For many first-time dog owners, bringing home a giant breed can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. These towering dogs may look intimidating, but research says most large breeds are actually gentle, goofy giants with an incredible capacity for affection and loyalty.
They are known for their calm nature and devotion, often becoming steadfast protectors and loving family members once properly trained and socialized.
Despite their impressive size, these giant dog breeds are typically relaxed and prefer leisurely walks to high-energy play. Their predictable temperaments and patient personalities make them surprisingly manageable for beginners who can provide space, structure, and affection.
However, their size also means they need room to move and stretch, plus regular activity to stay healthy and happy.
While their heavier jaws might lead to a bit of drool or slobber, that’s just part of their big-hearted charm. These dogs prove that the best companions sometimes come in the largest, most lovable packages.
Most Suitable Giant Dog Breeds As First-Time Pets
1. Great Dane
The Great Dane, often called the “Apollo of Dogs,” is a regal and commanding breed that embodies both strength and grace.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Great Dane is a gentle and easygoing companion, though owning such a large, powerful breed requires serious commitment and responsibility.
These towering canines are surprisingly gentle and affectionate, making them excellent companions for first-time pet owners who have the space to accommodate their size.
Despite their impressive stature, Great Danes are known for their calm and loving personalities. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being close to their families, adapting well to home life when given affection and moderate exercise.
Their friendly nature and patience make them particularly suitable for families, including those with children.
Training a Great Dane is a rewarding experience for beginners, as their intelligence and eagerness to please make obedience lessons straightforward. Early training and socialization help channel their protective instincts into well-mannered behavior.
Fact: While often mistaken as a Danish breed, the Great Dane actually originated in Germany, where it was bred in the 1800s to hunt wild boar and guard estates.
2. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland, affectionately called the “Newfie,” is a massive working dog with a calm and dignified presence. According to PetMD, Newfoundlands are among the largest dog breeds, yet they are also known for their remarkably gentle and friendly nature.
Originating from Canada, this breed was bred for water rescues and hauling heavy loads, traits that reveal its impressive strength and endurance. Despite their size, Newfies are famously gentle and affectionate, earning them a place among the most suitable giant breeds for first-time pet owners.
Known for their sweet temperament and steady patience, Newfoundlands are especially good with children and other pets. Their nurturing personality and intelligence make training straightforward, even for beginners. They thrive in family environments where they can feel included and useful.
Their easygoing nature means they don’t require constant activity, but they do enjoy regular walks and time outdoors. With their affectionate loyalty, they provide both comfort and security to their owners.
Fact: The Newfoundland’s reputation as a “nanny dog” comes from its historic role as a protector and caretaker of children—its gentle strength is truly legendary.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, affectionately known as the Berner Sennenhund, hails from the Swiss Alps and is admired for its striking tricolor coat of black, rust, and white.
According to Britannica, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a working breed that was brought to Switzerland over 2,000 years ago by invading Roman forces.
This gentle giant was valued for its strength, loyalty, and ability to work in cold, mountainous conditions. Despite its size, the Berner is soft-natured and devoted to family life.
For first-time owners, this breed offers an ideal mix of intelligence and calmness. Berners are eager to please and generally easy to train with positive reinforcement.
Their steady temperament makes them trustworthy around children and other pets, while their affectionate nature fosters a strong bond with every household member.
In terms of activity, Bernese Mountain Dogs require moderate daily exercise—around an hour of walking or play keeps them fit and content. They especially enjoy outdoor adventures but are just as happy lounging beside their favorite person afterward.
Fact: The Bernese Mountain Dog descends from Roman mastiffs and was once used by Swiss farmers to pull carts and herd cattle, showcasing their remarkable strength and endurance.
4. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound, sometimes affectionately called the “gentle giant of Ireland,” is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. With a commanding yet elegant presence, this ancient hound combines power and grace.
Irish Wolfhounds are surprisingly gentle and patient, especially with children. Their calm nature makes them wonderful family pets, provided they have enough space to move comfortably.
