While choosing the right dog breed for your home, you need to look into a variety of factors, such as size, personality, and trainability. Size is one of the most important things you should consider. Nothing brings more warmth and love to your home quite like a big dog.
Big dogs are gentle, docile, and loving towards their pet parents. Their protective nature stems from their unwavering loyalty to their owners. Many of them have a muscular build and intimidating appearance. This, combined with their suspiciousness towards strangers, makes them great guard dogs.
They tend to stay quiet and bark rarely, only to alert their owners about potential threats. When we think of big dogs, popular breeds come to mind. However, some very rare big dogs also make fantastic family companions for quiet households.
Here are the top 9 rare dog breeds perfect for quiet homes.
Rare Big Dog Breeds Perfect for Quiet Homeowners
1. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a powerful and giant working dog breed from Italy. These loyal and loving dogs have a protective nature and tend to be wary of strangers. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a relatively rare breed that makes the most vigilant guard dog today.
These massive canines tend to be quiet and bark to alert their owners about suspicious visitors, explains Purina. Neapolitan Mastiffs are friendly and even-tempered dogs who can be clumsy and seemingly unaware of their size.
Therefore, you need to be careful while playing with them. Games involving wrestling or biting are not recommended at all. Often appearing serious and watchful, Neapolitan Mastiffs can be goofy and silly with their family.
2. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a giant dog with a level-headed personality. These bold and fearless dogs are not very playful. However, they are incredibly loyal and protective of their family. Having strong protective instincts, Caucasian Shepherds are naturally suspicious of strangers.
According to the American Kennel Club, Caucasian Shepherds were originally bred in Russia to guard livestock from small predators and protect property from trespassers. Today, they have been working as prison guard dogs in Russia, but are a rare breed in the U.S.
Also known as Caucasian Ovcharka or Caucasian Sheepdog, these canines are independent and intelligent dogs who do not bark excessively. It makes them a good fit for experienced owners who prefer quiet and calm. They need at least an hour of physical and mental exercise every day.
3. Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a sturdy and giant dog breed, having an imposing appearance. They were originally bred by the Soviet government in the 1930s as powerful guard dogs. This large dog breed is quite rare outside its native region.
Black Russian Terriers are extremely loyal to their families but tend to be aloof towards strangers. Their protective instincts stem from their ability to form strong bonds with their humans. Black Russian Terriers are well-suited for experienced dog owners who can spend lots of time bonding with their dog.
These quiet and massive companions have human-like intelligence. They need proper training and early socialization to make great family pets. Due to their size, Black Russian Terriers are not good apartment dogs. They require regular exercise of around 30 minutes to stay healthy.
4. Dogue de Bordeaux
Hailing from France, the Dogue de Bordeaux has an imposing size and physique. This dog can be easily recognized by its expressive face and eyes. Despite being a large dog breed, the Dogue de Bordeaux has an affectionate and incredibly gentle nature.
They are sensitive and loyal canines, extremely devoted to their humans. Dogue de Bordeaux has strong protective instincts and a quiet nature, making wonderful guard dog. They need proper training and socialization to turn into well-behaved pets.
These intelligent and eager-to-please dogs learn new commands quickly. However, their stubborn streak and impressive strength can make training a bit challenging. Dogue de Bordeaux is not overly energetic and needs only 30 to 45 minutes of exercise every day.
5. Leonberger
Showcasing a lion-like mane, the Leonberger is a rare big dog breed. They were initially bred as companions for European royalty, unlike many other large dog breeds, and later became versatile working dogs.
Their gentle nature and patient nature make them a perfect fit for dog parents who value serene and quiet households. Leonbergers are fiercely loyal dogs who have been serving as natural protectors for many years.
This breed was near extinction during World War I and World War II, explains PetMD. Today, they are serving in search and rescue missions and living alongside humans as loving family dogs. Leos are loving and playful pups who tend to be quiet and calm and need only moderate exercise daily.
6. Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Deerhound, also known as the ‘Royal Dog of Scotland,’ is a rare dog breed native to the United Kingdom. It is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Scottish Deerhounds are courageous dogs who were born to run.
These large dogs do not bark excessively and are true ‘gentle giants’ who need lots of socialization and training to behave well. Scottish Deerhounds make calm companions for those who value peace, quiet, and serenity.
This sensitive dog breed is deeply connected to its family and does not like being left alone for too long. Scottish Deerhounds have a strong desire to chase, so they should only be allowed to run in a fenced area.
7. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are large sighthounds that were originally bred to be big game hunters. These ancient dogs were used to control the wolf population in Ireland in the 15th century. Irish Wolfhounds are dignified and eye-catching companions.
One of the rare dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds are shaggy and powerful dogs with a calm personality. Their quiet nature makes them well-suited for owners who prefer peaceful living. Irish Wolfhounds are very intelligent and learn quickly.
They crave companionship and are sensitive to human emotions. It makes them excellent candidates for therapy work. Having a strong instinct to hunt and prey, Irish Wolfhounds need regular exercise for mental and physical stimulation.
8. Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff is a working dog breed from Spain. Originally bred as guard dogs, Spanish Mastiffs have an imposing appearance and a well-balanced, muscular build. This large dog breed has an affectionate and easygoing personality.
Although they are very common in their native country, Spanish Mastiffs are considered a rare breed in the rest of the world. They tend to be wary of strangers and other dogs. Spanish Mastiffs are quiet dogs who do not bark excessively.
They only use their deep bark to alert their owners about perceived threats. That is why they are a good fit for calm households. These strong and athletic dogs need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
However, Irish Wolfhound puppies can be rambunctious and rowdy. Proper training and socialization starting from an early age are important to avoid this behavior.
9. Estrela Mountain Dog
The Estrela Mountain Dog is an excellent livestock guardian that stays loyal to their family and is incredibly patient around kids. These rare dogs hail from the Estrela Mountains in France. Estrela Mountain dogs are vigilant guardians who tend to be calm with their loved ones.
Their calm demeanor makes them well-suited for quiet households. Estrela Mountain dogs are watchful working dogs, highly devoted to their families. Since they were bred to make independent decisions in the field, they have a stubborn streak.
Estrela Mountain dogs love their owners, but do not trust strangers or unfamiliar people. They are not particularly energetic, but need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They bark only to inform their owners about anything they deem suspicious.
Bored or lonely Estrela Mountain dogs can exhibit destructive or unwanted behaviors like chewing or excessive barking.
Conclusion
Some rare big dog breeds also possess remarkable traits like popular large breeds. They are incredibly loyal and affectionate to their owners and form strong bonds with their owners. Their protective nature makes them vigilant guardians of lands and families.
Despite their big size and unique personality traits, they tend to be calm and quiet. These fearless dogs bark only to inform their owners about potential threats. They become well-behaved pets with proper training, socialization, and regular exercise.
