Having a loyal pet dog can bring valuable benefits to human psychology. These animals grow so close to us that they often act like unpaid therapists as they offer comfort when words fail.
They ease loneliness, reduce mental stress, and even contribute to physical well-being by helping lower blood pressure and heart rates, according to the Therapy Dogs.
Beyond health, dogs bring joy to daily life. Their playful nature lifts moods, their loyalty provides a sense of security, and their protective instincts keep us safe from potential harm.
With this nurturing character, dogs naturally become a source of therapy, so much so that they are now used in professional settings to support human healing.
The giant dog breeds we are about to discuss will show you just how mellow, affectionate, and intelligent these gentle giants can be. Their devotion is not only for their own comfort but always for the good of their owners.
With firm, consistent training from puppyhood and early socialization, you and your dog can build one of the most trustworthy and lasting bonds.
Key Takeaways
From being protective to deeply affectionate, these dogs will always surprise you with their well-rounded nature.
Living with a giant breed may seem challenging, but these large dogs usually have an easygoing nature. However, firm training from the beginning helps a lot.
While some of them are great for active owners due to their high energy needs, others don’t require intensive exercise and can be relatively low maintenance.
Most Trustworthy Giant Dog Breeds
1. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a perfect choice for people who want a reliable dog with a gentle temperament yet sharp guarding instincts.
These large dogs bond deeply with their families and are obsessed with pleasing their owners, as explained by PetMD. To thrive, they always need a task, as having work and responsibility keeps them happy and focused.
At a glance, their tough appearance with harsh eyebrows and a thick beard may seem intimidating, but one look into their soulful eyes will melt your heart. Giant Schnauzers carry many qualities that draw people together.
They are easy to train, quick learners, and rarely annoy. With early socialization, they can get along with other pets, though they tend to be territorial and appear overly suspicious of strangers without early training.
They can work as military and guide dogs, and can also be useful as search and rescue companions. They are extremely intelligent and pick up their owner’s instructions quickly.
You can train them to differentiate between frequent visitors and strangers or even to help with small tasks. As a highly energetic dog, a Schnauzer requires physical exercise and mental stimulation.
2. Irish Wolfhound
Despite being originally bred to hunt large predators, the Irish Wolfhound has grown into one of the gentlest and most peaceful giants in the canine world. Their guardian instincts are modest, yet they are patient, intelligent, and affectionate.
Any threat to their owner can trigger protective instincts even in the calmest Wolfhounds. Though Irish Wolfhounds are clever and quick to learn, they dislike rigid and harsh training. Only the right approach can bring out their intelligence and loyalty. These dogs have relatively shorter lifespans.
Without enough activity and mental stimulation, Irish Wolfhounds can become restless, and they will keep you on your toes. Most Wolfhounds cannot suppress their hunting instincts, and cohabiting with cats often ends poorly.
While they are lively and playful with older children, it’s unsafe to leave younger kids unattended around giant breeds, according to Purina.
Beneath their imposing frame lies a sensitive and straightforward dog that thrives on human companionship and will never willingly harm a person. Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant whose greatest joy is the deep bond of friendship it forges with its human family.
3. Great Dane
The Great Dane is a serious and noble dog, as its expression appears stern, showing reluctance to interact with strangers and a lack of trust at first. However, once properly introduced, their demeanor softens and they grow more accepting.
Due to their majestic and imposing character, Great Danes inspire awe and respect, and as one of the oldest breeds, they carry a proud legacy of strength, loyalty, and intelligence.
Despite their size and reserved character, the Pawlicy Advisor stated that they treat children calmly. However, they are not natural nannies, and leaving them alone with children is discouraged.
Great Danes can coexist with other pets peacefully as long as there is no competition for dominance. These dogs respond best to firm, confident owners. Great Danes are steadfast and embody loyalty. A Great Dane does not thrive with an overly soft and hesitant owner.
This giant breed demands hours of walking and regular physical activity. Without proper training and outlets for their energy, a Great Dane’s temperament can deteriorate. Apartment living can be difficult for them as they are strong, active, and require significant space and attention.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, calm, and balanced breed, able to become a wonderful friend for people of all ages. They get along easily with other pets and rarely show aggression. With their trustworthiness and gentle nature, these dogs are truly worth keeping.
Their protective instincts are well developed, though they will never attack without reason. Instead, their sheer size and presence discourage intruders. With children, they are patient and nurturing, though due to their size and clumsiness, supervision is important.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is highly sensitive; harsh scolding and rough treatment can hurt them emotionally, so they require gentle guidance. Peaceful and good-natured, they behave with friendliness or indifference toward strangers.
Yet when their family or territory is threatened, their guard instincts awaken. Most of all, they are deeply attached to their owners and often choose one person as their favorite and would remain faithful for life. Separation from their loved ones can cause them great distress.
5. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are true heroes among dogs, famous for their courage, loyalty, and gentle spirit. They are natural swimmers and can dive, and can help in rescue missions for drowning people.
Many Newfoundlands serve with police, military, or as guide dogs, which is a testament to their versatility and acumen.
They enjoy interacting with people, including strangers. With children, they are protective and endlessly tolerant. They show little aggression and strive to form friendships. Newfoundlands are not natural guard dogs; however, when real danger threatens the family, they act decisively.
Their intelligence, memory, and ability to sense their owners’ emotions make them exceptionally trustworthy companions. Within the family, they are an endless source of joy, warmth, and unconditional love. Such qualities allow them to be therapy dogs.
As stated by Omlet, these gentle giants prefer calm activities, and their energy can be stimulated through swimming and water play. Newfoundland cannot tolerate shouting, harsh treatment, or physical punishment. Such actions can wound them deeply and leave lasting marks on their spirit.
6. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a calm, even-tempered breed with extraordinary patience. Despite their massive size, they rarely bark unnecessarily and usually remain peaceful. However, they do not hesitate to step forward when their family needs protection.
Leonbergers adore children and are famously tolerant of their antics. They will cuddle, play, and even allow a child to climb onto their broad backs.
These are intelligent, attentive, and generally sociable, though some individual dogs can be stubborn or headstrong. A firm but patient trainer is needed to bring out the best in them.
Proper socialization from an early age ensures Leons get along well with other dogs. Because of their rapid growth, WebMD explained that their joints and bones are vulnerable in puppyhood. Until they are fully developed, they should avoid strenuous activity like jumping or stair climbing.
7. Borzoi
The Borzoi is not only an excellent hunter but also a surprisingly loyal companion. However, if you entrust your home’s security to a Borzoi, don’t be shocked if uninvited guests slip inside because guard duty simply isn’t part of their nature.
In everyday life, the Borzois are calm and dignified. Yet the hunting instinct never leaves them, and cats, rodents, and other animals are instantly seen as prey. Athletic and graceful, Borzois perform impressively in activities such as obedience trials and agility courses.
Because of their strong hunting drive, these dogs require long walks and plenty of training to burn off energy. In the company of their owners, they are amazingly tender and obliging.
These dogs are caring companions and love engaging in amusing activities with children. When it comes to perceptivity, Borzois rank well, though novice owners can initially struggle with training.
All of its intelligence and focus are channelled into tracking and pursuing the game. Firm training and patient guidance work best for them.
8. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a true symbol of loyalty and devotion. These giants are calm, disciplined, and congenial. They adore children and make excellent family dogs. They can also serve as reliable guardians when properly trained, according to Hills Pet.
Saint Bernards live peacefully alongside other pets. They are social and enjoy company, yet they can tolerate short periods of solitude without issue. The American Kennel Club described them as one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds.
They dislike extreme heat and thrive best in cooler climates. Despite their solemn expressions, Saint Bernards are far from gloomy. These dogs brim with energy and express affection by enthusiastically leaping onto their owners.
If properly raised with praise and positive reinforcement, Saint Bernards grow into loyal family members, steadfast protectors, and playful friends. They never demand attention but quietly dedicate themselves to every person in the household.
9. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic mountain breed that can be easily recognized by its serene expression. Originally bred to guard flocks, they continue to see their family as herds and protect them with a quiet and unshakable devotion.
Independent and strong-willed, Pyrenees dogs require a confident, experienced owner who understands large breeds. Their brainpower is undeniable, and once they understand your instructions, they rarely forget anything.
As a gentle and tolerant dog, the Great Pyrenees is excellent with children and lives peacefully with other animals, provided their role as guardian is respected. They are amenable companions who love physical contact and eagerly share cuddles with adults and children.
Although protective, they are not unnecessarily aggressive dogs. They will scare away intruders with their sharp bark and sheer presence; however, they rarely show hostility toward people without any reason. This balance of strength and gentleness makes them one of the most trustworthy giant dog breeds.
Conclusion
Once properly introduced into your household with training and socialization, these giant breeds will become an inseparable part of your family. Many of them are true all-rounders; they offer protection, loyalty, and intelligence all at once. This trustworthiness is exactly what dog owners cherish most.
However, these giant dog breeds also have unique needs. Their energy levels vary; some are moderate, while others require much more stimulation. Exercise and mental engagement are vital, as their mood and temperament depend on how well their needs are met.
While you can feel safe and loved in their presence, it remains important to supervise their interactions with children, even though most of them are gentle, cheerful, and extremely patient.
The unwavering bond with any of these giant dogs will make you grateful every single day for the trustful companionship they so willingly offer.
