There is no denying that the Presa Canario is a huge dog. By the time this huge hound reaches adulthood, it usually weighs at least 100 lbs, which is a staggering statistic.

With a name that is Spanish for “Canarian catch,” the Canario was originally bred to work livestock. Due to their potential to be dangerous, these dogs require intense obedience training and a chance to socialize from an early age.

Understandably, some of the most dangerous dogs can also be ideal protectors. The Akita Inu is a perfect example due to its friendly disposition. However, these dogs may act aggressively towards any new dogs you choose to bring home.

Originally from the mountains of Japan, the Akita is associated with two breeds: the Japanese Akita Inu and the American Akita. Their independence, strength, and dominant nature can be a dangerous cocktail if they are mistreated.

Even boxers can be extremely friendly dogs. However, by the time they reach a certain size, this fierce dog can often undermine its owner, with devastating outcomes. Anyone who has grown up with a boxer knows that they can be pretty passive.

That said, there have been a number of incidents involving this dog breed — specifically, 48 from 1982 all the way up to 2012. This originally German breed can reach between 50 and 70 lbs, and they are often headstrong, energetic, and playful in equal measures.

While this might not be the most surprising addition to this list, the wolf hybrid has plenty of reasons to be here. At the end of the day, when you cross a wild beast with a cute domesticated pet, keeping this dog on an even keel will be challenging.

These hybrids are usually a combination of a grey wolf and a dog. Due to their many genetic traits, their behavior can often be very unpredictable.

While many people own Dogo Argentinos and have never had issues while alone in their company, this fierce breed has a devastating bite and is one of the strongest dogs.

Often bred to hunt game, this dog has the potential to kill a wide variety of animals, such as pumas and wild boars. They are often extremely protective of their owners. However, due to several tragic cases, it is illegal to own a Dogo Argentino in some countries, including the United Kingdom.

There is no denying that the bull terrier’s oval-shaped head gives it a unique facial appearance. This is a bi-product of many generations of crossbreeding, and they are believed to have the leanest muscle tissue of pretty much any dog.

Despite their intimidating appearance, the bull terrier isn’t the most dangerous dog breed on this list. They have no problem attacking smaller animals, which often spells doom for whoever they chase down.

Originally from South Africa, the Boer Boel appears to have leg muscles resembling some of the big cats with which it shares the same country. Also known as the South African Mastiff, this dog breed is owned by many to guard their homes.

Although loyal to their owners, they are also extremely dangerous due to their territorial instincts. They are particularly good at tracking down and keeping down intruders.

Several dogs on this list are more than capable of taking down their owners, and the American Bandogge is certainly one of them. Due to this breed’s incredible strength and huge muscles, American Bandogges were eventually bred to fight.

Seeing that they are a mix between a Neapolitan Mastiff and an American Pit Bull Terrier, it is no surprise that this breed is considered extremely dangerous and a useful guard dog.

While the Gull Dong is highly loyal to its owner, don’t expect it to behave respectfully to anyone else! This cross between a Bully Kutta and a Gull Terrier is extremely dependent on its beloved owner, and if it is left to its own devices for just a few minutes, all hell can break loose!

Originally bred as a fighting dog, the Gull Dong can be highly aggressive, especially toward humans who are unfamiliar with them. So watch out!

While this might be one of the visually cuter breeds of dogs on this list, it doesn’t make them any less dangerous. Originating from the southern regions of Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has been bred in the past to help owners protect their farms and fields from fierce predators such as lions.

Make no mistake about it — although this dog doesn’t take too much work to be domesticated, owners need to give it a healthy social life.

There is no denying that the Basenji is a difficult dog to teach classic tricks such as sitting and fetching. This dog, originally bred to hunt, is infamous for being shy around strangers or flat-out aggressive. The Basenji is originally from Central America.

While it might not be the most dangerous dog breed on this list, numerous experts consider it the second most challenging dog to train!

One of the biggest dogs on this list, Saint Bernards, has the potential to be very dangerous. However, during their best days, they can be extremely friendly and sweet — a perfect dog for any family.

