Big hearts, huge paws, and a home that feels safer instantly.
Some giant dog breeds get all the spotlight, but many giant breeds stay quietly rare. That is a shame, because these giant dogs can be sweet, steady, and deeply devoted.
This blog will walk you through 10 dog breeds that often surprise people with their gentle giant vibe, their brains, and their big, comforting presence.
A heads-up, though: large dog breeds are not a “wing it” choice, and many large dog breeds need planning. Large dogs cost more to feed, need more space, and can knock over a lamp with one happy tail.
Still, for the right people, these big dogs can become the kind of family pets that make every day feel warmer.
Little-Known Giant Dog Breeds: Truly Special Pets
1. Leonberger
The lion looks with a water-loving cuddle brain
The Leonberger is a giant dog breed with a gentle nature that feels like a deep exhale. This breed loves being close to family members and often prefers to hang out where the people are.
When raised with calm rules, they can be incredibly patient and incredibly gentle. Some dog owners even call them nanny dogs with small children, but close supervision is always a must.
According to AKC, this breed was originally bred in Germany as a strong helper, and you can still see that “let me carry that” attitude.
Many enjoy learning simple jobs and can shine as rescue dogs in water work. Their webbed feet help them swim, and their waterproof coat supports that natural love for splashing around.
Care is mostly about coat and space. That thick double coat needs regular brushing, and the massive size means you should protect joints with slow, steady exercise.
Start training when they are young, keep it upbeat, and you will likely see them form strong bonds that last.
Gentle at home when trained
Loves calm family time
Needs steady grooming
2. Scottish Deerhound
A quiet giant who naps hard, then runs like lightning
The Scottish Deerhound is among the tallest dog breeds, with long legs and a calm, dignified feel indoors. This breed often shows a calm demeanor at home, then flips a switch outdoors when it sees open space.
This is one of the dog breeds that was bred to chase deer, so the chase instinct is real. A secure yard and a strong recall plan matter.
They can be gentle with family, but they may chase small dogs or fast-moving critters if you are not careful. Training should be kind and steady, not loud.
Deerhounds do best with daily sprints, then long rest. They can be sensitive, and some feel separation anxiety when left alone too much. For experienced owners, the reward is a big, quiet friend who leans on you like you are home.
Needs a safe off-leash space
Best with calm routines
Loves soft beds
3. Black Russian Terrier
The serious protector with a soft heart for “their” people
The black russian terrier is one of those giant dogs that looks tough, then turns into a shadow that follows you everywhere.
PetMD notes that this breed was shaped by the Soviet Red Star Kennel after World War II for hard work and steady nerves. It can act as one of the good guard dogs, with a protective nature that stays controlled when training is done right.
These dogs do best with experienced dog owners who like structure. They are working dogs at heart, so brain work matters as much as walks.
When they trust you, they can be incredibly loyal and sweet, and many owners say they become great companions at home.
Their coat needs real care. Thick coats can trap dirt, so brushing and trimming help keep skin comfy. Social time when they are young helps them stay steady around guests and other pets. If you want a guardian who can also be a couch buddy, this breed can be well-suited to the job.
Thrives on training plans
Needs regular coat care
Likes clear house rules
4. Dogue de Bordeaux
The drool king with a huge heart and stubborn charm
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also called the French Mastiff, is a big dog with a face that screams, “I feel everything.”
This breed is one of those dog breeds that can be affectionate and highly loyal, and it often sticks close to its people. Many dog lovers adore the warm, slow, loving vibe.
Training takes patience because this breed can be independent. Short sessions work best. Their wrinkly skin needs care because drool can sit in folds and cause irritation if not cleaned and dried.
They are not marathon runners. They usually prefer relaxed days, with steady walks to keep muscles and joints strong.
Heat can be rough on short-muzzled dogs, so plan cooler times. If you do not mind mess, this can be one of the ideal family pets for calm homes.
Wipe face folds often
Needs gentle, steady training
Prefers moderate exercise
5. Broholmer
Denmark’s calm giant with a “watch first” style
As per Royal Canin, the Broholmer is one of those dog breeds that is a rare mastiff-type breed from Denmark, known for being calm and confident.
This is one of the large dogs that often feels like a gentle wall of peace in the home. They can be excellent family dogs when raised with manners and calm social time.
They tend to be friendly with family members and watchful with strangers.
That watchful streak can make them good home guards without being jumpy, as long as you keep greetings calm and controlled. It helps to teach polite leash skills early because a large breed that pulls is not fun.
Daily care is simple, but size changes everything. Plan for strong chews, sturdy beds, and joint-friendly walks. Big dogs need gear that does not wobble. For active families who want a steady buddy, this breed can be a sweet surprise.
