Giant dogs aren’t just impressive because of their size—they often come with hearts just as big. These gentle giants are lovable, loyal, and surprisingly soft-hearted, often thinking they’re lap loungers despite their massive frames.
They’re protective of their family, patient with children, and smart enough to be trained with consistency and positive reinforcement. Of course, bringing a large breed dog into your home comes with responsibilities.
Bigger dogs need more space to move around comfortably, larger portions of food, and higher veterinary and care costs. Their temperaments also vary, so it’s important to look beyond their size and consider personality traits that match your lifestyle.
If you’re ready for a devoted companion who brings warmth, loyalty, and calm energy to your home, here are seven giant dog breeds with gentle, easygoing temperaments that make life with a big dog manageable—and immensely rewarding.
Big Dog Breeds With Calm Temperament For Easy Living
1. Newfoundland
Meet the Newfoundland, the ultimate mix of muscle, fluff, and soul. These massive water-loving dogs are basically the superheroes of the canine world—except instead of a cape, they come with webbed feet and a waterproof coat.
Originally bred to assist fishermen and rescue people from the water, Newfoundlands are as brave as they are cuddly. Imagine a calm dog breed that can save lives and nap next to you on the couch afterward—that’s a Newfoundland in a nutshell.
WebMD says that despite their size, these gentle giants are renowned for their calm, sweet temperament. Kids? They adore them. Guests? They greet them with a wagging tail and a friendly slobber. They’re basically the living embodiment of “soft giant with a heart of gold.”
Friendly & Sweet: True “nanny dogs” for kids.
Loyal & Protective: Gentle guardians without being overbearing.
Moderate Energy: Enjoys daily exercise but loves long cuddles afterward.
And yes, while they’re big, they aren’t overly hyper. A moderate walk or swim each day is usually enough to keep them happy. After that? They’re perfectly content to lounge around, quietly judging your life choices while offering snuggles.
If you’re after a laid-back, loving, and slightly heroic large dog, the Newfoundland is your go-to giant dog. Just be ready for the occasional puddle—they do shed a little water wherever they go!
2. Saint Bernard
When you think of a Saint Bernard, you might picture a massive dog carrying a tiny barrel of brandy in the snow—but these gentle giants are so much more than that classic image.
Built like a tank, yet soft as a marshmallow, Saint Bernards were originally bred for search-and-rescue in the Alps. They’re basically four-legged life-savers who look intimidating but are all heart.
With a wrinkled brow, soulful eyes, and a huge head, they somehow manage to look both wise and slightly worried, like they’re thinking, “Don’t worry, human, I’ve got this… after my nap.”
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they are calm, loving, and incredibly patient, especially with kids—though sometimes they forget how big they are. So yes, consistent training is key unless you want a 150-pound lap dog gently knocking over your furniture.
Gentle & Loving: True loving companion animals.
Imposing but Friendly: Looks intimidating, but is all heart.
Moderate Energy: Enjoys strolls, snow romps, and plenty of relaxation time.
Training Required: Big size means some basic obedience is a must.
Saint Bernards are perfect for families who want a protective, loyal, and affectionate giant without the hyperactive energy of smaller breeds. They may be massive, but they also have a knack for making every home feel cozy and secure.
If you want a towering, drooly, yet tender-hearted companion who can both guard your home and provide endless cuddles, the Saint Bernard is your ultimate giant dog companion. Just keep your coffee table out of reach!
3. Greyhound
Don’t let their racing fame fool you—Greyhounds are the ultimate calm, easygoing companions. Think of them as the luxury sports cars of the dog world: sleek, elegant, fast when needed, but happiest lounging in the driveway… or, more accurately, on your sofa.
Despite their speed, Greyhounds are surprisingly laid-back. The Greyhound Club of America calls them “even-tempered, quiet dogs that are gentle around people,” and they really mean it. These dogs can sprint like lightning, but after a good run or walk, they’re basically professional nappers.
PetMD noted Greyhounds do appreciate routine exercise for mental and physical stimulation, but otherwise, they are low-maintenance and rarely destructive.
Calm & Gentle: Perfect for easygoing households.
Sprints Then Snoozes: Fast when they want, but expert loungers.
Low Destructiveness: Rarely chew or dig when properly exercised.
Prey Drive Caution: Watch small pets; fencing helps.
Just be mindful if your Greyhound has a strong chase instinct—small pets may need a little extra supervision until your Greyhound learns boundaries. Fenced yards work like magic for giving them safe space to zoom when the mood strikes.
If you want a dog that combines elegance, bursts of speed, and Zen-level chill, the Greyhound is your match. Just don’t be surprised when they claim your favorite chair as their personal racetrack-and-nap zone.
4. Irish Wolfhound
Meet the Irish Wolfhound, the canine equivalent of a medieval knight—tall, noble, and surprisingly gentle. These giants were once the ultimate hunting companions and battlefield guardians in Ireland, chasing wolves (yes, actual wolves!) and protecting their human families with courage and poise.
Today, they’ve traded the battlefield for the living room… but that regal air hasn’t left them. Irish Wolfhounds are calm, affectionate, and dignified, making them perfect companions for families who can handle their towering presence.
