Meta: Big dogs can be the best cuddle buddies; don’t let their size scare you. This list contains dogs that are incredibly affectionate despite their impressive stature and big bones.
Big dogs often forget their size and act like oversized lap pups. No matter if they weigh over 100 pounds, they’ll still curl up on you like they’re tiny—and that just makes them even more endearing.
These gentle giants stay clear of drama and prefer a calm, easygoing life. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal companions for anxious folks or households with kids. They don’t need to do much to win hearts—just being around is enough to make everything feel more comforting.
Keep reading to know which large dog breeds are surprisingly soft; your next gentle giant might be on the list.
Dog Breeds That Are Surprisingly Gentle Giants
1. Tibetan Mastiff
Mastiff dogs exude grace and love, despite their massive frames. The Tibetan Mastiff looks like a mini lion with features so striking, it looks intimidating and cuddly at the same time.
The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with records dating back to 1100 BCE, as it was initially bred to guard livestock and Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas, as per PetMD.
Its roots go back thousands of years, and it still carries the calm, watchful nature of a true protector. It’s a big dog; strong, powerful, and covered in a thick, fluffy coat. A Tibetan Mastiff has a broad head, a mane-like ruff around the neck, and a long tail that curls over its back.
But despite the size and bold looks, the Mastiff dog is incredibly mellow indoors. It is calm, loving, and loyal at home.
It will quietly follow you from room to room, lie near your feet, and rest its big head on your lap. It doesn’t demand attention all the time, but it stays close, proving that you’re always needed.
2. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees were initially herding dogs bred between France and Spain because of their watchful and alert nature. This dog has always been strong and dependable, as it was expected to handle tough terrain and keep predators away.
But the past aside, you’ll be surprised how mellow and gentle this dog is at home. It’s a large breed, sure. Males weigh over 100 pounds and stand over 27 inches tall, but don’t let that phase you because they have hearts made of marshmallows.
Pyrenees’ thick, fluffy white coats look like snow capes, and their calm brown eyes give a peaceful expression. But even with that size, the Great Pyrenees is never loud or wild indoors.
It’s not noisy, lies near you or across a hallway, and watches over the house like it’s still guarding a mountain flock; no wonder the AKC calls these steadfast guardians.
3. Newfoundland
This teddy-bear looking dog is so sweet and caring that it’s lovingly called ‘nanny dog’ because its heart is as big as its size. Newfoundland dogs were bred to pull carts, but they were also treasured as excellent water dogs, according to Purina.
This dog can weigh up to 150 pounds and be about 28 inches tall. But under all that bulk, the Newfie is a soft, slow-moving, cuddle-ready fluffball. Its thick, waterproof coat comes in black, brown, gray, or a black-and-white version called Landseer.
Newfoundland is one of the most patient dog breeds you’ll ever meet. Children can lean on it, climb around it, and it won’t flinch. It won’t bark much either; maybe a low “woof” if something’s going on outside, but otherwise, it just chills near your feet or across your living room like a snoring rug.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
Mountain dogs are shaped by altitude, and strength is in their bones, but that doesn’t take away from them being famously gentle and great companions.
Bernese Mountain Dogs can weigh up to 115 pounds, but their looks are as gentle as their nature. They have a silky coat that’s mostly black with rust-colored eyebrows, white on the chest, and a white line down the nose. They stand tall and look strong, but act like giant teddy bears.
Berners are friendly and peaceful around the house, proving their suitability as family members. These mountain dogs quietly lie next to the couch while you relax, or gently lean on you when they want affection. They read the room well; if it’s calm, they’re calm.
5. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is one of the large dog breeds bred in the mountains. This powerful breed began life 1,000 meters up in the Swiss Alps, working with monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice to sniff out lost travelers and drag them to safety.
Britannica mentions one famous dog at the Hospice, Barry, who saved over 40 lives on his own, which shows that courage can come in fluffy coats. Today, Saints are loved as pets as well as the most popular service dogs because of their easy trainability.
