I think it would make much more sense that a flying and patrolling dragon above ground would have a much higher detection range than a large dragon sleeping underground. This could also fix the issue of stage 4 and 5 dragons popping out of the ground to attack players once they come in range.
Just realized a good bit late that this would cause issues with any stage 4-5 above ground. Perhaps dragons could get a detection range boost when flying and over a certain y level?
I think it would make much more sense that a flying and patrolling dragon above ground would have a much higher detection range than a large dragon sleeping underground. This could also fix the issue of stage 4 and 5 dragons popping out of the ground to attack players once they come in range.