Think big dogs are all power and no softness? Think again. Behind those towering frames and heavy paws are some of the sweetest, most emotionally intelligent companions you’ll ever meet.
Many large dogs genuinely believe they’re lap dogs, happily leaning all their weight against you just to feel close. While their size may look intimidating, their personalities are often calm, patient, and deeply affectionate—especially with children.
One of the biggest myths about large and giant breeds is that they’re aggressive or hard to manage. In reality, many are known for their steady temperaments, eagerness to please, and strong loyalty to their families. It’s no surprise that several large breeds are commonly chosen as service and therapy dogs because of their intelligence and gentle nature.
Of course, living with a large dog comes with responsibility. They need proper training, space to stretch out, and a family willing to include them in everyday life. In return, you get unwavering loyalty, a comforting sense of security, and a loving companion who’s happiest by your side.
If you’re searching for a dog that’s affectionate, steady, and wonderfully gentle, these gentle dog breeds might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Key Takeaways
Meet gentle giants like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, and Newfoundlands with hearts as big as their size.
Find out which breeds, from Leonbergers to Mastiffs, are calm, loyal, and amazing with kids.
See how Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhounds, and Scottish Deerhounds mix majesty with family-friendly charm.
Discover Saint Bernards and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs who balance strength, patience, and devotion perfectly.
Large Dog Breeds Known for Their Gentle Temperament
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
Calm, affectionate, and deeply loyal, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a true gentle giant. Bred for farm work in the mountains of Switzerland, this hardy and trainable breed combines strength with a soft, loving heart.
Despite their working background, they are quiet indoors and settle beautifully into family life. Many families adore their steady presence and their simple “happy to be with you” attitude.
Temperament & Personality
Laidback, kind, and calm presence
Affectionate and people-focused
Loyal and eager to please
Berners form strong bonds and love being included in daily activities. They are especially gentle with children and can be protective if needed. While usually self-confident and rarely shy, they may seem reserved around new people at first.
With proper socialization, they warm up well to strangers and are friendly with other dogs and animals, especially if introduced young. They will bark to alert you about visitors,/ but usually settle quickly.
They do best in homes where they are not left alone for long hours. This social breed needs attention and regular companionship. Moderate daily exercise keeps them happy, and they are surprisingly agile for their size.
2. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a true gentle giant with a playful heart. Strong, muscular, and impressive in size, this giant working breed is known for being friendly, gentle, and devoted to its people.
Often called the “Leo,” this dog wants to be close to family at all times. They are loving, affectionate, and happiest when included in everyday life.
Temperament & Personality
Calm, patient, and even-tempered
Loyal and protective as they mature
Playful yet easygoing
PetMD mentions that Leonbergers are wonderful with children and usually get along well with other pets when properly socialized. They can be welcoming to strangers and are often endlessly patient. Though calm and placid, they are also self-confident and may show their guard dog ancestry.
They are intelligent, easy to train, and prefer having a job, whether it’s pulling, swimming, agility work, or simply joining you on a long walk. For such a large dog, they are surprisingly athletic.
Early socialization and regular training are essential to shape a respectful, well-rounded companion. They need brisk daily exercise and lots of affection. While they love to play, they also enjoy relaxing like a couch potato.
Their webbed feet make them strong swimmers, and their lion-like coat colors—often with a black mask—add to their striking presence.
3. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is the definition of a gentle giant. Originally developed as a powerful water dog, this breed has webbed feet and a waterproof coat, making it a natural swimmer.
They once helped fishing communities and even assisted in water rescues. Strong and intelligent, they are outstanding workers—but at heart, they are loving, devoted family companions.
Temperament & Personality
Patient, calm, and nurturing
Protective nature without being aggressive
Sweet, steady, and reassuring
Newfoundlands are famous for their gentle spirit, especially around children. Their protective instincts have even earned them the nickname “nanny dog,” as mentioned by Britannica. They rarely show aggression, but they will step between their family and danger if needed.