If they are not trained properly early, the consequences can be catastrophic. Originally bred to be a rescue dog, this large hound can cause a lot of damage purely because of its size. Weighing between 65 and 120kg, they are big!

When you are bred to be a hunting dog for many generations, it is very difficult for an owner to eliminate your inherent dangerous streak. Another dog on this list that threatens humans purely because of its size, they don’t call them Great Danes for no reason whatsoever.

It holds the record as the world’s tallest dog and is also believed to be the ninth most dangerous dog breed on the planet. They were originally bred in Germany to hunt wild boar.

The fact that it is illegal in numerous places around the world to own one of these is a testament to how dangerous this dog can be. The Fila Brasileiro is not necessarily interested in attacking prey.

However, this dog, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, has been trained to protect owners from intruders and is an expert at tracking strangers. Moreover, the Fila is also very good at holding down intruders while waiting for their owner to arrive.

Seeing that they are between 24.5 and 32 inches tall when standing, the Tosa Inu is a dog breed that can often be quite intimidating to be around. Originally bred to be a fighting dog, the Tosa can trace its origins back to Japan and is also referred to as a Japanese Mastiff.

Ownership of this towering dog is limited or banned in several countries, including Australia, Fiji, Denmark, Ireland, and the U.K.

It seems like American Bulldogs share a very similar trait with humans, and it’s one of the things that can make them dangerous. Just like their owners, this dog breed is often very friendly.

However, due to their vitality and confidence, American bulldogs are prone to becoming arrogant, which also breeds stubbornness. These dogs, originally bred to hold down cattle on farms, will often react negatively to an owner if they are not treated well.

Like many dangerous dog breeds on this list, the Chow Chow is undeniably cute when it is still a puppy. It can also retain much of that cuteness as they mature. However, many owners of Chow Chows would beg to differ.

These dogs are believed to require a high level of attention and physical activity to minimize their aggressive behavior. This breed, originally from China, is also referred to as a Songshi Quan, which literally translates into “puffy-lion dog.”

A dog with incredible senses might let these get the better of them, and the Doberman Pinscher is a classic example of this. This is because they are generally trained to take down intruders and are some of the best guard dogs in the world.

This is in no small part due to their loyalty, intelligence, and ability to stay alert at all times. Originally bred in Germany, the Doberman Pinscher can weigh between 65 and 90 lbs, and they often demonstrate aggressive behavior towards strangers.

Plenty of people own huskies, and they can generally train them to be well-behaved pets. However, it’s not always that simple. Originally bred in the Arctic regions to pull sleds, this dog requires a lot of discipline and exercise to stay on an even keel.

Huskies have a strong predatory instinct, so they should be kept away from smaller animals. If they are bored, huskies can get into all sorts of trouble.

Cane Corsos are primarily known for being the last Mastiffs still used in coursing. Weighing between 99 and 150 pounds, this dog is a huge threat to game animals, and it also helps that it has been bred to fight.

Amazingly, this dog has a loose connection to a specific historical period. Apparently, the Ancient Romans also used the Cane Corso’s ancestors, the Canis Pugnax, in warfare, as they were helpful at defending soldiers on the battlefield.

The following dog shares a similar trait to huskies: they sometimes struggle to socialize with strangers and smaller animals. The Alaskan Malamute heavily depends on a lot of exercise to stay fairly content.

Otherwise, there is a strong chance that this dog will get bored and misbehave. Due to their desire to be independent, the Malamute can be difficult to train, and its size, ranging from 70 to 100 lbs, can be challenging, too.

Contrary to what you might think, Rottweilers are actually fairly benevolent towards humans. Nevertheless, the wrong owner can bring out the worst in these powerful dogs. With an inherent instinct to guard its owner, there is so much more to Rottweilers than the stigma they carry.

Usually, a variety of abuse, neglect, and poor training can pave the way for aggressive and dangerous behavior from this particular breed. Tender love and care will most likely have the reverse effect.

There is no denying that German shepherds are synonymous with loyalty. Trained to be vicious fighters and defenders of the top forces, they are a useful asset to have by one’s side. However, if this dog is unfamiliar, it’s best to look the other way.

