Big dogs come with big hearts—but also big responsibilities. Giant dog breeds are awe-inspiring, loyal, and affectionate companions, but their size alone means they need extra training and care to thrive safely in a home environment.
Without proper guidance, even the gentlest giant can accidentally knock over furniture—or, worse, small family members. These breeds often combine strength, intelligence, and protective instincts, which makes training essential from a young age.
Beyond obedience, they require careful socialization, exercise to maintain muscle tone, and attention to diet and health to prevent issues common in large dogs, such as joint problems or heart conditions.
Despite the extra effort, giant breeds reward owners with unmatched loyalty, playful energy, and a presence that fills any room. We’ll explore the top 7 giant dog breeds that require extra training and care, highlighting their personalities, specific needs, and what it takes to raise a gentle, confident, and well-behaved giant dog in a modern home.
Quick Insight: Breeds like Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, and Great Danes combine enormous size with strong personalities. Studies show they need early socialization, consistent training, and structured routines to thrive safely alongside humans.
Giant Dog Breeds That Require Extra Training and Care
1. Great Dane
If you’ve ever dreamed of having a dog that could double as a small horse in a pinch, the Great Dane is your canine soulmate. Towering over most humans with their regal stature, these gentle giants don’t just turn heads—they make people stop mid-stride in awe (and maybe mild panic if you’re not ready for that size!).
But here’s the secret: behind that towering frame is a soft, loyal, and playful soul. Great Danes are the ultimate couch companions—they’ll happily flop down beside you, taking up half the sofa without a second thought.
Their goofy, plop-anywhere attitude, combined with their enormous paws, makes living with them both hilarious and heartwarming. Despite their laid-back personality, don’t underestimate their exercise needs.
PetMD noted Great Danes still need daily walks, ideally twice a day, to stretch those long legs and keep their muscles strong. They’re not bouncing-off-the-walls hyperactive, but they do enjoy moderate playtime. Picture a clumsy, oversized puppy romping around your yard—it’s adorable chaos.
One downside? Their giant size comes with a shorter lifespan, averaging seven to 10 years. So, while the years may be fewer, they are filled with love, loyalty, and enough giant puppy eyes to melt even the hardest hearts.
If you’ve got the space (and a sturdy couch), welcoming a Great Dane into your life is like adopting a gentle, four-legged tank of affection.
2. Leonberger
If you thought a dog couldn’t be both massive and emotionally intelligent, meet the Leonberger. This gentle giant isn’t just big in size—they’re big in heart, intuition, and the ability to make you feel loved with just a look. Think of them as a fluffy, four-legged therapist who never charges by the hour.
Leonbergers are natural family companions. They’re loyal, affectionate, and somehow know exactly when you need a comforting nuzzle—or a slobbery kiss.
Their keen sense of human emotion makes them excellent therapy dogs, which means your Leonberger could literally be helping people while simultaneously hogging your favorite chair at home.
Of course, owning a Leonberger comes with some practical considerations. These majestic dogs need plenty of space to roam and exercise, and their fluffy, thick double coats require regular grooming to keep them looking like the lion-inspired royalty they resemble.
But for families ready to welcome a big-hearted, larger-than-life companion, the Leonberger is nothing short of a dream. Just be prepared: once you go Leonberger, your lap may never feel empty again.
3. Newfoundland
If you’ve ever dreamed of a dog that could double as a superhero in a life jacket, the Newfoundland is here to answer the call.
These massive, lovable giants were practically born to work alongside humans—they have webbed feet, waterproof coats, and an uncanny instinct for water rescue. In fact, they’ve spent centuries helping fishermen haul nets and even saving people from drowning.
Basically, they’re the canine version of a friendly lifeguard… who also wants belly rubs. Newfoundlands aren’t just heroic—they’re incredibly loving and protective, especially when it comes to children. Their gentle, patient nature makes them ideal family companions, the kind of dog who’ll happily tolerate toddler hugs while silently thinking, “This is my life now, and I’m okay with it.”
Of course, their size and water-loving instincts mean they need plenty of space, exercise, and some grooming TLC to keep that luxurious coat in check.
But for those who can handle a dog the size of a small bear with the heart of an angel, the Newfoundland is one of the most loyal, loving, and downright heroic giant dog breeds you could bring home.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
Meet the Tibetan Mastiff: part muscle-bound bodyguard, part giant teddy bear. On the outside, they look like they could take on a small rhino. On the inside… well, they’re more likely to snore on your rug than start a fight. Just be ready with a rag—or several—because those enormous heads come with a side of drool.
