Large dog breeds embody strength, courage, and power. Their size and brawny bodies make them a better fit for experienced owners. However, there are some ‘gentle giants,’ who may be tough on the outside but are softies at heart.
Having a sweet and gentle temperament, these large dog breeds often think of themselves as lap dogs. They love children and are often called ‘nanny dogs.’ These pooches are incredibly loyal to their humans and protective of their pack.
Their brain power makes them very easy to train. They need plenty of space to roam, exercise, and stretch their legs. So, they thrive in homes with big yards. Many of them are so loving and calm that they even do well with first-time dog owners.
Here are some top massive dog breeds for the right owner.
Top Massive Dog Breeds for the Right Owner
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a strong, muscular, and large dog breed that was originally bred to work. Being one of the biggest breeds in the world, Berners look a bit intimidating. However, with proper training and socialization, they are true gentle giants.
Their easygoing personalities and big hearts mean they can do anything to please their owners. Bernese Mountain Dogs have loud barks, and they make good watchdogs as they are protective of their people. These good-natured and affectionate canines make wonderful family pets.
Berners are better suited for owners having a large home, where they can freely roam around. They have fairly sedate exercise needs but want to be a part of everything, explains Purina. Berners do not like being left alone and want to live in a household where someone is around them all of the time.
Like many other large dog breeds, Berners have a short lifespan. So prepare yourself for the heartbreak it will bring.
2. Great Dane
Great Danes hold the world record for being the tallest dogs in the world. Their sweet, dependable, and patient nature makes them ‘gentle giants.’ Thanks to their imposing presence, these large-breed dogs make good watchdogs.
However, their sociable personality does not match that of a guard dog. Great Danes are probably the friendliest dogs on the planet. They thrive in family settings, get along nicely with kids, and require dedicated care.
These giant dogs may seem sedate, but they need daily exercise to stay fit, explains the American Kennel Club. Danes are big, drooly dogs who need lots of space to run off-leash safely and love food. They thrive with owners who provide them adequate room and can keep up with their exercise needs.
Great Danes are patient and loving around kids. But are not well-suited for homes with small children as they can accidentally knock them over.
3. Saint Bernard
Hailing from the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards are one of the largest dog breeds. This massive dog makes an impression with its size and its gentle nature. Saint Bernards are friendly and big dogs who look like a giant teddy bear.
Their mellow demeanor makes them ideal family pets. PetMD mentions that they have a reputation for being gentle around kids who know how to interact with dogs. Saint Bernards are people-oriented and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
Saint Bernards do well in homes with large spaces and big yards. The potential owners should know how to handle a large dog. They are not as energetic as some other breeds and need only half an hour of moderate exercise every day for mental and physical stimulation.
Saint Bernards are smart dogs who learn quickly. Obedience training and socialization starting from an early age help turn them into well-behaved pets.
4. English Mastiff
Another large breed dog, the English Mastiff, is loved for its affectionate and gentle nature. This giant breed has a kind soul, calm demeanor, and family-friendly nature. They require careful attention due to their large size, but offer a lifetime of affection in return.
Unfortunately, English Mastiffs have a shorter life expectancy than many other large dog breeds. Mastiffs are docile and not very playful. Regular exercise helps keep them fit and motivated. Aim to provide 30 to 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
English Mastiffs are brachycephalic dogs, so they prefer cooler weather over heat. So, make sure you exercise them during cooler parts of the day. They are better suited for experienced handlers who know how to handle a stubborn and large dog.
Early socialization and proper training are important to make them behave well. Mastiffs are courageous dogs who can deter intruders with their intimidating appearance.
5. Newfoundland
Affectionately known as Newfies, Newfoundland dogs are intelligent, outgoing, and curious dogs. This large dog breed looks quite powerful and intimidating. Their imposing presence can easily ward off intruders.
Despite their large size, Newfies are highly affectionate dogs who get along nicely with children. Their patience, tolerance, and watchful personality around little souls have earned them the title of ‘nanny dogs.’ Newfies often greet new people and strangers with friendly licks and nuzzles.
Newfoundland dogs possess excellent swimming instincts. They were historically used by Canadian fishermen to pull out fishing nets. Additionally, they have also been used as rescue swimmers. Their medium-length coat provides adequate insulation against the cold.
Newfies are moderately energetic and do not require extensive exercise for stimulation. They excel in dog sports like dock diving and other activities like search and rescue. Their strength and size make them well-suited for experienced handlers.
6. Tibetan Mastiff
These ancient dogs were originally bred as guard dogs for Tibetan monasteries. Tibetan Mastiffs are a large breed dogs and their thick double coats make them look even bigger. It means they can do well in colder regions, but are prone to overheating in warm weather.
Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent dogs who learn quickly. But their impressive strength and strong-willed personality make them unsuitable for first-time dog owners. Having a sweet and gentle nature, Newfies get along well with children, other pets, and dogs.
These calm dogs don’t need a copious amount of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. However, it does not mean no exercise. Take your Newfie on daily walks, occasional hikes, and mental stimulation to prevent obesity.
7. Great Pyrenees
Instantly recognizable by their fluffy white coats, the Great Pyrenees is a large dog breed with a calm demeanor. Their thick double coat is easy to maintain, protects the dog against harsh weather, and is resistant to dirt and tangles.
Great Pyrenees are intelligent, calm, and easygoing dogs with independent personalities. They are highly perceptive and can easily sense changes in their environments and owners’ moods and emotions. The Pyrenees save their energy during the day and are more active at night.
They need moderate exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. Great Pyrenees dogs were bred as livestock guardians. They possess strong protective instincts and defend their owners and property by roaming around calmly. Pyrs are better suited for experienced owners.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds leave an impression due to their massive size. Some large dog breeds are calm, kind, and gentle by nature. They get along well with kids and other pets and make excellent family dogs with proper training and socialization.
They are better suited for experienced handlers due to their size and strength. However, some may do well with novice parents due to their friendliest nature. They thrive in homes where they get lots of space to roam and exercise.