That said, German Shepherds are believed to be extremely intelligent. They are part of many K-9 units in various police forces, and they should be trained to protect their owners safely.

Many assume that all Pitbulls are inherently dangerous and are inclined to be violent. However, there is so much more to them than meets the eye. There is a wide variety of Pitbulls, each with unique quirks and behavioral traits.

Many of them, though, were originally bred for dogfighting and baiting bears and bulls. Although they are generally considered the most dangerous dogs in America, many owners have warm, peaceful relationships with their pitbulls.

If one plans to own a Caucasian Ovcharka, training this particular dog in the book is imperative. This is because this dog naturally doesn’t like strangers and other humans and needs to be conditioned not to succumb to this instinct.

Originally bred to protect livestock, the Caucasian Ovcharka is believed to be courageous and assertive. If not trained properly, this dog will struggle to accept others and may demonstrate aggressive behavior toward others, and it could be too late to change.

While usually gentle, especially with children, Bull Mastiffs can become aggressive for various reasons depending on how they’re raised. If socialized at a young age, they get along with other animals rather than treat them as prey.

While puppies may be unable to differentiate between intruders and friends, older mastiffs are known to be watchful and can tell a person’s motives, causing them to take charge and attack. They’re naturally protective, and if trained to be watchdogs, they’ll rush to corner an intruder.

Kangals are naturally territorial dogs, so while they may be calm around children, they’re extremely protective of their owners and tend to be aggressive towards other male dogs. Of course, Kangals are a little more detached from strangers until they get to know them.

However, they usually don’t threaten people unless they’re given a reason to attack. Although they’re gentle and can be trusted around homes, it’s important to note that they shouldn’t be confined to small spaces because they’ll become destructive.

How can a dog with this kind of face ever be dangerous? Well, they’re not threatening per se. They’re social and loyal to their families. That said, they have a strong protective instinct and will protect their owners from any threats.

Aussies are highly intelligent and energetic creatures, meaning they need a healthy outlet for their energy. They get bored quite easily and may decide to keep themselves busy by chewing on things, digging, or barking. They’re even known to become aggressive if they don’t have something to challenge them mentally.

Collies, a type of herding dog, rarely become aggressive, but if they do, it’s for good reason. What’s good about Collies is that when they become aggressive, they give warning signs beforehand, making it much easier to get to the root of the aggression.

Intelligent and active, they’re not the breed that should be locked inside the house because they will use all their energy to destroy everything. Because of their strong herding instincts, they may start herding running children because the children are the same as young sheep.

A relatively rare breed, Pharaoh Hounds are known for their athleticism and intelligence. With a muscular build and stubborn nature, it’s important to reign these hounds in to instill obedience and prevent overly aggressive behavior.

While this breed makes for a perfectly fine house pet, they’re popularly owned as hunting companions and require a lot of exercise, so they don’t adopt negative behaviors. For example, they are known to become unruly if they haven’t been adequately socialized at a young age.

While known for their friendly demeanor and loyal disposition, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been involved in attacks and was originally bred to bait bulls. Described as fearless and intelligent, this breed is not likely to back down from a fight.

They’re naturally muscular, but although they appear intimidating, they’re not usually aggressive toward humans but rather enamored with them. Of course, members of this breed can differ in temperament, and without consistency, it’s difficult for people to tell which ones are friendly, so it’s best to be cautious around this kind of pup.

The Czechoslovakian Vlcak, originally bred in 1955, is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Carpathian wolf. That said, it doesn’t come as a shock to learn that this dog can exhibit aggressive behavior in some cases.

These dogs must be appropriately socialized to reduce the risk of significant danger, considering that they’re, you know, part wolf. Although loyal to their owners, they also require strong leadership to inspire obedience.

Often mistaken for a small German shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and energetic, so they need an active owner to give them proper training. Otherwise, prepare for some misbehavioral issues, including digging, biting, or herding.

Although they make ideal guard and police dogs, they can also show aggressive behavior, especially towards small children and other animals. That said, if they’re socialized at an early age, Malinois are known to be very accepting.

