When you first look at some dogs, you might expect them to be fierce guardians or tough protectors, but spend a little time with them, and you’ll quickly see their softer side shine through.
Canine friends with gentle souls can bring you a surprise. Not all calm dogs are small, who love to curl up in your lap; nature has also blessed some giants with softness. The tender hearts are not only confined to irresistible beauties but also to the pooch who brings warmth and love side by side.
A study showed that petting a dog can reduce a person’s stress levels more than social interactions with people. So, these unforgettable companions are the true essence of devotion and love.
These surprising sweethearts remind us that you can’t always judge a dog by its appearance. The breeds that we have discussed below validate that calmness and power are not opposite; they exist in harmony.
Dog Breeds That Will Surprise You With Their Gentle Side
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The royal Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was the favorite breed of King Charles and his son Charles II, which is why this dog got its name after them.
In castles and icy carriage journeys, the sole purpose of breeding Cavaliers was to provide comfort and snuggles. This companion dog is very loving and friendly.
When history is paired with temperament, Cavalier makes great family pets. Their amiable nature, small size, and calm demeanor rank them among the most popular dog breeds. They are the perfect choice for first-time pet parents, thanks to their easy-going nature and high adaptability.
While they are happiest to be your lounge companion, they still need physical and mental stimulation. The beautiful coat of Cavaliers needs regular grooming and weekly brushing. These therapy dogs also need proper socialization and training at an early stage of life.
2. Boerboel
The Boerboel is famous for its calm disposition, and they are wonderful with children. This chill dog breed is massive in size but possesses endless compassion. The natural guarding instinct is supported by their past work with farmers of South Africa during the mid-1600s as a protective dog.
The dominant South African Mastiff’s (another name of Boerboel) appearance may fool you. Since they have been serving as livestock guarding breeds for a long time, they also crave human companionship. They are deeply loving and loyal companions, and get along well with other dogs, says PetMD.
The exercise needs of this mastiff-type dog can be met by long walks and playtime in a fenced yard. This agile dog is not suitable for inexperienced dog owners. The short medium shed coat makes the Boerboel a low-maintenance dog breed.
3. Bergamasco Sheepdog
This gentle dog breed is aloof with strangers, but creates strong bonds with its favorite ones. Bergamasco is an intelligent breed with a strong desire to understand the given tasks. AKC reports that this gentle giant is marked with its fluffy, dense, and curly coat that needs minimal grooming.
Despite having an imposing build, this medium-sized dog breed bears an even-tempered nature. They bark less and are excellent watchdogs for their families. The roots of this courageous and ancient herding breed trace back to Italy.
This highly intelligent dog breed loves agility training and canine sports. Bergamasco Sheepdog loves when they have a task to do, like herding. They consider men as their partners, which makes them a bit independent in nature, which means training with positive reinforcement is vital.
4. Tibetan Spaniel
Little lions, a nickname of the Tibetan Spaniel, was given by Buddhist monks. Affectionately known as Tibbies, they are loyal and lovable little dogs. While having a gentle demeanor, these dogs bark frequently, alerting their owners about something suspicious.
According to Purina, this dog breed is not genetically related to the gun dog Spaniel family; however, they share a touch of similarity with them. They are gifted climbers and can be seen on top of any place, like table tops and window sills.
The Tibetan Spaniel was used to climb the walls as it was bred to watch over the monasteries in Tibet.
The gentle companion of humans is blessed with an eager-to-please but independent nature. The intelligence and playful temperament of this calm dog make him an admirable challenger in sports like obedience and agility. These incredibly affectionate mates are not suitable for busy households.
5. Irish Wolfhound
The puppies of Irish Wolfhound are happiest being couch potatoes and do not tend to be vocal unless they sense something alarming in their surroundings. These calm dogs are also called therapy dogs as they have an emotional connection with humans. Being a calm dog breed, they try not to get agitated.
