Dogs can serve as adorable hosts, greeting whoever with wagging tails and excited licks - however, in some cases they provide their owners with the exact opposite service as guard dogs. To ward off unwanted strangers many people will hang up the dreaded 'BEWARE OF DOG' sign to let people know that it would be in their best interest to keep on moving, and it can be very effective.
Well, nothing destroys this menacing warning sign like a friendly, exuberant dog posed next to it and as you will see in the list below many of these 'guard dogs' didn't seem to get the message. Big and small breeds, the canines in this Bored Panda collection are better suited for the welcome community. Scroll down below to check out these adorably hilarious images and don't forget to upvote your favs!
This post may include affiliate links.
Beware Of The Dog
The ancient Greeks, Babylonians and Assyrians were the first cultures to use dogs as a form of protection. From then on humans have bred dogs specifically as guard dogs. In 1899 German Shepherds were named the original "watch dogs" and have held the title into today. Around the beginning of the 20th century, this breed began to be employed by police departments and the military.
I Think I'll Take My Chances
Please, Beware Of Dog
Trust me, that chihuahua IS vicious because all chihuahuas are vicious! Still I would pet him even at the cost of getting mauled ❤️😌
Hell yeah beware . . . it's a chihuahua. They ARE watchdoggo supremo!
You may think that it's a joke, but that chihuahua ain't fooling around.
"cuidar" means also "to take care of" so it might as well be "mind the dog" 😁
I needed the laughter, thanks, I could put the pup in my pocket, and be gone !!!
Original Ancient Roman "Cave canem" was meant for Roman greyhounds, 10 inches tall and favourite pets of Roman aristochracy.
There could always be a large dog in the background just watching.....
Oh yeah no one should go close to him, it's highly likely he will get into your ear canal & disappear.
I showed this to my Mum and she had to put on both of her pairs of glasses to see it, lol
Dog or rat, lol!! Cute little guy though - watch out for your ankles!
So how effective are these guard dogs anyway? Well they can actual provide a strong defense even without attacking. It has been reported that 65% of convicted criminals confirmed that the presence of a large and intimidating animal would be enough to scare them off. This proves that having a well-trained guard dog can provide your home with an extra line of defense.
Beware Of The Dog
Beware
There is not just one classification of "guard dog," so it is important to assess your needs when picking the right pooch. There are watch dogs, guard dogs, protection dogs and livestock guard dogs. Guard dog breeds are trained to pin down any perceived threat when commanded. These dogs can apply up to 750 pounds of pressure into a single bite and tear through both muscles and tendons - which has earned them the other title of “Kill Dogs.” While aggressive to strangers they are gentle and loving towards their families. These breeds include: Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and American Pit Bull Terrier.
Not Entirely Sure What I Need To Beware Of Exactly?
No... Open The Gate, Please
Unlike guard dogs, watch dogs are not trained to attack intruders but rather alert their owners of any unfamiliar presence that is spotted on their property. Even without attacking they are intimidating, as their warnings can include terrifying snarls. These dogs are good for families due to their non-aggressive nature. Watch dog breeds include: Cairn Terrier, Akita, Schipperke, Miniature Pinscher and Airedale Terrier.
Yeah... I Wouldn't
This Gorgeous Girl Lives In My Neighbor’s Front Yard With A Huge “Beware Of Dog” Sign. The Only Thing I Have To Beware Of Is Spending Hours Petting Her
Protection dogs and livestock guard dogs are breeds that possess combined traits of the other forms. Protection dogs are a mix of a watch dog and guard dogs. They can be trained to attack intruders, however it does not come as naturally to them. Protection dog breeds include: Great Dane and Giant Schnauzer.
Livestock guard dogs on the other hand can be trained to perform the duties of all three of the other classifications. These dogs are alert, attentive and intelligent and thrive in rural areas. Livestock guard dog breeds include: Anatolian Shepherd, Estrela Mountain Dog, and Komondor.
Mom Put This Sign On Our Gate, Dad Said It's False Advertising. Look At Me, Would I Not Put Fear In The Heart Of Anyone Who Tried To Enter?
Beware Of This Cutie
Beware Of Dogs. You Have Been Warned. Not Responsible For Injury Or Death
I can see how an injury could happen. Tripping over myself rushing to give them pats.
