When we think of a guard dog, we usually think of a furious and aggressive canine. However, some calm dog breeds also make excellent guardians. While these pooches stand fearlessly against all potential threats, they are quite loyal and affectionate to their owners and make wonderful companions.
If you prefer low-stress living and are looking for a furry friend who can offer security and companionship, you can opt for a guard dog with a gentle demeanor. They are naturally wary of strangers but stay devoted to their humans.
Calm guard dog breeds are not overly energetic. They require moderate exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and active. However, proper training and socialization are needed to turn them into well-behaved pets.
Here are the best calm guard dog breeds for low-stress living.
Best Calm Guard Dog Breeds for Low-Stress Living
1. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff is a large, muscular dog that tends to be fearless at work and docile at home. They are loyal and devoted to their family members and form strong bonds with them. Bullmastiffs possess strong protective instincts and make excellent family pets.
There are two sides to a Bullmastiff’s personality. On one side, they are alert and confident protectors, while on the other, they have a calm and gentle temperament. They get along nicely with other pets and children.
However, their interactions with small kids should be strictly monitored due to their size and strength. Bullmastiffs are typically aloof with strangers. Proper training and socialization help bring the best out of these canines.
If you are looking for the best guard dog breed with a calm demeanor, a Bullmastiff may be the right fit for you. They are not highly energetic and need only moderate daily exercise to stay fit.
2. Cane Corso
Cane Corso is a powerful, assertive, and confident canine with an imposing appearance. They can deter intruders with their sheer presence. With their name literally translating to “bodyguard dog,” Cane Corsi are intelligent and versatile dogs.
Cane Corsi are highly protective of their people and their territory. Having one of the strongest bite forces in the dogdom, these canines make the best protection dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, they are intensely loyal to their humans and have an eager-to-please nature.
Properly trained and well-socialized Cane Corsi make great companions and enjoy having a family with children to watch over. They like to have their family close by, but are better suited for experienced handlers due to their assertive and willful nature.
Like other large dog breeds, Cane Corsi require regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They can adapt to extreme temperatures but do better in warmer climates.
3. Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzer is the larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer. Their protective nature stems from their incredible loyalty to their owners. Having a muscular build and substantial body, Giant Schnauzers are bold and vigilant canines.
Giant Schnauzers are naturally wary of strangers and make excellent guard dogs. According to PetMD, they are always on alert and bark to inform you if they find anything suspicious. At the same time, these calm dogs love their owners a lot and tend to follow them everywhere, even to the bathroom.
That is why they have earned the title of “Velcro dogs.” Giant Schnauzers are also very territorial. These confident and strong-headed pooches need proper socialization from an early age. They thrive on having a job to do and need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Giant Schnauzers have an eager-to-please nature and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods. They excel at dog sports like agility, herding, coursing, and obedience.
4. Newfoundland
Newfoundland dog is a powerful working dog of dignified bearing. This giant dog breed makes a formidable guardian due to its intimidating appearance and protective nature. Newfies are brave and fearless enough to stand firm against large predators like wolves.
Newfies fulfil the true definition of “gentle giants.” These big, fluffy dogs are incredibly loyal and devoted to their owners and make great family pets. Newfies have an outgoing and sweet disposition. Early training and socialization help turn Newfies into well-behaved companions.
These calm dogs do not require extensive exercise for physical and mental stimulation. You can take them for long walks, occasional hikes, and swimming. They are so loving that they can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
Newfoundland dogs have a water-resistant, thick, double coat, which requires thorough brushing at least once a week to prevent mats and tangles.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are sweet and affectionate pooches that were originally bred for working. They make perfect companions for pets who can deter intruders but have a gentle temperament. They are friendly with children and do well around other animals.
Berners are generally placid, but always up for a romp with their owners. Despite being a calm dog breed, their size and deep bark make them excellent guard dogs. However, before bringing a Berner home, you need to pay attention to your lifestyle.
They are better suited for homes where they can get regular exercise and grooming. They are imposing but not threatening, and maintain an aloof dignity with strangers. Berners need at least half an hour of daily exercise every day to stay healthy.
6. Great Pyrenees
Originally bred as livestock guardians, Great Pyrenees have a natural instinct to protect. Their massive size, majestic double coat, and incredible power enable them to deter mighty predators on snowy mountains. WebMD describes them as intelligent, kind, and protective.
Their unwavering loyalty to their owners and lack of trust towards strangers make them effective guard dogs. Great Pyrenees are bold and vigilant as protectors, but mellow as companions. They are a perfect fit for individuals who prefer low-stress living and are looking for a calm guard dog.
Pyrs are not highly energetic dogs. Moderate exercise, like walks with their owners, keeps them healthy and happy. They can also participate in many canine sports like obedience trials and cart pulling. Having an independent streak, Pyrs can be trained easily.
7. Great Dane
Great Dane is truly a gentle giant, loved for its calm behavior, friendliness, and patient demeanor. Also known as “Apollo of Dogs,” this pooch is a joy to live with. However, it looks quite intimidating due to its massive size and towering height.
Their appearance, combined with their booming bark, enables them to serve as guard dogs. Despite their sweet nature, Danes are very alert. Their mere presence makes intruders think twice. They do well around kids and are true people pleasers who love making new friends.
We all know Great Danes as Shaggy’s best friend, ‘Scooby Doo.’ They are a great match for individuals looking for a guard dog that is not aggressive at all. Great Danes seem sedate but require regular exercise every day to stay fit.
Conclusion
Guard dogs are often perceived to be aggressive and furious. However, some calm dog breeds also make effective guard dogs. They are loyal and affectionate to their owners and show the soft and gentle side of their personality to them.
But this loyalty makes them very protective of their owners. As a result, they become wary of strangers. Calm guard dogs are a good match for dog lovers who prefer low-stress living. They are not overly energetic, but require regular exercise for stimulation.
