Big dogs get a bad rap sometimes.
People see a giant dog walking down the street and immediately think “scary” or “aggressive”. But the truth is, every big dog owner knows that some of the most gentle souls on the planet are in these extra-large packages.
Because size does NOT determine temperament. Not even close.
In fact, many giant dog breeds are absolute sweethearts. The type who think they are lap dogs, incredibly patient with kids, and who would not hurt a fly unless their family was in danger.
These are gentle giants who prove that even bigger hearts come in bigger bodies.
Today, we are going to introduce seven such little-known extra-large dog breeds with a gentle temperament.
These are not your typical Great Danes or Saint Bernard (though they are amazing).
These are the “under-the-radar” giant dog breeds that deserve way more recognition for being loving companions with calm and affectionate personalities.
Little-Known Extra-Large Dog Breeds With Gentle Temperament
1. Neapolitan Mastiff
“Fangs” from Harry Potter.
In case you didn’t know.
This is a wrinkly, drooling, and surprisingly sensitive dog.
The Neapolitan Mastiff looks intimidating at first glance. There’s no getting around that. With that massive frame, loose skin, and serious expression, they could easily be mistaken for the world’s best guard dogs. And yeah, they were originally bred in Italy to guard estates.
But beneath all those wrinkles, you will find total softies.
As noted by PDSA, Neapolitan Mastiffs are devoted to their families in a way that is almost comical for such a large breed. They are protective, sure, but they are also loyal and affectionate.
These dogs want to be near their loved ones at all times, even if “near” means sitting on your feet while you try to cook dinner.
These Mastiff dog breeds are calm indoors and gentle with children, though their sheer size means supervision is smart. A Neapolitan Mastiff does not realize they weigh 150+ pounds when they lean against you for pets.
One thing to know: they drool. A lot.
If you are okay with that (and with more space for a big breed), these dogs make loving companions who are fiercely devoted and never aggressive without reason.
2. Scottish Deerhound
Tall, elegant, and secretly lazy dog.
One look at the Scottish Deerhound and you will feel like this is one of those giant dog breeds that belongs in a medieval castle.
And, it kind of does.
These large-sized sighthounds were bred to hunt deer in the Scottish Highlands, which needed speed, stamina, and courage.
And today, they are basically oversized couch potatoes with sweet temperaments.
Scottish Deerhounds are gentle, polite, and low-key for such a large dog breed. They are not hyperactive or demanding. In fact, they are perfectly happy lounging around the house most of the day. As per Hills Pet Nutrition, they are laid-back and kind of lazy dogs.
Sure, they need enough exercise, daily walks, and occasional runs, but they are not high-energy working dogs.
Quiet dignity. That’s what makes them special. They are affectionate without being clingy. Calm without being boring. And friendly dogs without being over-the-top.
They get along well with other dogs and are patient with kids, though their size means this hunting dog is better suited for families with older children.
If you want a giant breed that is gentle and easy-going, the Scottish Deerhound is an ideal dog for active households that appreciate a calm companion.
3. Irish Wolfhound
The tallest dog breed in the world. And, possibly the sweetest.
Irish Wolfhounds are massive. Like, you-might-mistake-them-for-a-small-horse massive. Fully grown, they can stand over 7 feet tall when on their hind legs, as mentioned by WebMD. And, they weigh up to 120 pounds.
But despite their large size, they are gentle giants.
Irish Wolfhounds have a history as hunters, but their temperament today is calm and friendly. They are patient, affectionate, and they are unimaginably sensitive.
These dogs don’t handle harsh training well; they respond best to positive reinforcement and kindness.
They are great with small children and other pets. But they can accidentally knock over small kids during play. Be mindful.
This is one of the big dog breeds, but they are still quite playful when they want to be; mostly, they just want to hang out with their family.
One downside is that their life expectancy is shorter than that of most breeds, typically around 6-8 years.
But the years you get with an Irish Wolfhound are full of loyalty, love, and gentle companionship.
