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Oh yeah, size is not an indication of intelligence in doggy world. I was a K-9 handler my first 3 years in USAF (AFSC 81150A) and you could not convince me that anything existed other than a shepard.

But my wifes little chocolate colored toy poodle had to be the smartest dog I ever encountered. She had named it Prissy and when I teased the dog and said Prissy is a sarcastic way that dog actually was embarrassed and tried to hide it's head under the pillows on the sofa. Anyone that got within five feet of the front door was yapped to oblivion fer sure !

Small dogs are worth their weight as a cheap little alarm IMHO and experience.

Stay Safe ...........!

Wish we could have a dog. Timing just isn't right at this point.

However, we practice the following in protecting our home and children:

alert parents, locked doors, PUMP SHOTGUN!

After the arch perv Westerfield struck we picked up a small scrawny female rescue dog for just that purpose. This dog was on the street for awhile in a town with many coyotes. She is simply brilliant compared to our brave but stupid WFXTs. The first night that we had her I let her clean a steak bone then retrieved it and stuck it in the trash behind a cabinet door. The next morning I had to retrieve it again. She won't let anyone or anything from the outside near the yard. Unfortunately, she ate our backyard bunny. I wouldn't want to try and snake my hand in any door or window around this beast!

We absolutely adore our two Belgian Malinois. Hanna and Shadow... These dogs are not for everyone, as they have very high energy levels, and need people at home with them, yet for those who have the time and can give them the attention, they are great protectors of the house and property.

There is no way anyone would even get on the property if Shadow were outside. Without any training at all, he does a perfect "bark and hold"... And if anyone comes to our front door, he is up and facing out the glass at them, barking his head off, showing every single one of his very pearly white teeth.

These dogs even think it is their responsibility to chase off the crows, hawks, and other large birds that dare fly over the yard... I have no worries about varmints in my veggie garden, or deer munching on my landscaping, thanks to the two of them...

Folks, don't rush out and get one, though. They need a job to do, daily exercise, and can't be just tied out in the yard. Obedience training of some kind is a must, and they are not at all like labs... while they are very faithful and loyal to family and close friends, they are aloof with strangers and other dogs, and can appear hostile to these...