Did you know that some of the biggest dogs on the planet are also among the most gentle? Despite their massive size, many large breeds are surprisingly calm, patient, and affectionate—making them ideal companions for families and first-time dog owners alike.
While their size might seem intimidating at first glance, these gentle giants often prefer lounging on the couch or quietly keeping watch over their humans. Understanding which large breeds are least aggressive is key to finding the perfect furry friend who fits both your home and lifestyle.
From loyal guardians to laid-back cuddle companions, these dogs prove that temperament matters more than size when it comes to companionship.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the least aggressive large dog breeds, highlighting their personalities, care needs, and why they’re so beloved by dog lovers around the world.
Least Aggressive Large Dog Breeds To Live With
1. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a striking sporting dog originally bred in Ireland to locate and point game birds. It carries an elegant, rich red coat with feathering on the ears, chest, tail, and legs, giving it a graceful appearance.
Energetic and intelligent, this breed thrives when given plenty of physical exercise and opportunities to explore, as noted by PDSA. Without enough stimulation, an Irish Setter can become bored and show less desirable behaviours.
While athletic and enthusiastic outdoors, the Irish Setter transitions easily into a loving companion at home, where its sweet-natured disposition shines. Its friendliness and sociable character make it a favourite among families.
Social by nature, this dog enjoys interaction with children and other pets, though supervision with smaller animals is wise due to its hunting instincts. Its playful personality and eagerness to please make training fun and rewarding.
Grooming is essential to maintain the Setter’s trademark silky coat. Regular brushing keeps the fur shiny and tangle-free while also helping to build a positive bond between owner and pet.
Fun Fact
This breed was originally developed from English Setters, Spaniels, and Pointers to create the distinctive solid red Irish Setter admired today.
2. Greyhound
The Greyhound stands out for its sleek, aerodynamic body built for speed, making it one of the fastest dogs in the world. Despite its athletic ability, it is gentle, quiet, and surprisingly affectionate.
Known for its calm temperament, the Greyhound is content to spend most of its time lounging indoors. It enjoys short bursts of sprinting but otherwise prefers a relaxed, laid-back routine.
This breed does well in both urban apartments and suburban homes, as long as it has regular opportunities for exercise. It is polite, non-aggressive, and loves quiet companionship.
Greyhounds are generally friendly toward other dogs and people. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal for families or individuals seeking a gentle, large breed that isn’t overly demanding.
According to the AKC, owners should provide safe, enclosed spaces for running since the Greyhound’s instinct to chase moving objects is strong. With patient training, it becomes a devoted and loving companion.
Fun Fact
The Greyhound was one of the first breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, showcasing its long history as a graceful and noble companion.
3. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a legendary rescue dog from the Swiss Alps, famous for its gentle temperament and heroic history. Originally bred by monks to locate lost travelers in snowy mountains, this massive breed combines strength with remarkable compassion.
Despite its imposing size, the Saint Bernard is a calm, affectionate giant. It forms deep bonds with its family, showing particular patience with children and smaller pets. This breed thrives on companionship and prefers spending quiet time indoors over long, strenuous exercise sessions.
Saint Bernards are loyal and eager to please, but they do best with early socialization and positive reinforcement. Regular walks and mild play sessions keep them content without overexertion, as their large build makes them prone to joint issues.
Their thick double coat requires weekly brushing, especially during shedding seasons. Owners should also watch for drooling and ensure the breed stays cool in warm climates, as Saint Bernards are sensitive to heat.
These dogs are incredibly gentle and dependable, making them one of the best large family dogs. Their instinct to comfort and protect, paired with their calm personality, makes them both a companion and guardian in one.
Fun Fact
Saint Bernards earned fame for rescuing stranded travelers in the Alps, carrying small barrels of brandy around their necks to revive those lost in the snow. Though this is not reality, they are depicted in paintings like this.
4. Great Dane
The Great Dane commands attention with its impressive size and gentle, affectionate nature. Despite being one of the largest dog breeds, it’s famously known as a gentle giant.
Originally bred in Germany to hunt wild boar and guard estates, today’s Great Dane is more likely to be found snoozing on the sofa or following its family from room to room.
This breed is loyal and protective but rarely aggressive. It bonds deeply with its people and thrives on companionship, often forming strong attachments to one primary caregiver.
Due to their size, Great Danes need spacious living areas and careful monitoring of their diet and activity to prevent health issues. As per WebMD, proper training and socialization from a young age are key to raising a well-mannered adult.