With a gentle temperament, they are also incredibly intelligent dogs and learn things quickly. They are truly a giant dog breed, which at least weighs 130 pounds. Therefore, they are not suitable for a family with small children, but can get along with older kids.
As a herding breed, the Irish Wolfhound has a strong prey drive, so one should have a tall fenced yard in their home to protect other small animals of neighbours. In the past, these dogs earned their name by hunting Irish wolves with humans.
6. Basset Hound
Did you know that the Basset Hound belongs to an extinct descendant named the St. Hubert Hound? They were originally bred in France to hunt rabbits. The breed’s name holds an interesting fact that it is derived from the French language: Basset means short, depicting its stocky body with short legs.
These dogs are generally friendly and good-natured. Regardless of their hunting history, they are low-energy dogs and now serve best as companion dogs. If you are the one who prefers peace and quiet moments, this vocal breed is not for you.
They are not considered athletic dogs, but their nose is a treasure, and they sniff things out. They form strong attachments with their loved ones and are prone to getting separation anxiety if left alone for long. They are great family pets due to their short size, low exercise requirements, and playful nature.
7. Clumber Spaniel
Calmness is not synchronized with being lazy. This small, energetic but calm dog breed proves it. Owing to their retrieving talent, Clumber Spaniels were loved by British royalty. This breed is ranked as one of the oldest Spaniel breeds. These gentle dogs are a perfect fit for families as pets.
This high-energy dog needs exercise and playful activities for a healthy and happy lifestyle. They enjoy those games that involve hunting or retrieving. So, they are excellent pets for active families who enjoy being outdoors than indoors.
A combination of intelligence and eagerness to please others reflects that the Clumber Spaniel is easy to train. They thrive in those sports and games where their mental capabilities are challenged, such as puzzle toys and obedience training. Strong prey drive makes these dogs imperfect for city living.
8. Pekingese
Sounding like an alarm and barking much louder than their size. Yet, these little watchdogs are known to have a calm and composed aura.
From the lap dogs of emperors of Ancient China to a couch potato in living rooms. These smart, calm dogs are somewhat independent, which makes training a bit challenging.
These devoted friends would fiercely protect and guard those whom they love the most. They are not welcoming to new members, which is why early socialization of pups is necessary, as highlighted by Hills Pet. Pekingese is a pretty laid-back dog at home.
As a brachiocephalic breed, they are prone to overheating. Pet owners should be aware that regular brushing of the thick double coat is mandatory.
This breed can meet its energy levels through short walks and play sessions. Early socialization helps them to get along well with other dogs and cats.
9. Saint Bernard
A breed that acquires the personality of being patient, calm, and gentle, with massive size and wrinkled appearance, is the Saint Bernard. They used to be working dogs and rescued many lives in the past. These trustworthy dogs are also called nanny dogs due to their special bond with kids.
These chill dogs may suffer from some health issues due to their sheer size. They are considered moderate shedders, especially during fall and summer.
This breed does not tolerate heat and excels in the Winter season. Saint Bernard needs some physical activity to overcome its obesity.
These great family pets are better suited for households with big yards. They have a tendency to be the best friend of everyone, irrespective of age. Early training for a well-mannered St. Bernard is indispensable since it may throw the weight around, as noted by PDSA.
Conclusion
In the end, what truly makes these breeds unforgettable isn’t just their striking looks or impressive presence—it’s the way they balance strength with tenderness. They remind us that even the toughest-looking dogs can be the most affectionate, loyal, and gentle companions once you get to know them.
Whether they’re leaning in for a cuddle, patiently watching over the kids, or simply resting by your side, these surprising gentle giants prove that love and kindness often come wrapped in the most unexpected packages.
The gentle energy in a dog breed defines its patience and ability to cope with its aggression. The calm dog breeds always offer you affection and loyalty, with a little joy in having serene moments with them. They are living proof of “looks cannot decide the demeanor”.