Saint Bernard dogs can be over 170 pounds heavy and 30 inches tall. Regardless of their size, these dogs are sweet and love being around people. Their big brown eyes, floppy ears, and soft jowls give them a kind and gentle look.
Inside the house, this dog moves slowly and doesn’t bark for no reason. Many owners say their Saint walks from room to room at night to check on everyone before settling down.
6. Leonberger
The Leonberger was bred in Germany to look like a lion; big, proud, and strong, but with a heart that’s soft and loyal. It’s a mix of Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Great Pyrenees, which explains why it’s so friendly.
This breed’s males can weigh between 90 and 170 pounds and be up to 31 inches tall. It has a thick double coat in golden shades with a black mask on the face.
Males even grow a mane around their neck that gives them that famous lion-like look. Leonbergers have strong builds, webbed feet, and coats that repel water, making them great swimmers.
Leonbergers are all about love and loyalty; they’re kind and very attached to their families. They’re not the type to sit in a kennel all day, as they want to be where their people are.
They’re gentle with kids after early socialization, kind to strangers, and even known to break up arguments just because they don’t like tension.
7. Irish Wolfhound
Long before Ireland had paved roads, warriors kept mighty “cú faoil” at their sides to hunt wolves and elk and to guard homesteads, as per the American Kennel Club. By the 15th century, these tall dogs were prized across Europe for power and grace.
Today, they’re known more for their soft personality than their past as hunters. Wolfhounds have long legs, a rough coat (mostly gray or brindle), and thoughtful eyes.
But what stands out most is how calm and loving they are around the house. They walk slowly and rarely bark. You’ll find them lying at your feet or resting their big head on your lap just to feel close; what else do you need to feel loved?
Irish Wolfhounds love walks and open spaces, but they don’t need heavy regular exercise. A short run around the yard and a calm walk are enough.
8. Scottish Deerhound
Scottish chiefs bred these Deerhounds centuries ago to bring down 400‑pound red deer on open moorland, according to Wikipedia.
At the time, only nobles could own one, which is why Sir Walter Scott’s beloved Deerhound Maida stands immortalized beside his statue in Edinburgh.
And that royal-ish history still reflects in these dogs’ aura. This scruffy supermodel is tall (around 28 to 32 inches at the shoulder) but not bulky. It has slender legs, a deep chest, and a wiry gray coat that dries fast after rain.
Despite its hunting background, the Deerhound is peaceful at home. It doesn’t bark for no reason, doesn’t beg for attention, and simply wants to be near you.
9. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd dog is a big, watchful protector with a soft side. The Anatolian Shepherd comes from the highlands of Turkey, where it’s been protecting livestock for thousands of years. This breed was trusted to watch over flocks alone, day and night, in all weather, sometimes with no human nearby.
As a result, it’s fast, tough, and incredibly smart. These dogs were bred to handle serious threats like wolves and bears, and they still carry that strength and confidence today.
A full-grown male Anatolian Shepherd can weigh up to 150 pounds and stand around 29 inches tall. They have a strong frame, loose skin around the neck for protection, and a thick coat that helps them handle both heat and cold. Most have a light fawn coat with a black mask—that classic Anatolian look.
But here’s what people don’t expect: at home, this dog is a respectful fluffball. No drama, no chaos, and no noise. Anatolians are serious about protecting their people. If someone unfamiliar comes near, they’ll step in between you without being aggressive.
Conclusion
Life feels fuller with a gentle dog by your side. They don’t crowd your space or demand too much; they’re just there to be loved on. You care for them, and they care right back in their calm way.
You never really feel alone with these gentle giants around. They become part of your routine, comfort, and what makes your home feel like home. They are extremely lovable giant dogs who are there for you all the time. They keep a keen eye on your territory to keep you safe from all kinds of danger.