Beware Of The Dog
He Was A Feisty One! Undid My Shoelaces A Few Times
Meck-Pomm 2018
Beware Of Dog (Because She Is So Vicious)
Putting Her Scariest Faces On
Beware Of Dog
Beware Of Dog
Watch Out Everypawdy, I Is Very Scary
Very Scary Dog
Keep Out. Beware Of Dog
"Oh, Hey Burgler, Let's Be Friends! Wanna See Where We Keep The Jewels?"
Seriously. She’s Super Scary
Dear Mailperson, I Think There's A Mean Dog Somewhere In This Yard Because The Sign Says Beware But I Haven't Seen Them Yet.
Very Risky...
False Advertising
No Squirrel Is Safe
Oh Yes... Beware
Those signs perhaps were put up to save the dogs from people. Also, even if you see a tiny pooch behind a sign like that you a) do not know how he reacts to stragers b) do not know if there isn't a bigger and perhaps a dangerous second dog around. So as funny as the signs seem to be, take them for consideration. Many are a joke, sure, but then you'll stumble upon one that wasn't...
The only danger is probably some ppl who trying to scam you. I have experience it when I was a kid. My grandpa dog are overprotective and will bark at any passerby. One day a stranger walk by our yard and claiming that my dog has bit him, so my grandpa demand proof of where he was bitten. Good thing is that guy can't proof it, but he keep being stubborn and I forget how it end since my mom tell me to go inside. All I know is that everything end well. After that incident my grandpa have to put the Beware of Dog sign.
Load More Replies...
Okay, these are cute and funny. But. Sometimes a dog can be friendly as hell until you cross into "their" space and you can't always tell where that is. I learned this the hard way.
These kinds of posts need a disclaimer! Sorry you had to learn the hard way.
Load More Replies...
I've worked in the insurance industry for years. Liability wise, putting a 'Beware of Dog' sign is advertising you know your dog is vicious and are inviting lawsuits. Much better to put a 'Do Not Trespass' sign. Does the same thing for your protection and doesn't give a lawyer a leg to stand on as far as your dog is concerned. Many a payout happened because of a 'Beware of Dog' sign worked against a client.
I looked into this to see if the rules applied in the UK (I don't know where you are from) and it does - so I'm taking the sign down (that admittedly came with the house!). Thanks for letting us know about this.
Load More Replies...
My sister had a German Shepherd named Heidi that was sloppy and friendly with everyone. That is until we had a blonde woman who delivered the paper on my fathers route. The woman was scared of all dogs. And when my sister's dog approached her to be pet, the woman would hit her with a rolled up newspaper and speed off in her car. After that the dog hated all blonde women. My sister called the newspaper and complained about the abuse. The woman had done it to dogs at other homes. She was fired. Her replacement was a young teenager who would spend a few minutes petting Heidi...giving her dog treats and telling her what a good puppy she was. And if she wasn't there to greet him, he'd ask if she was ok. If you don't like or are afraid of dogs, please don't get a paper route.
Put a box outside your gate for the paper, you shouldn't have to be a dog whisperer to drop off a package or a paper. Look at it another way, what if I had another type of hazard like an uneven sidewalk that was a trip hazard, putting up a sign doesn't absolve me of responsibility if you as an invited service person trip and injure yourself, a sign doesn't mean I can be negligent and not fix the sidewalk. Doesn't mean I feel like someone should hit your dog, but you can keep everyone safe by not putting the two in contact with each other.
Load More Replies...
Dogs are the absolute best animals ever! They are all love and goofiness as long as they know you but the moment a stranger threatens the family it's all business. Many of these dogs looked so goofy and lovable but I would caution everyone not to make assumptions that you can just pet them without being introduced first.
Very well said Elizabeth, I gave a presentation on SERVICE DOGGIES at a school here in N. Las Vegas, and also indicated that you never just run up to an animal (doggies) and more, especially a SERVICE DOGGIE (IN WHICH I HAVE), any animal you never know what that dog will do. My first SERVICE DOGGIE, Gordie I went in to Smiths (Kroger) here in N. Las Vegas and three kids ran up to him and boy what a halt I made, and the mother (stupid) asked me what is the matter??? I told her she needs to train her kids how to approach a dog, especially a SERVICE DOGGIE, and she got pissed, tough s**t!!!!
