Big dogs often have even bigger hearts, making them some of the most affectionate and loyal companions you could ever ask for.
Despite their impressive size, many of these dogs are total couch potatoes at home, content to stretch out (and take up all the space on the sofa) as long as they get regular exercise and love.
Large dog breeds often mature more slowly than smaller ones, which means you get to enjoy their playful puppy personalities a little longer! And while they might need a bit more room — and a slightly larger food budget — what they give back in devotion, protection, and love is absolutely priceless.
So, if you’re someone who believes that “bigger really is better,” or you simply want a canine companion who’ll be both your guardian and your cuddle buddy, you’re in for a treat. Let’s take a look at some of the most lovable giant dog breeds that prove size and sweetness go hand in paw!
Key Takeaways
Meet lovable giants like the Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Great Dane that melt hearts with their size and sweetness.
Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Pyrenees — loyal protectors wrapped in fluff.
Get to know the Irish Wolfhound and Bullmastiff, powerful yet gentle family companions.
Find out which giant breeds make calm, cuddly, and unforgettable best friends.
Most Lovable Giant Dog Breeds
1. Newfoundland
Hailing from Canada, the Newfoundland was bred as a working water dog, known for saving people from drowning and helping fishermen.
With webbed feet and a thick double coat, this breed is built for swimming long distances — even while pulling someone to safety. Their powerful build and calm demeanor make them as capable as they are kind.
Big Heart, Gentle Soul
Newfoundlands are gentle giants with sweet, patient temperaments. They adore people, especially children, and have a protective nature — often nicknamed “nanny dogs.”
Though not overly active, they love cool-weather hikes, swim sessions, and plenty of family time. Their soft expression and soulful eyes perfectly match their affectionate personalities.
Loyal Companion for Life
Newfies are trusting, trainable, and respond best to gentle guidance. Their calm nature makes them excellent family pets, always ready to lend comfort or protection.
With their noble presence and loving spirit, it’s no wonder Newfoundlands are cherished as oversized teddy bears — loyal, kind, and forever devoted to their families.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, or “Berner,” has a long and noble history. This hardworking breed can be traced back over 2,000 years to when the Romans invaded Switzerland with their guard dogs and cattle drovers, as stated by Purina.
Known for pulling carts, herding cattle, and guarding farms, Berners quickly became trusted farm companions. Their thick, silky tricolor coats — black, white, and rust — and kind eyes give them a look as warm as their personality.
Strong, Sweet, and Steady
Berners are big, powerful dogs built for hard work but blessed with a calm, affectionate nature. They thrive in cold climates and love outdoor adventures, but don’t do well in heat or humidity.
While they enjoy activity, they’re just as happy relaxing by your side. This gentle breed gets along with everyone, especially children, and often forms a deep bond with one special family member.
Loyal Hearts, Loving Souls
With early training and daily exercise, the Berner becomes a good-natured and well-mannered companion. They’re friendly and easygoing with loved ones but can be a little reserved around strangers.
Behind their majestic looks lies a soft heart that lives to please their people. The Bernese Mountain Dog is truly a mix of strength, beauty, and endless love — a faithful family pet for life.
3. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, known for its long, lean frame and graceful stride. Originally bred to hunt wolves and protect homes, this ancient breed was both a fearless warrior and a loyal companion.
Despite its imposing size, the Wolfhound is calm, quiet, and deeply affectionate — a gentle soul wrapped in a giant body.
Elegant, Calm, and Kind
Modern Wolfhounds have traded their hunting days for a life of comfort and companionship. They’re friendly, dignified, and delightfully mellow indoors.
While they love having space to stretch their long legs, they’re just as happy lounging close to their favorite humans. Their rough, wiry coats come in many shades — from gray and white to red and fawn — giving each one a unique, noble look.
A Loyal Friend with a Big Heart
This large breed adores people and craves constant companionship. They’re gentle with children, though their large size means supervision is wise with little ones.
While they aren’t fierce guard dogs, their presence alone is often enough to keep intruders away. Owning an Irish Wolfhound is truly special — a bond built on quiet love, loyalty, and the grace of one of the world’s most majestic breeds.
4. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a true legend among giant dog breeds. Originally bred in the Swiss Alps as rescue dogs, these powerful pups were known for saving stranded travelers in deep snow.
Named after Saint Bernard of Menthon, the patron saint of Alpine travelers, this breed became famous for its bravery, loyalty, and gentle heart.
