diff --git a/roles/base/tasks/watchdog.yml b/roles/base/tasks/watchdog.yml
index 06a8969271..0c74e8d2bb 100644
--- a/roles/base/tasks/watchdog.yml
+++ b/roles/base/tasks/watchdog.yml
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 - name: See if theres a watchdog device
   stat: path=/dev/watchdog
-  when: ansible_virtualization_role == 'guest'
+  when: ansible_virtualization_role is defined and ansible_virtualization_role == 'guest'
   check_mode: no
   failed_when: no
   register: watchdog_dev