They say size doesn’t matter… but when a dog the size of a loveseat climbs into your lap, you start rethinking that theory. Some people love the charm of small dogs, while others believe that nothing beats the presence of a giant dog, which is why they seek out the best giant dog breeds.
These oversized charmers are affectionately called “gentle giants” for a reason — they’re calm, patient, and often think they’re small enough to squeeze between the couch cushions with you.
If your dream dog is big enough to rest their chin on your dining table but sweet enough to let toddlers dress it like a princess, then congratulations — you’re in the right place.
These large breeds aren’t just about brawn. They’re loyal, family-oriented, and just want to be close to their humans, preferably sprawled out like a throw rug at your feet. Before bringing home a big buddy, there are important things to keep in mind. Larger dogs naturally need more of everything: bigger meals, bigger beds, bigger toys, and often, bigger vet bills.
So, grab a lint roller (or twelve), reinforce your furniture, and get ready to meet the dog breeds that prove love — and drool — comes in extra-large.
Friendly Giant Dog Breeds
1. Great Dane
The Great Dane might look like it should be guarding the gates of Olympus, but truth be told, this generally gentle giant is more about hugs than heroics.
These are among the tallest dog breeds that were originally bred to hunt wild boars and guard estates, which makes their laid-back, lap-dog energy even more hilarious today. They’re the kind of dog who’ll follow you from room to room like a loyal shadow—just a very large, horse-sized shadow.
Weight: 110–175 pounds
Height: 28–32 inches
Don’t let their size fool you—they’re famously sweet, gentle with kids, and known for being surprisingly low-energy indoors. As long as they have a comfy bed (read: couch) and a loving family, Great Danes are content to nap, snuggle, and sneak in a few tail-wagging zoomies here and there.
Why Great Danes are America’s favorite gentle giants:
✅ Calm and composed, they bring a peaceful vibe to even the busiest households
✅ Surprisingly low-maintenance for their size—think oversized couch potato
✅ They always attract attention at the park (or literally anywhere)
The average Great Dane life expectancy is shorter than most giant breeds, at just seven to 10 years. The breed is also predisposed to several health issues, including hip dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help manage these risks and keep your gentle giant feeling their best. If you’ve got more space requirements—and maybe a reinforced dog bed—this giant breed brings a ton of love in an XXL package.
2. Irish Wolfhound
If the Great Dane is the showy supermodel of the giant breed world, the Irish Wolfhound is the poetic, scruffy-hearted knight. Originally bred to hunt wolves (hence the name) and guard homesteads, today’s Irish Wolfhounds are laid-back, loyal companions with a heart as big as their frame.
Weight: 105–120 pounds
Height: 30+ inches
Standing tall and proud—often taller than some humans when on their hind legs—Wolfhounds look like they just stepped out of a medieval epic. But don’t let their imposing size fool you. These dogs are gentle to the core.
They’re quiet, polite, and deeply affectionate with their families—more likely to lean on you lovingly than bark at the door. While they may look like they’re auditioning for a fantasy film, these dogs are very real, and very sweet. Just be prepared for some serious leg room requirements—they take lounging very seriously.
Why Irish Wolfhounds are lovable giants:
✅ Naturally calm and mild-mannered, perfect for families who enjoy peace and quiet
✅ Form strong bonds with their people but aren’t overly clingy
✅ Don’t bark much and rarely show aggression—just big softies
✅ Surprisingly graceful for their size, though furniture clearance is recommended
Like many large dog breeds, these gentle giants may seem like couch potatoes—and honestly, they’d love nothing more than to snooze the day away on your sofa. But don’t let the lazy lounge act fool you. To stay truly healthy and happy, they need their fair share of daily exercise, even if it’s just a solid walk around the block.
Think of them as oversized roommates who enjoy both a good nap and a brisk stroll—they’re not demanding, but a bit of movement keeps their bodies strong and their minds content.
3. Scottish Deerhound
If you crossed a shaggy couch blanket with royalty, you’d get the Scottish Deerhound. These long-legged, wiry-coated hounds were once the pride of the Scottish Highlands, bred to chase deer across rugged terrain. Today? They’re more likely to chase sunbeams across your living room floor.
Weight: 75–110 pounds
Height: 28–32 inches
The Scottish Deerhound, often just called the Deerhound, is like the elegant, scruffy cousin of the Greyhound and Irish Wolfhound—a towering, wiry-coated sight hound with a heart as soft as their coat is coarse.
With their lanky, leggy build, they look like they belong in a medieval tapestry chasing stags across misty moors (which, fun fact, is exactly what they were bred to do).
