There’s something truly magnificent about a big dog. While their size can sometimes be intimidating, many of the largest breeds are actually the gentlest souls in the canine world.
We often call them gentle giants for a reason—they are overflowing with affection, patience, and a calm demeanor that makes them outstanding companions.
If you’re searching for a loyal friend who offers both a massive presence and a consistently trustworthy nature, this guide is for you. We believe a big dog breed should be a reliable member of the family, and we’re highlighting the breeds known for their steadfast loyalty and reliably kind temperaments.
From the protective nature to the easygoing spirit, we’ve gathered the most dependable big, friendly dog breeds you can always count on. Get ready to discover your next loyal, loving, and reliable best friend, big dog breed.
Big Friendly Dog Breeds You Can Always Count On
Big dog breeds with hearts as large as their paws, always ready to be your most reliable companion.
1. Neapolitan Mastiff
A Rich History of Protection
Neapolitan Mastiffs were originally bred by the Romans as war dogs and later became protectors of Italian estates, as said by PetMD. Their imposing size and fierce loyalty made them perfect guardians. Today, they’ve shifted to being family protectors, content on the couch.
Gentle Giants
Though massive, Neapolitan Mastiffs are sweet-natured and deeply loyal. They’re reserved around strangers but bond closely with their family. Early socialization is key to helping them become welcoming companions.
Sturdy, Yet Relaxed
With their large, muscular build, Neapolitan Mastiffs are naturally strong. However, they’re more than happy to relax at home, enjoying an active lifestyle. Regular exercise and some backyard roaming keep them in shape.
Training Takes Patience
These big dog breeds can be stubborn, so early training is crucial. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise works best to motivate them. With patience, they grow into well-mannered and devoted companions.
2. Great Pyrenees
A Majestic Protector with a Gentle Heart
Great Pyrenees are large, strong dogs with a serene and affectionate demeanor. Though originally bred as guard dogs, they are known for their deep devotion to family, including kids. They’re gentle, trustworthy, and will fiercely protect their loved ones when needed.
Loyal Companions with a Calm Presence
These dogs are independent by nature, having been bred to work alone in the mountains, but they are also incredibly friendly. With their calm demeanor and fondness for quiet time, they’re ideal companions for families in peaceful homes, especially those with a steady routine.
Gentle Giants with Strong Protective Instincts
With their majestic appearance and calm demeanor, Great Pyrenees are often seen as gentle giants. While they love spending time with their families, they remain ever-vigilant, stepping in to protect when they sense a threat, all while maintaining their friendly nature around those they trust, as per Hill’s Pet.
Training and Grooming: Patience Pays Off
Training these independent dogs requires patience and consistency. While they may not excel in obedience competitions, their loving nature makes them a joy to train over time. Regular brushing helps keep their beautiful coat in shape, though be ready for shedding seasons!
3. Leonberger
A Gentle Giant with a Friendly Heart
Leonbergers are a large dog breed, strong and affectionate dogs known for their calm and friendly nature. Despite their imposing size, they’re incredibly patient with children and other pets. They enjoy playing and interacting with their family, making them a lovable companion.
A Loyal and Patient Family Member
Originally bred as guard dogs, Leonbergers are confident and protective, but they are also remarkably gentle. Their calm demeanor makes them wonderful family pets, though they may be too large for very young children. Proper socialization helps them thrive in family environments.
Majestic Guardians with a Playful Spirit
Though strong and self-assured, Leonbergers are an outgoing dog that surprises many. These large dogs enjoy outdoor activities like swimming and hiking, but they are happiest when spending time with their loved ones.
Their natural affinity for water and their active nature make them excellent companions for adventures.
Patience and Consistency
Training a Leonberger requires patience due to their stubborn streak, but they are intelligent and eager to please. Regular grooming is needed to keep their thick coat in top shape. While they’re not the best at obedience competitions, their loving nature more than makes up for it.
4. Great Dane
The Tallest, Friendliest Giant
Great Danes, known as the “gentle giants,” are massive but incredibly friendly, according to the AKC. Despite their intimidating size, they’re affectionate with family, strangers, and even other pets. Their calm and sociable nature makes them excellent companions for families of all sizes.
Playful and Loving Companions
Though Great Danes enjoy playtime, they have a low energy level and are content to relax after a short burst of activity. Their easy-going temperament makes them great for homes with children, though their size may be overwhelming for smaller kids or seniors.
