The kind of loyalty that makes you feel chosen, understood, and protected is rare, yet big dogs offer it effortlessly. From the moment they attach to their humans, their devotion becomes unwavering. Loyal large breeds are the emotional anchors that mean they are more than family pets who remain by their owner’s side through every high and low.
The presence of these silent guardians and faithful canines can alone bring comfort after a long day, while their protective instincts offer reassurance about the safety of your dearest thing, whether it’s a home, property, or a kid. These puppies make close bonds with their families and offer selfless love by living for them.
Welcoming such wagging tails into your home is not a small decision, it is a beginning of experiencing a deeper connection built on trust, unconditional love and care. The following guide will help you discover the canines who are big, loyal and worth welcoming home.
Fun Fact: There are some dogs who form strong bonds with one member in the family and are called one-person dogs, for example Akita, and German shepherds.
7 Loyal Big Dog Breeds To Welcome Home
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
A beautiful dog with its mesmerizing and tricolored coat, Bernese Mountain dog is also known for being gentle giant who carries protective instincts with proud. This big fluffy dog breed originally bred as working breed for Roman soldiers for guarding duties at the border of Spain and Italy, says AKC.
Bernese Mountain dog forms strong bonds with its family and due to its naturally protective behavior it stays alert and reserved around strangers turning one of the best large dog breeds as loyal family companions. Their calm, and patient attitude make them excellent guard dogs to families with children.
In past these powerful dogs were used to pull carts in Swiss Alps, but today they do not need ample amount of physical exercise, an hour of moderate activity is enough to keep them healthy and happy. This eager to please and intelligent breed is easy to train.
2. Great Dane
Great Dane is the tallest dog breed in the canine world which is why it is not everyone’s cup of tea. D Dane is celebrated for its sheer size, big hearts and calm demeanor. This loyal dog breed is discovered in Germany as hunting dogs for wild boars and guard dogs for estates.
Dane is nicknamed as Apollo of dogs, whose temperament is friendly, and sociable. However, just like the most loyal dog breeds stay aloof, Dane also remains attentive while interacting with unfamiliar people, offering unwavering loyalty to their owners.
With early socialization and training they make great family dogs. According to Pet MD, being a highly trainable dog, this breed excels in obedience training with positive reinforcement methods. When it comes to grooming this large dog breed has short smooth coat that needs weekly brushing only.
3. Great Pyrenees
Regardless of having large stature, Great Pyrenees is a calm dog breed who can easily fit into a laid back household where loyalty and protection matter the most. These loyal dogs come in full white fur, and have a magnificent background working as livestock guardians.
Great Pyrenees are agile and powerful dogs, yet they are not hyperactive. Thus, with proper socialization and training this large dog makes excellent companion for families. Their energy remain reserved to protect family members against any threat, shaping them as loyal companions
Unfortunately, these low energy dogs display independent nature during training classes. Consistent training and socialization starting from early age are the keys to have a well behaved Great Pyrenees in human family. Their thick double coat sheds heavily, so do not mind if you see any fur on your furniture.
4. Saint Bernard
The large dog breed who is adored worldwide for its gentle, loyal and loving nature; Saint Bernards hails from Swiss Alps as service dog. These powerful and muscular dogs were used to locate and rescue the buried people in snowy mountain of Switzerland.
Saint Bernards are friendly and patient dogs around kids and their protective instincts amplify around them. Nevertheless, due to large size their interaction with small humans should be supervised. Being a protective dog Bernard’s training and socialization is must for identifying the danger precisely.
Their medium energy levels demand physical stimulation that ranges between 60 minutes. Moreover, they have enough endurance to be a great companion for hiking and hunting journeys. Sensitive and kind Saint does not tolerate if left alone for longer time span
5. Newfoundland
Newfoundland dog breed appears intimidating and deter the intruders by its looks. When it comes to protective nature, this loyal breed makes wonderful family pet especially those having kids as they are attractive towards them the most and guard them from heart.
Hailing from Canada, Newfoundland was used to rescue the drowned people in water, thanks to its strength and webbed paws making him excellent swimmer. This large dog breed also gets along beautifully with other dogs and cats in the same households.
Their big size and power accidentally knock over the small kids, that’s why they are well suited to families with older children who know how to interact with them. This calm dog needs daily walks and mental stimulation to thrive and prevent weight gain.
6. Leonberger
With Webbed feet, and muscular frame , deeply loyal and protective Leonberger ranks high among the best big dog breeds. Not only that. Leos are also endowed with lion looking appearance which reflects from their colors of coat with a black mask, as mentioned by Purina.
Leonberger was primarily bred for guardianship by a dog dealer and mayor of Leonberg named Henrich Essen. Their energy levels are high when they become adults, and daily exercise including long walks and swimming are enough sources to meet their physical demands.
Leonberger has thick coat that requires regular grooming. These dogs seamlessly fit into the households who have ample space for them. Leonberger is not a highly intelligent dog breed which is why their proper training need consistency and patience from their owners.
7. Neapolitan Mastiff
Generally friendly, fiercely loyal and affectionate Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient breed of Italy. That being said this big dog breed is not a good choice for novice pet parents because of enormous strength and size. This protective breed used to be the war dogs of ancient roman army.
Neapolitan Mastiffs were bred purposely as an ugly big dog breed to deter the predators. These dogs show affection and loyalty by forming deep bonds with their families and kids but stay aloof around strangers offering their fiercely protective demeanor.
Laid back temperament of Neapolitan mastiff makes them an ideal fit for the houses who are not active, and love spending time indoors. However, occasional walks games that stimulate their minds, and training are important for them to behave well mannered in the home.
Conclusion
Bringing a loyal large dog breed into your life means welcoming a constant source of comfort, protection and companionship. The mentioned furry friends are not only for protectiveness but are also highly adaptable to routines. They guard your homes and hearts quietly. Their devotion shows reassurance, steadiness and emotional connectivity. German shepherds, Shiba Inu, Brussels Griffon and Irish setters are some other breeds who are capable of becoming lifelong friends, and guardians.
