The Best Medium-Sized Watchdogs for the Elderly

This medium-sized German shepherd look-a-like can be counted on to protect grandma’s person and property, but he is not likely to be mean for no good reason. The American Kennel Club describes the malinois' temperament to be reserved with strangers, affectionate with his own people and responsive to owner commands. He will need to be brushed often, though.

Our friends at the AKC say this dog has a steady disposition that shows himself with an air of self-confidence. He is big enough to give bad guys pause but has a soft silky coat and a face that some would call adorable. He will need more trips to the groomer than others on the list, but otherwise he would make a fine choice as a protection dog.

As a breed, weimaraners are noted for their speed, endurance and fearlessness. If your grandma would rather spend time taking long walks than visiting dog salons, this dog would probably be a good match. His short-haired coat is low maintenance and he has a high energy level without being hyper.

Though a bit odd-looking with his hippopotamus head and abundant wrinkles, the shar-pei can act as an excellent deterrent for any would be perpetrator. They are a very intelligent breed but can be very stubborn. Shar-peis are very clean dogs and require very little grooming.

While Doberman pinschers are recognized as an excellent choice for protection work, they are often black-listed by insurance companies. The German pinscher is a smaller breed that looks much like the dobie but he lacks the Doberman’s fierce reputation and would probably be a better choice for grandma. German pinschers have a natural instinct to hunt vermin and will protect their home and family from two-footed rats. German pinschers are high-energy dogs that need daily exercise, but they are low maintenance in the grooming department.

A mixed-breed dog rescued from the local animal shelter may be the best choice of all. Grandma should be able to find a medium-sized dog that needs a forever home and who will likely be a fiercely loyal companion in exchange. Look for rescue dogs that are not overly frightened at your approach but are also not overly anxious for your attention. Rescue dogs are usually spayed or neutered prior to adoption, a bonus your grandma would probably greatly appreciate.