Load More Replies... 
I answered the door to some salesman. They laughed when Smoke came to the door, saying that our “Beware of dog” sign isn’t needed for a 12 pound dog. That’s when Riley, a 50 lb dog, came to greet them!
Its funny how commenters here don't understand these signs are put up for legal reasons. In some countries, like mine, they are mandatory. In other countries, it's just common sense: there's always chance someone chooses to press charges because your dog scared, scratched or in any way distressed them. A sign like that is a free out of jail card.
I dont know in other countries, but in Italy it is mandatory to have a warning if you've a dog. So also if your dog is the friendliest in the world you've to put a "beware of the dog" sign...
My husband was a UPS guy for 25 years, he's a total animal lover and had tons of fur buddies on his route but he still received at least 1 dog bite a year that broke the skin (some required stitches). Nearly every negative encounter was a small dog, usually after a positive or mostly positive interaction, then he'd deliver the package and turn to leave, that's when he'd get bit, usually on the calf, sometimes fingers. The worst was a bite to his hand between the thumb and forefinger, that one did a lot of damage - the dog was a Pomeranian. His theory was that these dogs thought he was okay to be there until he wasn't invited into the house, basically they saw him being turned away at the door, so they assumed he wasn't a friendly. Either that, or little dogs are jerks.
I've only had smaller dogs and they have all been insane about packages and the people that deliver them. I can't open a package without them trying to 'assist' me and I do fear for my fingers sometimes. Have wondered what their problem is!! I found this interesting: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animals-and-us/201312/why-do-small-dogs-have-so-many-psychological-problems The upshot may be that little dogs do have some issues!
Load More Replies...
Ah, what would the internet be without party poopers? No kidding the dogs may be more aggressive than they seem. Geeze louise.
A further word of caution: if you, or a child, reach through a gate and are bitten by the 'cute little dog', there is a serious risk of the dog being put down for something you did. Unless the dog knows you well Do Not Touch it!
Never take a strange dog for granted. These all look cute and friendly, but you are not inside THEIR yard. Stick even a hand in and there could be #e!! to pay! Don't risk injury from an animal you don't know.
I think a lot of people miss the point in certain circumstances. Most people are terrified of my big two-year old Boerbull. She is physically impressive, has a bark to wake up the dead, would probably bite if you came too close to my wife or me. But, you could navigate past her and survive. What you might not survive are the two smaller dogs, who look friendly, but would tear you top pieces if you were to scale our walls. The Boerbull would probably join in for the coup de grace! And the little Chihuahuas and other small dogs in this article are probably something like a 'loss-leaders' in business!
I have a sign that says be ware of cat because my dog would only lick them to death
As a postie I see this a lot. I was warned by a sign about 'attack dogs' once, walked into the back garden and two staffies came over to me. One licked my legs and the other climbed the steps to the higher part of the garden to try to lick my face. I obliged obviously. Absolutely 'horrifying'...... Nothing scarier than when a dog runs into the house to grab their favourite toy to show you either..... These furry lovemuffins are one reason I love my job.
BUT YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN A DOG WILL TURN EVEN AFTER THEY LICK YOU. THEY HAVE THEIR TIME TOO AND FRIENDLY CAN GO TO DISASTER. JUST SAYING!!!
Load More Replies... Next door has 6 dogs. I wouldn't trust any of them. (2 poodles, a maltese x something, and 3 other mix somethings) 2 have tried to nip at me and they yap like crazy when ever i walk past. Our dogs bark whenever someone goes down the back lane but we think if its not "I see you!!" Its "hey!... I know you, come and pat me". They'd just lick you to death
JUST BEWARE, AND THAT IS WHY THE SIGN IS OUT THERE!!!!!
Load More Replies... 
Yes most of these dogs look so cute and cuddly but pass those fences and you'll see what those signs mean.
I once lived next door to the suckiest German Shepherd ever. Her owner had a sign on the gate: BE AWARE OF DOG.
I expect many of these dogs are not so friendly to strangers when their owners aren't present. Just because they look cute doesn't mean they don't go full out Cujo.
