The term ‘gentle giant’ is applied to large, muscular people who look somewhat aggressive but are actually caring and calm. The same phenomenon occurs in the world of canines. Some dogs, bred for fighting or guarding, may look mean but can be sweet and lovable family pets. Here are 18 intimidating-looking dog breeds that often aren’t what they seem.
Doberman Pinscher
Bred as guard dogs in 19th-century Germany, Dobermans look sleek, dignified, and extremely capable of doing the job they were bred for! Yet they’re extremely intelligent, loyal, and eager to please their human caregivers. So long as they’re properly and adequately socialized from a young age, they make wonderful family pets and are even good with other pets.
Great Dane
Don’t let their size put you off—if you have enough space (and an unlimited food budget), these giants can be goofy, laid-back, and devoted family dogs. Britannica asserts that Great Danes are the tallest working breed, standing 28 to 32 inches tall at the withers and weighing up to 175 pounds! They’re often described as relaxed, low-maintenance, and sweet-natured.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Often mistaken for Pit Bulls due to their similar build and shared bull-baiting origins, AmStaffs are loyal and loving companions. Since the barbaric practice of baiting bulls was banned in the 1800s, these dogs are more likely to be found showering their humans with slobbery kisses, playing with their family’s children, or snuggling up on the sofa for cuddle time!
Neapolitan Mastiff
This gigantic bull breed, with its abundant facial wrinkles and droopy jowls, certainly isn’t for everyone, but most individuals are slow-moving, gentle giants that love human interaction and a laid-back lifestyle. Although bred as fierce guardians in their native Italy, these Mastiffs are more likely to greet visitors with a wagging tail than a growl, especially if raised in a loving home.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are intelligent and powerful dogs, often used for police and security work, and their size and strength demand respect. Their ancestry can be traced back to Roman cattle dogs, and they’ve long been a popular choice for protection. Yet proper training and socialization bring out their inherent loyalty and loving nature, often making them wonderfully loving family pets.
Bullmastiff
AnimalScene describes Bullmastiffs as having “a broad, wrinkled head and a short, square muzzle,” combined with a powerfully muscular build. Despite their imposing appearance and large size, they are known for their calm and gentle demeanor and often become loyal, playful companions. They’re also low maintenance and usually happy living with other pets.
Giant Schnauzer
The largest of the Schnauzer breeds, Giant Schnauzers are famous for their box-shaped heads and impressive mustaches! Yet beneath their somewhat gruff-looking exterior lies a quick mind and a heart of gold. They’re often exceptionally eager to please, highly trainable, and playful, so they fit in well with active families with several children.
Boxer
Boxers are full of energy and enthusiasm and can be overwhelming for small children. Yet this athleticism and excitability often hide a friendly and loving nature. They’re very patient with children, even if they can be a little rough, and they’re outstanding entertainers. Fans of the breed frequently report that their pet Boxers make them laugh with their goofy, playful antics.
Black Russian Terrier
This breed was developed in the USSR in the mid-20th century as a versatile working dog. While they tend to be aloof at first, adequately socialized Russian Terriers are intelligent and loyal, making devoted family pets. However, their medium-large size and long, double coats necessitate sufficient space and regular grooming to avoid mats.
Dogo Argentino
These large, powerful, and athletic dogs certainly look like the perfect home guardians. They were initially bred in Argentina for big-game hunting, so they’re capable of taking down large wild boars and pumas. As long as they’re raised in a loving home and properly socialized, they can be very loving and loyal companions, although they’re not recommended for homes with cats!
Airedale Terrier
According to Peeva, “The Airedale Terrier is an affectionate, loyal, and intelligent breed” that makes a great addition to a family. Their large size and stubborn personality do require competent, consistent training and early socialization, but most examples of the breed grow up to be well-adjusted adult dogs that are typically energetic, playful, and loving.
English Bulldog
One of the stockiest, most muscular breeds, the English Bulldog looks like a pro wrestler on steroids. But don’t let their evident strength and huge, wrinkled heads fool you—Bulldogs are known to be cuddly, relaxed, and well-bonded to their human companions. Although originally bred in the U.K. for blood sports, they’re one of the most affectionate and laid-back breeds.
Cane Corso
Similar in appearance to a Dogo Argentino but black, the Cane Corso is a powerful and athletic dog breed with a lineage dating back to ancient Rome, where they guarded property and were even used in warfare. They certainly look terrifying, but they’re intelligent and eager to please. They make great family dogs if you can provide adequate socialization and exercise.
German Shepherd
GSDs are the ultimate guard dogs: intelligent, alert, and athletic. Yet their intelligence and versatility can also make them adaptable to home life, and puppies raised in loving homes often become loyal, affectionate, and friendly family pets. They just need sufficient stimulation and a confident, capable approach to training. Oh, and plenty of love, too!
Chow Chow
These huge, fluffy dogs were bred in China to protect property and livestock, and they have a reputation for being unpredictable and aggressive. However, BarkPost asserts that most poorly behaved Chows suffer from inexperienced ownership and insufficient socialization from an early age. In reality, well-raised examples of the breed are often loving and exceptionally loyal.
Siberian Husky
This sled-pulling breed is known for its unique, wolf-like appearance and unusual blue eyes. It can be a difficult dog to train. Yet, if raised properly, Huskies have the potential to be clever and playful companions. They are especially good at agility and problem-solving tasks. If you have an active family with older children, a Husky can make an excellent addition to the family.
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Pit Bull Terriers are often stereotyped as aggressive due to their muscular build and association with dogfighting in the past. However, these intelligent and playful dogs are often laid-back, affectionate, and endlessly eager to please. They love being with people and are surprisingly gentle with and protective of children, giving them the nickname “nanny dogs.”
Berger Picard
This lesser-known herding breed is native to France and is known for its intelligence and athleticism. Unsocialized Picards can be suspicious of strangers, but those raised amongst people are loyal and affectionate, with a pleasing, friendly nature. Just be aware that these smart, energetic dogs require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
Please be aware that no dog of any size or personality should be left alone or unsupervised with a child.
Up Next: 18 Worrying Facts About Life in Medieval Times
The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period, lasted from 500 AD to 1500 AD and is usually subdivided into the Early, High, and Late Middle Ages. Life in the medieval period was often brutal, with gruesome punishments, wars, and plagues. Here are 18 terrifying facts about life in the medieval period.
18 Worrying Facts About Life in Medieval Times
19 Easy Ways to Fall Back Asleep After Waking Up in the Middle of the Night
We’ve all been there—it’s dark, quiet, and you’re tired, but you’re still constantly tossing and turning, only to finally fall asleep minutes before the alarm goes off! Waking up throughout the night isn’t just frustrating; it also seriously impacts your energy levels. This article focuses on 19 scientifically proven methods that may help you drift back off more easily.
19 Easy Ways to Fall Back Asleep After Waking Up in the Middle of the Night
17 Things That Are Too Woke For Boomers
Our society is so different from what it was decades ago, and boomers don’t like much of what everyone considers normal in today’s society. In this light, here are 17 things about ‘woke culture’ that particularly make boomers uncomfortable.