Despite their noble size and history, Deerhounds are known for their gentle and easygoing temperament.
They’re sweet-natured, polite giants who get along with just about everyone. That said, they’re also independent thinkers, meaning training them isn’t impossible—it just takes patience, persistence, and maybe a bit of charm.
Why Scottish Deerhounds are quietly charming giants:
✅ Deeply bonded to their families but gentle and non-demanding
✅ Low aggression and low barkers—silent but noble types
✅ Love outdoor strolls, but equally happy sprawling indoors
✅ Won’t drool all over your guests—but might nap next to them
Hillspet noted like most sighthounds, Deerhounds are sensitive, quiet, and loyal to their inner circle. They’re friendly—but in that polite, reserved way. Don’t expect them to go bananas when guests arrive; they might acknowledge the doorbell with a raised eyebrow and keep snoozing.
And as watchdogs? Let’s just say… they’re not auditioning for security gigs anytime soon.
4. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Don’t mistake this strong, serious-faced giant for a couch potato—the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is all business… until you earn their trust. Bred for centuries in Turkey to guard livestock against predators (we’re talking wolves and bears), these dogs are loyal, independent, and built like tanks.
Weight: 80–150 pounds
Height: 27–32 inches
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are built like tanks—rugged, powerful, and impressively muscular. With a dense coat that’s short and smooth, these guardians can sport nearly any color under the sun, making each one as visually unique as their personality.
While they may not be outwardly affectionate or clingy, Anatolians aren’t cold—they simply value their independence. That said, they still appreciate a bit of playtime and bonding, just on their terms.
Their job was to think for themselves and take action, so if you’re looking for a dog that follows orders like a soldier—well, this one’s more like a self-employed security guard. They may not greet strangers like a Labrador at a block party, but they’ll love their people fiercely and protectively.
Why Anatolian Shepherds are strong but sweet giants:
✅ Built-in watchdog instincts without being overly aggressive
✅ Independent streak and highly intelligent, they don’t need constant attention
✅ Prefer to observe quietly before jumping into the action
✅ Need experienced owners with a calm, confident approach
And yes, they do bark—but it’s usually purposeful. Think “excuse me, there’s someone near the mailbox,” not endless yapping. Early socialization is key—introduce them to a variety of people, sights, and sounds while they’re young, and they’ll grow up to be calm, confident companions.
5. Newfoundland
If the dog world had a lifeguard chair, the Newfoundland would be sitting in it, with a rescue barrel around its neck and a warm smile on its face.
These big-hearted fluffballs were bred to help fishermen in the cold waters of Canada—pulling nets, rescuing drowning sailors, and basically being the Baywatch star of the 1800s.
Weight: 100–150 pounds
Height: 26–28 inches
Newfies are giant, fluffy, and practically made of kindness. They’re especially fond of children and have earned the nickname “nanny dog” for their gentle and protective demeanor. They’re smart, eager to please, and surprisingly graceful in the water, despite their size on land.
Why Newfoundlands are the ultimate gentle giants:
✅ Exceptionally patient and sweet with children—born babysitters
✅ Calm, tolerant, and affectionate with the whole family
✅ Excellent swimmers who genuinely enjoy water (and saving people in it)
✅ Low aggression and great for laid-back households
With a moderate energy level, these big fluffballs don’t need hours of intense exercise, but a good walk or some playtime is essential to keep them happy and healthy.
Newfies have that built-in desire to help. Whether it’s hauling gear, rescuing swimmers, or simply being your oversized shadow around the house, they’re happiest when they have a purpose (even if that purpose is just keeping your feet warm on the couch).
The only “threat” they pose is soaking you with love (and a bit of drool). But hey, with a heart that big, they’re allowed a little slobber.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog might look like a majestic snow-beast, but inside that tricolor coat is a marshmallow soul. These fluffy dogs hail from the chilly pastures of Switzerland, where they pulled carts, herded livestock, and snuggled with farmers after a hard day’s work.
Weight: 70–115 pounds
Height: 23–27.5 inches
Thanks to their thick double coat—a signature swirl of black, white, and rust—Bernese Mountain Dogs are basically walking fluff machines. Gorgeous? Absolutely. But be prepared: they shed. A lot. Like, “I-can-make-a-sweater-out-of-this” levels of fur.
But for those who can handle the fluff, Berners reward you with loyalty, warmth, and enough cuddles to make up for the vacuuming. Just think of grooming time as bonding with benefits.
