When individuals think about big dogs, they tend to think of frightening sizes and loud barks. In reality, even the large dog breeds in the world are some of the sweetest, friendliest dogs you will ever encounter.
They are affectionate and known as gentle giants. They are a mixture of enormous sizes and calm temperaments, strong devotion, and possess an unexpected emotional sense of understanding. They tolerate children, love families, and are usually more easygoing compared to small dog breeds.
Veterinarians and behaviorists often recommend giant dog breeds due to their emotional stability and the fact that they make excellent companions in the household that prefers relaxing and predictable pets though these breeds might require more space compared to other pets.
Many giant breeds were trained to be very close to humans in the past, which contributed to their affectionate character and close relationships with their family.
Giant dog breeds can dash in and steal your heart otherwise, in case you are searching for a dog that will provide you with presence and tenderness. So let’s see what these breeds have to offer.
Gentle Giant Dog Breeds That Will Steal Your Heart
1. Great Dane
Great Danes are often referred to as the Apollo of dogs, and it is hard to believe that at first glace as their incredibly gentle nature is concealed behind their beautiful appearance. Although these animals are tall, they are widely known to be affectionate and live on human companionship.
Great Dane dogs have been domesticated to coexist closely with people and that is why they are highly emotionally attached to their pet parents. According to the specialists working at American Kennel Club, these dogs have been referred to as people oriented dogs that love comfort.
Why They Melt Hearts:
Well behaved indoors despite their size
Very fond of their families
Kind and tender with respectful children
Relatively low energy
Great Danes thrive well in a home where they are able to connect to the people because to them, emotional attachment is a more important consideration than space. They require regular brushing to stay in shape.
2. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard dogs are friendly giants that have a legendary reputation of rescuing lost travellers in the Swiss Alps. Nature has an easy manner about them; their maternal instincts; even their eyes portray their calm demeanor. Such dogs are so tolerant and prefer a slower lifestyle compared to other dogs.
Veterinary websites such as PetMD note that these dogs are highly sensitive and are therefore good companions to families with kids or old people.
What Makes These Big Breeds Special:
Are not violent no matter what happens
Faces all the hardships alone
Have a sensitive heart and may feel things
Weekly brushing increases their coat health and makes them cuddly
Saint Bernards dogs flourish at home if the family appreciates the slow pace of life, adheres to a strict schedule, and gives a lot of love. The only sad thing about this breed is that it has a shorter lifespan which means that pet parents won’t get to enjoy a lot of time with it.
3. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands can be characterized as big teddy bears with a big heart. Originally bred to be a strong, multi-purpose working dog, these dogs are excellent swimmers and also good at all times with kids. They are one of the most reliable family giants due to their composed way of confidence.
As described by Britannica, Newfoundlands were once trusted to rescue people who were caught in the sea and this was one of the reasons why they developed their own protective nature of taking care of people.
Extraordinary Traits of These Big Dogs:
A pet that can be trusted around kids
Saving lives through swimming
Easy to train due to their desire to please
These puppies are also the best therapy and family dogs as they are emotionally intelligent and patient.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are strong, warm, and loving. They fluffy companions were raised in Swiss farms and were trained to be in close association with people seen through their loving nature. They develop strong emotional attachment and tend to be attached to their pet parents.
Royal Canin observes that they are cooperative and hence training them as a bonding experience is not a challenge for their owners.
Why They’re So Lovable:
Naturally cool and loving
Cooperative with pets and families
Emotionally intuitive
Provide meaningful companionship
These dogs love to be part of the day to day household life.
5. English Mastiff
Although vary around strangers, English Mastiffs are incredibly huge and they are so docile in nature. Mastiffs are composed spectators and enjoy spending time with their owners in silence compared to company in motion. Their maternal instincts are manifested by their presence, not their aggression.
Hospitals like VCA Hospitals usually focus on the Mastiffs emotional stability and lack of reactivity.
Giant Qualities That Make Them Different:
Vastly faithful and emotionally stable
Naturally guarding without undue yellings
Low prey drive
Loving to people who they are prepared to trust
Mastiffs are known to live in non violent settings where these Mastiff dogs can rest and feel safe.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhound dogs are one of the tallest breeds in the globe, being graceful, dignified, and tall. Though hunters in the past, this breed is loving, peaceful, and less expectedly sensitive. They are great companions because of their loving manner.
Historians of the breeds claim that the calm temperament of these dogs was consciously trained to be powerful and kind.
Outstanding Qualities:
Quiet and polite indoors
Very close and emotional bonding with the owners
Patient and tolerant
Only occasionally and for a very good reason do they make noise.
The Irish Wolfhound would rather have a companion with him and be treated gently than to play roughly like most other playful dogs.
7. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a thoughtful, serene giant breed with a motherly heart. Being raised to act as protectors, they are responsible and self-sufficient thinkers. They are very loyal and tend to become silent guard dogs of the household with a moderate activity level.
This breed is emotionally stable, and naturally sensitive to family processes.
Why These Giant Breeds Are Loved:
So kind to little children naturally
Cool, steady nature and love cuddles
Strong emotional awareness
These large breeds thrive well in homes that appreciate their autonomy but provide regular care and love.
Conclusion
The gentle giant dog breeds prove that one can be large and still be a softie and a nice pet at the same time. Such dogs are not only big in size but also in emotional qualities, which include giving patience and loyalty to a family as well as being always there.
They require a lot of money for their maintenance, but the dog’s size is offset by the dog’s calm nature, which in turn makes them easier to live with than some of the little, active breeds.
Adopting a gentle giant is to invite a dog that cherishes being close and sharing a good companionship and not a frenzied and energetic one. When you are willing to have a faithful friend who will be comforting, protecting, and unconditionally loving, one of these quiet giants would be the very first to grab your heart, and hold it forever.
So go all out and choose the furry companions who will be there with you at your darkest times!
