Bringing home a furry four-legged friend is exciting, but it can also make your tummy turn with nervousness. Whether it’s a small or a large dog breed, both require the same love, care, and attention to stay happy and satisfied. If you prefer big dogs over smaller ones, this is a must-read for you.

We have gathered large dog breeds for you who may seem intimidating at first, but are true gentle giants once they settle in. These large dogs are known for their calm and patient temperament, along with their easy-going attitude with kids and other family members. These characteristics make them an ideal choice for first-time dog owners.

The idea of managing a large dog may seem overwhelming, but these dog breeds are surprisingly easygoing and are great to share space with. Read on to learn more about who these breeds are, their personality, and if they are well-suited for your family.

Massive Dog Breeds For Families And First-Time Owners

1. Bernese Mountain Dogs

Part of the working dog group, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being the best gentle giants you will ever come across. These dogs are characterized by their V-shaped ears, broad chest, and long, silky black coat with rust spots.

These large dogs have a majestic nobility, and while their size seems imposing and threatening, Berners make the most affectionate friends.

According to Britannica, Berners have an easy-going temperament, which makes them a great choice for both first-time owners and experienced dog owners. Berners are active dogs but are low-energy pups who do not need strenuous exercise to stay happy and satisfied. An hour of playing in the yard or a walk is more than enough.

These family dogs have a playful nature and are friendly around everyone. They also get along well with children and are also labelled as nanny dogs because of their gentle behavior with kids. As responsible pet parents, you must focus on their diet; it should be of high quality and full of nutrients. Be sure not to overfeed them, as they are prone to obesity and may develop health issues.

2. Great Dane

Tall dogs that can weigh over 150 pounds, Great Danes are a large dog breed that were originally bred to hunt wild boar and protect estates in Germany.

The American Kennel Club mentions that they are nicknamed the “Apollo of Dogs.” Danes may seem intimidating because of being the tallest dog breed, but in reality, they are the kindest four-legged friends you will come across.

Because of their size, these pups can acquire various health issues and also have a short lifespan, but they still manage to be the most loyal and excellent companions to families.

If you have enough space in your house to manage a large dog, Great Danes are the best dog breed to bring home. These dogs require moderate exercise to stay active and are famously gentle with kids.

Great Danes must be given consistent training and early socialization to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved pups. If they are not properly socialized, they may develop anxiety when meeting new people. Positive reinforcement training is recommended for this large breed dog to get the best results.

3. Irish Wolfhound

Known for their gentle and calm nature, Irish Wolfhounds are the ideal first dog breed for pet lovers. This giant hound is recognized as the tallest dog breed in the canine world. These dogs were originally bred to be big game hunters, but are now excellent family companions as well.

Despite their imposing size, these pups have a friendly temperament. They are very affectionate with their family members and have an easy-going and quiet personality. With proper training and socialization, these dogs can also be great with kids.

These pups love to be around humans and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for a long time. They have moderate energy levels but still need a lot of regular exercise to feed their large bodies. These pups have low grooming needs and a short coat that does not shed a lot, making them a great dog for those with allergies.

4. Leonberger

Majestic, even-tempered, and with a strong love for family, Leonbergers are huge, playful, and mischievous dogs. These pups thrive in households that appreciate their goofy antics and messy behavior. They may look tough, but they have a very sensitive soul and love being a part of a peaceful home environment.

Leonbergers are total cuddlers with their owners. They don’t care how big they are; they just want to cuddle up next to you and get all the love. The lifespan of this breed is short, but in their short-lived lives, they leave a huge mark on your heart and form strong bonds with you that can not be forgotten.

According to Omlet, this large breed is intelligent, easy to train, and gets along well with kids. Having a fun play session with children is the best activity for these dog breeds. They are gentle and kind with kids, but their play sessions must be supervised so they don’t end up hurting or knocking them over.

Their size and loud bark are more than enough to deter intruders, which makes them a great guard dog as well.

5. Great Pyrenees

Large dog breeds with a thick double coat, the Great Pyrenees belong to the working group and were originally bred to keep wolves and predators away from their flock of sheep. These make chill companions, are highly faithful to their owners, and are protective of their family members.

They are very calm, but if they feel threatened, they don’t back down from responding appropriately.

The Pyrenees are highly intelligent, wise, and have an easy-going personality. These pups are highly adaptable and are well-suited for any environment. They may, however, feel hot in summers and require proper care to keep them in optimal health.

Great Pyrenees are not very high-energy dogs. They like spending time alone and relaxing, which allows them to be strong-willed during training. They don’t have high grooming needs as well; however, they do require weekly brushing to maintain their coat and minimize shedding.

6. Newfoundland

Known to be the most docile and friendly large dog breeds, the Newfoundland worked alongside fishermen and served as a water rescue dog. They have webbed paws which makes them natural swimmers. Other than being water superheroes, this large breed dog also makes the best family pet.

If you have enough space in your house, these large dog breeds are the perfect option for you as a first time owner. These friendly large dog breeds stay calm at home, get along well with children, and behave well around other dogs or pets in the house.

Newfies are large dog breeds and it may seem like they are into outdoor adventures and a good amount of exercise everyday but that’s not the case. Daily walks, hiking, or swimming must be included in their everyday routine to prevent obesity in these fur balls. Make a plan with them with the help of our “Dog Exercise Calculator”

7. Mastiff

Ancient large dog breed who worked as guards and hunters in Europe, Mastiffs are loyal and still carry strong protective instincts for their family.

These large dogs have a patient and loving temperament which makes them great family pets. When at home, these pups love nothing more than lounging on the couch with their favorite humans.

These gentle dogs do well with new people, other dogs or pets in the house if they have been socialized from a young age. They also get along well with kids but because of their large size, play sessions must be supervised.

They are suspicious towards new people but because of being highly trainable breeds, it’s easier to help them recognize between threats and friends.

These pups are eager to please, learn quickly, and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. It is recommended to keep training session short and fun to ensure their full focus.

These large dog breeds have low grooming needs but their skin folds need to be cleaned every now and then otherwise they may develop skin infections.

Conclusion

Bringing a large dog breed home may seem like a hassle but you won’t know it until you adopt one. Their size may be massive but their hearts are bigger and with loads of love for you.

These dogs are the right amount of big which is enough to ward of intruders and predators. They are loyal, calm, and prefer a peaceful everyday life.

Because of being large breed dogs they have short life spans but they prove to be the best four legged companions for you. So, with the help of our guide, choose the right breed that aligns with your living standards and bring home your furry companions.