Calm, steady temperament
Needs early manners training
Loves slow, daily walks
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
Wrinkles and naps, with built-in protective instincts
The Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient breed with deep folds and a serious look. This big breed turns heads.
Many are gentle giants at home, with a calm demeanor that matches quiet evenings. Some people call them low-energy dogs because they love lounging like it is their job.
Their wrinkles need daily care. Use wipes to clean and dry folds, especially around the mouth, to help avoid skin trouble.
This is also a large breed with a strong guard sense, so early socialization matters. You want a steady guardian, not a worried one.
Exercise should be mild and regular. Short walks keep them healthy, and slow stairs protect joints. If you can handle grooming and drool, you may get a loyal, cozy home buddy who makes you feel safe just by existing.
Daily fold care is key
Prefers gentle exercise
Needs calm social time
7. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
A strong helper who loves a job and a snack
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a powerful Swiss worker with a big, happy spirit. This breed earned its keep as a helper on farms, pulling sleds and cart work, plus moving cattle.
In many lists, they sit near herding breeds because of that farm work. That working history makes them playful, steady, and eager to be included.
They have a double coat that sheds, so brushing helps keep fur off your life. They handle winter days well, but hot days still need shade and water.
Training tends to go smoothly with clear, simple steps, and many become excellent family dogs in busy homes.
Because they are large dogs, they need space and daily movement. Living with large dogs is easier with wide halls and strong doors, and large dogs also need solid rugs.
Long walks, light hikes, and a job like carrying a pack can keep them happy. For many people, they become great pets that love both adventure and couch time.
Enjoys having tasks
Needs regular brushing
Likes active families
8. Spanish Mastiff
The quiet ranch guardian with a giant, noble calm
The Spanish Mastiff is a powerful breed that was used for centuries to protect livestock on long routes and open land.
That background creates a dog that is calm, brave, and serious about safety. They can be gentle with their people, but they are often wary of strangers.
This is one of the giant dog breeds that needs space and secure fencing. Their voice is loud, and their presence is huge. With calm training, many become incredibly gentle at home and can be excellent family friends in the right setting.
Social lessons should start when they are young, with calm, positive exposure. This breed does best with experienced owners who understand guardian brains.
When raised well, they can be incredibly loyal and devoted, like a living security system that also wants head rubs.
Needs room and solid fences
Calm, steady training works best
Watchful by nature
9. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
A mountain protector built for cold weather and real threats
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is one of the dog breeds that is a serious guardian known for bold confidence.
These giant dogs were used to guard livestock and property for centuries, so the protective instincts run deep. With their own family pets, many can be soft and devoted, but this is not a casual choice.
They have heavy coats and a thick double coat that needs steady brushing. The heavy undercoat helps in cold weather, but it also means lots of shedding. Secure fencing is a must because this breed can be intense with strangers if not guided well.
This is best for experienced owners who can lead calmly and train daily. Start social work when they are young and keep it consistent. When done right, you can get a calm home body who stays alert outside, like a quiet bouncer that never sleeps.
Needs confident handling
Heavy grooming during sheds
Requires a secure space
10. Pyrenean Mastiff
The rare mountain guardian with a sweet, patient vibe
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a rare giant dog from Spain’s mountain regions, where it guarded flocks. That past shaped a patient nature and a steady, brave style. In a home, many show a gentle nature and enjoy being close, without being clingy.
This breed has a big frame and a heavy coat for many large dog breeds fans, so brushing matters. They can be accepting of other dogs when social time is done early and kindly.
They can also live with other animals when raised together, but supervision is smart because a big step can still hurt by accident.
Training should be simple and calm, starting at an early age. Give them a clear routine, and they often become excellent family dogs for active families with space.
Here’s the best part: you get a big, fluffy friend who feels like comfort, plus a watchful brain that takes safety seriously.
Needs regular coat care
Likes calm routines
Best with space
Conclusion
Little-known giant dog breeds can be the best kind of surprise. These giant dogs often bring steady love, and many giant dogs stay gentle, loyal, and a calm presence that makes a home feel grounded.
They can be loving dogs when raised with care. Still, large dog breeds ask for real planning. You need space, time, training, and money for food and care. Many of these dog breeds also have guarding roots, so social work from the start is a must.
If you are one of the experienced dog owners who enjoys steady routines, you may find a giant breed that fits like it was meant for you. Meet a few, talk to breeders and rescues, and choose the dog that feels peaceful in your hands.
Meet the breed in person, ask questions, and choose the dogs that match you. Take your time, meet the dogs, and trust the feeling you get around the right one.
