There’s something unforgettable about walking beside a big dog. Heads turn, people smile, and suddenly your daily stroll feels a little more majestic. But while their size may grab attention, it’s their soft hearts that truly win people over. Many giant breeds aren’t defined by their powerful build; they’re known for their calm eyes, steady loyalty, and quiet devotion.
Large dogs are often misunderstood. Some assume they’re too strong, too energetic, or too difficult to train. In reality, many giant breeds are gentle, affectionate, and surprisingly sensitive. With proper training and early socialization, they form deep family bonds and become incredibly loyal companions.
If you’re curious about these loving “gentle giants,” you’re in the right place. Let’s explore some of the big dog breeds that prove size and sweetness can go paw in paw.
Fun Fact: Many large breed dogs mature more slowly than smaller dogs, meaning their puppy phase can last longer than expected. That’s right, all that oversized playfulness and goofy energy can stick around for years. Watching a massive dog bounce around like a tiny terrier is pure joy!
Huge Dog Breeds That Offer Gentle Company
1. Leonberger
The Leonberger was first bred in Leonberg, Germany, and was designed to resemble a lion. Males are especially striking, with a thick, mane-like ruff around their neck, while females have a slightly more refined build but are just as strong. Despite their powerful and imposing appearance, Leonbergers quickly win people over with their calm and gentle nature.
Originally developed as companion dogs, Leonbergers have also worked in roles such as search and rescue thanks to their strength and intelligence. They are deeply loyal and form strong emotional bonds with their families. This breed thrives when included in daily family life and does not do well when left alone for long periods.
Leonbergers require regular grooming due to their dense, thick double coat. Brushing becomes especially important during shedding seasons, though consistent care is needed year-round. With proper exercise, attention to joint health, and loving guidance, this gentle giant grows into a stable, devoted, and wonderful family companion.
2. Bernese Mountain dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from Switzerland and stands over 27 inches tall at the shoulder. Originally bred as a hardworking farm dog that pulled carts and helped with daily chores, this sturdy breed has grown into one of the most beloved large dogs in the world.
The American Kennel Club describes the Bernese as sweet, calm, and deeply devoted to its family. Their beautiful tri-color coat, jet black with rust and bright white markings, adds to their impressive and eye-catching appearance.
Bernese Mountain Dogs need regular grooming to keep their thick, long coat healthy and tangle-free. When raised with proper training and socialization, they are gentle with children and usually get along well with other pets. They thrive in active households where family members spend plenty of time together, as they don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods.
3. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are often considered the best swimmers among giant dog breeds. This powerful Canadian breed can weigh between 130 and 150 pounds for males, yet despite their massive size, they’re famously gentle and sweet-natured.
According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Newfoundlands are known for their protective instincts and their natural ability to bond with children. Built for the water, they have webbed feet and a thick, water-resistant coat that helps them excel at swimming. Historically, they worked alongside fishermen and even performed water rescues, bravely saving people from rough and dangerous seas.
Their thick, fluffy coats shed year-round and require consistent grooming to stay healthy and clean. Newfoundlands are a perfect match for families who enjoy outdoor adventures, especially around water. Indoors, they are typically calm and relaxed, making them adaptable companions despite their impressive size.
4. Great Dane
Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds in the world. With their long legs, sleek bodies, and proud posture, they carry an almost royal presence. But behind that towering height is a playful spirit and a warm, affectionate heart.
According to Purina, Great Danes form strong bonds with their owners and are generally friendly with new people. They love staying close to their families, often leaning against their humans for comfort, and tend to follow their owners from room to room just to be near them.
Great Danes need moderate daily exercise, along with early and consistent training while they’re still manageable in size. Because they grow rapidly during their first year, special attention should be given to joint health and proper nutrition. Despite their imposing size, they’re true indoor dogs at heart and would much rather relax on the couch than act as serious guard dogs.
5. Mastiff
The English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. With a massive frame, broad head, and drooping ears, they have a powerful and sometimes intimidating appearance.