A Majestic Presence with a Heart of Gold
This tallest dog breed is not just known for their size, but for their loving and confident personality. Their noble appearance, combined with their friendly nature, makes them excellent pets for pet parents who enjoy affection and attention from their humans.
Patience and Socialization
Great Danes are one of the smartest dog breeds and are easy to train, but their size requires early obedience training.
Gentle socialization with people and other animals helps them become well-mannered companions. With proper guidance, they thrive as friendly, calm household members.
5. Bullmastiff
Fearless Protector, Gentle Companion
Bullmastiffs are known for their impressive size and courage, originally bred to guard estates and hunt poachers. At home, they are calm, loving, and deeply loyal to their families. Despite their protective instincts, they are gentle, athletic dogs and affectionate with those they trust.
Loyal, Yet Independent
Though Bullmastiffs are devoted to their owners, they can be wary of strangers and need early socialization to manage their protective nature. They are not overly energetic but enjoy spending time with their family, often preferring the comfort of the sofa over moderate exercise.
A Giant with a Soft Spot
Despite their imposing size, Bullmastiffs often think they’re lap dogs! Their affectionate and playful side makes them a joy to have around, though their guarding instincts mean they need consistent training to ensure they are safe around new people and situations.
Early and Ongoing
Training a Bullmastiff requires patience and consistency. While they aren’t the most obedient, big, fluffy dog breed, early socialization is key to ensuring they are well-behaved and comfortable around strangers. Their loyalty and affection shine through once they’re properly trained and socialized.
6. Newfoundland
Gentle Giants with a Heart of Gold
Newfoundlands, or “Newfies,” are known for their sweet, gentle nature. Despite their large size, they are incredibly friendly and affectionate, especially with children, earning them the nickname “nanny dogs,” as per Britannica. Their calm temperament makes them perfect family companions.
Loyal, Playful, and Protective
These large dogs may not be the most energetic, but they’re always ready to lend a helping paw. Newfoundlands are loyal and protective, often alerting their family to strangers or dangers. While they can be wary of newcomers, they quickly warm up when introduced by their family.
Water Lovers and Natural Swimmers
Originally bred to work alongside fishermen, Newfoundlands are fantastic swimmers. Their thick, water-resistant coat makes them ideal companions for aquatic adventures, and they thrive in environments where they can splash around, whether in pools or lakes.
Easy-Going but Needing Care
Newfoundlands enjoy daily walks and the occasional swim to stay fit, but are happy to relax once they’ve burned off energy.
Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat healthy, and their size means they require proper nutrition to maintain a healthy weight.
7. Saint Bernard
Rescue Heroes with a Gentle Heart
Saint Bernards were originally bred in the Swiss Alps to rescue lost travelers, and they’ve carried that noble, helpful spirit into family life.
Despite their massive size, they are known for their sweet, calm demeanor and make wonderful, highly affectionate companions, especially around children.
A Calm, Family-Friendly Companion
Saint Bernards are friendly, gentle, and love spending time with their family. While they are playful as puppies, they tend to mellow out as they grow older. Their gentle nature makes them excellent family dogs, though early training and socialization are key to managing their size.
Smart and Eager to Please
These intelligent dogs are quick learners, making training easier with positive reinforcement. Though they aren’t known to bark much, they enjoy digging, a trait rooted in their search-and-rescue history. With early guidance, they thrive in a family setting.
Training and Socialization Needs
Due to their large size, Saint Bernards need early training and socialization to ensure they’re well-mannered. Their friendly nature and desire to please make them highly trainable, but patience and consistency are key to helping them adapt and behave calmly.
Conclusion
Big, friendly dog breeds are the ultimate companions, offering both loyalty and affection in abundance. Despite their imposing size, these gentle giants are incredibly affectionate and highly intelligent, making them perfect family pets. They bond deeply with their pet parents and are known for their playful, yet calm nature, especially around small children and other pets.
Originally bred for tasks like guarding and herding, these dogs are natural protectors but are also loving and loyal. With proper training, they can be reliable guard dogs or even cuddly companions. Their gentle nature and strong bonds make them ideal for families seeking a loving, loyal pet.
Though these dog breeds require consistent training, regular grooming, and daily exercise, they thrive on human interaction and crave affection. Whether it’s spending time with family, engaging in dog sports, or simply being a constant presence, these big, fluffy dogs are loyal companions who are always there when you need them.
