When we think of giant dog breeds, usually an aggressive pooch comes to mind. There are many misconceptions about large dogs. However, like their size, they have big personalities as well. Giant dogs are incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them.
Their calm personality and serene temperament have earned them the title of ‘gentle giants.’ They have an affectionate nature and are very perceptive. These canines understand subtle changes in their owner’s moods and emotions and make excellent therapy dogs.
They tend to be patient around kids, and some are even called ‘nanny dogs’ due to their affinity for children. These loving companions don’t mind cuddling their owners. Like all other breeds, they need proper training and socialization to turn into well-behaved pets.
Have a look at these top 7 gentle giant dog breeds you’ll want to cuddle.
Top Gentle Giant Dog Breeds You’ll Want to Cuddle
1. Newfoundland
Newfoundland dogs, affectionately known as Newfies, are loving companions and outstanding working dogs. The American Kennel Club describes them as devoted, sweet, and patient canines. Their watchful personality and affinity for kids have earned them the title of ‘nanny dogs.’
Despite being one of the largest dog breeds, Newfies are docile and friendly dogs. Puppies look like cuddly teddy bears. They need moderate regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. At least half an hour of daily activity is needed to stay fit.
Their webbed feet and thick double coats make them ideal swimming companions. Newfies get along nicely with other pets and love to be around their family members. You can also take them on long walks and hikes.
Newfies love taking part in canine sports like agility, dock jumping, flyball, herding, obedience, and tracking. They are better suited for colder climates.
2. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are gentle and intelligent dogs who love to snuggle. Being a large dog breed, they look a bit imposing and can scare away intruders with their mere presence. However, Saint Bernards have a calm presence.
They are incredibly loyal companions who bond tightly with their owners, but tend to be wary of strangers. This, combined with their protective instincts, makes them excellent guard dogs. Saint Bernards are true gentle giants with big hearts.
They make loving family pets and get along nicely with kids. Sometimes they do not understand how big they are. So, early training and proper socialization are a must to keep them under control. Despite their intimidating size, Saint Bernards love to cuddle.
They are very smart and learn quickly. Saint Bernards are serving as service dogs and excel at search-and-rescue tasks. They have a mellow demeanor, but can be hard to handle due to their size, according to PetMD.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are friendly and affectionate canines who thrive on companionship. These beautiful tri-colored dogs possess playful energy and make wonderful companions for homes with adults and children.
Originally bred as all-purpose farm dogs, Berners have a protective nature. They are not as intimidating as some other breeds and tend to be very calm. Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants who love kids and get along nicely with other dogs.
They make great cuddle buddies, but are not well-suited for everyone. Berners can be excessive barkers, and their thick coats need regular grooming. Sometimes they are not aware of their size and may accidentally knock down smaller children.
That is why Bernese Mountain Dogs are better suited for households with older children. They have moderate exercise needs, but need lots of space to roam.
4. Leonberger
Leonbergers are thick-coated, gentle giants recognized by their lion-like appearance and webbed feet. Their gentle disposition, high intelligence, and noble character make them stand out among other breeds in the canine world.
These affectionate pooches make excellent family pets with proper training and socialization. Leos are very intuitive of human emotions and form strong bonds with their family. They have an instinct to protect their people.
Due to these traits, Leos have been working as service dogs and therapy dogs for several decades. These fluffy dogs were on the verge of extinction during World War I and are considered a rare dog breed. Leos are loyal and loving companions who love to cuddle despite being a large dog breed.
Leonbergers have a strong instinct to work and protect. At least 30 minutes walk a day and another 60 minutes of free play help keep these dogs physically and mentally fit.
5. Great Dane
Great Danes are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and eager to please dogs who respond well to consistent training methods. One of the tallest breeds in the world, Great Danes like to have affection and human contact.
These gentle and calm dogs love to be around others and enjoy spending some quality cuddle time with their humans. Great Danes do not possess playful energy and are moderately energetic. You can take them for long walks at least twice a day.
Great Danes may make good guard dogs due to their kind and friendly temperament, but their intimidating appearance can act as a line of defense against potential threats. Danes are very intelligent dogs, but can be a bit strong-willed.
This can make training a bit challenging. However, they learn quickly, so you can use positive reinforcement-based methods to train them.
6. Irish Wolfhounds
Originally bred as wolf hunters, Irish Wolfhounds are soulful and sweet canines who can simply win hearts. Another tall dog breed, these pooches are true gentle giants, having a gentle nature. Their imposing size can make anyone nervous.
They can deter intruders with their intimidating appearance, but do not possess the typical guard dog temperament, according to WebMD. Like other large dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds also possess moderate energy levels.
Irish Wolfhounds are happy to stay at home, sleep on the couch, and make loving cuddle buddies. You can take your Irish Wolfhound for daily walks or play with them outside the house. Irish Wolfhounds have a strong prey drive, so keep these pups on leash when outside.
7. Mastiff
Another gentle giant dog breed in the dog world, Mastiffs are strong and good-natured working dogs who form strong bonds with their humans. They have an intimidating appearance and can easily scare away potential threats.
Mastiffs may be massive dogs, but they often think of themselves as lap dogs. That is why they love warm ciddles and make wonderful partners for individuals who do not mind a drooling dog. Mastiffs are protective of their humans, but rarely aggressive.
Their short muzzles make them brachycephalic, which means they should not be over-exercised or taken out in excessive heat. Mastiffs have strong protective instincts, but are rarely aggressive. With proper training and socialization, they make wonderful family pets.
Conclusion
Some large dog breeds are known for their calm demeanor and incredible loyalty. They make true ‘gentle giants’ due to their gentle disposition. Despite their large size, they make loving and loyal companions.
They are usually not overly energetic and need moderate exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. Like all other dogs, these large dogs also need proper training and early socialization to turn into well-behaved pets.
