Big dog, bigger heart. That’s the vibe when it comes to giant dog breeds with a surprising twist—they’re not just massive, they’re total softies. If you’re imagining intimidating guard dogs that tower like horses, think again. Many of the world’s largest breeds are actually the friendliest, goofiest, most affectionate companions you could ever meet.
Whether you’re into dogs that double as weighted blankets or just love the idea of a huggable beast with paws the size of your face, giant breeds bring the love. They’re known for their calm temperaments, loyalty, and the kind of gentle nature that makes them ideal for families, including those with kids. And yes, they take up half the couch—but they’ll gladly share it with you.
In this blog, we’re diving deep into the world of giant dog breeds that are all about love over intimidation. From fuzzy Newfoundland cuddle monsters to goofy Saint Bernards and laid-back Irish Wolfhounds, let’s meet some large dog breeds with the warmest hearts.
Friendliest Giant Dog Breeds
1. Bullmastiff
Don’t be fooled by the solid, bouncer-like build—Bullmastiffs are gentle guardians with a soft spot for their people.
Originally bred to protect English estates from poachers, these dogs were trained to track quietly and pin intruders without harming them. That instinct still exists today in their calm, affectionate nature, especially with their families.
Bullmastiffs are known for their quiet confidence.
They don’t bark much and are content being wherever you are. While they’re protective, they’re also incredibly tolerant, especially with kids, making them excellent family dogs. Just don’t expect them to fetch balls or run laps—these mellow companions prefer lounging to sprinting.
One of their most lovable qualities is their loyalty. Bullmastiffs form strong bonds with their humans and often shadow you around the house like a 130-pound bodyguard with separation anxiety. They’re affectionate without being needy, and protective without being aggressive.
If you want a calm dog who’s big on love and low on drama, the Bullmastiff is a cuddle titan in a tough-guy suit.
2. Newfoundland
If you’ve ever wanted a living teddy bear that swims like Michael Phelps, meet the Newfoundland—aka “Newfie” to fans and followers.
These gentle giants were bred as working dogs in Canada, particularly to help pull fishing nets and save people from drowning. Their water-resistant coats and natural swimming ability are impressive, but it’s their sweet-natured disposition that steals hearts.
Newfoundlands are famously great with kids, so much so they’re often called “nanny dogs.”
As per the American Kennel Club (AKC), they’re patient, tolerant, and surprisingly aware of their size, traits that make them amazing family pets. They’re affectionate without being hyper and protective without being intimidating. Think of them as one of the best giant breed babysitters with fur.
What’s even more heart-melting?
Their emotional intelligence.
These affectionate dogs often pick up on moods and offer silent support (with drool). They’re incredibly loyal, thrive on companionship, and yes, they do take up half the couch—but they’ll leave you the good half.
3. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is the canine equivalent of a gentle giant with a soul full of marshmallows.
These colossal dogs can weigh up to 230 pounds, but they have the emotional softness of a lapdog. In fact, many don’t realize how big they are, and will absolutely try to sit on you like it’s no big deal.
Historically bred for guarding estates and even fighting lions (yep, lions), today’s Mastiffs are much more into Netflix than warfare. They’re mellow, affectionate, and known for being incredibly loyal and tolerant.
They’re not barky or hyper—they’re chill, quiet, and steady. If you want a dog who brings calm, not chaos, into your home, this is your gentle colossus.
Mastiffs thrive on closeness, as Britannica mentions. They’re emotionally tuned in, great with kids, and surprisingly sensitive. They do best in homes with space (you’ll thank yourself) and families who appreciate a slower, sweeter pace of life.
If you want an extremely loyal dog with a heart as big as its head, the English Mastiff is a legend in size and soul.
4. Saint Bernard
Forget Beethoven the movie—Saint Bernards are even more lovable in real life.
Originally bred to rescue stranded travelers in the Swiss Alps, these dogs are gentle giants with a big rescue instinct and an even bigger heart. Despite their massive build (up to 180 pounds), they are famously patient, especially around kids and other animals.
Their calm, slow-moving nature makes them fantastic family companions.
They don’t need constant stimulation or exercise, and they’re perfectly content hanging out wherever their people are, preferably lying across your feet or taking up the entire hallway.
