Some people think that dogs are only cute as puppies, and grown-ups lose their charm as they grow. However, we disagree – no matter how huge or bulky they are, you can still find many dogs sweet and adorable.
Beyond their appearance, it’s their affection, unwavering love, playful nature, and the way they run toward you with wagging tails that make them even more appealing.
This article will help you discover some heartwarming and calm giant dogs that can be your loving pets and are friendly with family and kids. Also, they will not give you a hard time during training.
Best Giant Dog Breeds that will Warm your Heart
Let’s find out which of these big dog breeds can win your heart and fill your home with love.
1. Irish wolfhounds
Often cited as one of the tallest dog breeds, these lovely giants are far from ordinary household pets. They add a perfect addition to your life with their gentle disposition.
Interaction with Family
This dog breed can be perfectly suited as your family pet; Irish wolfhounds love to play with small children. They also get along well with other pets, including cats. This will surely catch the attention of owners with multiple pets at home.
Another special thing about them is that they are fearless when it comes to protecting their family. In routine, they are affectionate with strangers too, but may become alert if someone seems suspicious.
A real obstacle may arise during a training session, as Irish wolfhounds have a stubborn streak and may not always be obedient. That’s why they should be trained from the start, and owners need to remain consistent. Otherwise, these big, fluffy dog breeds are generally relaxed, patient, and rarely aggressive.
Fun Fact: They can easily attach to their pet parents, but don’t adapt well to changes. So, you might need to stick with one place if you are considering an Irish wolfhound as a pet.
2. Great Dane
These giants can stand up to 7 ft tall on their hind legs, but are total softies. There are many reasons to love Danes. Guinness World Records confirms that Zeus, a Great Dane from Otsego, Michigan, stood at 44 inches tall at the shoulder, making him the tallest dog breed ever recorded.
Interaction with Family
Danes are known for their soft-hearted character and peaceful temperament. They are very active and playful with their handlers. Danes especially love to play with kids, but beware of them around young children, as they might accidentally hurt them.
You can never doubt on Great Dane’s loyalty; they will always be there for you, no matter what the situation is. You might like a pet for its friendly traits, but excessive barking can feel unpleasant. With a Great Dane, you can truly relax without any noise interruptions.
These gentle giants won’t give you a tough time caring for and grooming. Danes are quick learners, very easy to train, and love to stay indoors. They also have a keen sense to watch over your home like true guardians.
Fun Fact: Great Danes were originally bred to hunt and kill wild boars. Those hunting dogs were the opposite of the Danes we know today.
3. Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff has an adoring and easygoing personality. They were originally bred to become guardians, protecting people and livestock. Their protective instincts make them excellent watchdogs!
Their striking appearance catches attention at first glance. They have a strong, sturdy, and compact body. This also explains why they excel as guard dogs.
Interaction with Family
Spanish Mastiffs form strong bonds with human beings. They have very interesting feelings and emotions. They are always at your disposal and give you comfort, but strangers seem to upset them.
They often get reserved if not properly socialized. But don’t worry, they just want to make sure that you are safe around other people. Caring, isn’t it?
Fun Fact: A mastiff is likely to want a cuddle from you and rest on your lap. Its enormous size might intimidate you, but don’t worry, this loving companion simply wants to be close.
4. Scottish Deerhound
Are you a couch potato? Don’t worry, we’re not teasing you!
Just saying, you’d get along perfectly with this large dog breed that loves to lounge around as much as you do. Scottish Deerhounds have a lively and cheerful nature. They are also very kind and tend to like everybody.
Interaction with Family
This breed is keen and won’t feel shy to show their eagerness and enthusiasm. Deerhounds make a very pleasant companion and an ideal family dog that is cherished by everyone. This big dog is very clingy in a sweet way; their love language is to show affection and stick around their owners.
Fun Fact: Britannica highlights that in Scottish culture, this breed was so admired that only nobility was permitted to own them.
5. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees, from the Pyrenees mountains, is a huge, athletic dog with a thick double coat. Their majestic appearance and calm nature make them stand out among many large dog breeds. Dog lovers usually prize them for their courage and reliability.
This dog has a unique personality of its own. Pyrenees are often considered to be serious dogs; they carry themselves with great confidence despite their large build. Purina notes that Pyrenees will express their boredom by responding to your commands as slowly as possible.
Interaction with Family
Great Pyrenees will go to great lengths to keep their family safe and sound. They have a remarkable ability to sense their owner’s emotions and provide support when needed. This deep compassion warms everyone’s hearts.
Fun Fact: Great Pyrenees dogs are equipped with large, strong jaws that help them to walk effortlessly over snowy and icy territory.
6. Leonberger
Leonberger, a dignified breed with a lion-like mane and notable appearance. They are well known for their sweet temperament and the camaraderie with their family.
Interaction with Family
Above all, a great family dog. This is the kind of breed you can dream of. What if we say that this dog sets itself to that standard you had set in your mind for an ideal pet? These dogs are self-disciplined, very sweet nature, and are incredibly loyal.
The Leonberger is also a great watchdog and guard dog. Its protective yet approachable personality makes it a great family-oriented pet.
They won’t disturb you with unnecessary noises and are also friendly in nature. Leonbergers are adaptable to family environments; thus, they go well with children, too. So, what more can you ask for?
Fun Fact: According to Show Sight Magazine. Heinrich Essig, a dog-loving entrepreneur, decided to breed his own dog breed. In 1846, he transformed his vision into reality.
7. Saint Bernard
This gentle giant breed came from the Swiss Alps, where they were kept at Saint Bernard Hospice. They served as working dogs there and rescued people trapped in snowstorms.
People still adore Saint Bernards for their incredible history and life-saving work. But we are not talking about their ancestors only; this empathetic nature is still recognized in them.
Interaction with Family
Saint Bernards are famously good with children. This majestic guardian has a temperament that naturally lends itself to being an excellent family companion. These rescue dogs are patient with childish play and rarely get annoyed.
Fun Fact: In the timeless story of Peter Pan, there is a dog named Nana. You might have guessed by now, Nana was a female Saint Bernard, although the breed was not clearly mentioned, but certain traits like her gentle spirit and patient nature reflect a St Bernard’s true image. She was always looking out for the safety of her beloved children.
Conclusion
You might be wondering while reading this article that none of these giant breeds, despite their appearance or size, show any signs of aggression. These dog breeds have big personalities and even bigger hearts.
Their gentle temperaments often melt people’s hearts. This nature proves that size isn’t everything; these fluffy dogs gain their own place. By early training and consistent socialization, you can magnify their personality and temperament.
These cuddly companions will quietly curl up beside you or simply watch over your family with full alertness. Their strong sense and loyalty make them extraordinary, and this is the reason that you cannot help to fall in love with these biggest dog breeds.