Vizslas, a dog breed from Hungary, are highly energetic and affectionate with those around them. They’re ideal guard dogs and may bark at strangers invading the ‘pack’ space. They’re natural hunters with an excellent ability to be trained.

Still, they must be trained gently without harsh commands or strong physical correction. If trained too harshly, their sensitive temperaments could be easily damaged. If socialized early, they should have no issues with children.

Chihuahuas may be known as one of the smallest dogs in the world, but they’re definitely mighty…and yappy. Chihuahuas can be described as loyal and devoted to their owners — sometimes to the point of jealousy, in which they may bite or snip at someone getting a little too close to their owner.

They’re usually a very temperamental breed and aren’t necessarily known as child-friendly. Because they don’t like strangers, they bark often and can be good as an alert-style watchdog.

The dachshund, or the Weiner dog, can range in size from eight to thirty-two pounds. You’re probably wondering how a Weiner dog can be considered aggressive on Earth. It turns out that this breed of dog is susceptible to “small dog syndrome.”

This means it tries to compensate for its small size with a large attitude, leading to different behavioral issues. If Dachshunds are socialized early, they do well with children, although they don’t do well with too much rough play.

Described as fearless and independent, it’s almost surprising that Jack Russells are such small-sized dogs, ranging from 14 to 18 pounds. They’re usually white with black or beige markings. This breed’s origin began in England, in which they were primarily used to hunt foxes.

They have also been used to hunt groundhogs and badgers. They’re very energetic. Beyond that, they’re stubborn dogs with little patience and aren’t very tolerant of children.

Labrador Retrievers are easily the most popular dog breed known to man, if we’re honest. Anyone and everyone who owns a Labrador will claim they’re gentle and loveable. While they’re not naturally aggressive, they’re highly energetic and need an outlet to release all their pent-up energy.

In other words, if you lock them in the house, they’ll become highly destructive of your belongings. They’re a gentle and patient breed, but it’s important not to leave them alone with small children as they’re extremely active and clumsy.

Don’t let their size fool you — a Pekingese is one courageous and bold breed. Be wary, though, because that could quickly switch to aggression, especially towards other dogs, whether in the household or around the neighborhood.

That said, it’s crucial that a Pekingese receive early socialization. This breed also needs a strong and firm hand to control and prevent negative behavior such as growling, snapping, excessive barking, or biting.

While they’re popular family pets, cocker spaniels are known to be aggressive. This behavior is often misdiagnosed as ‘Cocker Rage’ or ‘Sudden Onset Aggression.’ However, if it manifests itself, it’ll happen before the cocker becomes an adult, often around eight months old.

This is why it’s essential to socialize them early to avoid aggressive behavior, such as biting, growling, or snapping. Even the most aggressive dogs can usually learn gentle ways if appropriately trained.

This might be one of the most surprising additions to this list. How could the beautiful black-dotted star of 101 Dalmatians be considered one of the most dangerous dog breeds in the world? With that said, there is a good reason why they can be threatening to those around them.

Not only do Dalmatians have a muscular body, but they also have great endurance, meaning they can engage in confrontations for long periods.

In the 1940s and ’50s, the military bred Russian Black Terriers to assist soldiers in sniffing out enemies during war. Moreover, they were also good at guarding soldiers, often showcasing their loud bark.

Fast-forward many decades, and the Russian Black Terrier is a popular pet. That said, though, there is no denying that this dog requires a lot of training to make it a worthy addition to the family.

Those prominent wrinkles are unmistakably synonymous with Shar Peis. This dog breed, generally a gentle giant under the right owner, can reach severe levels of aggression if handled incorrectly. Originally bred in China, a Shar Pei’s original purpose was to act as a guard dog.

These days, though, the dog is a popular pet. Interestingly, the name Shar-Pei is actually Cantonese for “sandy skin,” alluding to the breed’s rough coat and texture.

Arguably the fluffiest dog on this list, it is hard to imagine that the Bedlington Terrier could be anything other than gentle and friendly. However, even though it has fur reminiscent of a small sheep, this dog actually has a reputation that bypassers might not be fully aware of.

