Remember, even though they look tough, most can be...
In the 18th century, this enormous beast wasn’t one you’d want to run into if you were a fugitive on the loose.
Photo: Artush, Shutterstock
These dogs would collect up slaves who had escaped and return them to their masters unscathed.
While they may have taken their duties very seriously, these dogs are incredibly docile and gentle with their owners.
On the contrary, they have a strong dislike for strangers and don’t trust easily.
They are more often very friendly toward people and very doting with children.
Photo: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock
These guys have gotten a nasty reputation in recent years. When people see a pit bull, they probably immediately worry.
They are muscular and broad, complicating that fear even further.
However, they also have a giant wrinkly smile and big blocky heads that give off a very friendly glow.
While pit bulls are reported commonly for biting, this is mostly due to abuse, inadequate training, and lack of proper socialization.
While they do have wolf origins, they only share some characteristics with their wild cousins.
Photo: Pikist
They are typically shy, standoffish, and timid. They do have a strong pack mentality, but they may be slightly nervous as a general rule.
These guys are truly gentle giants.
Photo: Piqsels
Great Danes, while massive, are actually quite docile and slow.
When they are puppies, they may be hilariously clumsy.
They may not catch on to how big they are, but they aren’t typically aggressive.
Being such a large breed, they will be threatening when you’re one on one.
Some of them may be standoffish with strangers, but it generally doesn’t go beyond that.
They are thunderously large and may not take kindly to other dogs.
Photo: Ricantimages, Shutterstock
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, these guys may look familiar.
While JK Rowling expresses in her books that Fang is a Great Dane or “boarhound,” in the movies, he is portrayed by a Neapolitan Mastiff.
They seem like they may be slow-paced or relaxed, but are always on guard, keeping a watchful eye on things.
Related to German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, the Groenendael is a sight to see.
Photo: Pixabay
With their long lion-like mane and their wolf-shaped face, they can make you question their intentions with just one look.
It’s probably for the best, too.
This dog means business. While they are generally very loyal companion animals, they are serious by nature, and it will do you no favors to cross one.
Wolf-like Kugshas are an enigma all on their own.
They’re incredibly independent dogs.
However, they are also very attached to their pack.
They can easily develop separation anxiety and bad behavioral tendencies if you leave them alone often.
They also can’t be left alone with small children, as their prey drive may take over. Yikes!
These dogs look candidly like the traditional black wolf.
Running into one of these beauties face to face may be a breathtaking experience, and not so much in a good way.
But you could relax, this breed in progress is quite passive and non-aggressive.
That’s just a perk since they are so gorgeous. They may develop into quite a popular breed one day.
Akitas aren’t typically stranger-friendly.
Photo: Public Domain Pictures
But more so than not liking outsiders much, they tend to not like other dogs—especially if they are the same sex.
That probably stems from the fact that they have alpha mentalities and don’t take well to power threats.
They also remember behavior, so if one encounters abuse or neglect, they are likely to carry those memories with them and not trust future owners.
These dogs are humungous, so that can be off-putting.
Photo: jathomas, Pixabay
That should be the only thing that scares you about these dogs, though, as they are very laid back and mild.
They are protectors by design and will devote themselves to their families, being especially partial to children.
If you are a person with good intentions, they will have the same.