When it comes to choosing a furry companion, size and temperament matter just as much as personality. If you’re looking for a dog that is both large and laid-back, there are plenty of breeds that fit the bill.
These gentle giants are known for their calm demeanor, affectionate nature, and ability to adapt to various lifestyles, whether you’re an active family or someone who enjoys quiet companionship.
Despite their size, these dogs often have a patient and easygoing temperament, making them excellent choices for first-time owners or those seeking a relaxed pet. Whether lounging on the couch, taking a stroll, or simply being by your side, these big, calm dogs offer unwavering loyalty and love.
If you’re searching for a canine companion that brings both size and serenity, explore the best big calm dog breeds that perfectly balance strength with a peaceful nature.
Big Calm Dog Breeds
1. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a true gentle giant known for its towering height, noble appearance, and calm disposition. Originally bred as a fearless hunter and guardian, this breed has since embraced a more laid-back and affectionate role as a beloved companion.
Despite its impressive size, the Irish Wolfhound is incredibly gentle, patient, and friendly, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a big but peaceful and loving dog.
The Irish Wolfhound excels as a family pet with its easygoing and kind-hearted temperament. It forms deep bonds with its owners and is especially affectionate with children, often displaying a watchful yet non-aggressive nature.
It relies more on its imposing presence than aggression, making it a fantastic choice for families who want a protective yet calm companion.
This breed’s calm nature makes it perfect for roles that require gentleness and companionship, such as therapy work or emotional support. It does well in homes that appreciate its majestic yet mellow personality, and while it enjoys daily walks, it’s equally content lounging by your side. Their low-energy yet loving demeanor makes them ideal for a relaxed household.
One of the most fascinating facts about the Irish Wolfhound is its historic significance—they were once royal gifts and symbols of prestige in ancient times! Despite their grand history, they are humble, affectionate, and loyal, always eager to be close to their human family.
The Irish Wolfhound is an unbeatable choice if you’re looking for a big, calm, and deeply devoted companion. Its majestic stature, loving heart, and serene nature bring grace and warmth to any home lucky enough to have one.
2. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a massive yet gentle breed, famous for its rescue work in the Swiss Alps and its loving, calm personality. Originally bred to save stranded travelers, this breed has an instinct for caring, protecting, and offering comfort.
Despite its imposing size, the Saint Bernard is one of the most affectionate and easygoing large dog breeds.
With its patient and mild-mannered temperament, the Saint Bernard is an excellent family pet. It is incredibly gentle with children, often called a “nanny dog” because of its protective and watchful nature. It prefers relaxing indoors or enjoying short walks, making it an ideal companion for those who want a big but peaceful dog.
PetMD states that this breed thrives in roles that require compassion and companionship, such as therapy and emotional support. Their calm and friendly nature makes them well-suited for homes that value a relaxed atmosphere.
While they enjoy spending time outdoors, they are just as happy lounging beside their family, soaking in all the love and attention.
Saint Bernards were trained to find and save lost travelers in the snowy mountains, often carrying barrels of brandy around their necks, in folklore. Though they no longer perform these rescues, they maintain their loyal, nurturing, and intelligent personalities.
For those seeking a calm dog breed, the Saint Bernard is an unmatched choice. Its kind-hearted nature, gentle spirit, and deep devotion make it a loving, dependable, and relaxed companion, perfect for families, seniors, or anyone looking for a giant, affectionate friend.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, calm, and affectionate breed known for its majestic appearance and sweet temperament. Originally bred as a farm dog in Switzerland, this breed excels in companionship, working roles, and family life.
With a friendly and patient personality, this breed makes an excellent family pet. It craves companionship and thrives in a home where it can be included in daily activities. Their calm nature makes them perfect for families wanting a big, loving, relaxed dog.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is well-suited for therapy work, assistance roles, and farm life, thanks to its intelligent and gentle nature. While it enjoys moderate exercise and outdoor activities, it is just as happy lounging at home, making it ideal for a balanced lifestyle. Their calm but affectionate demeanor makes them perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance yet loyal companion.
The breed has a remarkable history as a Swiss working dog. They were used to pull carts, herd livestock, and protect farms, showcasing their strength and intelligence. Today, they maintain their hardworking spirit but are more commonly found offering love and companionship in homes.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is ideal for those searching for a calm dog breed. Its gentle temperament, deep devotion, and relaxed personality make it a wonderful family pet and loyal companion, perfect for those who appreciate a big dog with a big heart.
4. Greyhound
The Greyhound is known for its sleek physique, incredible speed, and surprisingly calm temperament. While it has a racing and hunting dog history, it is one of the most laid-back and affectionate breeds. This dog prefers a relaxed lifestyle, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a big, calm companion.
This breed thrives in a loving home environment. It is mild-mannered and affectionate, forming strong bonds with its owners while maintaining a low-maintenance personality.
While it enjoys occasional bursts of speed, it is often considered one of the best low-energy dogs, lounging most of its time.
