Are burglars scared of big dogs?
Asked by: Annabell Ziemann | Last update: September 11, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (10 votes)
An investigative report by KGW8 out of Oregon surveyed 86 burglars. The study concluded that if “a homeowner had a big, loud dog most burglars would stay away.” One of the convicted burglars even said, “dogs are a deal breaker for me… Big breeds, home protectors are the best to keep people out.”
Do large dogs deter burglars?
Burglars tend to avoid dogs that are large, loud, and protective. Breeds such as Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and Pit Bulls are often seen as intimidating due to their size, strength, and protective nature. These dogs are known for their loyalty and can deter intruders.
What do burglars fear most?
Alarm Systems
Burglars hate alarm systems - and for very good reason! Any indication that your home has a security system, such as yard signs, window stickers and a big alarm box, can act as a burglar deterrent and help prevent your home from being burgled.
Are people less likely to rob a house with a dog?
Most research says burglars avoid houses with dogs more than houses with alarm systems. Alarm companies advertise that they're better than having a dog, but when burglers are surveyed they say a big, noisy dog is more of a deterrent then an alarm system.
What dog breed are people most scared of?
- Rottweiler. Weight: 80 -135 pounds. ...
- American Pit Bull Terrier. Weight: 30-60 pounds. ...
- Wolfdog. Weight: 50-100 pounds. ...
- Newfoundland. Weight: 130-150 pounds. ...
- Doberman Pinscher. Weight: 60-100 pounds. ...
- Great Dane. Weight: 140-175 pounds. ...
- Cane Carso. Weight: 90-120 pounds. ...
- Caucasian Ovcharka.
Thieves Disappointed When Encountering Dogs! - Instant Karma
What is the best dog for robbers?
- Akita. These dogs originated in Japan and were historically used to protect royalty – which should give you a good idea of their capability as a guard dog. ...
- Bullmastiff. ...
- Estrela Mountain Dog. ...
- German Shepherd. ...
- Giant Schnauzer.
What is the #1 most aggressive dog?
1. Pit Bulls. This probably won't surprise anyone because pit bulls, while lovable, have a bad reputation for violence. The term “pit bull” is a catch-all that's become commonplace.
Will my dog protect me from an intruder?
Answer: It highly depends on the individual case. Compared with the untrained dogs, trained dogs tend to protect their owners if attacked. But it doesn't necessarily meant that a normal family pet dog would do nothing when a break-in happens. Some of family dogs would also try their best to defend their owners.
What makes your house more likely to be robbed?
Hidden keys near the front or back doors that are easy to find (under door mats or rocks) also make homes easy to burglarize. Hedges, trees, fences, and other objects that hide major points of entry are promising features for burglars, as it makes them harder to be seen while they are checking the house or breaking in.
What is the best dog to guard a house?
- Akita. The Akita is a muscular, double-coated dog of ancient Japanese lineage famous for their dignity…
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog. An Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a rugged, imposing flock guardian of ancient lineage. ...
- Appenzeller Sennenhund. ...
- Australian Shepherd. ...
- Barbado da Terceira. ...
- Beauceron. ...
- Belgian Laekenois. ...
- Bergamasco Sheepdog.
What is the #1 deterrent for burglars?
1. Home Security Cameras. Our best deterrent for burglars is the presence of an outdoor security camera. Having cameras mounted around your exterior home is a great way to prevent burglars from entering your home!
What houses do burglars avoid?
Houses routinely vacant during the day.
Houses that appear occupied—with the lights on, a vehicle in the driveway, visible activity, or audible noises from within—are less likely to be burglarized. 28 Even houses near occupied houses generally have a lower risk of burglary.
How to scare a burglar away?
- Security Cameras. Security cameras act as one of the most powerful tools to deter theft. ...
- Alarm Systems or Sirens. ...
- Outside Lights. ...
- Security Signs & Stickers. ...
- Burglarproof Spike Fences. ...
- Barking Dogs. ...
- Fake TVs. ...
- Steel Bars or Dowels in Doors & Windows.
How do you scare a big dog away?
A deterrent can be anything from a dog treat to a spray and is easily carried on the body. Some deterrents include: Whistle with a sharp note or ultrasonic: Dogs have sensitive hearing and a whistle with a sharp or ultrasonic tone can be effective in shutting down a dog that's engaging in aggressive behavior.
Does having a dog reduce crime?
The mere presence of dogs, with their barking and visibility, can act as a deterrent. Areas with many dogs, even those with less neighborhood trust, also showed lower levels of property crimes. Dog walking furthers the impact by having “eyes and ears” all over the community.
What scares dogs the most?
One large-scale study of 13,000 dogs found that loud noises were a prevalent fear, with almost a third being afraid of fireworks, thunder or gunshots. The sound, and sensation, of strong winds can also be unnerving for some canines.
What discourages burglars?
Secure Entry Points: Upgrade locks on doors and windows, and consider adding deadbolts. Reinforced doors and windows make it physically tougher for someone to break in. Alarm System: Display security system signs or stickers prominently. The mere presence of an alarm system can deter many thieves.
What time do most break-ins happen?
Contrary to what we see on TV, most burglaries occur during the daytime, between 10 AM and 3 PM. This window presents an opportunity when kids will be at school and people are at work. The average burglar wants to break-in when no one is home.
How to tell if someone is in your house at night?
- You Hear Strange Noises. ...
- You Notice Things Are Missing or Moved. ...
- Your Pets Are on High Alert. ...
- You Feel as Though You Are Being Watched. ...
- How to Tell If Someone Tried to Break Into Your Home. ...
- Open Doors and/or Windows. ...
- Forced Entry. ...
- Lights.
Do burglars avoid houses with dogs?
Do dogs really act as a burglar deterrent? The short answer is yes, they do!
Will an untrained dog protect you?
An untrained dog can protect its owner and will have a natural instinct to do so. However, some untrained dogs may hesitate to respond to what is a perceived threat and that's where training becomes important.
What happens if my dog attacks an intruder?
In cases where the person who was bitten by a dog was trespassing, the property owner is typically not held liable for any injuries sustained, even under the strict liability rule. Ultimately, with very few exceptions, a dog owner is not responsible when a dog bites an intruder.
What dog turns on its owner the most?
Probably the most notorious breed on this list, the pit bull has a reputation for unpredictability and aggression, even against its owner or his family. State and local governments have been vigorous in restricting ownership of this dog with breed-specific legislation.
What is the safest dog breed?
The Safest Dog Breeds Include Labrador Retrievers and Beagles. According to the American Kennel Club, the dog breeds listed below are the 10 least-aggressive breeds that make the best companions for families and children.
At what age are dogs most aggressive?
Like territorial behavior, protective aggression usually appears as puppies mature into an adolescence or adulthood, at one to three years of age. Many dogs show the tendency to guard their possessions from others, whether they need to or not.