Bringing home a big dog is a little like adding a living, breathing teddy bear to your family—just with a lot more personality (and probably a lot more fur on your couch).
Large dogs may look imposing, but many are famous for their gentle hearts and incredible patience, making them wonderful companions for families and even first-time dog parents.
Of course, choosing an enormous dog isn’t just about falling in love with those sweet eyes and oversized paws. It’s about making sure the dog’s temperament, energy level, and care needs fit seamlessly with your lifestyle.
Whether you live in a bustling household full of kids or you’re a first-time dog owner who simply dreams of a gentle giant by your side, understanding what life with a large breed truly looks like will help you make the best choice.
So before you welcome your next oversized family member, let’s explore what makes these large dog breeds such lovable, loyal additions to any home.
Key Takeaways
Meet gentle giants like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Dane, and see why families can’t resist their sweet nature.
Get to know big favorites such as the Irish Wolfhound, Great Pyrenees, and Bernese Mountain Dog to find the right fit for your home.
Compare active adventurers like the Leonberger with calmer couch-loving giants to match your lifestyle.
Learn what giant breeds really need—from training to space and care—so first-time owners feel confident bringing one home.
Enormous Dog Breeds for Families and First-Timers
1. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are one of the most iconic giant dogs in the world, and they’re often the first breed people imagine when they think of gentle giants. Originally trained by monks for avalanche search-and-rescue missions, these dogs helped save an estimated 2,000 lives over 300 years.
As family dogs, Saint Bernards are affectionate, loyal, and famously patient. They’re sometimes called “nanny dogs” because they’re so gentle with kids.
They are mellow and easygoing, yet they can be coaxed into playtime with no trouble at all. Their rescue-dog instincts still show up in fun ways—many Saints love snow and enjoy digging, so it’s good to watch them when they’re outside.
For first-time owners who want a huge but warmhearted companion, Saint Bernards are a natural fit. They shed, drool, and slobber quite a bit, and young Saints can be energetic before settling down with age. But their temperament is steady, loving, and perfect for families who want a calm giant by their side.
Quick things to know
Very gentle with children
Low prey drive
Enjoys snow, digging, and outdoor play
Highly responsive to training
2. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the most impressive giant breeds you’ll ever meet. Originally bred to hunt wolves, these dogs look powerful but have surprisingly soft and gentle personalities.
They’re known for their calm nature and affectionate temperament, making them a lovely match for families who want an enormous dog with a peaceful presence. These dogs also grow incredibly fast—puppies can gain almost a pound a day during their early months.
Despite their hunting background, Irish Wolfhounds are quiet in the home and enjoy a relaxed environment. They respond best to positive reinforcement and often have sensitive personalities, so a gentle training style works best.
Daily exercise is important, as their hound instincts make them enjoy exploring and chasing. Their long legs also mean they can easily reach countertops, so keep food out of sight unless you want to lose your snack.
Purina mentions that Irish Wolfhounds are also fairly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their wiry coat sheds, but not seasonally like many double-coated breeds.
However, they are prone to serious health issues such as hip dysplasia and GDV, and they have a shorter lifespan, which is something first-time owners should consider. Still, for active families who want a loving, laid-back giant, this breed is a true sweetheart.
Quick things to know
Calm, gentle, and very affectionate
Sensitive nature; responds well to positive training
Needs daily exercise and room to stretch
Grows extremely fast as a puppy
Prone to serious health problems and shorter lifespans
3. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland, often called the “Newfie,” is one of the most loving and gentle giant dogs you can bring home. These massive pups were originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, where they pulled carts, hauled nets for fishermen, and worked as water-rescue dogs, as mentioned by WebMD.
Their strong swimming instinct is still obvious today—they’ll happily splash around whenever they get the chance, as long as a nice long nap follows. Beneath all that fluffy fur is a steady dog whose calm temperament makes it comforting in home settings.
Families love Newfies because of their reputation as “nanny dogs.” They are watchful, kind, and very accepting of kids. These dogs enjoy being given a task and respond well to consistent training. They aren’t overly active, but they do enjoy swim outings and cool-weather walks.
Indoors, they are gentle companions that love being close to their people. However, they shed a lot, drool often, and do not tolerate hot temperatures well. Their size also makes apartment living difficult, so they fit best in homes with plenty of space.
For first-time owners who want a warmhearted, easygoing giant, the Newfoundland is a true favorite. But they do come with responsibilities. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, and they are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia, bloat, and hypothyroidism.
Quick things to know
Extremely gentle and patient with kids
Loves swimming and water activities
Needs regular grooming and plenty of space
Prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, and thyroid issues
Not suitable for hot climates
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, often called the “Berner,” is a gentle giant with a long history as a hardworking Swiss farm dog. These loyal pups once pulled carts, herded cattle, and even helped rescue travelers in the Alps.
