Giant dogs have a charm that’s hard to resist. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about these oversized companions who are known for their gentle disposition, calm personalities, and surprising sensitivity. Even though their size can be a little intimidating at first, many large-breed dogs are famously patient and affectionate with children.
Choosing one of these massive pups for your family isn’t just about falling in love with their impressive size—it’s about understanding their needs, from grooming and exercise to training and space.
Whether your family wants a watchful protector, a loyal adventure partner, or a huge, fluffy cuddle buddy, giant dogs can bring unmatched warmth and companionship into a home.
If you’re ready to explore what makes these gentle giants so special, let’s take a look at some of the best giant dog breeds and discover which one might be the perfect addition to your pack.
Key Takeaways
Meet gentle giants like the Great Dane and Saint Bernard with hearts as big as their size.
Discover why Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs are perfect, calm companions for kids.
Explore what makes Mastiffs protective and Leonbergers playful family favorites.
Find out which giant breeds are best suited to your family’s lifestyle and space.
Incredible Giant Dog Breeds for Loving Families Who Want Big Love
1. Great Dane
The Great Dane is one of the most iconic giant dogs in the world. Many people say this majestic breed looks more like a small horse than a dog. It was originally developed in Germany more than 400 years ago for hunting wild boar and guarding large estates.
Despite the name, the breed has no connection to Denmark. Great Danes are known for their elegant, square-jawed appearance and short coats that come in many colors, including fawn, brindle, black, blue-gray, harlequin, and mantle.
These dogs may look intimidating, but their temperament is what truly makes them shine. Great Danes are often called “gentle giants” and even the “Apollo of Dogs,” according to AKC. They are loving, calm, and famously good with children. Their sweet nature has made them popular family dogs across the world.
Characters like Marmaduke and Scooby-Doo show just how lovable—and sometimes hilariously clumsy—these huge dogs can be, especially during their playful puppy phase.
Why They’re Great for Families
Incredibly gentle and affectionate
Friendly, dependable, and patient with kids
Naturally protective without being aggressive
Their presence alone can deter intruders, even though they’re usually timid watchdogs
2. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is one of the most iconic giant dog breeds in the world. Known for its thick, soft coat and powerful build, this breed has a long history as a rescue dog in the snowy Alps.
Saint Bernards were famous for guiding and saving lost travelers, thanks to their strength, calm temperament, and incredible stamina. Named after Saint Bernard of Aosta, these dogs became symbols of loyalty and lifesaving service in the harsh Alpine passes.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Saint Bernards are gentle, loving, and famously family-friendly. They are playful, charming, and deeply affectionate with children.
Their protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs, though they tend to be reserved around strangers. Early socialization and consistent training are important, especially because these dogs can be strong and enthusiastic on a leash.
The breed comes in both longhaired and shorthaired varieties, with coat colors like red and white, brown and white, and brindle and white. Many have a classic dark facial mask, floppy ears, droopy eyes, and expressive wrinkles.
Why They’re Great for Families
Affectionate, patient, and wonderful with kids
Naturally protective and watchful
Calm, dependable, and easygoing
Known for their remarkable working ability and kind nature
3. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is one of the world’s most beloved giant dog breeds. Originally developed as a working dog, it became known for its strength, loyalty, and incredible water skills.
With webbed feet and a waterproof coat, this breed was a natural helper for fishermen and even saved people from drowning. Many people describe Newfoundlands as looking like friendly bears because of their large, fluffy appearance and calm expression.
These dogs are true gentle giants with a famously patient and loving temperament. Often called “nanny dogs,” Newfoundlands are wonderful with children and get along well with other pets. They are protective without being aggressive and are known for their adaptability and openness to strangers.
Their sweet, steady nature makes them ideal family companions. They also enjoy water and turn beach or lake trips into fun family adventures. Despite their large size, they can be surprisingly agile and perform well in activities like agility and rally.
Why They’re Great for Families
Calm, gentle, and famously patient
Protective yet friendly with strangers
Wonderful with kids and other pets
Natural water lovers who enjoy family outings
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a beautiful and calm giant that originally came from Switzerland. The breed was brought to the region over 2,000 years ago by the Romans and became a trusted farm dog. These dogs pulled carts, drove cattle, and protected farms from predators.