Mastiffs were historically used as guard dogs. Today, however, they are known for being calm, affectionate, and deeply devoted to their families. While they may seem imposing, they are typically gentle and relaxed inside the home. Their training can take patience, as they mature slowly, but they respond well to consistent guidance and form strong bonds through loyalty.
Their short coat is fairly easy to maintain and requires minimal grooming, though drooling is common with this breed. Mastiffs do best with experienced owners who can provide steady training and leadership. In the right home, they grow into quiet, protective, gentle giants who watch over their families with calm confidence.
6. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff was originally bred to guard livestock and monasteries in the rugged mountains of Tibet. With their thick double coat and impressive, lion-like mane, they have a powerful and commanding presence that naturally turns heads.
According to PetMD, Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their independent personality and strong protective instincts. They are deeply loyal to their home and family, but early socialization and consistent training are essential to help them grow into well-balanced adults.
This large and strong-willed breed is best suited for experienced dog owners who understand firm yet patient leadership. Tibetan Mastiffs thrive in homes with secure, open spaces and benefit from activities that keep their minds engaged to prevent boredom. With proper guidance, they become devoted family guardians who show deep affection to the people they love.
7. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is instantly recognizable thanks to its deep wrinkles and loose folds of skin. This massive breed was originally developed in Italy to serve as a powerful guardian.
Behind all those wrinkles is a watchful yet affectionate companion. Neapolitan Mastiffs tend to be reserved around strangers, but with their families, they are deeply loyal and form strong, protective bonds.
Because of their large size, they can sometimes be clumsy, so playtime should be supervised, especially around small children. Their short coat is easy to care for, although drooling is common with this breed. Neapolitan Mastiffs do best in homes with plenty of space and a calm, steady routine.
8. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is known as one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. With their long legs and lean, greyhound-like build, they carry their impressive height with surprising grace and elegance.
Despite their history as hunters of large game, Irish Wolfhounds are gentle, noble, and sensitive by nature. Over time, they have transitioned from fierce hunters to calm and affectionate household companions who are just as happy relaxing quietly indoors.
They enjoy regular outdoor exercise but tend to be calm and slow-moving inside the home. Irish Wolfhounds are typically gentle with other dogs and do especially well with children when raised alongside them. Their wiry coat requires light, regular grooming rather than intensive maintenance.
9. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is one of the most iconic gentle giants in the dog world. Originally bred for mountain rescue work in the Swiss Alps, this powerful yet kind-hearted breed became famous for saving stranded travelers in harsh snow conditions.
Saint Bernards are known for their calm, patient nature, which also makes them well-suited for service and therapy roles. They are incredibly devoted to their families and form deep, loving bonds with the people they care about.
Rough-coated Saint Bernards require regular grooming to keep their thick fur clean and healthy. They need about an hour of exercise each day, but care should be taken to avoid extreme heat, as they are better suited to cooler climates. With proper care and plenty of affection, Saint Bernards make loyal, gentle, and wonderful family companions.
10. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer combines muscular strength, sharp alertness, and impressive intelligence. Unlike many other giant breeds, this dog is highly energetic and quick on its feet, always ready for action.
Working dog organizations in Germany note that the breed was developed for both cattle herding and guarding. That hardworking background still shows today. Giant Schnauzers grow into loyal and protective companions who are deeply devoted to their families.
This breed needs daily physical exercise along with plenty of mental stimulation. Structured training sessions are essential, as their intelligence and energy require direction. Without enough activity, they can develop destructive habits. With proper guidance and consistent leadership, the Giant Schnauzer becomes a loyal, watchful, and excellent companion for active families.
Conclusion
Gentle giant dog breeds demonstrate that their behavior patterns do not depend on their physical size. The bernese mountain dog irish wolfhound, and Saint Bernard dog breeds together create giant dogs that combine their powerful physical abilities with their gentle character traits.
The gentle dogs require their owners to provide them with daily exercise, basic training from their first year, proper grooming, and responsible pet ownership. These family dogs show protective behavior that they counterbalance with their affectionate nature and peaceful demeanor, which creates a comforting atmosphere throughout the house.