My Dingo died two years ago and he was the scariest thing in my community. People didn't even go in front of my house because they knew my dog could jump the porch. He had a killer instinct, but he was the sweetest and most wonderful companion ever. When my daughter was born, my Dingo adopted her and would follow my daughter everywhere. All I had to do was say: "GO WITH THE BABY" and Toto would follow her. I could let my daughter play in the yard with Toto watching her every step. Toto lived for 16 years and the day she died was very painful to me. I knew she was getting old and slowly dying. I miss my Toto but have faith I will see her again. I adopted Toto in Australia and was able to bring her to TX and then PA by subterfuge. Her papers said she was a Chow-Pitt and she passed. She was about 6 months old when we came home to TX.
My neighbors have a Newfoundland who is friends with my dog and who now yells at me everytime I walk past and don't stop over to give her butt scritches. I'm more scared of her French Bulldog sister.
Yeah, all very well, but it's likely many of these dogs were photographed by their owners. For all we know they are entirely different to strangers and animals. I was bitten by a dog up the road years ago, and almost a year later it bit my dog Bobby who actually "surrendered" to it. That got a DANGEROUS DOG status after I complained. You can't tell from one photo.
I am sure All those Pooches similarly might have given the much happiness, Love & pleasure to the ones who looks at them RATHER made them scared or fear. ALL OF THEM DESERVE TO LEAD THE BEST LIFE EVER....
Too many lawyers today who will sue you "at the drop of a hat ". The sign is one form of preventing that . It's like the sign on a clothes iron that states you must not be wearing the clothes while ironing them !
They should make signs like that for cats. The sign would almost always be needed🤣
BULL S**T TOO...WHAT FOR???? DANCE YOURSELF TO FURTHER STUPIDITY.
Load More Replies...
what is a lot more disturbing is when you read a gate sign on a high gate that says, "Beware of Doug".... yikes...
Don't get fooled by the nice behaviour of a dog when you have no bad intentions. I had a male Bernese Mountain Dog who was about the gentlest dog ever and our kind neighbour was always teasing us about the incompetent "guard dog". That is, until he had promised to take care of the dog one day when we were away. The dog let him inside to put the leash on, not a step further, and then went just far enough to do his business and then he went back home. The neighbour could hardly believe it was the same dog. The very same dog taught a little girl to overcome her dog phobia and until he died, the girl's father came by during the hunting season with a huge bag of deer or elk bones for the dog, saying "thank you" for years after they had moved out of the neighbourhood.
Those signs perhaps were put up to save the dogs from people. Also, even if you see a tiny pooch behind a sign like that you a) do not know how he reacts to stragers b) do not know if there isn't a bigger and perhaps a dangerous second dog around. So as funny as the signs seem to be, take them for consideration. Many are a joke, sure, but then you'll stumble upon one that wasn't...
The only danger is probably some ppl who trying to scam you. I have experience it when I was a kid. My grandpa dog are overprotective and will bark at any passerby. One day a stranger walk by our yard and claiming that my dog has bit him, so my grandpa demand proof of where he was bitten. Good thing is that guy can't proof it, but he keep being stubborn and I forget how it end since my mom tell me to go inside. All I know is that everything end well. After that incident my grandpa have to put the Beware of Dog sign.
Load More Replies... Okay, these are cute and funny. But. Sometimes a dog can be friendly as hell until you cross into "their" space and you can't always tell where that is. I learned this the hard way.
These kinds of posts need a disclaimer! Sorry you had to learn the hard way.
Load More Replies... I've worked in the insurance industry for years. Liability wise, putting a 'Beware of Dog' sign is advertising you know your dog is vicious and are inviting lawsuits. Much better to put a 'Do Not Trespass' sign. Does the same thing for your protection and doesn't give a lawyer a leg to stand on as far as your dog is concerned. Many a payout happened because of a 'Beware of Dog' sign worked against a client.
I looked into this to see if the rules applied in the UK (I don't know where you are from) and it does - so I'm taking the sign down (that admittedly came with the house!). Thanks for letting us know about this.