Powerful Yet Peaceful
Don’t be fooled by their massive size — Saint Bernards are affectionate and patient dogs with a calm, watchful nature. These friendly dogs adore people, especially children, and are famously gentle playmates.
Known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, Saints respond well to kind, consistent training. Their expressive faces and soulful eyes make them impossible not to love.
A True Gentle Giant
Whether they’re helping in rescue work or simply keeping you company on a cold evening, Saint Bernards bring warmth and comfort wherever they go.
They thrive on human companionship and love being part of family life. These benevolent dogs truly live up to their “saintly” reputation — strong enough to save lives, yet soft enough to melt your heart.
5. Great Dane
Known as the “Apollo of Dogs,” the Great Dane is one of the most impressive and beloved giant breeds in the world. Originally bred to hunt wild boar, this noble dog later became a trusted guardian of estates and homes.
Today, Great Danes are famous for their calm temperament, affectionate nature, and striking presence — a perfect mix of strength and sweetness.
Elegant, Friendly, and Fearless
Despite their size, Great Danes are easygoing and gentle companions. They love being around people and get along wonderfully with both small and older children.
These dogs are alert with protective instincts, but rarely aggressive — just their appearance is often enough to keep strangers at bay. With their smooth stride and graceful build, they carry themselves with quiet confidence and charm.
A Loving Family Favorite
PDSA says that Great Danes are an incredibly loving breed and form strong attachments with their families. They’re friendly, affectionate, and sometimes a little goofy, always eager to please.
While they may turn heads wherever they go, it’s their warm heart and gentle spirit that make them unforgettable. Owning a Great Dane means welcoming a loyal friend who truly lives up to the word “great.”
6. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a calm and noble breed, originally developed to guard livestock in the snowy Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain.
PetMD mentions that their thick white coats helped them blend into the winter landscape as they protected sheep from predators like wolves and bears. Known for their strength and courage, these dogs have a long history as loyal guardians and devoted family protectors.
Calm, Devoted, and Dignified
The Great Pyrenees is gentle, affectionate, and deeply loyal to its family. Though quiet and composed, this breed takes its guarding duties seriously.
They may appear mellow, but when needed, they will act swiftly to defend their loved ones. With their majestic appearance and watchful eyes, they’re both graceful and powerful.
A Gentle Protector at Heart
These dogs are sweet-natured and trustworthy, especially around well-behaved children. While not overly playful, they form strong emotional bonds with their families and prefer peaceful surroundings.
Whether watching over sheep, a home, or even smaller pets, the Great Pyrenees takes pride in being the steadfast guardian of all it loves.
7. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a proud old English breed developed in the 19th century to help gamekeepers guard estates against poachers. Created by crossing Bulldogs with Old English Mastiffs, the goal was to combine courage, power, and obedience — and the result was this loyal and fearless guardian.
Strong yet agile, Bullmastiffs were bred to chase and hold intruders without causing harm, a balance of strength and control that still defines them today.
Brave, Loyal, and Intelligent
These dogs have a calm confidence and a natural instinct to protect their families. Fearless when needed and docile at home, the Bullmastiff is the perfect mix of power and gentleness.
With their intelligent eyes, short coats, and signature black masks, they are as striking as they are dependable.
A Guardian with a Gentle Heart
Bullmastiffs are loyal companions who thrive on close bonds with their families. They’re steady, affectionate, and protective without being overly aggressive.
Training and proper socialization from an early age are key, helping them grow into well-mannered, trustworthy protectors. Whether standing watch or snuggling on the couch, the Bullmastiff is a devoted friend who takes its role as family guardian seriously.
Conclusion
Big dogs may take up a bit more space, but their hearts are even bigger. Whether you live an active lifestyle or prefer quiet evenings at home, these gentle giants can be a good fit for many kinds of families. In modern times, they’ve gone from hunters and workers to loyal companions who love being part of the pack — even if that pack includes other pets or other animals.
While these breeds may not top the list of the most popular dog breeds, their loyal nature, calm temperament, and loving spirit make them unforgettable. Just be sure to give them enough room to stretch out, regular brushing to keep their coats healthy, and the love they deserve.
Looking for other dogs that also make lovable, gentle giants? You can also check out the Dogue de Bordeaux, Golden Retriever, French Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Tibetan Mastiff.