Naturally affectionate, they enjoy meeting new people and other animals, especially when socialized early. Though kind and laidback, they are not pushovers and need consistent training to develop respect and good manners.
These calm dogs do not demand constant activity. They prefer quiet companionship and thrive in emotionally stable homes. Moderate daily exercise, such as walking, hiking, or swimming, keeps them healthy and mentally stimulated.
4. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic giant with both power and sweetness. One of the oldest working breeds, this dog was originally bred to guard sheep in the snowy Pyrenees Mountains of France.
Strong and heavily built, they may look imposing, but their calm, patient nature often surprises people. Beneath that thick, weather-resistant coat is a mellow and devoted family guardian.
Temperament & Personality
Calm, patient, and affectionate
Protective and alert
Independent yet loyal
Great Pyrenees are often described as having a Zen-like calm. They are gentle with children who understand how to respect a dog’s space and usually get along well with other animals.
However, their guardian background means they are naturally protective and can act quickly if they sense a threat. They also have an independent streak, so early training and socialization are essential. Consistent boundaries help shape a well-behaved companion.
Though mellow indoors, this is an active and powerful breed that needs steady daily exercise and obedience training. Barking can be common, as they like to alert their family to what’s happening around them. Their thick coat sheds heavily and requires regular grooming.
5. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a towering yet tender companion with a noble past. Historically used in battle, hunting, and home guarding, this breed once hunted large game with courage and speed.
Today, they are calm and devoted family dogs who carry themselves with quiet dignity. Despite their imposing presence, they are known for their remarkably gentle and serene nature.
Temperament & Personality
Gentle, calm, and even-tempered
Loyal and affectionate
Reserved yet friendly
Irish Wolfhounds form deep bonds with their families and are often peaceful, quiet housemates. They are typically friendly with new people, children, and other pets when properly trained and socialized.
Though courageous by history, they are too serene to be fierce guard dogs—yet their sheer size alone can deter intruders. Some may struggle if left alone too long and can develop separation anxiety, as they truly value companionship.
While they have moderate energy levels, they need regular daily movement and plenty of space to stretch and move comfortably. They thrive better in large homes with room to roam rather than small living spaces.
6. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard may look powerful and imposing, but beneath that massive frame is a truly gentle heart. Famous for search-and-rescue work in the Swiss Alps, this breed has long been trusted as both a lifesaver and a loyal companion.
Though not always at the top of registration lists, the Saint remains one of the world’s most beloved giant breeds. Their intelligent, friendly expression and watchful nature have made them icons of devotion and bravery.
Temperament & Personality
Gentle, patient, and affectionate
Mellow and predictable
Deeply people-oriented
Saint Bernards are steady and calm in family life. They are especially tolerant of children who know how to interact respectfully. These affectionate giants love being close to their people and often follow their family from room to room.
However, because they do not always realize how big they are, training and supervision are important—especially around small children. If left alone for long periods, they may develop separation anxiety, as they thrive on companionship.
While they appreciate space, they are not overly energetic. Short walks and relaxed outings in cool weather suit them best, and heat management is important.
7. Great Dane
The Great Dane is so tall and majestic that some people joke that it looks more like a small horse than a dog. Known as the “Apollo of Dogs,” according to the American Kennel Club, this breed has a commanding and elegant presence that instantly turns heads.
But what truly makes the Great Dane special isn’t its size—it’s its soft, affectionate temperament and joyful spirit.
Temperament & Personality
Gentle, friendly, and affectionate
Playful yet relaxed indoors
Loyal and people-oriented
Despite their imposing appearance, Great Danes are often quiet and easygoing companions. They love being close to their humans, often leaning in for attention or lounging nearby. Patients with children, when properly trained and socialized, bond deeply with their families and usually make friends easily.
While they are alert guardians and their size alone can deter intruders, they are not aggressive by nature. A spirited Dane may be a bit much for very small children, so supervision and early training are important.
