6 Deceptively Docile Dog Breeds

You know how the saying goes: Never judge a book by its cover. The same can be said of dogs, believe it or not. While some breeds may appear rough and tumble from the outside, you might actually be surprised how many of those breeds that appear menacing are, in fact, quite calm, given them proper amount of attention, training and exercise.

We contacted the American Kennel Club to find out what some of the most popular “deceptively docile” dog breeds are. Here’s a list of the top six.

With their large and strong build, Great Danes may appear intimidating at first, but the breed makes great family pets, needing minimal grooming and daily exercise, according to the AKC. However, like every dog, these dogs are still a big commitment, and will need proper training.

Although they’re one of the biggest breeds recognized by the AKC, Mastiffs are actually gentle and loyal companions to their owners. They love being around people, and tend to bond closely with their families.

Powerful and muscular are two words that might seem obvious to call a Saint Bernard – but did you know they also have a mellow temperament, do really well with children and make great family pets?

The Leonberger is often compared to a lion, although in actuality they are known for their calm, gentle and sweet nature. They are friendly and love kids, and have a profuse coat that tends to shed lots.

Another breed known for its large size, Newfoundlands are incredible workers with sweet dispositions and a tendency towards being a devoted companion.

Large, muscular and the tallest of dogs, Irish Wolfhounds are really quite loving. Though originally bred for hunting wolves and elk, today they make great family pets.

Want to give your Irish Wolfhound an Irish dog name? We’ve got hundreds of picks to choose from.

Cheryl Lock