A large dog chasing bubbles rather than animals, is it a dream? Intimidating and dominant dog breeds may have power, but still, there lies a huge heart that is filled with everlasting love, and soulful eyes bringing the innocence.
The world of dog lovers feels brighter and happier when their large furry friend shapes into a playful goofball.
Playing with your furry best friend brings pure joy and helps all your stress simply fade away. The enthusiastic big dogs prove that fun is not only connected to energetic personalities but also to the bond they share with their owners.
Sometimes, the happiest moments are wrapped in simple and constant interactions that last forever. Whether they’re bounding through the park or rolling over for belly rubs, these large dogs remind us that joy often comes on four paws and with a wagging tail.
Let’s read more about these happy-go-lucky dogs.
Playful Big Dog Breeds Having Fun: A Path To Happiness
1. Irish Wolfhound
One of the tallest dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound has a medium rough-textured double coat and muscular build. They are native to Ireland and originally bred for game hunters. Today, these sighthounds with a calm demeanor and even temperament enjoy the status of family dogs.
Dignified and courageous Irish Wolfhounds need ample time and attention from pet owners. Despite having a name in the list of calmest dog breeds, these big dogs are not suitable for apartment dwellers due to their size and need for movement.
They are known for their loving, easygoing, and gentle nature, which shapes them into perfect companions. These noble dogs flourish best in spacious homes where they can stretch their long legs and enjoy the companionship they so deeply cherish.
This large dog breed needs at least an hour of exercise or long walks. Well-trained and socialized Irish Wolfhounds do well with other dogs and family cats, thanks to their easy-to-train and friendly personalities.
Unfortunately, this kind-hearted soul does not have a good life expectancy and only lives around 6-8 years.
2. Great Dane
The Great Dane also marked its name among large dog breeds, with imposing height, weight, and strength. However, this giant dog breed is famous for its extremely affectionate nature, with a blend of patience and sweetness.
They bloom in constant human interactions and outdoor adventures. The Great Danes became famous as protectors of their home and loved ones, a job they are still happy to perform, as mentioned by the AKC.
Since they were bred for hunting purposes, their natural protective instinct persists. Great Danes are excellent protective dogs and guard their loved ones by keeping strangers away with their deep bark and sheer size. This dog breed suffers from various health issues and lives around 6-8 years.
Though Dane has a thick double coat that varies in colours, its most famous one is harlequin, which has black and white markings. Regardless of its size, this large dog loves to be curled up in your lap. They are eager to please and great with children. They need moderate exercise and mental stimulation, and love jogs or hikes.
3. Scottish Deerhound
Athletic, approachable, and devoted companions, Scottish Deerhounds are famous family pets. This large dog breed hails from Scotland and was developed for hunting in the late 1500s. They share the same wiry coat as observed in the Irish Wolfhound and are considered low-maintenance big dogs.
Scottish Deerhounds are extremely loyal companions for their owners. From loved ones to strangers, these gentle giants equally shower their love on everyone. Their laid-back temperament may vary with age. However, these sighthounds need at least 30 minutes of exercise.
The easy-going nature makes them a perfect companion for first-time pet parents. Yet, one should have time to train them, as they are also very smart and independent dogs.
Positive reinforcement methods may unlock their obedience trait. With consistent training, they also need early socialization to control their strong prey drive.
4. Great Pyrenees
The thick white coat of the Great Pyrenees was easily blended with flocks of sheep and goats, making it a perfect livestock guardian in the past. With an impressive size, serious demeanour, and loyal nature, they make strong bonds with their families and are well behaved with children, reports Hill’s Pet.
The virtues of gentleness and calmness in Pyrenees make them excellent family pets in families with older kids and other dogs. They prefer to live in suburban and rural areas, preferring a routine life with peace. These large dogs need regular grooming, including brushing of the coat to minimize shedding.
The Great Pyrenees does not need vigorous exercise, but loves roaming outside. These sled dogs excel in long walks with their favourite ones. Their stubborn and independent nature makes the training challenging, which can be solved via a consistent and patient attitude with interactive sessions.
5. Neapolitan Mastiff
In the past, the Neapolitan Mastiff was used in ancient Roman military as a protector and then as an estate guard dog. The intimidating presence of this large dog can fool many, but they are gentle at heart, says PetMD. These lazy yet loyal dogs love their families and children but are wary of strangers.
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not demand lots of physical activities. These lively partners may damage their long bones/ joints during energetic play sessions. They love to be couch potatoes, irrespective of their history.
Physical and mental health is enhanced via different playful activities like slow walks and puzzle toys, and through constant interaction with loved ones.
A strong-willed Neapolitan Mastiff makes training a bit difficult. Since they have innate guarding instincts, they do not get along well with other dogs.
Therefore, it is important to train your puppies at an early stage of their lives, making a lifelong commitment to them. This giant dog ranks among the list of large dog breeds that do not shed a lot.
6. Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Mastiff bears an imposing size and a history of livestock guardian. The massive frame and muscular body have a dense double coat of different colours like red, fawn, black, and yellow.
These gentle souls find joy in peaceful moments, including short walks, swimming, and cuddling with their favourite ones.
Owing to its innate ability to protect its flock, this loyal dog excels in protecting its family members and forms deep bonds with them. With proper training and socialization, these calm dogs can do well with children and other pets, from dogs to cats.
They are moderate shedders and need a fair amount of upkeep.
With a reputation of a highly affectionate breed, the Spanish Mastiff seeks constant attention from their owners. They are smart dogs, and one may face difficulty in training these dogs if he is new to dogs.
They make wonderful hiking companions, perfectly suited for those with an adventurous spirit. The Spanish Mastiff’s strength, endurance, and calm nature allow them to keep pace on long trails while offering steadfast loyalty and quiet companionship at every step of the way.
7. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are still used as search and rescue dogs, while in homes they serve love and tenderness. These wonderful family dogs are calm and friendly.
One of the most adorable and affectionate dog breeds, the Saint Bernard wants to stay close to their humans by following them, leaning against them, and resting its head in their laps.
The playful side of Saint Bernards is reflected when they interact with children. One of their favourite activities is watching over children, which is why they are affectionately called a nanny dog. They bloom in different interactive games such as snow play, carting and drafting competitions, and fetch.
Since Saint Bernards are people-oriented dogs, they may develop separation anxiety if left for a long period of time. Smartness and a people-pleasing nature make their training easy. They are perfect companions for multi-pet households, thanks to their low prey drive.
Conclusion
Play is the secret to staying young and full of life — for humans and dogs alike. Our canine companions bring laughter, love, and a sense of safety through their playful antics and comforting presence.
And while we’ve highlighted some of the most joyful and dogs with energetic personality, the truth is, every dog carries that same spark of kindness and fun that makes life brighter.
There are many other beautiful dogs who are proof of spreading laughter and love in the right home, such as German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers.
These wonderful large dogs don’t just bring joy — they lead the way to a life filled with happiness, balance, and emotional well-being, sharing every bit of it with the humans who are lucky enough to call them their own.