They are also good with other pets when socialized early, though their historical prey drive means supervision is wise around smaller animals. Their friendly demeanor and quiet confidence make them reassuring companions rather than intimidating guardians.
Fact: Despite being powerful hunters in the past, Irish Wolfhounds are now celebrated for their placid temperament and affectionate personality, earning the nickname “big softies” among giant breed enthusiasts.
5. Leonberger
The Leonberger, also called the “Leo,” is a majestic working breed that originated in Germany. With its lion-like mane, gentle expression, and impressive strength, this giant stands tall yet moves with elegant ease.
The Leonberger’s even temperament and natural intelligence make training smooth and rewarding. They form deep emotional bonds with their families and have an intuitive sense of human moods, offering quiet companionship and reassurance.
Despite their grand stature, Leos are relatively low-maintenance in spirit. They enjoy moderate exercise—long walks, swimming, or simple outdoor play—and are happiest when included in family life. Their patience makes them wonderful with children and other pets.
Fact: The Leonberger’s double-layered, water-resistant coat and webbed feet make it an exceptional swimmer, a trait that once made the breed famous as a skilled water rescue dog.
6. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard, also known as the “gentle giant of the Alps,” is a massive yet mild-mannered breed originating from the Western Alps of Switzerland and Italy.
Recognized for its powerful build and expressive eyes, this iconic dog once served as a rescue companion in snow-covered mountains, saving lost travelers with courage and calm precision.
Saint Bernards offer an ideal balance of strength and serenity. Their even temper and affectionate nature make them excellent with children and other pets, while their loyalty ensures a strong emotional bond with their families.
They are naturally patient and thrive in homes that can provide space, companionship, and consistent, gentle training.
Despite their size, Saint Bernards are surprisingly low-energy and adaptable to moderate daily exercise, such as leisurely walks or backyard playtime. Their cooperative spirit makes training straightforward, especially with positive reinforcement.
Fact: Originally bred by monks at Switzerland’s Great St. Bernard Hospice, these dogs were famed for rescuing travelers trapped in snowstorms, earning their enduring reputation as one of the world’s most compassionate giants.
7. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff, often referred to as the “Gamekeeper’s Night Dog,” is a powerful blend of the Mastiff and Bulldog breeds, originally developed in 19th-century England to protect estates from poachers.
With its muscular build, short muzzle, and calm yet watchful eyes, the Bullmastiff embodies both strength and serenity, making it an ideal gentle giant for novice owners willing to learn proper training.
Despite their imposing appearance, Bullmastiffs are affectionate and loyal companions who thrive on human connection. Their easygoing temperament and moderate exercise needs make them surprisingly manageable for first-time pet parents who can provide consistent routines and steady leadership.
Care for a Bullmastiff involves early socialization, firm but gentle training, and daily walks to maintain their health without overexertion. Their short coat requires minimal grooming—just a weekly brush and regular wipe-downs for drool control.
Fact: The Bullmastiff was bred to quietly track and pin down intruders without harming them—a remarkable combination of power, restraint, and loyalty that continues to define this breed today.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best dog breeds for first-time owners, giant dogs might seem intimidating—but many are gentle, dependable, and deeply loyal.
Breeds like the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever have earned their reputation as family favorites for their affectionate temperaments and adaptability.
Even larger breeds, such as the German Shepherd or Basset Hound, can make great companions when given early guidance, consistent mental stimulation, and the right diet—especially nutrient-rich puppy food during their young age.
These large-breed dogs not only get along well with other dogs but also form strong bonds with their humans. While their size means a bit more dog hair to manage, their warmth and devotion more than make up for it.
If you’re getting your new furry friend from a reputable breeder, you’ll likely find a calm, steady companion who grows into your home with love and confidence. For those exploring dog breeds for first-time owners, these giants prove that a big heart often comes in an even bigger package.
