Have you ever seen impressively large dogs and instantly felt scared, trying to find a hiding spot? Wait… You’ll be surprised to get to know that some giant dogs are famously gentle and baby-like at heart.
Many large dog breeds try to fit in your lap and make great snuggle partners. It won’t be wrong to say this, big size doesn’t always necessarily mean big responsibilities.
These giant babies seek constant affection and try to be around their humans. Mostly, they want to lounge on the sofa with their pet parent or want to curl up on their lap.
Such giant dogs have a playful and kindhearted nature. This bundle of love just wants to be surrounded by its favorite humans. Moreover, they’ll do just about anything for belly rubs and reassurance that they are the most precious pups in the house.
In this blog, we’ll explore giant dogs who just want love, affection, and comforting space. Since many of these breeds were bred to be guard dogs, you could very well end up with a live-in security guard.
Big Dog Breeds That Think They’re Small
1. Great Dane
Great Danes are affectionately called “gentle giants.” These dogs are total lovebugs who think they’re lapdogs, despite their huge size.
These large dogs love to curl up on your lap, completely ignoring the fact that they weigh more than most humans.
Great Danes are recognized for being affectionate, goofy, and highly attached to their owners. They often act like oversized shadows, seeking out cuddles, attention, and affection.
Anyone looking for a giant dog with a heart that’s just as big as their size may choose a Great Dane for great companionship.
2. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a giant working dog that originated in the Western Alps of Switzerland and Italy. These dogs were historically used for search-and-rescue missions in snowy, mountainous areas. PetMD notes that they played a crucial role in locating avalanche victims.
Those kind, soulful eyes and soft coat make it feel like you’re hugging a living teddy bear. And even in that large frame, you can still feel the warmth and quiet loyalty this breed carries in its bones.
Today, these well-known, gentle, giant dogs mostly enjoy the comforts of family life in many homes worldwide. This genial giant is nonetheless among the world’s most famous and beloved breeds, according to the AKC.
The breed is also known for its empathetic intelligence, allowing it to sense human emotional changes. When you are feeling low, they sense it, and they try to curl up in your lap to offer you emotional support.
They make great companions for those who don’t mind a bit of drool, as they’re gentle with almost everyone they meet.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs never seem to outgrow their puppy-like personalities, as they are large, affectionate companions.
Whether it’s nudging you with their massive paws or flopping onto their backs for belly rubs, they will do anything to get your attention as they are big attention seekers. They can be quite dramatic if they feel they’re being ignored. Moreover, they are immensely sensitive.
They use their weight as a way to stay as close as possible to their owner and are notorious for leaning on their owners. A Bernese Mountain Dog is the perfect oversized baby for anyone who wants to live as a security guard.
4. Alaskan Malamute
Originally bred by the Mahlemut Inuit tribe in Alaska, these sled dogs trace their ancestry back to Siberian dogs. Often howling or making dramatic noises when they don’t get their way, as Malamutes are known for their expressive, almost “talkative” nature.
However, their large size can sometimes unintentionally overpower small children. These dogs are especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like sledding, weight pulling, skijoring, and other winter sports.
They’re just giant goofballs who want attention and snuggles, though they may look like powerful sled dogs. They love being the center of their family’s world, as these fluffy dogs are highly affectionate. The Malamute might just be the pet of your dreams if you’re looking for a big, loyal, and playful dog.
5. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a majestic, giant dog known for its lion-like mane and calm temperament. Despite its large size, it’s incredibly gentle and thrives as a family companion. Loyal, affectionate, and surprisingly graceful, the Leonberger brings both strength and serenity into any home.
Well-trained Leonbergers will grow to be gentle, big dogs that are social with other dogs and humans, and they can make excellent family dogs.
They are intuitive about human emotions and form strong bonds with family members. They will do whatever it takes to be near their people, as these large dogs thrive on human companionship. They often behave like clumsy puppies well into adulthood because they are known to be playful.
6. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a powerful, confident dog with a heart that’s deeply loyal to its people. Beneath its strong build and watchful eyes lies a gentle, affectionate companion who bonds fiercely with family. Protective yet loving, a well-raised Rottweiler is both a fearless guardian and a devoted friend.
