While adopting a new canine friend, you have to consider various factors. For instance, allergy-prone individuals look for hypoallergenic dogs, and apartment dwellers want a small dog breed. Likewise, many dog lovers have an affinity for large dogs.
Despite their large size, most big dogs are known for being gentle and fun-loving. Not all big dogs come with big responsibilities. Many have minimal grooming, training, and healthcare needs. All these gentle giants need is proper exercise and enough space to roam.
Nothing can fill your heart or your home quite like a dog. They are patient around kids and the elderly and make the best snuggle buddies. It is worth mentioning that many large dog breeds are more obedient and less excitable than their smaller counterparts.
Have a look at these 7 large breeds that make excellent family dogs.
7 Large Dog Breeds for Families
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Working
Energy: Calm
Shed Level: High
The American Kennel Club describes Bernese Mountain dogs as calm, strong, and good-natured. Berners are one of the four similar large dog breeds originating from Switzerland. They are characterized by their long tricolored coat, having black, white, and rust colorings.
The sturdy Berner males stand up to 27.5 inches tall and weigh between 80 and 115 pounds. Females are a bit smaller, having a height of around 26 inches and can weigh up to 95 pounds. They were originally bred to work as farm dogs, but now make an excellent family pet.
Their calm demeanor, affectionate nature, and easygoing personality make them ideal for family life. Berners are highly intelligent and eager to please their owners. Bernese thrive on companionship and form strong bonds with their humans.
2. Newfoundland
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Working
Energy: Calm
Shed Level: High
Newfoundland is a heavy-boned, powerful, and large working dog. The males can stand up to 28 inches tall and weigh around 130 to 150 pounds, whereas the females can reach a height of 26 inches and weigh between 100 and 120 pounds.
These massive dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and sweet temperament. Newfies are active dogs that can be trained easily. These patient and devoted fellows make excellent companions for families. They need moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Newfies enjoy hikes and have a strong affinity for water. The flat and coarse coat of these avid swimmers is well-suited for their desire to be in water. Their muscular build, webbed feet, and water-resistant coat make them excellent water rescue dogs.
3. Weimaraner
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Sporting
Energy: Active
Shed Level: Moderate
Weimaraners are large and affectionate family dogs with their males reaching a height of 27 inches and weighing up to 90 pounds. Females tend to be a bit smaller—they stand 23 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds.
Initially bred as hunting dogs, Weimaraners are now popular among pet parents due to their intelligence, devotion, and friendliness. They prefer being surrounded by people and are often referred to as “Velcro dogs.”
They do not like being alone and are vulnerable to separation anxiety. Weimaraner is a fearless and obedient canine, explains PetMD. It needs plenty of exercise for adequate physical and mental stimulation. A bored or lonely Weimaraner can bark excessively or try to escape.
4. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Sporting
Energy: Active
Shed Level: High
The next medium to large dog on our list is a Labrador Retriever, known for its friendly and outgoing personality. Labs are massive dogs standing 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall and weighing between 55 and 80 pounds. Males are a little larger than females.
Belonging to the sporting group, they make excellent therapy dogs. Their muscular build and deep chest make them suitable to work as service dogs. Labs assist in drug detection, water rescue missions, and search and rescue operations.
Labrador Retrievers are eager to please and highly trainable dogs that will bond with your entire family. These athletic dogs require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are a great fit for families who have enough time and energy to fulfill their exercise needs.
5. Irish Setter
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Sporting
Energy: Active
Shed Level: Moderate
Irish Setter is a sweet-natured and energetic dog that was initially bred in Ireland to work on farms and for hunting birds. They stand 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 60 and 70 pounds.
Pet parents value Irish Setters because of their beauty, friendliness, and strong work ethic. Irish Setters are known for their outgoing and eager-to-please nature. These high-spirited dogs are an ideal choice for active families who love spending time outdoors.
Irish Setters need at least one hour of vigorous exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. They like running, brisk walks, and playing in a fenced yard. Their thick double coat is gorgeous, red in color, and easy to maintain.
6. Afghan Hound
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Hound group
Energy: Active
Shed Level: Minimum
Hailing from the cold mountains in the Middle East, Afghan Hounds are giant dogs having a long flowing coat that protects them against harsh weather. These loyal companions can stand 25 to 27 inches tall and weigh around 50 to 60 pounds.
This aristocratic beauty is incredibly gentle and affectionate towards its family members. Afghan Hound makes excellent family pets due to their happy demeanor and loving personality. However, this aristocratic beauty is aloof with strangers, claims Purina.
Proper training and socialization can help Afghan Hounds behave well around unfamiliar faces. It is typically a robust and healthy dog, but can suffer from health problems like hip dysplasia, cataracts, hyperthyroidism, and progressive retinal atrophy.
7. German Shorthaired Pointer
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Sporting
Energy: Active
Shed Level: Moderate
German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium-to-large dog breed, native to Germany. Male German Shorthaired Pointers stand between 23 and 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 55 to 70 pounds. Females, on the other hand, are 21 to 23 inches tall and weigh between 45 to 70 pounds.
These hunting dogs make excellent companions for active families. They are agile, friendly, and alert, and have lots of energy to burn. GSPs require extensive exercise to stay mentally and physically fit. They excel in canine sports like flyball, dock diving, and field trials.
As long as their energy needs are met, GSPs love snuggling with their owners. These playful and intelligent canines are good with children and other dogs. If a GSP is not exercised properly, it will become destructive.
Conclusion
Despite their size, many large dog breeds are known for having gentle, loving, and kind personalities. These intelligent dogs are easygoing and affectionate, but they have high energy levels. If you are planning to adopt a gentle giant for your family, make sure to exercise them properly to avoid destructive behaviors.