With their broad chest, silky black coat, rust-colored markings, and expressive eyes, Berners are as striking as they are hardworking. They were later imported to the U.S. in the 1920s and eventually became beloved family companions.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate personalities. They bond closely with their families and thrive on close human companionship. These big dogs are loving, patient, and very good with children.
They also get along well with other dogs and are typically open to strangers. While they look large and strong, they are not threatening. Instead, they offer quiet loyalty and a naturally protective nature.
Why They’re Great for Families
Calm, affectionate, and easygoing
Extremely patient with children
Friendly toward other pets and visitors
Naturally loyal and watchful without aggression
5. Mastiff
The Mastiff is often considered the ultimate giant dog. Known for its massive frame, soft expression, and calm nature, this ancient breed has a long history as a guardian and working dog. Britannica mentions that Mastiffs have been around for thousands of years, with records tracing them back to 3000 BCE.
They served as war dogs, hunters, and protectors across Europe and Asia. Later, they were brought to North America on the Mayflower. Despite their powerful build, Mastiffs are known for their gentle hearts and dignified presence.
These dogs may look imposing, but they are famously affectionate and easygoing. Mastiffs thrive on close communication and respond well to eye contact and clear instructions, making them highly trainable for such a large breed.
They love being around their families and are calm and patient, especially with children. Their adorable jowls and big, lovable faces add to their charm—though the drool is definitely part of the package.
Why They’re Great for Families
Gentle, loyal, and deeply affectionate
Calm and dependable around children
Naturally protective without being aggressive
Highly trainable due to strong visual communication
6. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a giant, majestic breed named after the town of Leonberg in Germany. According to legend, it was created to resemble the lion on the town’s coat of arms by crossing Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and Great Pyrenees.
Over time, Leonbergers became popular with European royalty and also worked on farms. During the World Wars, they even served as working animals, pulling ammunition carts across the fields.
Despite their impressive strength, they were originally bred as companion dogs and still adore being close to their families.
Leonbergers are known for their gentle, affectionate, and intuitive nature. These dogs bond deeply with their families and are especially good with children. They are calm, playful, and friendly with strangers, though they may be a bit reserved with unfamiliar dogs.
Their long, dense, waterproof coat gives them a lion-like look and requires regular grooming to stay healthy. Thanks to their webbed feet, they are strong swimmers and enjoy water activities.
Why They’re Great for Families
Gentle, friendly, and very affectionate
Playful and intuitive around children
Loyal companions with calm, steady temperaments
Good swimmers and great for active families
7. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all dog breeds and one of the most impressive giants you’ll ever meet. This ancient breed was created by crossing Middle Eastern hounds with native British dogs and has a history that stretches back centuries.
A Roman statesman first mentioned them in 391 AD, noting their size and presence. Later, they earned their name by helping hunt wolves in Ireland during the 1700s, as cited by PetMD. Though once used in battle and big-game hunting, today they are cherished as gentle companions.
Despite their imposing size, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their calm and affectionate nature. They are graceful, sweet-natured, and loyal to their families. These large dogs get along well with children and adults alike, as long as there is enough space for them to move comfortably.
While they retain some hunting and protective instincts, they are generally too gentle to be true watchdogs. They do, however, make wonderful family pets thanks to their loving temperament.
Why They’re Great for Families
Gentle, patient, and affectionate
Incredibly loyal companions with a calm presence
Friendly with the whole family
Graceful and easygoing despite their size
Conclusion
Giant breeds make great pets for families who prefer an active lifestyle and have plenty of space for their new companion to live and play.
These smart and devoted dogs bring a lot of energy and love to any home, but they do require owners who can focus on their training and obedience. Because of their size, they need more food and thoughtful care to keep them healthy and happy.
When adopting a giant breed, it’s important to choose one that is well-suited to your life and environment. With the right attention and plenty of exercise, these gentle giants can be suitable for many families.
Keep in mind that their size means they thrive best in homes where they have room to move and owners ready to meet their needs with patience and love.