Training a Greyhound is a rewarding experience, especially when using positive reinforcement training methods. It responds well to gentle guidance and does not require intense discipline. Its eager-to-please attitude makes it a great fit for first-time and experienced owners looking for a calm, well-behaved pet.
One of the most interesting traits of this breed is its unique ability to transition from high-speed sprints to total relaxation. While it can run at impressive speeds, it is just as happy cuddling up indoors, making it a versatile companion. Its quiet and reserved demeanor makes it an ideal choice for peaceful households.
The Greyhound is a perfect blend of grace and serenity for those looking for a big, calm dog. Its gentle personality, relaxed nature, and loving temperament make it an ideal choice for anyone who wants a large but easygoing furry friend.
5. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is known for its majestic appearance, gentle demeanor, and calm behavior. Originally bred to guard livestock, it is naturally protective yet even-tempered, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a big, calm, and reliable companion.
As noted by WebMD, despite its impressive weight and size, this breed is typically calm and thrives in a peaceful home environment. This makes it a wonderful choice for families seeking a loyal and composed guardian.
With a strong yet affectionate personality, the Great Pyrenees form deep bonds with its family, including kids and other animals. While it is naturally protective, it is not aggressive and instead relies on its gentle yet watchful presence to keep loved ones safe.
Although often seen as couch potatoes, the Great Pyrenees benefit from mental stimulation and light exercise to stay happy and engaged. It enjoys leisurely walks and quiet companionship, preferring a balanced lifestyle rather than high-energy activities. Its typically calm nature allows it to adapt well to different households, from large homes to peaceful countryside settings.
One fascinating fact about this breed is its history as a trusted guardian for centuries. This rich heritage contributes to its patient, wise, and gentle demeanor, making it one of today’s most trusted and dependable large breeds.
The Great Pyrenees offers loyalty, protection, and a soothing presence for those seeking a big, calm dog. Its even-tempered personality, devotion to family, and loving nature make it a perfect companion for anyone looking for a majestic furry friend.
6. Great Dane
The Great Dane is famous for its towering height, gentle demeanor, and affectionate personality. Despite its massive size, this dog is known for being incredibly friendly, easygoing, and typically calm.
With its affectionate and people-oriented personality, this breed thrives on human companionship. It is known for forming strong bonds with its owners and enjoys lounging indoors or relaxing by their side.
Although playful as a puppy, the Great Dane matures into a calm and composed adult, making it a wonderful choice for those seeking a big but well-mannered pet.
Britannica states that the Great Dane is surprisingly adaptable and does not require excessive exercise. Daily walks and gentle playtime are usually enough to keep it happy. It enjoys a relaxed home environment and often prefers cuddling with its owners over high-energy activities.
An interesting fact about this breed is that, despite its imposing presence, it is often described as a lap dog at heart. Many Great Danes will attempt to snuggle up on the couch or lean against their owners, showcasing their affectionate and loving nature. This mix of grace and playfulness makes them truly unique among large breeds.
The Great Dane is an exceptional choice for those searching for a big, calm dog. Its majestic yet gentle personality, unwavering loyalty, and relaxed nature make it a wonderful companion for those who appreciate a giant dog with a kind and affectionate heart.
7. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a breed known for its massive size, gentle temperament, and natural swimming abilities. Originally raised as a working dog, it was bred to assist fishermen and even save people from drowning.
Despite its impressive strength, this breed is one of the most affectionate and easygoing large dogs, earning it a reputation as a loyal and loving family companion.
Often called a “nanny dog,” the Newfoundland is incredibly gentle and patient with children. It has a natural instinct to protect and care for its family, making it an excellent choice for households with pups or even cats. This breed is careful and mindful, ensuring that playtime is always fun yet safe, especially around little ones.
Newfoundland is typically quiet and composed, communicating through gentle nudges and expressive eyes. It is naturally friendly toward strangers, making it more of a watchful protector rather than an aggressive guard dog. Its calm and loving nature makes it ideal for families seeking a gentle, well-mannered companion.
An interesting fact about this breed is its lifesaving instinct—Newfoundlands have been known to rescue people from drowning due to their powerful swimming skills and protective nature. This makes them one of the most unique and dependable large breeds, with hearts as big as their frame.
For those looking for a big, calm, and loving dog, the Newfoundland is an outstanding choice. As a nanny dog, family protector, and devoted companion, it brings loyalty, warmth, and a gentle presence to any home lucky enough to have one.
Conclusion
Plenty of gentle giants offer companionship without excessive energy if you’re looking for a big, calm dog breed. Unlike some other dogs that thrive on constant activity, these laid-back breeds are happy to sit by your side and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.
From the easygoing Basset Hounds to the affectionate Clumber Spaniel, these dogs bring peace to any house. Though smaller breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Tibetan Spaniel, and Pekingese are known for their calm demeanor, larger breeds also have their version of serenity. Historically, Buddhist monks cherished the Tibetan breeds for their quiet companionship.
These dogs may enjoy a little play but are far from hyper. They may bark a bit, but their love for people shines through, making them cool, affectionate companions for a peaceful home.
