There’s nothing quite like the joy of welcoming a large dog into your home. Their size may be impressive, but it’s their heart that truly fills the room.
Big dogs often bring calmness, loyalty, and a sense of security that makes them wonderful companions for families and first-time dog parents alike. However, size comes with responsibility—understanding their needs for space, training, and care is key to creating a happy home for both pet and owner.
Many large breeds have fascinating working backgrounds. Historically, they were bred to herd cattle, guard farms, and even pull carts through the snowy Swiss Alps.
Their strength and intelligence were matched only by their gentle and affectionate nature—a combination that continues to make them beloved family pets today.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best large dog breeds for first-time owners, highlighting those that balance impressive stature with patience, devotion, and a temperament perfect for family life.
Large Dog Breeds Recommended For First-Time Parents
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
Beneath its tri-colored coat lies a gentle, affectionate nature, making this “gentle giant” not only capable of hard work but also a loving and loyal family companion. With their calm demeanor and soulful brown eyes, they bring warmth and stability to any household.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, powerful working breed admired for both its strength and striking beauty.
Berners are exceptional choices for first-time dog parents thanks to their patient and friendly nature. Despite their size, they are remarkably gentle with children and adapt well to family life.
Their loyalty runs deep—they prefer being close to their people, often following family members from room to room.
These dogs thrive on companionship and do best with consistent routines and affectionate guidance. Regular training and socialization from an early age help them develop confidence and good manners.
Fun fact: The Bernese Mountain Dog once helped Swiss farmers herd cattle and pull carts filled with cheese and chocolate across the snowy Alps, making them one of Switzerland’s most dependable working breeds.
2. Great Dane
Despite its impressive size and strength, the breed is known for its calm temperament and affectionate nature. According to PetMD, the Great Dane is a gentle giant that was originally bred in 19th-century Germany for hunting wild boar and protecting large estates.
It is also known as the “Gentle Giant.” The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. Despite their size, they’re known for their calm temperament, friendly nature, and patience—qualities that make them surprisingly suitable for first-time dog parents.
Training a Great Dane is typically a rewarding experience. These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, meaning they respond well to gentle, consistent training methods.
Their people-oriented personality makes them quick learners, especially when training begins early with positive reinforcement and clear structure.
Because of their size, socialization is essential from puppyhood to ensure they grow into confident and well-mannered adults. They enjoy spending time with family and do best in homes where they aren’t left alone for long periods.
Fun fact: Despite their massive size, Great Danes were originally bred in Germany as hunting and guarding dogs, and many are still affectionately referred to as “lap dogs” for their love of cuddles.
3. Newfoundland
Also known as the Newfie or “Nanny Dog,” the Newfoundland is a gentle giant celebrated for its patience, devotion, and loving temperament.
According to WebMD, the Newfoundland is a gentle, double-coated breed known for its sweet disposition and patience, making it an excellent companion for families and children.
What makes this affectionate breed ideal for first-time parents is its gentle nature and strong instinct to nurture. Often called the “nanny of the dog world,” Newfoundlands are remarkably kind and patient with children, making them exceptional family companions.
Their calm demeanor and loyalty make training easier, though their large size does require space and consistent guidance.
With their partially webbed feet and thick, water-resistant coat, Newfoundlands are also natural swimmers who love a good splash followed by a nap. Their affectionate spirit makes them eager to please and deeply connected to their families.
Fun fact: A Newfoundland once famously saved Napoleon Bonaparte from drowning in 1815 during his escape from exile on Elba Island—a heroic tale fitting for such a noble breed.
4. Irish Setter
Also known as the Red Setter, the Irish Setter is a graceful, medium-to-large sporting breed celebrated for its silky mahogany coat and joyful personality.
For first-time parents, this breed thrives in homes where activity and companionship are abundant. The Irish Setter’s boundless energy and love for play make them ideal for families who enjoy outdoor adventures and interactive games.
However, they don’t do well when left alone for long periods—they crave human interaction and affection.
Their thick, feathered coat needs regular grooming to stay tangle-free, and moderate daily exercise helps keep their exuberance in check. Early training and socialization also help channel their spirited nature into good manners.
Fun fact: Irish Setters are known for their sensitivity—they can easily pick up on human emotions, which makes them not only stunning companions but also incredibly intuitive family dogs.
5. Greyhound
Also known as the “Apollo of Racing Dogs,” the Greyhound is a tall, slender, and graceful breed famous for its lightning-fast speed and gentle disposition.
This elegant sighthound was bred for hunting and racing but has since become a beloved companion known for its calm and affectionate nature.
Despite their athletic build, Greyhounds are surprisingly low-maintenance and well-suited for first-time dog parents. They love lounging around the house as much as they enjoy a brisk walk or short sprint outdoors.
Their polite demeanor, sensitivity to tone, and quiet temperament make them excellent additions to peaceful households.
Greyhounds thrive on routine and gentle training, responding best to positive reinforcement. They form strong emotional connections with their owners and enjoy following their favorite people from room to room.
Fun fact: A 2008 University of Pennsylvania study found that Greyhounds are among the least aggressive breeds toward strangers, owners, and other dogs, making them one of the most well-mannered large breeds for family life.
6. Leonberger
The Leonberger, often called the “gentle lion” for its regal mane and calm nature, is a giant breed with an even bigger heart. Their warm, intuitive nature allows them to sense their owners’ moods, offering a quiet presence that can ease stress and anxiety.
Leonbergers adapt beautifully to relaxed environments and enjoy being close to their family members. They’re happiest when included in daily routines, whether it’s a leisurely walk or simply sitting by your side.
Their calm temperament and loyal disposition create a sense of reassurance and peace, especially for older adults seeking a low-stress companion.
Though they enjoy outdoor time, Leonbergers are content with moderate activity and thrive on affection rather than constant stimulation.
Fun fact: their luxurious double coat and majestic “mane” once inspired their nickname—“the lion dog of Germany.”
7. English Setter
Also known as the “Laverack Setter”, the English Setter is a graceful, medium-to-large sporting breed admired for its elegance and affectionate nature.
With their silky, feathered coats—spotted in patterns known as Belton—and their calm, kind expressions, these dogs strike a perfect balance between athleticism and gentleness.
For first-time dog parents, the English Setter’s friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude make it a wonderful choice. They are social, patient, and affectionate, forming deep emotional bonds with family members while coexisting peacefully with other dogs and even children.
Though calm indoors, they thrive on outdoor adventures. Regular walks, playtime, and mental challenges help them channel their lively energy into positive activities. Grooming their long, flowing coat two to three times a week also keeps them looking their best.
Fun fact: The English Setter’s distinctive Belton coat pattern—seen in blue, lemon, or orange flecks—is unique to the breed and named after a small village in England where early hunting dogs were first developed.
Conclusion
Bringing home a large dog as a first-time pet parent can be both exciting and rewarding — especially when you choose the right companion. While first-time dog owners might be tempted to start with small dog breeds, many large dogs are surprisingly gentle, adaptable, and easy to train.
Breeds like the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever top the list of the best dog breeds for new owners, thanks to their affectionate nature, patience, and eagerness to please. Their loyalty and intelligence make them great family additions who bond easily with both adults and kids.
However, even first-time pet parents should understand that dog ownership comes with responsibility. Intelligent dogs like German Shepherds or even Basset Hounds require mental stimulation, daily exercise, and early socialization to thrive alongside other animals.
Whether you choose a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a playful Yorkshire Terrier, or adopt a loving rescue dog, the best breed is the one that fits your lifestyle — one that becomes not just a pet, but a great dog and lifelong friend.
