If you’ve ever dreamed of sharing your life with a dog that’s as big as your love for them, you’re not alone. Giant dogs have a way of making an impression—not just with their size, but with their gentle, lovable personalities.
According to the Guinness World Records, the tallest dog ever recorded, a Great Dane named Zeus, measured a jaw-dropping 44 inches at the shoulder! Despite their massive presence, many giant dogs are surprisingly calm couch potatoes who are perfectly content snoozing the day away.
Of course, living with such a large companion does come with a few things to consider. They eat more, need regular exercise to stay healthy, and definitely take up more floor space (yes, your sofa is fair game in their eyes!).
But here’s the secret that surprises a lot of first-time giant-dog owners—many of these gentle giants actually make good apartment dogs, as long as they get daily walks and some playtime to stretch those long legs.
So, whether you live in a spacious home or a cozy city apartment, there just might be a big, lovable dog out there ready to fill your life (and your living room) with joy.
Key Takeaways
Discover which giant dog breeds aren’t just for sprawling country homes but can actually thrive in small apartments when given the right care.
Learn how these massive companions balance their impressive size with surprisingly calm and gentle personalities that make them perfect family dogs.
Find out fun and fascinating facts about each breed—from rescue heroes of the Alps to the real-life inspiration behind famous cartoon characters.
Get practical tips on grooming, training, exercise, and living space needs so you’ll know exactly what to expect if you welcome one of these gentle giants into your life.
Best Giant Dog Breeds Suitable For Small Apartments Too
1. Great Dane
The Great Dane is often called the “Apollo of Dogs,” and it’s easy to see why. These towering canines are elegant, loyal, and full of charm. Despite their grand appearance, they are quiet, calm, and surprisingly easygoing.
Great Danes are playful, friendly, and people-oriented. They thrive with early puppy socialization and love meeting new faces. Known as gentle giants, they are affectionate with children and protective of their families.
While they don’t need as much exercise as you’d expect for their size, they do need daily walks and space to stretch. Grooming is simple since they shed very little, but regular brushing helps keep their coat in good condition.
Fun Fact: Animator Iwao Takamoto designed Scooby-Doo after a Great Dane, giving the character its clumsy and goofy personality.
Temperament: Gentle, loyal, alert, and overly protective.
Care Needs: Breed-specific food (like formulas made for Great Danes), daily exercise, and regular grooming.
Great Danes may look imposing, but they are affectionate, goofy, and people pleasers at heart. They’re wonderful companions who bring elegance, joy, and plenty of laughter to any home.
2. Mastiff
When it comes to sheer size, the Mastiff stands out as one of the biggest dog breeds in the world. They may look imposing, but on the inside, they are calm, softhearted, and devoted companions.
These gentle giants are loyal to their families but often reserved with strangers. Early socialization is important to help them feel confident in new situations.
Despite their muscular build, Mastiffs are generally low-energy and are happy to lounge in small living spaces with you. They are patient with children and make steady, dependable family dogs. Grooming is simple, but be prepared for shedding—and drool!
Fun Fact: Mastiffs even sailed on the Mayflower with early settlers.
Temperament: Calm, noble, protective, yet affectionate with family.
Care Needs: Space to move around, early training and socialization, plus plenty of towels for slobber.
The Mastiff may look like a powerhouse, but they are truly a gentle guardian. With the right training and care, these ancient giants become loyal family members and amazing guard dogs.
3. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is often celebrated as the tallest of all dog breeds. Despite their imposing presence, these large dogs are known for their gentle nature and sweet temperament.
Wolfhounds are quiet indoors and surprisingly easy to live with. They thrive well in apartments as long as they are getting their daily walks. They are happiest with families who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are important, as they are sensitive dogs that respond best to kindness. Grooming is fairly simple thanks to their rough coat, though they do shed lightly.
Fun Fact: An Irish Wolfhound can stand as tall as 7 feet when on its hind legs!
Temperament: Calm, patient, affectionate, yet dignified.
Care Needs: Space to run, daily exercise, gentle training, and basic grooming.
The Irish Wolfhound may look like a galloping giant, but at heart, they are serene companions who bond deeply with their families. Owning one is a commitment, but the reward is a loyal and loving friend.
4. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland, affectionately called the “Newfie,” is a giant dog breed famous for its love of water and its kind, gentle spirit. With their webbed feet and waterproof coats, they are natural-born swimmers.