The Bedlington Terrier has been described as a “versatile dog being good with children and fit to kill any other dog of his weight,” which is extremely worrying.

It should come as no surprise that the national dog of South Korea can be just as ferocious as it is cute and cuddly. People worldwide own these beautiful dogs, which are popular due to their gentle behavior and loyal ways.

That said, though, the Korean Jindo also has the potential to display serious acts of aggression. If owners don’t care for them properly, Jindos can become dominant over those surrounding them and cause plenty of destruction.

When deciding which pooch is best for your porch there’s a lot of factors to take into account. If you’re looking for a calm dog to snuggle up with at the end of the day, you’ve come to the right place.

These dogs are fun sized without being too much to handle. That being said, they are a very friendly and social dog breed, known for often following their owners around the house, earning them the nickname of the “velcro dog.”

Normally when we hear “bolognese” we think of delicious pasta, but it turns out it’s also the name of a breed of dog as well! The reason we probably hadn’t heard of this dog until very recently was that it’s still a pretty rare breed in the United States. It’s too bad that’s the case because they are a very calm small dog that’s great to have for people who love lap dogs, but want something that’s much less yappy.

This dog is similar to its big cousin, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Like many lap dogs, they require much less time at the park or chasing the ball, and instead enjoy curling up on their owners’ laps. The English Toy Spaniel does require some maintenance though – some people recommend that you brush them twice a week at least. Other than that, they don’t need a whole lot more. Being a rare breed, it may take some time and effort to find one.

Considered to be a very devoted companion, the Shih Tzu is one that will follow their owners around the house like they’re tied to them with an invisible rope. But they won’t cause a commotion doing it. The Shih Tzu’s teddy bear-like appearance is complemented by a surprisingly big boned structure, meaning that if you have rough little ones at home, they’re unlikely to do any harm to this cute little guy. Their long hair makes them suited to cold weather.

As the title suggests, these dogs could very well be considered the clowns of the dog world for their love of play and their confident, goofy, lovable personalities. They are dogs that love to show off to their owners, so having one could likely mean that you’ll have a dog who could perform lots of neat tricks. While they’re still pretty low maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise, they do need a short walk at least once during the day.

This is the kind of dog that you can take with you anywhere. Whether you live in the bustling city, or a calm, rural region, these dogs do great just about anywhere. While still part of the spaniel family, these dogs don’t have that same excitable energy that is common with that kind of dog. Outside, these dogs love to show off their howl and bark, but inside they tend to remain a very calm and docile breed.

Thought that the Sussex Spaniel was the calmest Spaniel breed you were going to ever find on this list? Well, think again! The Clumber Spaniel isn’t the most active of all dogs – in fact, it could adequately be described as a complete couch potato. Don’t get this dog if you’re looking for a guard dog either. The Clumber Spaniel is so friendly and so calm, that any burglar who breaks in will be greeted with a tail wag and a lick.

These dogs have such a cute face that even marketers and advertising agencies often use them in commercials to great effect! The Basset Hound is a very easy going pet, and a natural to have at home for someone who’s got a lot going on in their lives. Their exercise requirements are pretty minimal – a light stroll around the block should do the trick – and they don’t need much grooming either. Their backs are pretty fragile though, so play gently.

You might not be able to tell by just looking at their faces, but the English Bulldog is quite possibly one of the happiest breeds that we have on this list. They’re usually most full of joy when they’re lying in a sunny spot or on their favorite place on the couch. The English Bulldog also has a very friendly personality and is often very happy to see your friends come over so they can introduce themselves. They’re great with kids, too.

While this dog isn’t necessarily the calmest of the bunch, they are extremely independent and require minimal attention in order to be perfectly happy. What do we mean by this? Well, the Bergamasco is a herding dog, meaning it was bred to help farmers herd other animals, like sheep and goats. Because of this, the Bergamasco has developed the ability to work independently and enjoys problem-solving without having their owners standing over them barking directions at them. Plus, they look super cute!