Though their lifespan is shorter than many breeds, their warmth and gentle temperament leave a lasting impression on anyone who shares their home.
Fun Fact
The Great Dane is the official state dog of Pennsylvania, a fitting title for one of the most dignified and admired breeds in the world.
5. Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is a striking breed originally developed in Scotland for hunting game birds. With its elegant black and tan coat and feathery ears and tail, this dog displays both strength and refinement that set it apart in the dog world.
Athletic and bold, the Gordon Setter thrives on active outdoor life and has long been admired among traditional hunting dogs. Despite its working heritage, this breed shows deep affection toward its beloved humans and enjoys spending time as a gentle companion.
Known as a non-aggressive dog breed, the Gordon Setter combines intelligence with loyalty and patience. It benefits from proper socialization and a firm obedience routine, which helps balance its playful energy and prevent overly energetic habits from becoming reactive dog behaviors.
This breed bonds closely with its pet parents and tends to form strong attachments with family members. With early training and positive reinforcement, the Gordon Setter grows into a confident, well-behaved adult dog that’s both reliable and affectionate.
Owners should expect moderate grooming needs and plenty of exercise opportunities, as this breed’s active mind and body require engagement to stay content and healthy.
Fun Fact
The Gordon Setter is the largest of all setter breeds, known for its striking appearance and impressive stamina in the field.
6. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a giant dog celebrated for its gentle nature and calm demeanor. Originally bred in Canada to assist fishermen, it is famous for its swimming ability and unwavering loyalty.
With its thick, water-resistant coat and strong build, the Newfoundland excels in rescue work and is often associated with service dog roles. Its deep and loud barks may sound imposing, but this breed is among the least aggressive breeds, known for its patience and composure.
Newfoundlands are excellent family dogs that adore children and coexist peacefully with other animals. Despite their massive size, they have a gentle nature and are rarely reactive. Regular exercise and early socialization keep them balanced,
Owners should be mindful of health concerns common in giant dogs and ensure a comfortable, spacious environment that allows this breed’s strength and affection to thrive.
Fun Fact
A Newfoundland accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition across North America, earning fame as a loyal and hardworking canine explorer.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a majestic working breed from Switzerland, admired for its tri-colored coat and strong yet gentle nature.
Berners are known for their calm demeanor and patient nature, which places them among the least aggressive dog breeds. They are wonderful family dogs that thrive on affection and enjoy participating in household activities alongside their beloved humans.
These intelligent dogs need daily exercise, grooming, and mental stimulation. They tend to bark occasionally but are far from being an aggressive breed, showing love and patience instead of reactive dog behaviors.
The Bernese Mountain Dog also adapts well to working roles such as therapy dogs and companion dogs. Their friendly nature and devotion make them excellent family pets that bring warmth and steadiness to any home.
They benefit from early socialization to help them grow into confident adult dogs that display both discipline and affection.
Fun Fact
The Bernese Mountain Dog was once used to pull milk carts in Swiss villages, showing off both strength and a cooperative spirit that continues today.
FAQs
Are large, gentle dogs suitable for seniors or first-time owners?
Yes, many calm and non-aggressive breeds make excellent companions for seniors or first-time pet parents. Their affectionate dogs’ temperament and steady sociable nature help build confidence and promote relaxing human companionship.
Do calm large dog breeds require much training?
Even well-behaved, non-aggressive companion dogs benefit from early guidance. A short daily routine with positive reinforcement builds strong bonds and prevents canine anxiety or reactive habits.
Can gentle large breeds still protect their owners?
Yes, most dogs with calm temperaments remain alert without showing aggressive tendencies. Their loyalty and affection encourage protection through presence and trust rather than aggression.
Conclusion
Large, gentle dogs combine loyalty, patience, and affection, proving that size doesn’t define behavior. These affectionate dogs, when guided from the puppy phase with proper training, develop strong bonds and offer steady human companionship.
Many non-aggressive breeds are wonderful companions that balance energy with calm confidence, suiting families and singles alike. Their sociable nature and emotional awareness help ease canine anxiety while fostering positive environments for both young dog owners and experienced handlers.
Beyond the breeds mentioned above, other medium and small breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Basset Hound, Rough Collie, Brittany, Beagles, and Bichon Frise stand among the most admired dog breeds and excellent companions for any loving home.
