Did you know some of the giant dog breeds can be calm and gentle at home?
It may surprise many new dog owners that even massive breeds, often thought to be boisterous or intimidating, can have a gentle nature. These “gentle giants” combine impressive size with a calm presence, making them great companions for families, small children, and even other pets.
According to recent research, while genetics influence a dog’s temperament, environment, early socialization, and consistent owner training play huge roles in shaping how gentle a dog behaves. This explains why many large dog breeds can remain composed and affectionate, contrary to common expectations.
In this article, we will explore seven unique extra-large dog breeds with surprisingly gentle temperaments, each offering a different blend of charm, loyalty, and family-friendly traits.
From their history and care needs to personality quirks and protective instincts, you’ll discover why these giant breeds make excellent companions without sacrificing calmness or ease at home.
Unique Extra‑Large Dog Breeds with Surprisingly Gentle Temperament
Here is the list of the giant dog breeds.
1. Leonberger
This breed is one of the biggest dog breeds and gentlest companions you can welcome into a home. Its size may look intimidating at first, yet its calm presence often surprises new owners. Many families find comfort in this breed’s steady and caring nature.
History and Origin
The Leonberger was originally bred in Germany as a rescue and working dog, valued for strength, calm behaviour, and loyalty to people.
The breed nearly went extinct during World War I and World War II, but careful breeding helped bring it back. Today, Leonbergers are often seen in search and rescue work and as loving family companions.
Appearance
This big dog has a striking lion-like mane, loose skin, and a large, powerful frame that gives it a regal look. The coat adds to its majestic presence while also helping protect it in cold weather.
Temperament
Leonbergers are known for quiet dignity and incredible loyalty to their families. According to PetMD, they are gentle with small children and usually do well with other pets when raised with care.
Care
Their thick double coat needs regular brushing, and they do best with moderate daily exercise and calm routines.
Ideal For
This breed suits families with more space who enjoy steady walks and a relaxed home life.
Fun Note
They love to play but are happy being couch potatoes too.
2. Saint Bernard
This giant dog is one of the most famous large breeds in the world. Its calm disposition and gentle ways often surprise people who expect a rough working dog. Many families admire this breed for its steady, even-tempered nature.
History and Origin
According to Wikipedia, this breed comes from the Swiss Alps and Italian Switzerland, where it worked as a rescue dog for travellers crossing the Great St. Bernard Pass.
Monks at the Saint Bernard hospice used these dogs to find lost people in deep snow. Over time, the breed became known for bravery, strength, and devotion to human life.
Appearance
This dog has a massive body, loose skin, and expressive eyes that show warmth and kindness. Its strong build is often compared to that of the English Mastiff.
Temperament
Saint Bernards are calm, patient, and gentle with strangers, yet naturally protective when needed.
Care
They need daily walks, mental stimulation, and plenty of relaxed time at home.
Ideal For
They suit families who enjoy large breeds and steady routines.
Fun Note
With training, they rarely accidentally knock over small children.
3. Newfoundland
This giant dog breed is known for its calm nature and gentle heart. With training, this giant dog becomes a steady companion for families and gets along well with other dogs. Many owners choose this breed for its friendly personality and peaceful presence at home.
History and Origin
This dog was originally bred to protect livestock and assist fishermen along cold coasts, where strong swimmers were needed to help people and gear in the water.
Appearance
They have a massive frame, kind eyes, and a heavy coat that comes in black, gray, brown, or black and white.
Temperament
The breed standard says their sweet temperament is the most important single trait, and they are devoted, patient, and affectionate with people and pets.
Care
According to the American Kennel Club, their heavy coat needs thorough brushing at least once a week, nails should be trimmed to prevent discomfort and joint strain, and regular exercise with mental stimulation keeps them healthy.
Ideal For
They suit families with enough room and access to water for safe swimming and play.
Fun Note
They love swimming and enjoy calm walks after playtime.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
This giant dog breed is very popular in modern family homes because of its warm nature and gentle behaviour indoors. Many families choose this breed because it fits well with daily routines and forms close bonds with parents and children. With proper training, this large breed becomes a calm and loyal companion.
History and Origin
According to Britannica, the Bernese Mountain Dog was taken to Switzerland over 2,000 years ago by invading Romans and was later bred to protect sheep and farm property in mountain regions.