Just looking at that adorable face, it’s a pretty safe bet to assume that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most gentle and sweetest dogs that anyone looking for a calm breed could get. Whether you’re looking for a companion to share a daily walk with you, or a dog that’s going to snuggle up next to you on the couch, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the breed for you. Not only that, but they’re also great around kids!

It’s almost like these dogs have multiple personalities. When the Greyhound is inside, it loves nothing more than finding a comfortable spot to lay down and stretch out. But pen the front door and let it outside… well, good luck catching it. The Greyhound was built for speed, and it can run seemingly non-stop through wide-open spaces, which it loves to do. As a house dog they have a shy and timid personality and won’t get in the way.

As we said in the title, if you’re looking for loyalty and devotion in a dog, then look no further than the Great Pyrenees. This dog is very friendly towards its family and very gentle with children, but will often be wary of other dogs and strangers who will likely want to pet this gentle giant. That being said, we’ve gotta warn you to watch out for that fur. They tend to shed, so a good brushing will often help keep it under control.

Coming in as one of the biggest on this list, the Scottish Deerhound is perfect for people who love a big dog, but don’t want one that’s going to make a mess or demand all of their time. Much like the Greyhound, these dogs are very calm when indoors, but let them outside and watch them move! They are also great to have if you’re a social person, as they love being around people, children, and even other dogs.

These dogs have struck one of the best balances when it comes to being both friendly and protective. They will generally take a cue from their owners as to how they should behave around other people, and while they are not quite as defensive as dogs bred specifically for guarding, they do make an excellent watchdog. They do require a bit of exercise though, usually nothing more than a daily walk or just letting them run around and enjoy themselves when outdoors.

Looking for a dog that’s always going to be there for you no matter what? Well, the Newfoundland is that dog! Gentle, calm, and patient, these dog breeds love everything and everyone and are generally a pretty relaxed and easy going breed. These dogs do require both exercise and breeding, and they also love to go for a swim every now and again, so try and take them with you next time you go visit your favorite lake or river.

Considered by many to be one of the most loyal of breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux loves to be as close to their owners as possible so they can make sure that nothing bad ever happens to them. That has a lot of perks, but some downsides as well. They’re not going to be so relaxed when people they don’t know stop by the house, and they’re generally a bit wary of other dogs they might meet at the park.

Rottweilers might cause some people to imagine this huge, hulking animal ready to stop a burglar at a moment’s notice. The reality is that the opposite probably couldn’t be more true. While these guys can get pretty big, the Rottweiler is one of the calmest dogs that any prospective owner will likely ever encounter. In fact, their way of stopping someone from breaking in would most likely be to walk over and just put the person’s arm in their mouth.

Like many other mastiffs, the Neapolitan Mastiff was bred primarily for the purpose of guarding the family. So why would we put them on the calm dogs list you may be asking? Well, they are totally calm when they’re around their family. They absolutely love kids and have no problem being around them all day. That being said, they’re a big dog, so be sure to keep your eye on them when they’re playing with the precious little ones.

The main thing this dog is going to need is lots of indoor space! These dogs are considered to be one of the tallest breeds, and they’re not shy about looking for lots of open spaces inside to stretch out those long legs. Those legs will be needing some exercise though, but thankfully not too much. A quick walk about once a day should do the trick. Other than that, they’re very low maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Not only are these dogs incredibly docile and calm, but even when they’re up and walking around, you might be half convinced that they’re actually sleep walking. These dogs love their family and are eager to please, but they’re definitely not the dog to get if you’re considering finding a breed that you can actively play with. Thankfully, that means that they don’t need too much in the way of exercise either, usually finding satisfaction with a short walk or run. The ret of the time, they’ll be happy to be your giant teddy bear.

Considered one of the calmest dog breeds, these dogs have the rare gift of being both very easy going while also having the intelligence of a working dog. According to the American Kennel Club, “their gentle, easygoing manner and the need to be close to their people makes them a good fit for families.” That actually could be why these dogs love games and sports, anything to get their hearts pumping and their minds racing. They’re definitely a family-friendly dog.