Great Danes need space, sturdy supplies, and thoughtful handling because of their massive build. Moderate, joint-friendly exercise—such as long daily walks—is ideal, especially during growth. They can be playful but are not overly rambunctious.
8. Mastiff
The Mastiff may look like pure muscle and power, but beneath that massive frame is a soft-hearted and easygoing companion. This ancient breed has existed for centuries and is known for its courage and strength.
Face-to-face, their size can be startling—but their expression is often calm, dignified, and kind. Just keep a cloth nearby, because drool is part of daily life with this gentle giant.
Temperament & Personality
Calm, docile, and dignified
Loyal and protective
Watchful yet affectionate
Mastiffs bond deeply with their families and take their role as home guardians seriously. They are naturally wary of strangers and may be reserved when visitors arrive, though they do not bark excessively.
Their protective instincts make early socialization and gentle, consistent training essential. While patient and loving, they are better suited to homes with older children due to their enormous size and strength.
These giants do not require nonstop activity, but daily walks and obedience training are important. Their muscular bodies can easily knock over people or objects in tight spaces, so ample living space is ideal.
9. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound, often called the “Royal Dog of Scotland,” is a majestic, gentle giant. Built like a larger Greyhound, this breed was originally developed to stalk and chase giant red deer across the Scottish Highlands.
Their tall, athletic frame, long neck, and wiry coat give them an elegant, noble appearance, while their soft, friendly personality makes them deeply loved by families.
Temperament & Personality
Gentle, affectionate, and loyal
Laid-back yet athletic
Friendly with family, reserved with strangers
Deerhounds are affectionate and devoted to their families, often forming quiet, strong bonds. They are not guard dogs and rarely show aggression.
While they enjoy lounging and observing the world with calm amusement, they are capable of incredible bursts of speed during play or a chase, reflecting their hunting heritage.
They are independent thinkers, so training requires patience and consistency, but they respond well when given a reason to perform.
These sensitive, one-family dogs thrive on companionship and moderate daily exercise. Their strong prey drive means supervision is needed around small pets, especially outdoors. Friendly yet reserved, Scottish Deerhounds greet strangers politely rather than suspiciously.
10. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a striking, gentle giant with a bold and friendly personality. Originally bred to work on farms in the Swiss Alps, this breed has the strength, stamina, and agility to herd and draft across steep terrain.
With its dense, tricolored coat and striking white blaze on the muzzle, the Swissie is as majestic in appearance as it is affectionate in temperament.
Temperament & Personality
Loyal, affectionate, and social
Playful yet gentle with family
Alert watchdog, not aggressive
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are deeply devoted to their families and thrive on companionship. They are excellent with children but can sometimes forget their size during play, so supervision is recommended.
These dogs enjoy meeting new people, get along well with cats and other pets when properly introduced, and love outdoor activities. They do not handle long periods alone well, preferring to be included in daily family life.
Swissies are intelligent, patient, and sometimes slightly stubborn, so early socialization and consistent positive training are key. They are generally calm indoors but will alert their family with a deep, throaty bark if something unusual occurs.
Conclusion
Living with a giant dog is a truly rewarding experience. These gentle giants—whether calm and steady like the Bernese Mountain Dog, loyal and protective like the Mastiff, or regal and affectionate like the Great Dane—bring unmatched love, companionship, and a sense of security to the families they bond with.
Despite their size, most of these breeds are patient with children, friendly toward other pets, and surprisingly adaptable to family life with the right care and training.
If you’re ready to welcome one of these majestic, kindhearted dogs into your home, remember that commitment and preparation are key. Make sure you can provide space, exercise, and affection, and you’ll be rewarded with a companion whose loyalty and gentle spirit enrich every day.
Giant dogs aren’t just pets—they’re family members who teach patience, joy, and the simple pleasure of having a friend who’s always by your side.
There are other gentle dog breeds as well that you can explore. These include the Golden Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher.