Load More Replies... My sister had a German Shepherd named Heidi that was sloppy and friendly with everyone. That is until we had a blonde woman who delivered the paper on my fathers route. The woman was scared of all dogs. And when my sister's dog approached her to be pet, the woman would hit her with a rolled up newspaper and speed off in her car. After that the dog hated all blonde women. My sister called the newspaper and complained about the abuse. The woman had done it to dogs at other homes. She was fired. Her replacement was a young teenager who would spend a few minutes petting Heidi...giving her dog treats and telling her what a good puppy she was. And if she wasn't there to greet him, he'd ask if she was ok. If you don't like or are afraid of dogs, please don't get a paper route.
Put a box outside your gate for the paper, you shouldn't have to be a dog whisperer to drop off a package or a paper. Look at it another way, what if I had another type of hazard like an uneven sidewalk that was a trip hazard, putting up a sign doesn't absolve me of responsibility if you as an invited service person trip and injure yourself, a sign doesn't mean I can be negligent and not fix the sidewalk. Doesn't mean I feel like someone should hit your dog, but you can keep everyone safe by not putting the two in contact with each other.
Load More Replies... Dogs are the absolute best animals ever! They are all love and goofiness as long as they know you but the moment a stranger threatens the family it's all business. Many of these dogs looked so goofy and lovable but I would caution everyone not to make assumptions that you can just pet them without being introduced first.
Very well said Elizabeth, I gave a presentation on SERVICE DOGGIES at a school here in N. Las Vegas, and also indicated that you never just run up to an animal (doggies) and more, especially a SERVICE DOGGIE (IN WHICH I HAVE), any animal you never know what that dog will do. My first SERVICE DOGGIE, Gordie I went in to Smiths (Kroger) here in N. Las Vegas and three kids ran up to him and boy what a halt I made, and the mother (stupid) asked me what is the matter??? I told her she needs to train her kids how to approach a dog, especially a SERVICE DOGGIE, and she got pissed, tough s**t!!!!
Load More Replies... I answered the door to some salesman. They laughed when Smoke came to the door, saying that our “Beware of dog” sign isn’t needed for a 12 pound dog. That’s when Riley, a 50 lb dog, came to greet them!
Its funny how commenters here don't understand these signs are put up for legal reasons. In some countries, like mine, they are mandatory. In other countries, it's just common sense: there's always chance someone chooses to press charges because your dog scared, scratched or in any way distressed them. A sign like that is a free out of jail card.
I dont know in other countries, but in Italy it is mandatory to have a warning if you've a dog. So also if your dog is the friendliest in the world you've to put a "beware of the dog" sign...
My husband was a UPS guy for 25 years, he's a total animal lover and had tons of fur buddies on his route but he still received at least 1 dog bite a year that broke the skin (some required stitches). Nearly every negative encounter was a small dog, usually after a positive or mostly positive interaction, then he'd deliver the package and turn to leave, that's when he'd get bit, usually on the calf, sometimes fingers. The worst was a bite to his hand between the thumb and forefinger, that one did a lot of damage - the dog was a Pomeranian. His theory was that these dogs thought he was okay to be there until he wasn't invited into the house, basically they saw him being turned away at the door, so they assumed he wasn't a friendly. Either that, or little dogs are jerks.
I've only had smaller dogs and they have all been insane about packages and the people that deliver them. I can't open a package without them trying to 'assist' me and I do fear for my fingers sometimes. Have wondered what their problem is!! I found this interesting: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animals-and-us/201312/why-do-small-dogs-have-so-many-psychological-problems The upshot may be that little dogs do have some issues!
Load More Replies... Ah, what would the internet be without party poopers? No kidding the dogs may be more aggressive than they seem. Geeze louise.
A further word of caution: if you, or a child, reach through a gate and are bitten by the 'cute little dog', there is a serious risk of the dog being put down for something you did. Unless the dog knows you well Do Not Touch it!
Never take a strange dog for granted. These all look cute and friendly, but you are not inside THEIR yard. Stick even a hand in and there could be #e!! to pay! Don't risk injury from an animal you don't know.
