When we think of guard dogs, high energy and athletic dogs like Rottweilers and Dobermans usually come across our minds. You may be surprised to know that some calm dog breeds also make excellent guard dogs.
Despite having low energy levels, these canines have an alert demeanor. They can detect minor changes in their surroundings and respond accordingly. These vigilant fellows are quite observant of their environment and have strong protective instincts.
Best guard dogs are incredibly loyal to their humans and form strong bonds with them. They can even sacrifice their lives in defense of their loved ones. These dogs are highly intelligent and have an eager to please nature, so they can follow commands easily.
Have a look at these 7 soothing guard dog breeds for a peaceful family.
Soothing Guard Dog Breeds for a Peaceful Family
1. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are big dogs that were originally bred to locate and rescue people buried by avalanches in the Swiss Alps. Still used as search and rescue dogs today, these canines have a gentle and affectionate nature and get along nicely with children.
Saint Bernards are extraordinarily muscular, powerful, and imposing dogs who can deter potential threats with their mere presence. That is why they make great family guard dogs. Saint Bernards are friendly and calm around their family members.
Thanks to their serene temperament, Saint Bernards make perfect pets for peaceful families looking for a guard dog. These highly intelligent dogs have an eager to please nature and learn quickly. Saint Bernards respond best to training involving treats and praise.
Saint Bernards are not overly energetic, but the AKC mentions that they are happy to accompany their owners on long hikes, backpacking, or camping.
2. Newfoundland
Newfoundland dogs, affectionately known as Newfies, are sweet and affectionate dogs. These gentle giants have a reputation for being patient around kids and calm around their family members. Newfies are incredibly loyal and devoted to their humans.
Their strong protective nature, wariness towards strangers, and laid back demeanor make them the right guard dog breed for peaceful homes. Newfies are not overly energetic and require only moderate daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit.
Looking like real life teddy bears, Newfoundlands make loving family pets who can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. However, early training and proper socialization are required to turn them into well behaved pups.
PetMD describes Newfies as smart dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement based training methods.
3. Great Pyrenees
These giant and thickly coated dogs were originally bred as livestock guardians. Since they worked to keep the predators and wolves away from the flocks, Pyrs are naturally protective of their people and their territory.
These calm dogs guard their family by roaming around carefully, explains WebMD. Having intelligent, wise, and independent personality, Pyrs make great guard dogs for peace lovers. Their large size and impressive strength make them better suited for experienced handlers.
The Great Pyrenees are nocturnal animals as they were bred to guard at night. So, they tend to bark more at night. This can be beneficial to keep strangers away from the house when you are asleep. With proper training and socialization, they make great family pets.
Pyrs are smart dogs who pick up on new commands quickly. But their stubborn streak can make training quite challenging.
4. Mastiff
Mastiffs are giant dogs known for their courage, alertness, and a natural instinct to protect. Being watchful and observant, they can sense even minor threats and alert their owners. Mastiffs make incredibly loyal companions for experienced handlers.
Mastiffs are quiet dogs having a calm demeanor. They exhibit a gentle temperament around their loved ones as long as they are getting adequate exercise. Proper training and socialization starting from a young age are also important.
These low energy dogs match the vibe of a serene home. However, do not mistake these gentle giants for being lazy or unintelligent. Their protective nature and suspiciousness towards strangers make them excellent guard dogs.
Mastiffs were bred to work independently, so they tend to show a stubborn streak. However, they respond well to consistent positive reinforcement based training.
5. Great Dane
These gentle giants were originally bred to hunt wild boar and guard estates in Germany. Nicknamed the ‘Apollo of Dogs,’ Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. Thanks to their massive size, they make wonderful protection dogs.
Their imposing stature can easily deter potential intruders and make wonderful guard dogs. Great Danes are incredibly loyal and affectionate to their humans and bond closely with them. Having a friendly and calm temperament, Great Danes make a good fit for peaceful families.
Great Danes are moderately playful dogs who require regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. These intelligent dogs learn commands quickly, but have a strong willed personality which can make training a bit challenging.
Great Danes are fairly low maintenance dogs who do not require extensive exercise or grooming. They need only occasional baths to look clean and tidy.
6. Estrela Mountain Dog
Estrela Mountain Dogs are strong and sturdy canines, naturally wary of strangers. As their name indicates, they were bred to work in rugged, mountainous terrains. Thanks to their protective instincts and territorial nature, they make excellent guard dogs.
Estrela Mountain Dogs are immensely loyal to their people and form strong bonds with them. However, they can also be a little strong willed and independent at times. Consistent socialization and proper training are important ro turn them into well mannered family pets.
Thanks to their history as guardians, Estrela Mountain Dogs are likely to bark to alert their families about potential dangers. Having a gentle and calm temperament, they are a good fit for owners looking for a serene guard dog breed.
7. Tornjak
Tornjaks are highly trainable, intelligent, and very obedient dogs. These confident and alert pooches make fierce guardians of your property and loved ones. While affectionate to their owners, Tornjaks are naturally suspicious of strangers.
These traits, combined with their territorial instincts, add to their skills as guard dogs. Tornjaks exhibit a calm demeanor and steady disposition. That is why they make excellent pets for peace lovers. They have friendly personalities and are highly devoted to their humans.
Tornjaks are not high energy dogs. They need daily exercise to stay fit which can be provided in the form of indoor activities like hide and seek or chasing a ball. Certain outdoor activities like swimming and hiking also provide physical and mental stimulation.
Conclusion
Several calm dog breeds make excellent guard dogs for peaceful families due to their alert, confident, and courageous nature. They are incredibly loyal and naturally protective of their people and form strong bonds with them.
However, they are naturally wary of strangers and have strong protective instincts. These low energy dogs require only moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They have a calm demeanor and their vibe matches that of peace lovers.
Remember, no matter whatever breed you adopt, you need to provide them with regular exercise, proper training, and early socialization to bring the best out of them.
