Have you ever looked at your pup and thought, “Wow, what big paws you have”? In the world of dogs, big paws often hint at an even bigger personality—and sometimes a giant breed behind them. These large breeds aren’t just adorable; their oversized paws tell stories of strength, energy, and a lifestyle that often includes snow, mountains, and gentle family fun.
While small dogs are all the rage these days, the largest dog breeds still hold a special place in many hearts and homes. Did you know that the average adult male hand is about 3.5 inches wide? Giant breeds like Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands often have paw widths larger than that, meaning their paws can be noticeably larger than a grown person’s hand
So if you’re a pet lover with a big heart (and maybe a little extra room in your house), you might just fall in love with these dogs that are as loving as they are large. Let’s take a look at the top seven dog breeds that are big on love, loyalty, and leave paw prints all over your life!
Dog Breeds With Adorably Oversized Paws
1. Great Pyrenees
Key Features of the Great Pyrenees
Origin: Pyrenean Mountains (France-Spain border)
Group: Working
Weight: Over 85 pounds
Height: 25 to 32 inches
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
The Great Pyrenees is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. These dogs aren’t just big—they’re loving, affectionate, and surprisingly gentle, despite their imposing, polar bear-like appearance.
One of the most fascinating things about the Great Pyrenees is their enormous paws, which are truly built for the purpose. In snowy mountain terrain, their paws act like natural snowshoes, helping them walk without sinking and offering exceptional traction.
Oh—and if you’ve ever had a Great Pyrenees sit beside you, you might already be familiar with the “Pyr Paw”. This is their charming way of saying, “Hey, human, pay attention!” as they gently rest one of their huge paws in your lap.
2. Great Dane
Key Features of the Great Dane
Origin: Germany; also linked to ancient Assyrian tribes
Group: Working
Weight: 110 to 175 pounds
Height: 28 to 32 inches
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
Another “Great” on our list, the Great Dane is truly a showstopper. AKC says that they are often called the “Apollo of Dogs.” This breed is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, known for its towering height, graceful body, and, of course, huge paws.
Great Danes were originally bred to hunt wild boars. Their strong paws gave them the stability and traction they needed while chasing prey over rough terrain. Some have even developed webbed paws, giving them an advantage when moving through water, mud, or snow, making them more versatile than many imagine.
Despite their size, Great Danes are incredibly loyal and gentle dogs. They’re protective of their family, affectionate with their owners, and generally eager to please.
3. Newfoundland
Key Features of the Newfoundland
Origin: Newfoundland, Canada
Group: Working
Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Life Expectancy: 9 to 10 years
The Newfoundland is one of the most loving, gentle, and sweet dog breeds you’ll ever meet—and yes, they’ve got some of the biggest paws around! These large dogs are natural swimmers with webbed feet that make them incredibly powerful and efficient in the water.
Britannica mentions that this breed is believed to be a cross between Mastiffs, Pyrenean Sheepdogs, and Portuguese Water Dogs. Back in the 1800s, they were so reliable in water rescue that every British lifeguard station was required to have one for emergencies.
Built for cold weather and tough tasks, Newfoundlands were used by fishermen to retrieve fishing nets, tow boats, and even rescue people from drowning.
Their huge paws are essential to support their large body, help them stay balanced on land, and power through cold waters with ease. Covered in thick, water-resistant fur, their paws often appear even larger than they are.
4. Saint Bernard
Key Features of the Saint Bernard
Origin: Swiss and Italian Alps
Group: Working
Weight: 120 to 180 pounds
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
The Saint Bernard is one of the most iconic dog breeds in the world, known not just for its massive body and gentle nature but also for its enormous paws, which play a crucial role in its storied history.
This breed was carefully developed by hospice monks in the late 17th century at the Great Saint Bernard Pass to perform life-saving search and rescue missions in harsh, snowy conditions.
These big dogs can weigh up to 180 lbs, and their paws are proportionately huge, spanning over six inches wide. Designed like natural snowshoes, their paws help distribute their weight evenly, keeping them from sinking into deep snow.
The combination of large paw pads and webbed toes provides traction and stability on slippery, mountainous terrain.
Despite their giant size, Saint Bernards are affectionate dogs that are devoted to their families. Their calm, friendly demeanor has earned them a reputation as loving and loyal companions.
5. Irish Wolfhound
Key Features of the Irish Wolfhound:
Origin: Ancient Ireland
Group: Working
Weight: 105 to 120 pounds
Height: Over 30 inches
Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years
The Irish Wolfhound is a breed that’s as legendary as it is large. Known as one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, this majestic dog is instantly recognizable, not just for its noble appearance but for its massive paws that reflect both its historical role and physical strength.
Their large, well-padded paws were essential tools of survival and success, providing the stability, speed, and endurance needed to chase prey across the rugged Irish countryside. These paws also help absorb impact, protecting the dog’s joints and bones while running across varying terrain.
Despite their intimidating size, Irish Wolfhounds are incredibly gentle, friendly, and deeply loyal. They’re the definition of a gentle giant—loving toward their owners and easy-going in temperament.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Key Features of the Bernese Mountain Dog
Origin: Swiss Alps
Group: Working
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Height: 23 to 27.5 inches
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
The Bernese Mountain Dog, with its signature tri-colored coat, is more than just a beautiful breed—it’s a hardworking, gentle giant with big paws that tell the story of its rugged origins.
Their large, strong paws were essential for climbing steep slopes, trudging through snow, and maintaining balance on rocky terrain.
These paws gave them the stability and grip needed to perform demanding labor day in and day out. Today, those same paws still reflect their strength, endurance, and working spirit.
Despite their powerful frame and big presence, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their calm, affectionate, and gentle personalities. PDSA states that these pups are known as “gentle giants,” and they form deep bonds with their families and thrive in loving and structured environments.
7. Leonberger
Key Features of the Leonbergers
Origin: 19th-century Leonberg, Germany
Group: Working
Weight: 90 to 170 pounds
Height: 25.5 to 31.5 inches
Life Expectancy: 7 years
The Leonberger is a majestic, giant breed that effortlessly combines power, elegance, and warmth. This breed was created to resemble the lion—and it does just that, with a thick mane-like coat and massive, webbed paws that are as functional as they are striking.
These big paws are one of the Leonberger’s most distinguishing features, supporting its large frame and helping it perform a variety of historical tasks. Bred as a versatile working and family dog, the Leonberger was used for cart pulling, herding, and water rescues.
The webbing between their toes allows them to be strong swimmers, while the size and strength of their paws give them excellent traction and stability on snow, ice, or rugged farmland.
Despite their lion-like looks, Leonbergers are incredibly gentle, friendly, and deeply devoted to their families. They thrive in homes where they can be close to their owners, offering loyalty and affection in equal measure.
Conclusion
In the world of dogs, size truly leaves a lasting impression, especially when it comes to those massive paws. From the snowy trails of the Swiss Alps to the windy hills of Ireland, these big dogs have evolved with feet that often rival the size of an adult human’s hand. And while their sheer size might seem intimidating at first glance, their playful, gentle nature often surprises those meeting them for the first time.
Watching a puppy stumble over its oversized paws, knowing that one day it will grow into a powerful yet loving protector, is enough to bring a smile to any owner’s face. These dogs aren’t just big in body—they’re big in heart, big in loyalty, and big in the joy they bring to the families they’re part of. Whether you’re drawn to their strength, their purpose, or their undeniable charm, these breeds with big paws prove that sometimes, the bigger the paw print, the deeper the bond!