I think a lot of people miss the point in certain circumstances. Most people are terrified of my big two-year old Boerbull. She is physically impressive, has a bark to wake up the dead, would probably bite if you came too close to my wife or me. But, you could navigate past her and survive. What you might not survive are the two smaller dogs, who look friendly, but would tear you top pieces if you were to scale our walls. The Boerbull would probably join in for the coup de grace! And the little Chihuahuas and other small dogs in this article are probably something like a 'loss-leaders' in business!
I have a sign that says be ware of cat because my dog would only lick them to death
As a postie I see this a lot. I was warned by a sign about 'attack dogs' once, walked into the back garden and two staffies came over to me. One licked my legs and the other climbed the steps to the higher part of the garden to try to lick my face. I obliged obviously. Absolutely 'horrifying'...... Nothing scarier than when a dog runs into the house to grab their favourite toy to show you either..... These furry lovemuffins are one reason I love my job.
BUT YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN A DOG WILL TURN EVEN AFTER THEY LICK YOU. THEY HAVE THEIR TIME TOO AND FRIENDLY CAN GO TO DISASTER. JUST SAYING!!!
Load More Replies... Next door has 6 dogs. I wouldn't trust any of them. (2 poodles, a maltese x something, and 3 other mix somethings) 2 have tried to nip at me and they yap like crazy when ever i walk past. Our dogs bark whenever someone goes down the back lane but we think if its not "I see you!!" Its "hey!... I know you, come and pat me". They'd just lick you to death
JUST BEWARE, AND THAT IS WHY THE SIGN IS OUT THERE!!!!!
Load More Replies... Yes most of these dogs look so cute and cuddly but pass those fences and you'll see what those signs mean.
I once lived next door to the suckiest German Shepherd ever. Her owner had a sign on the gate: BE AWARE OF DOG.
I expect many of these dogs are not so friendly to strangers when their owners aren't present. Just because they look cute doesn't mean they don't go full out Cujo.
My Dingo died two years ago and he was the scariest thing in my community. People didn't even go in front of my house because they knew my dog could jump the porch. He had a killer instinct, but he was the sweetest and most wonderful companion ever. When my daughter was born, my Dingo adopted her and would follow my daughter everywhere. All I had to do was say: "GO WITH THE BABY" and Toto would follow her. I could let my daughter play in the yard with Toto watching her every step. Toto lived for 16 years and the day she died was very painful to me. I knew she was getting old and slowly dying. I miss my Toto but have faith I will see her again. I adopted Toto in Australia and was able to bring her to TX and then PA by subterfuge. Her papers said she was a Chow-Pitt and she passed. She was about 6 months old when we came home to TX.
My neighbors have a Newfoundland who is friends with my dog and who now yells at me everytime I walk past and don't stop over to give her butt scritches. I'm more scared of her French Bulldog sister.
Yeah, all very well, but it's likely many of these dogs were photographed by their owners. For all we know they are entirely different to strangers and animals. I was bitten by a dog up the road years ago, and almost a year later it bit my dog Bobby who actually "surrendered" to it. That got a DANGEROUS DOG status after I complained. You can't tell from one photo.
I am sure All those Pooches similarly might have given the much happiness, Love & pleasure to the ones who looks at them RATHER made them scared or fear. ALL OF THEM DESERVE TO LEAD THE BEST LIFE EVER....
Too many lawyers today who will sue you "at the drop of a hat ". The sign is one form of preventing that . It's like the sign on a clothes iron that states you must not be wearing the clothes while ironing them !
They should make signs like that for cats. The sign would almost always be needed🤣
BULL S**T TOO...WHAT FOR???? DANCE YOURSELF TO FURTHER STUPIDITY.
Load More Replies... what is a lot more disturbing is when you read a gate sign on a high gate that says, "Beware of Doug".... yikes...
Don't get fooled by the nice behaviour of a dog when you have no bad intentions. I had a male Bernese Mountain Dog who was about the gentlest dog ever and our kind neighbour was always teasing us about the incompetent "guard dog". That is, until he had promised to take care of the dog one day when we were away. The dog let him inside to put the leash on, not a step further, and then went just far enough to do his business and then he went back home. The neighbour could hardly believe it was the same dog. The very same dog taught a little girl to overcome her dog phobia and until he died, the girl's father came by during the hunting season with a huge bag of deer or elk bones for the dog, saying "thank you" for years after they had moved out of the neighbourhood.