Chihuahua personalities can vary widely, but what puts this dog on the list is their capacity to learn and respond to training. That means that while these dogs do have a lot of energy, they also make excellent companions, and with a little work, can be trained to be a much more calm and obedient dog. They are considered to have “terrier like qualities,” meaning they love to chase and can sometimes be a little bit aggressive if you’re not careful.

Many have described them as being a bit odd and funny looking, but these dogs can be the perfect companion to those who love small dogs with only a medium amount of energy. We say medium because, while these dogs do make wonderful lap sitting companions, they will devote a large percentage of their energy to making sure that their owners are happy with them. You’ll get the best of both worlds here, a dog that loves to relax and play with you.

Much like their English companions, the French bulldog is an equally relaxed breed that makes for both a wonderful and entertaining companion. That could be for many reasons, ranging from that adorably wrinkled face and perky ears to their hilarious personalities, which they use to try and please their family by providing constant entertainment. Various animal organizations recommend this dog to anyone, from the person who’s working hard and living on their own, to a family with several small children.

Both scruffy and filled with personality, these dogs are considered by both Animal Planet and the American Kennel Club as one of the calmest of all terriers. But of course, that description is relative, since terriers are by nature a pretty energetic type of dog. While considered to be “somewhat active,” they are definitely not as excitable as other terriers. That being said, they’re best for people who have a yard, as they love activities like digging and exploring.

Like many other dogs on this list, the Irish Wolfhound is a big fan of the outdoors, using its long lean body to run at remarkable speeds. Take them inside though, and you’ve got a total couch potato of a dog, one that’s not going to go tearing up your house. This is great for the athletic person who might have a job that takes them out of the house most of the day. Together, you and your dog can enjoy a morning run.

Both very laid back and very entertaining to have around the house, the Japanese Chin is arguably one of the best dogs for people who love having a very calm dog around. According to Animal Planet, “They’re a very dignified breed with two major exceptions. Those short snouts mean they make a distinctive ‘snizzle’ sound, which sounds something like a backwards sneeze. And there’s nothing dignified about the ‘Chin spin,’ when this playful pup stands on back legs and twirls.”

These dogs are so calm and trainable that many institutions actually use them for various forms of work. One of the most common uses for these dogs’ remarkable personalities is therapy work such as visiting hospitals, nursing homes, or other locations where people could use a cute canine companion to help calm them down in stressful situations. These dogs usually also grow to be affectionate and loyal, and are considered to be a dignified animal.

Talk about a tough name for a breed! These dogs actually originate in Mexico, and in the United States they’ve been given the nickname “Xolo” since most people (us included) are intimidated by a name that not only starts with “x” but is also fourteen letters long! These dogs come in three different sizes, starting at toy and then getting progressively bigger in miniature and standard size. These dogs are hairless, meaning the grooming is low maintenance, and are considered to be “calm, tranquil, aloof, and attentive.”

The Labrador Retriever is voted the most popular dog breed in the US, based on its friendly, intelligent, and gentle personality. This Lab can be found in black, yellow, or a chocolate color and each one is just as cute as the next.

Labs are also great at playing and fetching balls because of their link to the sporting dog group. So, not only are those furry friends great for companionship but they are the perfect pet for families with kids.

Many have described Beagles as good-natured rebels who enjoy entertaining their owners. Beagles are bred to hunt in packs so they thoroughly enjoy companionship and are loyal pets as well.

Due to their smooth coats, this dog is low maintenance to physically take care of and full of inquisitiveness. Their curious yet soft nature makes them a great fit for a family dog. So, if you want a warmhearted dog with some spunk, opt for the sweet-faced Beagle.

This dog is also referred to as a Russian Hunting Sighthound because they are descendants of working dogs from people who migrated to Russia before the 17th century. The Borzoi hound’s temperament is known to be quiet, respectful, and independent, which is all the makings of a perfect pet.

Plus, they come in all colors so you can choose which hue suits your preference. The Borzoi is also from an aristocratic breed so they are good-natured, laid-back, and very peaceful.

This golden rust-colored dog is also known as a Hungarian Pointer and was bred to be a hunting dog who can provide manual labor. Due to this, the Vizsla is very obedient, easily trained, and is respectful to its owner.