They are loving, affectionate, and known for their sweet, slobbery kisses (yep, the drool is real).
They also have a protective streak, but not in an aggressive way. They’ll stand between you and danger if needed, but they’re more likely to greet strangers with curiosity and wagging tails than intimidation.
If you’re looking for a devoted, family-friendly giant who’s equal parts teddy bear and snow-savvy lifesaver, the Saint Bernard delivers the love, plus a little extra slobber.
5. Leonberger
Looking for a lion-lookalike with the heart of a golden retriever? Meet the Leonberger, a majestic, fluffy powerhouse that can weigh up to 170 pounds—and somehow still thinks it’s a lapdog.
Developed and bred in Germany to resemble a lion, the Leonberger was a favorite among European royals and nobles for their beauty, strength, and incredibly gentle disposition.
What sets them apart is how affectionate and social they are. They crave family time and thrive on being included in everything—from hikes to backyard barbecues to lazy Sunday snuggles.
Their calm, patient personality makes them a great match for kids, seniors, and everyone in between. With proper training and socialization, they’re some of the friendliest dogs you’ll ever meet.
Don’t let the mane-like coat scare you—it’s surprisingly manageable with regular brushing. Leonbergers are also surprisingly agile for their size and enjoy swimming and light outdoor play.
They’re gentle protectors, goofy playmates, and faithful companions who’ll guard your heart more than your home. If you want a lion-sized best friend who’s all heart, the Leo’s got your back.
6. Irish Wolfhound
If a Tolkien character came to life as a dog, it would be the Irish Wolfhound.
Towering at up to 34 inches tall, they’re the tallest dog breed in the world—but also one of the most tender-hearted.
Despite their history as wolf hunters and war dogs, today’s Wolfhounds are all about calm vibes, quiet loyalty, and deeply affectionate bonds with their humans.
WebMD says they are gentle to their core. They’re known for being reserved, polite, and deeply empathetic. They’re great with kids, good with strangers, and surprisingly peaceful around other pets.
Their size alone is often enough to deter threats, but these dogs are way more likely to nuzzle than to bark.
They do need space—physically and emotionally. Wolfhounds enjoy calm environments, soft beds, and gentle walks. While they’re not couch-potato lazy, they’re far from high-energy. Their hearts are as big as their frames, and they form fast, loyal bonds with their families.
7. Spanish Mastiff
Massive, majestic, and full of mellow charm, the Spanish Mastiff is one of the lesser-known giants on this list—but definitely one of the most lovable.
Used to protect livestock from predators like wolves and bears, this breed is as calm as it is courageous. These dogs can weigh well over 200 pounds, but they carry themselves with a quiet dignity and slow, friendly swagger.
Spanish Mastiffs are incredibly affectionate with their families and great with children, often described as calm and wise beyond their years. They’re not overly clingy but enjoy being close to their people, observing with thoughtful eyes and occasionally offering a nudge or a paw just to say “I’m here.”
Though protective, they’re not aggressive without reason. With proper socialization, they’re polite to strangers and incredibly tolerant.
They need space—both for stretching out and for personal autonomy—but if you’ve got a yard and a big heart, the Spanish Mastiff is a soulful, sweet-natured guardian who’ll watch over your world with quiet love.
Conclusion
Giant dog breeds have an undeniable presence, but it’s not just about size. Beneath their towering frames and massive paws lie some of the kindest, most emotionally in-tune souls in the dog world. These gentle giants don’t bark for attention—they earn it through loyalty, affection, and an almost magical ability to comfort and protect.
From the loyal Bullmastiff to the poetic Irish Wolfhound, each of these breeds proves that big dogs can be incredibly sweet, sensitive, and downright huggable. They thrive in homes where love flows freely, kids run wild (with supervision, of course), and snuggles are a daily ritual—even if they take up half the couch.
The Bernese mountain dog, Great Dane, French mastiff, Great Pyrenees, and Dogue de Bordeaux are also some other dogs that are extremely friendly.
If you’ve got space in your home—and your heart—these friendly giants are ready to fill both. Because at the end of the day, nothing compares to a best friend you can hug with both arms