Today, they’re more likely to herd your family toward the kitchen and pull you straight into a cuddle session. Berners are affectionate, eager to please, and known for their easygoing nature.
As per Britannica, they’re alert enough to bark if something’s up (with a bark deep enough to make Amazon delivery folks reconsider), but don’t expect them to be bodyguards—they’re lovers, not fighters.
Why Bernese Mountain Dogs are a gentle giant’s dream:
✅ Sweet and gentle with kids, seniors, and other pets
✅ Enjoy outdoor play, but also love chilling at your feet
✅ Not prone to barking unless there’s a good reason
✅ Super trainable and responsive to kind leadership
While not ideal for warm climates, give them snow or cool weather, and they come to life like it’s the Winter Olympics. Yes, they shed. Yes, they drool. But when they look at you with those soulful brown eyes, you’ll probably forget all about your lint roller.
7. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is basically the poster dog for mountain rescue and movie star fame. Originally bred by monks in the snowy Alps to locate lost travelers (yes, with a keg around their neck in legends), these massive dogs are known for their gentle, calm, and loyal demeanor, says Purina.
Weight: 120–180 pounds
Height: 26–30 inches
Despite their intimidating size, they’re remarkably mellow indoors. They bond deeply with their families and are surprisingly tolerant with kids, strangers, and even other animals. Just don’t expect them to move fast—unless there’s food involved or someone in danger (which, to be fair, could also involve food).
Why Saint Bernards are lovable alpine giants:
✅ Extremely loyal, affectionate, and relaxed around kids
✅ Protective when needed but not aggressive or yappy
✅ Accepting of other pets and friendly toward visitors
✅ Adaptable indoor dogs with a naturally calm energy
Saints aren’t barky, but they’re protective when it counts. They’ll stand guard with a side of drool and tail wags, ready to love or alert, depending on what’s needed.
8. Leonberger
With a mane worthy of a medieval painting and a heart that could melt an iceberg, the Leonberger is the gentle giant you never knew you needed.
Bred to resemble a lion (yes, really) for European royalty, these dogs bring a noble presence without the royal drama. They’re calm, devoted, and goofy in the best way.
Weight: 90–170 pounds
Height: 25.5–31.5 inches
Leonbergers make amazing family companions and therapy dogs thanks to their affectionate nature and steady temperament. They’re up for a hike, a snow day, or just flopping next to you with the emotional weight of a golden retriever—but 170 pounds heavier.
What makes the Leonberger lovable and larger-than-life:
✅ Sweet-natured, even-tempered, and famously patient with kids
✅ Quietly alert—not overly barky, but definitely aware
✅ Love both outdoor adventures and family couch sessions
✅ Thick double coat means epic shedding, but also epic cuddles
Just know: this is a big dog with big needs. They need space, time for grooming, and a patient training hand (with treats, always). Puppies shouldn’t need enough exercise due to developing joints, but once they’re grown, expect long walks, romps in the yard, and the occasional gentle splash in a lake.
9. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees looks like a snow-dusted cloud and acts like a zen master wrapped in fur. Bred as farm dogs to guard livestock in the rugged Pyrenees Mountains, these majestic white giants are calm, loyal, and fiercely protective of their flock, whether that’s sheep or your kids.
Weight: 85+ pounds
Height: 25–32 inches
They rarely bark without a reason, but they’ll absolutely let you know if someone shady approaches. Otherwise, they’re all about peace, quiet, and soft pats behind the ears, says the Great Pyrenees Club of America. This is a dog who doesn’t need constant praise or play—just a comfy spot and a watchful view of the backyard.
Why Great Pyrenees are the calm titans of the dog world:
✅ Loyal guardians with a calm, composed energy
✅ Majestic, snow-white coat and strong protective instincts
✅ Independent, yet affectionate with family
✅ Big floofs who love winter and cool climates
Despite their chill demeanor, they’re independent thinkers. Training takes patience (and some persuasive snacks), but their devotion runs deep once bonded. And yes, they shed—like they’re preparing fur coats for the whole family.
Conclusion
Other friendly giant dog breeds like the French Mastiff (also known as the Dogue de Bordeaux) and Tibetan Mastiff may look intimidating, but they often have even bigger hearts. These working dogs were once companions to stranded travelers, and while their temperament is protective, with proper obedience training, they make loyal friends, even around small children.
Though they may cause trouble without structure, these guard dogs are a great example of how a gentle giant can protect and love deeply. Whether an active breed with floppy ears or a calm companion needing regular grooming, they stand out from other dogs as truly one-of-a-kind furry friends.