According to WebMD, Rottweilers date back to the Roman Empire as one of the oldest breeds. A Rottweiler’s personality is generally calm and confident, while they might look intimidating.
They are loyal and gentle with their owners. Once your Rottweiler builds a strong bond with you, they want nothing more than to protect you and the home they love. They are incredibly loyal and crave affection and often try to climb into their owner’s lap for cuddles, unaware of their size.
If you are looking for a guard dog who can protect you in the face of danger, Rottweilers are a great choice as they have a natural watchdog instinct.
7. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs have a gentle and loyal nature; however, they can also be very protective of their family and home. This large dog breed was historically employed as a guard dog to protect gamekeepers and their property from poachers.
Mastiffs are incredibly affectionate and often act like oversized babies, leaning on their owners and following them from room to room, despite being a large dog breed.
They might act like a heartbroken child as they are immensely sensitive. They just want nothing more than snuggling up with their favorite humans. If you can keep a Bullmastiff as a small, snuggly child and give it immense attention, then it’s a good fit.
8. Boxer
The Boxer is a medium-to-large-sized Mastiff-type breed that originated in Germany in the 19th century. Highly regarded for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature, Boxers make excellent companions as family pets and working dogs.
The Boxer is a bundle of energy wrapped in muscle, always ready to play or make you laugh with its goofy antics. Behind that square jaw and alert stance is a heart that beats for its people. Loyal, affectionate, and endlessly expressive, the Boxer is a true family clown with a protective streak.
They think that they’re small enough to be your lap dog, as they tend to climb onto your lap or sit as close to you as possible. Despite their size, Boxers love to be around their humans and will do whatever it takes to stay close to you.
9. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is sharp, steady, and always a step ahead—like it’s reading the room before anyone else. With a heart wired for loyalty, it forms deep bonds and stands guard without needing to be asked.
Whether working or simply watching over loved ones, it brings quiet strength and unwavering devotion. Due to their eagerness to work, they excel in search and rescue, therapy work, and as service dogs. Just like a small dog, they want to be close to their owners once they form deep bonds with them.
They enjoy snuggling just as much as any lap dog, though they’re often working dogs. German Shepherds will often crawl into your lap, rest their head on your lap, or sit close to you for comfort, despite being large dog breeds.
10. Doberman Pinscher
Known for being intelligent and alert, the Doberman Pinscher is a loyal dog. This breed is also commonly used for security, police work, and search and rescue, while often kept as a family dog.
Despite their history as a guard dog breed, Dobermans can be fun and loving family dogs, especially with early socialization.
They often forget how big they are when seeking attention, because these large dog breeds can be surprisingly cuddly. Dobermans will nuzzle into your lap, curl up beside you, or rest their head in your lap, acting like a small lap dog.’
They behave like the perfect, oversized lap dog, eager for any affection they can get from their owner. Because their loyal and affectionate nature forces these large dog breeds to do so.
11. Saluki
Among the world’s oldest breeds, the slim but rugged Saluki was the hunting hound of kings for thousands of years. They make gentle, dignified, and independent but loyal pets.
The Saluki doesn’t beg for attention; it moves with a kind of quiet grace that feels effortless, like it was born to float rather than walk. There’s a depth in its eyes that catches you off guard, as if it holds memories from a world long gone, understanding more than it ever lets on.
It’s not the type to follow you room to room, but when it rests its head on your lap or curls beside you without a sound, it’s a rare, silent kind of love that feels deeply earned and impossible to forget.
Although fond of their personal space and sometimes reserved around strangers, Salukis are affectionate towards their family. They will give you a sad, heart-melting look if they feel ignored. They thrive on their owner’s companionship.
Conclusion
If you thought big dogs were all tough and serious, think again. These large dog breeds prove that the bigger the dog, the bigger the need for cuddles. They’ll follow you everywhere, sit on your lap like a baby, and give you the most dramatic, sad eyes if you dare to ignore them.
If you are looking for a large dog breed with an even more significant need for love, one of these big dogs is waiting to enjoy your companionship.
