Large dog breeds might look intimidating to some people. But we would suggest: never judge a book by its cover, and decide what kind of temperament a dog has depending on its size! Most gentle giants are gentle and affectionate.
Gentle giant breeds have a lot of pluses in their personalities. Some dogs are so calm that they often think of themselves as lap dogs despite their large size. They are loyal and protective of their owners, and usually easy to train due to their intelligence.
Different large dog breeds have different temperaments—some are known as couch potatoes and sweet peas, while others are alert and always on the move. In this article, we will be talking about the gentle giants who will melt your heart with their kind and calm demeanor.
Here are the top 7 gentle giant dog breeds.
Gentle Giant Dog Breeds
1. Great Dane
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Working
Personality: Friendly, patient, dependable
Energy Level: Energetic
Lifespan: 7 to 10 years
One of the most popular gentle giant breeds, the Great Danes were originally bred in the 1800s for hunting wild boar and guarding estates in Germany. They are the tallest dog breed among the working dogs.
Named as “Apollo of dogs,” Great Danes stand 28 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 110 and 175 pounds. According to PetMD, your Great Dane will grow as much in his first year as a child grows in fourteen years.
Despite their intimidating size, Great Danes are calm dogs. They are friendly and get along well with children, adults, and other pets. However, do not confuse their gentleness with weakness as they make wonderful guard dogs.
2. Newfoundland
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Working
Personality: Sweet, patient, devoted
Energy Level: Regular Exercise
Lifespan: 9 to 10 years
Newfoundland dogs are massive and versatile, having a visually square appearance. These large dogs have a graceful gait. Originally bred to work for fishermen, their webbed feet allow them to navigate through water with ease. They are excellent swimmers!
Newfoundland dogs stand 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 100 to 150 pounds. They are highly intelligent dogs. The intelligence reflects in their excellent problem-solving skills and work-related abilities.
Do you know? The most popular Newfoundland in English literature is Nana in Peter Pan, the creation of author J. M. Barries.
Newfoundland dogs have a relaxed appearance and are kind and friendly towards their favorite humans. These loyal, protective, and patient canines do well as family pets. However, they have an independent streak, which can make training a little bit challenging.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Working
Personality: Good-natured, calm, strong
Energy Level: Energetic
Lifespan: 7 to 10 years
The next gentle giant on our list is the Bernese Mountain dog, popular for its large size. Having a height of around 27 inches and a weight of around 100 pounds, they are intelligent dogs having an eagerness to please.
Despite being a large breed, Bernese Mountain dogs have calm and sweet personalities. These affectionate dogs are the babysitters with four paws. Their patience and kindness make them excellent playmates for kids.
Bernese Mountain dogs form profound bonds with their owners and serve as therapy dogs who offer comfort and companionship during times of distress. These serene pups enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like simply lounging with their humans.
4. Saint Bernard
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Working
Personality: Playful, charming, inquisitive
Energy Level: Regular Exercise
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
Saint Bernards are the true gentle giants of the dog world. These massive dogs have a large head, gentle eyes, and a short, thick orange and white coat. They smoothly move through the tough terrains. These are solid and sturdy dogs loyal to their families.
These big dogs have even bigger hearts. Due to their protective nature and love for their humans, Saint Bernards make excellent family dogs. They are good-humored and trustworthy pups who rarely bark, but are always ready to defend you and your property.
Despite being a powerful breed, Saint Bernards require a moderate amount of exercise. One long walk or a half-hour-long play session will suffice. However, avoid subjecting them to vigorous physical activity. They thrive in a large space, having enough room to roam.
5. Leonberger
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Working
Personality: Friendly, playful, gentle
Energy Level: Regular Exercise
Lifespan: 7 years
According to PDSA, Leonbergers were originally bred to work as guard dogs and search and rescue dogs. These working dogs have a height of 26 to 32 inches and weigh between 90 to 170 pounds. They thrive in homes where they get ample space to roam.
Their thick double coat, black mask around eyes, and sturdy chest give them a powerful appearance. These gentle giants have a playful demeanor and are affectionate towards their owners. These independent pups are sensitive to human emotions and make wonderful therapy dogs.
Leonbergers are not aggressive, but need socialization from a young age to bring out their friendly nature. These big dogs have big exercise needs as well. They are not as high-energy as some other breeds, but they need two hours of daily exercise to stay fit.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Hound
Personality: Courageous, dignified, calm
Energy Level: Regular Exercise
Lifespan: 6 to 8 years
Another gentle giant of the dog world, the Irish Wolfhound has an imposing size but a calm demeanor. They were originally bred to hunt wolves, protect livestock, and help in battles. Their height is the most distinctive feature in their appearance.
Having a minimum height of 32 inches, Irish wolfhound males weigh between 120 and 18 pounds. Females are a bit smaller, who stand at least 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 105 pounds. Despite their large size, they are loyal and calm dogs.
Irish wolfhounds do not shed much. Brush your dog once a week and trim their nails regularly. They need moderate exercise of around 1 to 1.5 hours every day. Exercise can include long walks and free play in a secured area.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
Breed Profile
Breed Group: Working
Personality: Independent, intelligent, reserved
Energy Level: Regular Exercise
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Having a lion-like mane and regal stature, Tibetan mastiffs are recognized for their large size and imposing structure, as described by the AKC. Males range in height from 26 to 29 inches and weigh around 90 to 150 pounds. Female Tibetan mastiffs are relatively smaller, weighing around 70 to 120 pounds and standing 24 to 27 inches tall.
Larger in size yet gentle at heart, they are intensely loyal to their families. However, they are aloof towards strangers and have a territorial nature. They have an independent streak but make great family pets if properly trained and socialized.
They are protective by nature, but do not get aggressive without any reason. They can peacefully coexist with other pets. Tibetan Mastiffs are vulnerable to certain health problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, and seizures.
Conclusion
Many large dog breeds have a calm demeanor and are generally gentle. They make amazing family pets due to their intelligence and trainability. If you are planning to adopt a gentle giant dog bred for your home, make sure you have enough space to fulfill their energy and exercise needs. Do not forget to give them much-needed love and care.