These smart working dogs are not for squeezing into tiny apartments or navigating cramped hallways. Their size and strength mean they need space to roam and a home that can handle their larger-than-life presence.
Training is key, too—these giants may have a calm demeanor, but they are strong-willed and need an owner who knows how to set boundaries (think more “kind but firm,” less “oh, they’re just a puppy, right?”).
PDSA noted Tibetan Mastiffs are best suited for experienced dog owners who understand giant breeds. With proper guidance, they are incredibly loyal, affectionate, and protective.
Imagine a massive, fluffy guardian who will love you fiercely, watch over your family, and occasionally mistake a pillow for a chew toy. That’s the Tibetan Mastiff in a nutshell: majestic, loyal, and endlessly huggable—if you can handle the drool.
5. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is basically what happens when a Standard Schnauzer hits the gym, drinks its protein shakes, and decides to moonlight as a bodyguard. True to the breed standard, these dogs are “bold and valiant,” which is just a fancy way of saying—they look serious, think fast, and could probably outsmart most humans if they really tried.
Giant Schnauzers have all the trademark features of their smaller cousins—the iconic bushy eyebrows, majestic beard, and that piercing, intelligent gaze—but on a much larger scale.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they’re muscular, imposing, and undeniably striking, whether they’re on patrol around your home or lounging with their family. Their coats come in solid black or “pepper and salt,” adding a little extra flair to their already formidable presence.
But don’t let their superhero vibes fool you—they’re also fiercely loyal and incredibly intelligent. That combination makes them excellent working dogs and equally amazing companions for families who can handle a dog with smarts, strength, and personality to spare.
Basically, if you want a dog who could star in a spy movie while still cuddling on the couch afterward, the Giant Schnauzer is your four-legged leading actor.
6. Saint Bernard
If you picture a dog with a barrel of rescue supplies around its neck saving lives in the snowy Alps, you’re thinking of a Saint Bernard—and for good reason.
These gentle giants aren’t just huge; they’re heroic, loyal, and endlessly loving. Whether helping in search-and-rescue missions or simply cuddling on the couch, Saint Bernards bring warmth (and a lot of fur) wherever they go.
At home, they’re surprisingly gentle, especially with kids, though their sheer size can sometimes cause unintentional chaos. Imagine a lovable couch potato who occasionally forgets it’s bigger than the furniture—training helps keep the peace in a household with a Saint Bernard.
With hearts bigger than their massive paws, these dogs are perfect for families ready to handle a gentle, affectionate giant.
They might drool, shed, and take up a lot of room, but the love, loyalty, and occasional heroic antics more than make up for it. Basically, a Saint Bernard is like adopting a furry, four-legged guardian angel… who may occasionally steal your chair.
7. Cane Corso
If you’re looking for a giant dog that screams strength, presence, and “don’t mess with my family,” the Cane Corso is your canine hero. These Italian powerhouses are muscular, imposing, and built like living tanks—but beneath all that brawn is a deeply loyal, affectionate, and intelligent companion.
Cane Corsos are natural protectors. They’re incredibly devoted to their families and will keep a watchful eye on your home, all while staying calm and composed—until a real threat appears, that is.
Early socialization and obedience training are a must with this breed, because while they’re loving, they don’t always realize how massive and powerful they are. Think of them as a gentle giant with a PhD in “family security.”
Despite their tough exterior, Cane Corsos are surprisingly affectionate. They bond deeply with their humans and thrive on attention, praise, and consistent guidance.
For experienced dog owners ready to welcome a majestic, muscular, and protective companion, the Cane Corso is a giant dog that delivers loyalty, love, and plenty of “wow” moments—plus the occasional accidental knockover of small furniture.
Conclusion
Large dog breeds like Bernese Mountain Dog, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Neapolitan Mastiff, French Mastiff, Standard Poodle, and Irish Wolfhound are big breeds with a fully grown large size, a copious amount of food needs, and sometimes hip dysplasia. These rare breeds and other dogs require early training, clear boundaries, and good manners to manage their independent streak.
Suitable for owners with more space, they have even bigger hearts, a fun temperament, and are highly trainable. Life expectancy, own breed traits, females vs males, and compatibility with smaller dogs or other pets are important considerations for most people seeking large breed dogs.
