We Asked the Experts: Can Your Dog Really Prevent Home Break-Ins?

Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Do you really need a security system if you have a dog at home -- or is your pup more likely to give burglars a friendly lick? We find many homeowners like the idea of home security, but see no problem with trusting their dog to fend off threats. The experts say dogs can help, but only so much.

"Some breeds and sizes of dogs are able to provide better security than others," says Julie Burgess, a certified dog trainer (CPDT-KA). "For instance, smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, miniature pinschers and miniature schnauzers will most likely be unable to provide serious protection."

Even small dogs may make enough noise to scare away would-be burglars and intruders, though. "Research shows that 'occupancy cues' like dogs are major deterrents in attempts to burglarize homes," says K. Campbell, a certified protection professional. "In fact, the research reveals that dogs of any size are effective. Large dogs pose a physical threat, and small dogs tend to be noisy." 

Let's take a look at when your dog could effectively deter home break-ins, and when that can cause serious liability issues. For more home security tips, find out the best places to put your security cameras, and how to prevent your home security cameras from being hacked. 

Can a barking dog actually deter burglars?

If the only requirement of your dog is that they bark to alert you when a stranger approaches the house, then most dogs will fit the bill, as they will generally make noise when anyone rings the doorbell or wanders around the outside of your house. 

"I have heard multiple accounts from burglars who say that all things being equal they will always opt for a house without a dog," says Louis Wood, the owner of a private security firm in San Antonio.

A barking dog, says Wood, regardless of size, may be enough to make the burglar decide to take his business elsewhere -- to a home with no potential pitfalls. "A good mindset for a homeowner to be in is how can I make my house as unappealing to rob as possible," he says.

But the data isn't quite so decisive. In a study published in the journal Society and Animals, researchers at the University of Louisville found that "households with licensed dogs ... enjoyed property crime rates 1.71 percentage points lower than households without licensed dogs" -- a significant difference, though not a dramatic one.

The idea of dogs barking as a deterrent is popular, though, and has even led to Amazon offering recordings of dogs barking on its Echo smart speakers as a security measure.

Can your dog protect you?

Your family pet may think of you and your family as its "pack," and may jump in if you are attacked. But that doesn't mean it will make an effective security animal. 

Small breeds like chihuahuas, schnauzers and miniature pinschers aren't big enough to do damage to a thief, although they can bark to alert you (and for many other reasons). Happy-go-lucky breeds like labs and golden retrievers typically won't help much, either.

Dog breeds more suited to a security job include larger breeds that have a reputation for being aggressive. But there's a built-in disadvantage to that solution, says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute. Dogs bred or trained for aggression can be dangerous. That brings us to some large caveats of using a doggo for your home security needs.

3 big issues with trusting your dog with home security

Before you start searching for a tactical dog vest for Mr. Scruffles, there are a few difficulties with relying solely on a dog for home security -- and why we still recommend smart home security over your furry friends. Let's break them down. 

1. Dogs are bad at recognizing criminals. It's very difficult to train dogs to only attack certain people. Security guards tend to scare away not only trespassers but mailmen (carriers can even block homes from delivery), new friends, visiting family members and anyone else. "It is best to hire a professional trainer to teach your dog limits and boundaries," Munden says. "This will enable them to do their job to protect the home, as well as be a lovable companion." A trainer with experience in security dogs may be the most helpful.
2. Security dogs can be a serious liability issue. While laws can vary by state, many states allow criminals to successfully sue a homeowner if they are attacked by a guard dog, even if they're breaking another law in the process. That can lead to successful fines, penalties and payouts, or even consequences for the pup. And it's even more likely if an anxious guard dog injures a neighbor or visiting acquaintance. That's not exactly "good boy" territory.
3. Insurance can be a pain. Insurance claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries cost homeowners $854 million, Friedlander says. "Some insurance companies will not insure homeowners who own certain breeds of dogs categorized as dangerous. Others decide on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether an individual dog, regardless of its breed, has been deemed vicious." States like New York have laws that may protect certain dog breeds, but it's an ongoing legal conversation. We'll talk more about breeds below, but some banned breeds can include German shepherds, pit bulls, Doberman pinchers and Rottweilers. 
   

Best dog breeds for home security 

Brandi Hunter Munden, vice president for PR and communications at the American Kennel Club, suggested breeds best suited for security work. "Some breeds have a natural instinct to protect their family as well as their homes," she says. "These breeds tend to be loyal to their owners, brave when faced with danger, intelligent and alert."

Munden's suggestions included the following:

• Boxer: This working breed is a guide dog by instinct. They are keen and alert but also need human companionship. They have a patient and protective nature and are simultaneously an effective watchdog, difficult to frighten and reliable in guarding homes.
• Bullmastiff: This working breed has a history of being a guard dog. They learn quickly and are fiercely protective. They are an alert and reliable breed and have the courage and confidence of a guardian combined without the aggression of some other breeds.
• Cane corso: This working breed can be extremely intimidating. Their appearance is imposing, but they are intelligent and intensely loyal to their owners.
• Doberman pinscher: Dobermans are the definition of a "purpose-bred dog." They do not frighten easily, and they stand out as one of the top protection breeds -- often used as military or police dogs. They are courageous and exceptionally loyal.
• German shepherd: The German Shepherd was bred to be a versatile and willing worker. They are considered to be one of the most focused and trainable breeds. This herding breed has an instinctively protective nature and they make excellent watchdogs. In addition, they tend to be well-mannered, pleasant home companions. 
• Rottweiler: This working breed has been used as a police dog and they are often companionable. They have strong protective and territorial instincts which makes them excellent watchdogs. They are calm and extremely loyal.

Important note: As we mentioned above, contact your home insurance company directly before purchasing a dog with home security in mind, to see if they have any rules about specific breeds. 

The bottom line

All our canine experts confirmed that it's not a great idea to use a dog as your only security method. Sure, they can alert you and, if well-trained, protect you. But they can't call 911, and they can't be left unattended in a home while you're on vacation for two weeks. They can also cause serious liability issues even if they follow their training accurately.

A robust home security system is more effective in many ways than a dog. Install some smart locks and security cameras to keep your family -- including your dog -- safe by using the best and most effective technology to protect your home and loved ones. For more information about your options, read about CNET's recommended outdoor cameras and indoor cameras.

You can also find tips on the worst places to put your home security cameras, and six ways to ensure optimal home security camera performance.