Despite their working background, Newfoundlands are calm and affectionate companions. According to AKC, they are famously good with children, often earning the nickname of “nanny dogs.”
These dogs are loyal protectors with a sweet, steady temperament, making them one of the most beloved giant breeds. While they enjoy cool-weather hikes and swimming, they’re equally happy to curl up for a nap afterward.
Fun Fact: Newfoundland puppies often splash in their water bowls, showing their love of water from an early age.
Temperament: Gentle, watchful, patient, and devoted.
Care Needs: Regular brushing for their thick coats, access to swimming when possible, and attention to heat since they don’t tolerate hot weather well.
Newfoundlands are gentle giants who combine strength with kindness. With their love for family and water, they bring loyalty, joy, and a touch of playful splash to any home.
5. Leonberger
With their golden coats and lion-like mane, the Leonberger is one of the most striking of the giant breeds. Bred in Germany by crossing St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, they were designed to look majestic—and they certainly live up to that.
But beneath the glamorous appearance lies a gentle, loving dog that bonds deeply with family.
Leonbergers are known for their kind, intuitive nature and their remarkable patience with children. They often serve as therapy dogs because of their calm and affectionate personalities.
These intelligent working dogs enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and pulling sports, but they are just as content spending time with their family. While friendly, they also make watchful protectors with sharp instincts.
Fun Fact: Male Leonbergers often grow a mane-like ruff, giving them their lion-like appearance.
Temperament: Gentle, intuitive, loyal, and protective.
Care Needs: Regular brushing for their thick coat, space to roam, cooler climates, and careful socialization with other dogs.
The Leonberger may look regal and imposing, but at heart, they are affectionate family dogs who thrive on companionship and love.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, often called the “Berner,” is a beloved giant breed known for its sweet temperament and striking tricolor coat.
Originally bred in Switzerland as farm and working dogs, they were trusted companions who pulled carts and helped herd livestock. Today, they are just as reliable, but now mostly serve as loyal family pets.
Berners are calm, affectionate, and very people-oriented. They love spending time outdoors and make excellent hiking companions. With consistent and kind training, they become wonderful family dogs that are especially patient with children.
Britannica mentions that they do best in cooler climates and prefer not to be out in the heat. Like many double-coated breeds, they shed heavily and need regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition.
Fun Fact: The breed gets its name from Bern Canton, in central Switzerland, where it was first developed.
Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, protective, and hardworking.
Care Needs: Daily exercise, regular brushing, cool climates, and early leash training.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is sturdy, affectionate, and dependable—making them an ideal choice for families who want both a loyal companion and a dog that loves the outdoors.
7. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is one of the most iconic giant breeds, known for its kind heart and history as a rescue dog in the snowy Alps. Today, they are beloved family companions with the same warm, gentle nature that earned them their saintly name.
Saint Bernards are affectionate, patient, and famously good with children—earning them the nickname “nanny dogs.” They are calm and easygoing but can also be playful when encouraged.
Early training is important, as young Saints can be energetic and sometimes forget just how big they are. While they do shed and drool, their loving and loyal personalities more than make up for the mess.
Fun Fact: Saint Bernards were originally trained by monks for avalanche search-and-rescue missions.
Temperament: Gentle, watchful, affectionate, and protective.
Care Needs: Daily walks, early training, plenty of space, and tolerance for drool.
The Saint Bernard may look imposing, but behind that massive frame is a gentle, loyal companion who loves nothing more than being close to their family.
Conclusion
Living with a large breed in apartment living may seem challenging, but many giant dogs are actually well-suited for small-space lifestyles.
While some buildings have size restrictions, the right breed characteristics—like calm temperaments and lower energy needs—make these gentle giants easier to manage than some small dogs.
Of course, space requirements and shorter lifespans are factors to consider, but with the right planning, these loyal companions can thrive anywhere. Whether you have a yard or are working with limited space, choosing wisely is key.
Some giant dogs can be a little stubborn, but they are also smart, devoted, and always on the lookout for their favorite human.
Unlike hypoallergenic dogs, most of these fluffy giants do shed, but their love and loyalty far outweigh the extra cleanup. With the right balance of care and affection, even the biggest dogs can be perfect for cozy homes and loving families.
