Can your dog legally bite a burglar?

Answer 1

It may depend on what legal jurisdiction you are in. I wouldn't be surprised at all if some states or locales have made it a crime to defend your home with a pooch or a pistol. To get a definitive answer, contact your local police department and see if you can get it in writing.

I wouldn't count on a dog as a really GOOD burglar deterrent, as it's too easy to toss the canine a distracting treat of some type and then pole-axe it with a Baseball bat or other weapon. And then you're out both the family silverware, AND a good dog.

In California, your dog may legally attack an intruder. But if your dog trespasses onto the burglar's territory, the story changes significantly.