Today, they’re beloved family companions known for their calm nature, sweet temperament, and willingness to be part of every family activity. Despite their impressive size, they are gentle with very young children and naturally protective without being aggressive.
Berners are affectionate, intelligent, and eager to please, which makes training easier—especially when using positive reinforcement. They do take longer to mature, so patience is important during their puppy years. This active working breed needs daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Like many giant breeds, they can be prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia and generally have a shorter lifespan. But with kind handling, space to roam, and consistent care, the Bernese Mountain Dog will reward you with endless loyalty, affection, and steady companionship.
Quick things to know
Gentle, affectionate, and great with kids
Needs daily exercise and mental stimulation
Thick double coat sheds heavily
Prefers cool climates
Prone to health issues and shorter lifespans
5. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a calm and gentle giant dog breed with a long history as a livestock guardian. Originally bred to watch over sheep and cattle in the Pyrenees Mountains, this dog takes protecting its family very seriously.
Despite their quiet and relaxed nature at home, they are strong, fast, and incredibly loyal. These dogs are known for being affectionate with children and can live peacefully with cats and other dogs.
Because of their independent past, Great Pyrenees can be strong-willed. Early training and socialization help a lot, especially for first-time owners. They are not overly playful and prefer to save their energy for watching over the home.
But they do enjoy outdoor adventures, daily walks, and hikes with their favorite people. At home, they are gentle, steady companions who love being part of the family.
Their thick coat sheds heavily, but grooming needs are surprisingly simple. A regular brushing routine will keep their coat manageable. They don’t require constant activity, but they do need space and a family that understands their guardian instincts.
Quick things to know
Calm, affectionate, and great with kids
Strong guardian instincts
Heavy shedding but minimal grooming needs
Benefits from early training and socialization
Enjoys long walks and outdoor time
6. Great Dane
The Great Dane is often called the “gentle giant,” and it’s easy to see why. These dogs are huge but calm, affectionate, and incredibly loyal. Despite their size, they only need moderate exercise once they’re past puppyhood.
Originally bred in Germany to hunt and guard estates, they have no true connection to Denmark—the “Dane” name remains a mystery, according to PetMD. Today, they’re known for their quiet nature, soft temperament, and love for being close to their families.
Great Danes adore both young and older children and are usually friendly with everyone they meet. Their size, however, means accidental bumps or knock-overs can happen, so supervision is important. Proper training and early socialization help them grow into polite and confident adults.
They don’t bark much and are typically very easygoing. But they do need plenty of space to stretch out—these dogs love being near their people and often try to sit in your lap. They also shed lightly and benefit from moderate grooming.
Quick things to know
Calm, patient, and great with kids
Needs early socialization and puppy training
Requires plenty of space and close family contact
Prone to bloat and heart issues
Light shedding and moderate grooming needs
7. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a majestic and powerful working dog with a calm, affectionate nature. Initially bred as a companion for European royalty, this giant breed once sat beside historical figures like Napoleon III and Tsar Alexander II.
This breed enjoys having a job to do and thrives when given regular outdoor activities. Leonbergers love water sports, hiking, and pulling tasks. Their waterproof coat and athletic build make them strong swimmers. They are friendly with people but can also be reliable watchdogs.
However, they don’t always get along with dogs of the same gender, so early socialization is important. They also prefer cooler climates, as their dense double coat can make hot weather uncomfortable.
Families choosing a Leonberger should be prepared for heavy shedding and significant grooming needs. Their luxurious coat requires daily brushing, and their nails need frequent clipping.
They are also prone to joint issues and heart disease, and have a shorter lifespan of around seven years. Still, for families who want a giant, loving, and loyal companion, the Leonberger brings both beauty and warmth to the home.
Quick things to know
Gentle, intuitive, and wonderful with kids
Enjoys outdoor activities and water sports
Heavy shedding, so daily grooming is required
May not get along with same-gender dogs
Prone to joint and heart issues and prefers cool climates
Conclusion
Choosing from the best large dog breeds is a big decision, but these gentle giants often prove to be some of the best dog breeds for families and pet parents of all kinds. While small dogs have their charm, there’s something special about big pups with bulky bodies, massive frames, and calm hearts.
Some are highly trainable, others make wonderful therapy dogs, and many fit perfectly into an active lifestyle with more exercise and regular walks. Even at first glance, their massive size can be surprising, but with proper care, these dogs become incredibly well-behaved and deeply loyal.
With the right environment and consistent veterinary care, any of these gentle giants can become the perfect match for your family. And with so many other breeds to explore, you’re sure to find an excellent companion who fits your life, your home, and your heart.
Looking for more options? The Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Basset Hound, Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Malamute also make excellent family dogs.