They need enough room to stretch their long legs (apartments are not ideal) and regular exercise, but they are not demanding. Just big, sweet, and wonderfully calm.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs look like lions. Seriously. With their thick double coat and massive frame, they are one of the most visually striking giant dog breeds in the world. They were originally bred to guard livestock in the Himalayas, as they protected sheep from predators like wolves and leopards.
So, yeah! They are tough.
But, with their families… that’s a completely different story.
Tibetan Mastiffs are calm, loyal, and deeply protective of their loved ones. But unlike some guard dogs, they are not aggressive (without any reason, obviously). They are thoughtful, as per PDSA, almost meditative-minded dogs.
They observe, they assess, and then attack only when needed.
At home, these muscular dogs are gentle and affectionate, mostly with children. They are patient and playful when the mood strikes. But they are also independent thinkers, which means obedience training needs patience and consistency.
These dogs need more space than most. Both indoors and outdoors. They are not best suited for apartment living or cramped spaces.
But, if you have enough room and appreciate a protective yet gentle breed, Tibetan Mastiffs are excellent family pets with a sweet and calm nature.
5. Dogue de Bordeaux
The French Mastiff has a heart bigger than its head.
Dogue de Bordeaux (also called French Mastiffs) have one of the largest heads in proportion to their body of any breed.
They are muscular, powerful, and historically were used for everything, from guarding property to pulling carts.
But temperament-wise, they are total sweethearts.
These are affectionate, loyal, and incredibly devoted to their families.
They are protective, yes, but they are not unnecessarily aggressive. These dogs are calm indoors and love being close to their humans, even if that means trying to squeeze their massive bodies onto your lap.
But BEWARE!! These dogs are smart, so they can be stubborn during training. Positive reinforcement works best, and early socialization helps them become well-rounded family companions.
They don’t need an active lifestyle; moderate exercise is enough. Daily walks. Some playtime. Some mental stimulation. They are happy to relax at home and snore loudly while sprawled across the couch.
6. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is one of those giant dog breeds that most people have never even heard of.
These dogs were bred in the Caucasian Mountains to protect livestock from wolves, bears, and thieves. They needed to be fearless, strong, and independent.
And they are.
But with their families, they are family companions, calm, affectionate, and gentle.
This Shepherd dog breed is fiercely loyal, but that protective nature does not translate to aggression at home. They are patient with children, affectionate with family members, and playful when they are comfortable.
But they need experienced owners. These are not beginner dogs. They are independent thinkers, as noted by PetMD, so training and socialization are a MUST.
Without proper guidance, their protective instincts can become a problem.
They need enough daily exercise and mental stimulation, but they are not hyperactive. They are calm and composed most of the time. Perfectly content to watch over their home and family.
If you have the experience and space for a giant breed with a gentle heart, the Caucasian Shepherd is a good dog for the right family.
7. Komondor
The mop dog. And, also, one of the gentle giants.
Komondors are… unique. Their corded coat makes them look like a walking mop, and that’s part of their charm, honestly.
But beneath that distinctive coat is a calm and gentle giant with a history of guarding livestock in Hungary.
Komondors were bred to protect sheep from predators, and they took that job seriously.
And beneath that protective nature, they are gentle giants with their families. They are patient, affectionate, and calm indoors. As per Omlet, they are very “placid” and may even sit at your feet to give you company.
These livestock guardian dogs are loyal to a fault. They bond deeply with their family and are naturally protective without being aggressive.
They are also smart animals, though they can be independent and sometimes stubborn during training.
These dogs are great with kids, other pets (with proper socialization), and are playful when the mood strikes.
These puppies are not as well-known as Great Danes or Saint Bernards, but they deserve recognition as one of the gentlest giant dog breeds around. They tend to be great companions for anyone.
Conclusion
Big dogs are NOT scary!!
Well, okay… some of them look a little intimidating at first. But these little-known extra-large dog breeds with gentle temperament prove that size and sweetness are not mutually exclusive.
Other giant dog breeds like the Bernese Mountain dog, Great Pyrenees, English Mastiff, and Great Dane also need recognition as excellent family pets with a calm nature.
These big dog breeds need more space, enough exercise, and proper training to thrive. But when you give them what they want, they give you loyalty, love, and a companionship that is special.