Their temperament is said to be sensitive yet self-assured, which aids in their ability to form close relations with people. The Vizsla is nicknamed a “Velcro” hound because of its tactile nature. In addition to their rare coloring, their soft coat requires little maintenance.

The people-pleasing Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs. In addition to their love and affection, Retrievers also have model looks which have scored them the coveted spot on many toilet paper adverts.

The Golden Retriever is no doubt a golden breed. They are known to be helpful in a variety of activities from search and rescue work to being great ball-catches when it comes to playing time.

Like Shiba Inu is recognized as one of the most popular dogs due to their likeness used in online memes. They are a Japanese breed of hunting dog and are known to be small and alert dogs that despite their petite package, have a strong-willed nature.

This makes them well-suited to hike long trails or even mountains. Their colors range from red to cream and even black sesame. Additionally, their temperament is known to be warm, gentle, and confident.

This pure-breed terrier is originally from Ireland and is known for its different coat types, American or Irish. Generally-speaking, the Irish coat is wavier and lighter than the American. They are celebrated for their “wheaten greeting” which is their kind bark when meeting people.

Due to their devoted, intelligent, and affectionate nature, they make great family additions. Wheatens are also known to be hypoallergenic which makes them a fit for owners who have allergy issues.

Despite their Aussie name, this breed developed mostly in the US. The Australian Shepherd is renowned for its good-natured, protective, and intelligent temperament, which makes them well-rounded to families with children or other dogs.

Aussies are also one of the smartest dog breeds, with their climate flexibility and easy-to-train nature. However, they require physical maintenance due to their eye issues and shedding fur. In addition, they cannot be left alone for long due to their strong bond with their owners.

The Collie family consists of bearded collies, border collies, and the rough collie from the classic movie, Lassie. All the Collie breeds share the same sweet and gentle natures. They are so easy to train due to their smart and sensitive temperament, but because they are a stubborn dog, training is advised.

Another great attribute of a Collie is their ability to predict their owner’s needs. This instinctual gift is what makes them such good watchdogs.

This long-distance running dog is a member of the sighthound family, and while known for speed, the Saluki is as quiet as they come. Their gentle, reserved yet intelligent nature, makes them a great pet option. However, they are known for not being the easiest to train due to their need for independence.

The Saluki’s greatest qualities lie in its devoted loyalty to its owner and its aristocratic grace. Who doesn’t want a dog with more grace than most humans?

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great because not only do they tend not to bark, but they hardly even snore either. They are known for being very loyal and intelligent, which can sometimes cause them to avoid interacting with strangers. That being said, if you’ve never owned a dog before, this breed isn’t generally recommended. Having both a strong will and a lot of confidence, these dogs need some serious training in order to do some basic traits.

Don’t get the Irish Setter if you’re looking for a guard dog. Not only do these dogs rarely bark, but they’re quick to bond with strangers and are in general just extremely lovable. While not being the best patrol dog for your house, their calm and friendly personalities make them a great dog to have for families or people who love entertaining. They are a hunting dog though, so you might want to think twice if you have small animals.

While the Irish Setter might not be the best for guarding, the Shar Pei would more than make up for it. These dogs are super quiet, but watch out when they do bark. These dogs will only make noise when something is off, so if you hear them, then you can usually be sure that something is really wrong. Their downside might be socialization – get them young and introduce them to children if you plan on getting a Shar Pei.

The Afghan Hound is typically defined by its long, fine, and silky coat, which helped it to survive the harsh and cold mountains of Afghanistan. These dogs have evolved in those mountains and as a result they are extremely athletic, able to run fast and turn on a dime. These dogs do require quite a bit of grooming, but other than that they don’t need much in the way of exercise, nor do they make a whole lot of noise.

Yes you read that right, this kind of dog was developed in New Hampshire as a sled dog. The Chinook is actually quite rare outside of the state, but in New Hampshire, they’re so loved that they have become the state’s official dog. While they’re a pretty quiet and loyal pup, they are active once you get them outside. One of their habits that can drive owners crazy is their penchant for digging up lawns and other areas.