Dogs come in all combinations of physical and mental characteristics. Dog lovers also have different preferences; some love apartment-friendly small dogs, others prefer sturdy outdoor pets. Large dogs that are also brainiacs are a combination that pet owners can’t help but dream of.
Large canines can look intimidating with an “attack first, ask questions later” vibe, but many are actually not just gentle giants, but pretty trainable and smart dogs. Such dogs are excellent companions for experienced and committed owners who can give their pets enough mental stimulation and exercise.
If you want your furry companion to be blessed in both size and intelligence, our article will help you find just that.
7 Smart Giant Dog Breeds
1. Great Dane
What’s “Great” about our Danes is not just their awe-inspiring, sleek, and athletic build, but also their loyal and affectionate nature. Danes were originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs used to take out boars, and have also been used as guard dogs due to their alert minds.
According to Britannica, the Great Dane is the tallest of the working dogs (28-32 inches). Also called the German Mastiff, this breed is Pennsylvania’s official state dog. Their personalities are undeniably enchanting; if you want a calm and patient companion in a big package, this dog is for you.
Great Danes are generally well suited for active owners who can dedicate some time to taking them on walks and getting them daily exercise.
Early obedience training is imperative to make them listen to you, or it’ll become quite challenging to handle a large dog when it pulls against the leash.
2. Newfoundland
No other breed stays as true to the “gentle giant” label as the Newfoundland. They’ve literally been called nanny dogs due to their tendency to watch over little kids. Newfies are majestic in size with a dense double coat that helps them endure harsh weather.
According to the American Kennel Club, Newfoundland males can weigh up to 150 pounds, and females can go up to 120 pounds. These big boned and rowdy dogs look intimidating, but possess a big heart and a smart mind.
They’re smart even as puppies and love outdoor activities. They’re quite well-mannered by default, but early socialization training is always a good idea, especially for giant breeds. Newfies are confident and energetic pups and make every outdoor adventure full of vigor.
Apart from their fondness for children, Newfs are amazing family dogs and can adapt to different kinds of households.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain dogs hail from Switzerland, where they were common as farm dogs; now they’re one of the most loved family pets due to their lovey-dovey nature. These spectacularly large dogs are very intelligent and great at being trained.
With a sweet face with cheerful expressions, and a lush, thick double coat with gorgeous patterns, Bernese are beauties with brains. These versatile dogs don’t just make great picnic and hiking partners, but are also fantastic cuddle buddies with their gentle demeanor.
Their loyalty is unquestionable towards their family members. They can be a little shy with outsiders and might take time opening up. They’re generally pretty good with kids and other dogs. These smart pups can be trained well with positive reinforcement and require mental stimulation in their lives.
4. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards were literally bred and trained by monks so they could be sent on search and rescue missions in the Swiss Alps. Their larger-than-life presence is boosted by their adorable droopy face and very fluffy coat. They would’ve been scary if they weren’t so cute.
Going with search parties in a cold Swiss region calls for a dog to not only be physically resilient but also possess impeccable smartness and natural instincts. Saints are quite the complete package in this sense.
These dogs are incredibly loyal and loving towards their humans and love spending time playing with them. Their exercise needs are moderate; take them out daily on at least a 30-minute walk to keep them healthy.
Due to being highly intelligent, they can do amazingly well in puppy obedience classes and learn to behave calmly around people, especially children, quite effectively.
5. Leonberger
These giant dogs have a distinct look with their elegant and thick, waterproof coat with heart-warming colors. Leonbergers look sturdy and somewhat serious, but are softies at heart with a playful nature. They’re intelligent dogs and can learn to play mental games like puzzles very well.
Leons are big, outdoor-friendly dogs always willing for some adventure and playtime. While their exercise requirement is medium, they can still do with some physical activity to keep off extra weight.
They’re great pets for families and individuals alike, and thrive in environments where they get a lot of space to roam around.
These gentle lions are a popular choice for therapy dogs due to their sensitive nature and ability to learn. Due to being brainy dogs, they might become a bit hard to handle as adults if they haven’t been given proper obedience training while younger.
6. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees (or “Les Chien De Montagne Des Pyrenees” in French) is an elegant and imposing dog and one of the oldest breeds of canines. Due to their strength and protective nature, they’ve been used as herding dogs and have guarded flocks.
Their impressive, dense coat helps them stay steadfast in rain, wind, and cold weather. They’re smart and independent dogs and can do pretty well on their own. They’re pretty chill pets, but if they sense a threat against their territory or family, they are quick to take action.
As quick learners, they not only respond well to training but also make awesome therapy dogs as they tend to sense human emotions and moods effectively.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are large dogs that can look formidable but make loyal and affectionate companions to their families. Protecting their families and territories is always on their minds, and they can be suspicious of strangers. They make great guard dogs for properties and love vast spaces they can call homes.
Mastiffs are muscular in stature and boast a very dense and fluffy coat that needs regular grooming. They might not enjoy getting cooped up in smaller apartments, but will be more than happy to live on farms or homes with a big yard.
AKC classifies them as working dogs; they can learn to do tasks nicely. They’re moderate to highly trainable as intelligent dogs, but early obedience training is a must to make them cooperative adults.
They’re strong-willed and might become aggressive towards other pets if they’re not socialized as puppies.
Conclusion
All these large and smart dog breeds are unique in their own ways, and it’s important for dog owners to learn their individual needs. Whether you enjoy cuddling with your gentle giant on the sofa, or spend outdoor time with them, always make sure you know how to take care of them in all kinds of environments.
