When we think of big dogs, a furious or aggressive pooch often comes to mind. However, some large dog breeds are gentle giants. They are known for their peaceful and calm temperament and don’t get riled up quickly.
Despite their large size, they are quite adaptable and are perfectly happy to lounge by your side for hours. They do not require extensive exercise for physical and mental stimulation. If you are looking for a large yet relaxed dog, these canines may be the right fit for you.
They are intelligent, easy to train, and protective of their family members. It is worth mentioning that even the most laid-back dog breed requires at least some exercise to stay healthy and happy. Most of these canines are better suited for big homes where they get enough space to roam and exercise.
Have a look at these 7 big dog breeds that love chill hours at home.
Big Dog Breeds That Love Chill Hours at Home
1. Greyhound
Greyhound is a large dog breed, known as the champion sprinter of the dog world. These noble and sweet-tempered dogs have a serene and laid-back personality. Despite being a large breed, Greyhounds are surprisingly low-energy dogs indoors.
They often prefer a nap over an interactive play session and are well-suited for apartment living. Unlike some other breeds, Greyhounds do not bark much, which means they will not disturb your neighbors. At the same time, they are quite active outdoors.
Greyhounds are famous as ’45mph couch potatoes.’ They love short bursts of running but are not high-endurance dogs. Greyhounds are non-aggressive dogs who tend to be very tolerant of children. Hill’s Pet mentions that they prefer walking away from annoyance instead of snapping or growling.
It proves that Greyhounds are one of the calmest dog breeds. However, they have a strong prey drive, so they may not be a good fit for multi-pet homes.
2. Leonberger
Leonberger is a large and powerful dog breed, having a muscular build. They are incredibly calm and affectionate canines. Despite their large size, Leos are quite patient. They have a gentle and serene nature, and they relish the companionship of the entire family.
Leonbergers are highly intelligent dogs who can be trained easily and love having a job. They love to play but don’t mind being couch potatoes either, mentions PetMD. Leos are quite laid back, but they bond tightly with their people and do not like being left alone for too long.
This mellow dog breed is highly trainable and better suited for experienced pet parents. They respond best to positive reinforcement-based training. Leos are quiet dogs who do not bark much. However, they need regular exercise to stay fit.
Leonbergers enjoy activities like agility training, swimming, pulling sleds, walking, or hiking. With proper training and socialization, they make wonderful family pets.
3. Great Dane
Great Dane is a gentle giant due to its gentle nature and giant size. Despite their size, Danes are mellow pups, having a calm demeanor. They are incredibly loyal to their owners and love socializing with people. These friendly dogs get along nicely with everyone.
Great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. They are quite low-energy dogs who enjoy lounging for hours and staying close to their owners. Danes are moderately playful dogs who tend to be good with children.
Thanks to their intimidating size, they make good guard dogs. However, their temperament does not match that of a guard dog. Great Danes may seem easygoing, but require daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation, explains the American Kennel Club.
Great Danes make great family pets, but also enjoy participating in dog sports like agility, obedience, tracking, and flyball.
4. Newfoundland
Newfoundland dogs, affectionately known as Newfies, are one of the largest dog breeds. This docile and friendly breed loves spending time with its owners. Newfies have a muscular and powerful build, and they make guard dogs.
According to Purina, Newfies are sweet, friendly, and intelligent dogs, which makes them easy to train. They have a patient and devoted nature and are a great choice for families with children. Their calm nature has earned Newfies a reputation as ‘nanny dogs.’
Despite their large size, Newfies are low-energy dogs. However, they need regular exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
Newfoundland dogs love swimming and make great partners for long walks and hikes. They also excel at a variety of canine sports like agility, dock diving, herding, obedience, and tracking.
5. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhound is a giant dog breed native to Ireland. Recognized as one of the tallest dog breeds, they were once used as fearless hunting dogs. Irish Wolfhounds are immense and muscular hounds, capable of great speed at the gallop.
Despite their history as furious hunters, Irish Wolfhounds are gentle dogs who crave attention. They tend to be loving and patient towards kids and make even-tempered family companions. PDSA explains that these calm companions are large and powerful in appearance, but are big softies at heart.
These furry friends are better suited for experienced handlers having large homes where they can roam freely and exercise. With proper training and socialization, Irish Wolfhounds can be very friendly with people and other dogs.
Irish Wolfhounds make good couch potatoes, but regular exercise is important to provide physical and mental stimulation.
6. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are large dogs with a gentle temperament and soulful eyes. Despite their massive size, they are one of the calmest dog breeds. Saint Bernards have an affectionate nature, and they love children.
These giant working dogs are incredibly loyal to their pet parents and have an eagerness to please them. Thanks to their wonderful personality traits, Saint Bernards make good search-and-rescue and service dogs.
These calm dogs are moderately energetic and do not require extensive exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Saint Bernards are easygoing companions who need an hour of exercise every day through walking, hiking, and indoor play sessions.
7. Mastiff
Mastiff is a heavy-boned dog of great strength and courage. Originally bred as guardians, Mastiffs have comparatively low exercise requirements and can happily live in an apartment despite their large size. However, regular exercise is required to prevent destructive behaviors.
These formidable protectors are immensely loyal to their humans. Their affectionate and calm demeanor makes them a great choice for families looking for a gentle giant. However, they may not be a good fit for homes with older children.
Mastiffs are, however, naturally wary of strangers and make wonderful guard dogs. Proper training and early socialization are required to turn them into well-behaved family pets. Mastiffs do not bark a lot and show a gentle temperament towards their loved ones.
Conclusion
Big dog breeds are usually considered to be very fierce and reserved. However, some large dog breeds have a gentle nature. These calm dogs are immensely loyal to their humans and form strong bonds with them.
Some of them may be a bit reserved towards strangers, but others, such as Great Danes, get along nicely with everyone. Their exercise needs may vary from each other, but all need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit.
