Imagine a dog breed big enough to guard your home, yet gentle enough to carefully walk beside a toddler. That balance of strength and softness is exactly what makes many large dog breeds such wonderful family dogs. Despite their powerful appearance, countless big breeds are known for being affectionate, emotionally sensitive, and deeply bonded to their humans.
Families who share their lives with large dog breeds often describe them as protectors, best friends, and emotional supporters, all in one. These canines do not just tolerate family life; they genuinely thrive in it. Their ability to read emotions, stay calm, and offer constant companionship makes them especially suited for active households filled with love and connection.
Exploring family friendly nature of giant dog breeds aids in revealing why their size often hides some of the most beautiful temperaments in the canine world.
Fun Fact: There are many giant dog breeds, like the Great Dane and the Newfoundland, that also make great lap dogs even when they weigh more than 150 pounds.
Big Dog Breeds And Their Family-Friendly Nature
1. Leonberger
A massive-sized breed, the Leonberger was originally bred as both a working dog and a companion dog. These dogs originated from Germany and soon became the favorites of European royalty. In World Wars I and II, this giant dog breed was about to extinct, as mentioned by PetMD.
These thick double coated dogs are famous for their lion like resemblance and friendly temperament. Though they appear muscular and strong canines, with the right training and early socialization, Leos make excellent family dogs in experienced households.
They are highly intelligent dogs and bond closely with their family members, often serving as therapy dogs as well. This large dog breed has high energy levels, and after burning off that energy, this gentle giant remains calm indoors and enjoys lounging with its dog owners.
2. Bullmastiff
If you are looking for a devoted and affectionate large dog breed that offers guardianship while maintaining its calm, the Bullmastiff is the one. This super dog has 100 pounds plus weight with an impressive muscular frame and short, dense coat, deterring every intruder.
Regardless of their imposing presence, Bullmastiffs are docile and friendly towards their handlers, including children and other dogs, if properly socialized and trained. They are very smart dogs who learn fast during training sessions, but starting when they are puppies, adult ones are difficult to train.
They are born guardians and quiet dogs, and different from typical guard dogs who alert owners via their barks. According to AKC, this family pet does not need an ample amount of exercise, but only short walks in moderate temperatures.
3. Newfoundland
Affectionately called Newfies, Newfoundland dogs are big in size but have bigger hearts. They also earned their name as nanny dogs as they are famously friendly towards kids, displaying their protective nature and gentle demeanor. From the past to till now, Newfoundland is famous as a water rescue dog.
Newfies are blessed with a thick coat that repels water and webbed feet that assist them in swimming. These water dogs were originally discovered as dogs for fisherman where they used to pull in their nets and haul the carts. Once they’re tired, Newfies love snuggling and serving their humans, says WebMD.
Dog parents should know about their needs for moderate exercise, including walking and occasional swimming adventures. Generally, Newfies are a sweet and adorable gentle giant breed, and bark when they interact with strangers, but this shyness erases after getting to know them in a few minutes.
4. Great Danes
Endowed with a sweet nature and enormous size, the Great Dane ranks as one of the tallest dog breeds worldwide. They are nicknamed the Apollo of Dogs and hail from Germany, as a hunting dog for large game. They also had a magnificent history in protection work, and today shine more as family pets.
Great Danes express a calm and patient disposition around smaller humans, but due to sheer size, interactions should always be supervised. Their protective instincts make them great, just like their name, and they bond strongly with their owners to be their loving and loyal companions.
Eager to please nature and intelligence of Great Danes make them easy to train. These large dogs grow fast and have enough endurance to enjoy outdoor activities with families. However, their owners must be cautious of their joint problems and wait until they turn two years old.
5. Irish Wolfhound
Those who become nervous after the first glance of large size dog, the Irish wolfhound, which is intimidating yet affectionate, can do this with ease. This working canine was developed for multiple purposes, such as guarding people and livestock, hunting, and battling.
These loyal dogs love spending time with their beloved ones and protect them from the heart, just like a fierce guard dog whose gaze and stature are enough. Like other dogs, this breed loves being a couch potato in the living room, but also thrives if adopted by active families.
Irish wolfhound does not shed much, and regular brushing once a week is enough for keeping its coat healthy and shiny. Due to size, this large dog breed tends to have some health issues, including heart conditions and hip dysplasia. Owing to strong prey drive, they are not well suited in multi pet household.
6. Saint Bernard
The phrase gentle giant does not complete its meaningful impact unless it implies Saint Bernard. This large breed is known for its people-pleasing and loving nature. Supported by history, Bernards were used to locate and rescue people buried in snowy mountains.
Friendly temperament and low energy levels make them great companions in family life. Their sizes demand more space to stretch out their legs. They greet the kids enthusiastically, but do not warmly welcome the strangers and other unfamiliar dogs. To stay healthy their regular exercise is mandatory.
Saint Bernards have a big head that leads to ample production of drool, and a medium-length coat that sheds in spring and fall. Saint is the happiest when involved in different family activities and outdoor adventures like hikes and hunts together with its owner.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
We are ending our list with last but not the least, the Tibetan Mastiff, which bears a noble, dignified look with dark brown eyes and a muscular build. For hundreds of years, these ancient and mighty dogs had been serving their protective instincts in the Himalayas and were also gifted to the nobility of Europe and middle East.
This giant dog breed is considered sweet and loyal around familiar ones, but remains standoffish towards new people, often expressing territorial possession. With proper training, the Tibetan Mastiff makes an excellent companion for families who get along with other pets in the same house.
Owing to their independent nature, these smart dogs need consistent training to behave well and excel in obedience. Though Tibetan mastiffs are known for storing their energies, they do not need a serious amount of exercise daily, but short bursts.
Conclusion
Big dog breeds ultimately prove that family compatibility has nothing to do with size and everything to do with temperament and bonding. With the right care, training, and attention, these gentle giants become patient companions, protective guardians, and emotional anchors of the households.
There are some other breeds as well that shine more among the list of giant dog breeds, such as Labrador retrievers, Bernese mountain dogs, Golden retrievers, and German shepherds, which do not adapt to family life but enhance it, creating deeper connections and lasting memories.
