Some dogs… are BIG.
The dogs that walk into your home and make you question whether you accidentally adopted a small horse instead.
But many of these giant dog breeds with paws the size of your face are actually some of the most gentle dogs on the planet.
Yep. The bigger the dog. The softer the spirit.
(Usually. Let’s be honest… sometimes they are just giant goofballs who forget their size completely.)
And if you are a dog lover who has always been fascinated by big dogs, these wonderful giant dog breeds and their family-friendly nature will help you find the right dog for your home and your couch… which they will absolutely try to steal every single day.
Today, we are talking about seven such amazing breeds. Dogs originally bred for tough jobs, but have been the most devoted companions, excellent family pets, and total gentle giants.
Fun Fact!
Did you know? The Irish Wolfhounds, one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, were once known for hunting wolves in the ancient Ireland. That means, they had the speed, stamina and massive size. But today, they are very gentle dogs, patient nature and famously friendly with families.
Proof that even history’s toughest dog breeds can be the sweetest family members over time.
Wonderful Giant Dog Breeds and Their Family-Friendly Nature
1. Saint Bernard
Big. Fluffy. And affectionately called the “nanny dogs” by some families because of their calm temperament, as noted by Britannica.
Saint Bernards are one of those giant breeds that make you melt instantly. Even though they were originally bred for rescue work in the Swiss Alps, they are famous in the U.S. today as incredibly loyal, extremely gentle, and deeply connected to human emotions.
These giant dogs thrive in houses that love cuddles, slow mornings, and emotional warmth. They form strong bonds with all family members and have patience for small children. Though supervision is always smart… because, well, they are HUGE!!
Their thick double coat (YEP! lots of shedding) and massive build show they need regular grooming, proper care, and moderate exercise to support joint health. But overall, these service dogs are excellent companions who bring love, silliness, and gentle spirit energy into all homes.
And trust us! Once they lean on you, which they will, you will understand the real meaning of “big dog love”.
2. Great Dane
Ah, yes! The “Apollo of Dogs”.
Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds out there (so much so that they are 7 feet tall when standing on their hind legs). Great Danes can LITERALLY look you straight in the eye when they stand up. That intimidating appearance, though, is a lie. A scam. Don’t fall for it.
They were originally bred in Germany for hunting wild boar. But today, Great Danes are super gentle giants who adapt very well to family life.
They are friendly, goofy, and love being wherever the action is… even if they physically block the entire hallway while doing so.
These are big dogs that need proper training early on because when an adult Dane decides to pull you on a walk… YEAH, you are going with them! But with early socialization, obedience training, and enough exercise, they grow into the most well-suited and great family dogs.
Plus, their sweet temperament and soft expressions make it impossible not to love them. They just want to be close. On your lap, preferably. Even though they absolutely don’t fit in there.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
These big fluffy dogs right here, the Bernese Mountain Dogs, are the definition of “gentle, loving, and loyal”.
Bernese dogs were originally bred as working dogs in Switzerland. They used to help farmers pull carts and guard property. Today, they are famous for having such an affectionate nature, deep bonds with family, and an incredibly loyal personality.
Their double coat is thick, soft, and gorgeous… but it does come with regular grooming needs. They shed. A lot. Consider that your warning and your warm hug.
Bernese Mountain dogs are one of the many large dog breeds that do extremely well with active households that enjoy outdoor adventures. These dogs thrive when they are added to everything. Walks, chores, family life, lazy Sundays… all of it.
Their gentle spirit and patient nature are the #1 reason they are such excellent watchdogs and family pets. But, keep in mind their life expectancy is shorter (7 to 10 years) as compared to the smaller breeds.
Still, every moment with them is unforgettable. They are truly great companions.
4. Mastiff
“I may look like a tank, but I am actually a marshmallow” – a Mastiff’s mantra, ladies and gentlemen.
This category MAJORLY includes English Mastiff, French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux), and even Neapolitan Mastiff, with the iconic loose skin and serious face.
These giant Mastiff dogs have a long history as guard dogs thanks to their protective nature, but their personality at home is calm, soft, and affectionate.
They form deep bonds with their families and love being near their people. They don’t really care where you are, living room, kitchen, backyard, they are coming with you like a huge and slow-moving shadow.
Mastiffs need proper training early on because of their size and working dog background. And yes, they eat more food than you’d expect. At least 6-10 cups of dry food, as per Spirit Dog Training. And that’s because they are GIANTS!! They are also gentle, loyal, and loving companions for family life.
Even their intimidating appearance usually keeps strangers in check. And while they quietly nap on the couch.
5. Estrela Mountain Dog
Not many people in the U.S. know this dog breed! But, they should.
The Estrela Mountain Dog is one of Portugal’s oldest livestock guardians. They were bred for guarding sheep and protecting farms in rough mountain regions. But behind that bold and strong working dog energy is an affectionate and gentle family dog.
These livestock guard dogs are calm, confident, and great with children once socialization is done. And while they are protective (like many large dog breeds), their protective instincts come from loyalty, not aggression.
They simply adore their families.
These dogs enjoy outdoors, yard time, and meaningful work. Give them a task. Give them love. Give them enough exercise. And you have a devoted dog who is also very gentle and wonderfully reliable.
Their waterproof coats and thick fur mean regular grooming is a must. They are well-suited to homes that appreciate big dogs with big personalities.
6. Romanian Mioritic Shepherd
Another hidden breed. For families seeking a giant dog that’s both majestic, mysterious, and sweet.
The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd is a large dog famous for guarding sheep and families in the Carpathian Mountains. They have fluffy clouds with legs. But they are also big dog breeds that are powerful protectors.
They bond deeply with their families and are extremely loyal dogs. Sometimes to the point of being Velcro dogs. As per the AKC, their sweet temperament mixed with protective instincts makes them excellent watchdogs without being overly energetic or reactive.
The Mioritic Shepherd has a dense and thick coat that needs regular grooming. They do best with early socialization, proper training, and homes that have the space to roam or relax.
These dogs love being added to family activities. And they are great with other pets when you give them good training. Gentle, smart, and affectionate dogs, everything you’d want in a big family dog.
7. Leonberger
This dog is a form of sunshine in canine style.
These giant dogs look like fluffy lions but act like big and goofy best friends. Leonbergers were bred in Germany by mixing Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, and Great Pyrenees. So, yeah! They come fully lodged with “gentle giant genetics”.
Leos are quite famous for their calm temperament, affectionate nature, and love for families. They adore children, enjoy the outdoors, and have a balanced personality that fits into active households.
Their double coat is stunning but needs regular grooming. And they need moderate exercise to stay healthy. But overall, they are incredibly loving family dogs that enjoy company, attention, and being right in the middle of whatever you are doing.
These are actually muscular dogs who are surprisingly gentle, patient, and great pets.
Conclusion
Big dogs get a reputation for being intimidating… but in reality, many large breeds are gentle giants with even bigger hearts.
These wonderful giant dog breeds and their family-friendly nature prove that size does not matter! Instead, it means patience, loyalty, and a whole lot of love.
Just remember! Proper training, early socialization, enough exercise, regular grooming, and TONS of love…will turn any of these big dogs into the most excellent companions your family could ask for.
Because..
THE BIGGER THE DOG, THE BIGGER THE LOVE!!!