While they’re gentle and loving, they still carry a bit of their hunting and protective instincts, so a spacious yard and daily exercise are ideal. Small apartments? Not really their style—they need room to stretch those legendary legs.
While not inherently a guard dog, the impressive size of the Irish Wolfhound often serves as a natural deterrent to intruders.
Gentle & Affectionate: Big hearts in massive frames.
Space Needs: Best suited for large homes or yards.
Active Lifestyle Required: Enjoys long walks and room to roam.
Dignified & Calm: Noble presence with a soft, loving nature.
Despite their size, these giants are basically oversized teddy bears. They’ll lumber around your home, gently greeting everyone, and then flop down nearby, leaving you in awe of both their size and their serenity.
If you’re looking for a towering, loyal companion with a legendary history and a mellow personality, the Irish Wolfhound is your ultimate gentle giant. Just be ready for a dog whose head might reach your coffee table—gracefully, of course.
5. Neapolitan Mastiff
If dogs had a “laid-back, yet intimidating” award, the Neapolitan Mastiff would win hands down. These Italian giants have roots going back to Roman war dogs—so yes, they come with a noble history and a commanding presence.
But don’t worry: nowadays, their battles are mostly with boredom… and maybe the occasional garden squirrel. With their distinctive wrinkles, loose skin, and massive, lumbering gait, Neapolitan Mastiffs look like gentle giants straight out of an epic historical painting.
Despite their size, they are generally mellow, calm, and incredibly loyal, making them perfect for families who want a protector who prefers belly rubs over battles.
Loyal & Protective: Guardian instincts without constant hyperactivity.
Homebodies at Heart: Love lounging around the house or yard.
Mellow Temperament: Calm giants who enjoy companionship and quiet.
Low Exercise & Engagement Needed: Short walks and brain games keep them sharp.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are low-energy dogs. They enjoy strolls but are happiest just roaming around the yard or plopping down next to you for a lazy afternoon.
Just be mindful—they can get a little lazy, so daily walks and mentally stimulating games are key to keeping these gentle giants happy and healthy.
6. Leonberger
Meet the Leonberger, the canine equivalent of a gentle teddy bear that also happens to be the size of a small horse.
These massive working dogs have a kind, calm temperament and an uncanny ability to sense your moods—so yes, they might already know you need that extra chocolate bar before you do.
Leonbergers form deep bonds with their families, making them perfect companions for households that want both a protector and a soft-hearted friend. Despite their size, they’re usually calm, patient, and incredibly affectionate, which makes them excellent therapy dogs or just a giant snuggle buddy on the couch.
Gentle & Intuitive: Reads emotions like a furry therapist.
Family-Oriented: Loyal, loving, and patient with kids.
Therapy & Companion Dog: Perfect for emotional support or calm companionship.
Space Requirements: Best in homes with room to roam.
They do best in homes with plenty of space to roam, as their big bodies need room to stretch and move gracefully (imagine a lion in slow motion—majestic and slightly drooly). If you can handle the shedding and occasional furniture bump, the Leonberger is pure heart on four massive paws.
If you’re after a towering, affectionate, and emotionally intelligent giant who can protect your home and your heart, the Leonberger is a dream come true. Just be prepared: when they flop down beside you, they’ll take up half the couch… and your heart.
7. Great Dane
Say hello to the Great Dane, the gentle giant who might just convince you that dogs and ponies share the same spirit. Towering and majestic, Great Danes stand out in any crowd—but it’s their calm, easygoing temperament that truly makes them remarkable companions.
Despite their size, these dogs are quiet, gentle, and playful. They have a knack for blending grace with goofiness, lumbering around like a lanky comedian who occasionally forgets just how big their paws are.
Long walks? No problem—they’re patient, friendly, and handle other dogs and strangers like pros. And at home, their plop-anywhere attitude means your couch, your bed, or even your favorite chair could be claimed as theirs… lovingly, of course.
Calm & Gentle: One of the most easygoing giant breeds.
Family-Friendly: Patient and loving with kids.
Loyal & Playful: Combines affection with playful goofiness.
Space & Extensive Exercise Needs: Needs room to move and regular long walks
Great Danes combine loyalty, playfulness, and a calm presence, making them perfect for families who want a towering companion that’s more cuddle buddy than chaos machine.
If you want a massive, calm, and lovable companion who can be both a loyal protector and a goofy friend, the Great Dane is your ultimate four-legged “small horse” with a heart of gold.
Conclusion
Big dog breeds with calm temperaments are ideal for families or individuals seeking a relaxed, easygoing companion without the stress of managing a high-energy dog.
These calm breeds are well-suited to households with kids, cats, or other animals, provided they receive early socialization, short training sessions, and mental stimulation.
While they may have large sizes, their soft personalities and strong bonds with family members make them excellent companions for easy living. Owners should consider life expectancy, potential health issues, and proper care, ensuring these big softies thrive in both home life and gentle activity routines.
Other breeds such as the Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Pyrenees, Neapolitan Mastiff, Clumber Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, and Basset Hound are also known for their sweet-tempered, gentle, and loyal nature.