Appearance
Bernese has a distinctive tricolor coat with a black base, a white chest, and rust markings above the eyes, along the mouth, and on the legs, along with large but gentle eyes.
Temperament
This guard dog is incredibly loyal, affectionate, playful, and friendly toward children, strangers, and other animals, while still having a deep bark that can sound intimidating.
Care
They need moderate exercise, mental stimulation, and proper grooming to stay healthy and calm.
Ideal For
They suit families who want a gentle giant, and they can handle apartment living with enough daily walks.
Fun Note
They were bred to guard farms and protect sheep.
5. Great Dane
This giant dog breed is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, along with the Irish Wolfhound, and its huge size often surprises people when they meet one for the first time. Nicknamed the “Apollo of dogs,” this gentle breed shows how a massive body can pair with a soft heart.
History and Origin
This dog was developed in Germany in the 1800s for hunting wild boar and guarding estates, even though its name suggests a link to Denmark.
Appearance
According to Hill’s Pet, the Great Dane has a tall, sleek build with a narrow, flat head; a strong, long neck; straight, muscular front legs; and a tail that tapers from a thick base.
Temperament
They are gentle giants who are friendly, affectionate, good with children, and protective when needed, though they can be stubborn at times.
Care
They need enough exercise each day, but often remain calm indoors.
Ideal For
They suit families who love big dogs without aggression.
Fun Note
They form strong bonds with one or two household members.
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
This big breed is known for its protective nature and calm manner, which often surprises people who judge it by size alone. Its massive build and serious look can feel intimidating at first, yet with proper socialization, this gentle breed becomes a loyal and loving family guard.
History and Origin
This Italian mastiff, also called the Mastino Neapolitano, is closely related to the Cane Corso and was recognized as a breed in Italy in 1949. The breed was developed as a powerful estate guardian and remains naturally wary of strangers.
Appearance
This giant dog breed has a massive, wrinkled face, loose skin, and a heavy body that can weigh between 50 and 70 kg, with coat colors like black, gray, red, fawn, and mahogany.
Temperament
They are even-tempered, placid, loyal, and affectionate with family, and once trained, they are big softies at home.
Care
They need low to moderate exercise, regular checks of skin folds, and obedience training to stay healthy and calm.
Ideal For
They suit families seeking a naturally protective and steady companion.
Fun Note
Despite their intimidating look, they can be excellent family pets.
7. Scottish Deerhound
This giant breed is one of Scotland’s royal dogs, known for its calm, dignified presence and gentle nature. Despite its tall frame and sight hound heritage, the Scottish Deerhound remains polite, laid-back, and a loving companion for families seeking a steady, friendly dog. Many owners are surprised by their strong sense of humour and gentle indoor demeanor.
History and Origin
Bred for hunting deer in Scotland, this breed combines centuries of unique heritage with keen senses of smell and sight. Originally used by royalty and nobles, Deerhounds were prized for their noble bearing and hunting skills.
Appearance
They have a lean, tall build with a wiry coat and a distinguished, elegant look. Scottish Deerhound photo credit.
Temperament
Deerhounds are calm, patient, friendly, and get along well with other dogs. They are gentle indoors despite their giant size.
Care
Minimal grooming, regular exercise, open spaces, mental engagement, and loving attention keep them happy.
Ideal For
They are well-suited for families with an active lifestyle who want an affectionate and dignified companion.
Fun Note
Despite their calm nature, they can show playful humor and enjoy relaxing around the home.
Conclusion
These big dog breeds perfectly combine impressive size with a surprisingly gentle nature, making them ideal dogs for families who want a loyal and calm companion. Each breed offers something different.
Choosing the right gentle giant requires considering maturity, activity level, and available space, along with proper training and daily exercise to ensure the dog thrives.
Despite their enormous size, these good dogs can remain affectionate, well-behaved, and calm indoors, forming strong bonds with their families while safely sharing the home with children and other animals.
For families willing to provide care, attention, and a loving environment, these giant dog breeds offer unmatched companionship, enriching daily life with both playful energy and peaceful presence.
With the right approach, these dogs remain gentle, loyal, and calm companions for many years, proving that size doesn’t compromise heart or temperament.
