert their owners to questionable activity and can make great guard dogs as well.

    2. Cairn Terrier - Although small, the Cairn Terrier is intense. They are strong-willed, fiery little terriers that are really watchful of their surroundings and will notify their owners to any novel activity in no time. Because of this, they make excellent watch dogs.

    3. Rottweiler - The Rottweiler is a big German guard dog breed that is deeply loyal to its family but wary of strangers. Although, they are not a great choice for inexperienced dog owners.

    4. German Shepherd - They are terrific guard dogs that will inform their owners of any strangers just a little too close to their homes.

    5. Akita - They will quickly signal their owners to any uncommon activity. They are strong dogs that are not well-suited for the beginner owner, but are almost unparalleled in their loyalty to their owners.

Can English Shepherds Be Guard Dogs

English Shepherd Information

English Shepherds are similar in appearance to Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. English Shepherds usually have tails and a less rounded head than many Aussies. English Shepherds are never merle as Aussies frequently are. They are generally not square in body like an Aussie. English Shepherds tend to be larger than Border Collies but are most readily distinguished from Border Collies by their very different upright, loose-eyed herding style. The coat is medium length and can be straight, wavy, or curly. There is frequently feathering on the legs and tail, as well as on the ear. As a working dog, the coat should be easy to keep, requiring very little grooming. Dirt tends to just fall away. English shepherds tend to shed quite a lot and fur may be found on and under furniture, clothes, and carpeting. The primary coat colors are: sable and white (clear and shaded), tricolor, black and white, and black and tan. Other variations such as solid dogs of any color, piebalds, and red nosed tricolors and sables also exist but are not common.

The English Shepherd temperament is the defining characteristic of the breed, with high intelligence and often a unique type of kindness for those in his home, both animals and people. The English Shepherd is often an independent worker. English Shepherds are adaptable and learn routines quickly. Some can be watchful of strangers and are more one-person dogs. However, once he accepts people or children or stock as his own, there are few better caretakers than an English Shepherd. The English Shepherd frequently exhibits an independent, bossy or "enforcer of the rules" streak in his temperament. If the dog's desire to enforce order is not channeled and directed to a suitable end by a strong, confident leader, he may exhibit many undesirable behaviors. Nevertheless, English shepherds can thrive as companion dogs in environments that provide sufficient mental and physical stimulation.

What to do if you lose your English Shepherd

If your English Shepherd Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Report the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups Here.

3. Telephone the local vet clinics to see if someone has brought in your lost pet.

4. Phone the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Pounds.

What to do if you find a lost English Shepherd

If you find a English Shepherd Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. List the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Contact the Local Council to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the pet to the local Animal Pound near to your suburb.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet Clinic who normally scan the animal’s microchip and locate the registered owner of the pet.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must contact your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.