Towering over couches and laps alike, the large dog breeds can still learn tricks faster than you might anticipate. They remind us that large-sized dogs can be controlled and obedient, but in the right hands and right time.
A recent study has shown that trainability varies in different dog breeds depending on the history, temperament, and purpose of dogs; herding and sporting groups scored higher than hounds, working, and toy breeds.
The dogs that are bred for companionship and cooperation may be easier to train than the breed for independent guardianship. That’s why it is best to choose wisely, keep an eye on the breed’s purpose and history. We are going to discuss the dogs that are big and relatively easygoing.
XL Dog Breeds That Are Easy to Train
1. Leonberger
Leonbergers are characterized by a muscular build and lion-like mane, shaping them as a powerful, large dog breed. According to the American Kennel Club, these gentle giants are patient and crave human companionship.
In 1800, they were originally bred in Germany to be working dogs as well as family pets.
The sheer size of the Leonberger may look intimidating, but they are generally loving and friendly dogs. They do well in households that offer them ample time and space to adore and relax. Leonbergers are great companions and get along with children and other dogs, with proper socialization.
Usually calm in nature, these dogs do not bark too much. They thrive in brisk exercise such as long walks or hikes. However, the history shows that Leonbergers are independent dogs, which means their training can only be handled by experienced dog owners, with consistency and patience.
2. Dogue de Bordeaux
Immensely powerful mastiff-type guardian Dogue de Bordeaux ranks among the list of large dog breeds. These lush-coated big dogs are famously known for their courageous, loyal, and affectionate nature.
Being a sensitive canine, the Dogue de Bordeaux does not respond well to harsh training methods.
The physical appearance of the Dogue de Bordeaux highlights its big head, which is the largest of any breed. Owing to their size, they may become a bit difficult to handle and train. That’s why puppies should be trained for obedience and leash training to make them well-mannered adults.
Dogue de Bordeaux bonds closely with its family members. They are alert and friendly family pets who can guard their beloved ones if trained as watchdogs. Non-aggressive, even-tempered, and tolerant, Dogue gets along well with kids among many of the giant breeds.
3. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff was originally developed as a big guard dog against poachers by British gamekeepers in 1860. With an impressive size, the Bullmastiff is loyal, loving, yet a reserved large dog breed. They make deep bonds with their humans but do not welcome strangers at once.
According to PetMD, they are highly intelligent dogs, but sometimes may appear stubborn. Training sessions with positive reinforcement methods and professional trainers are the keys. Thus, they are not a good choice for new pet parents.
They make deep bonds with their humans but do not welcome strangers at once.
Bullmastiff makes deep bonds with their humans but do not feel good around new situations and people. To get along with new ones and other pets, early training and socialization are a must for these puppies.
Bullmastiffs do not have the stamina for long runs, yet they need regular exercise, like long walks, to stay healthy and happy.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
Strong and good-natured, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a versatile and hardworking large dog breed, used to excel in carting and drafting. Owing to their eagerness to please others, this large breed is highly trainable.
The Bernese Mountain Dog breed was bred in Switzerland as farm dogs in 1920, and today it is considered an excellent family pet.
Bernese Mountain Dogs, affectionately called Berners, are often calm dogs and remain tolerant and sweet with people, children, and other pets. They have a thick double coat with a variety of colours, which needs regular grooming, as it sheds a lot.
Being a large breed, Berners tend to have some health problems that decrease their life expectancy.
Since they are timid and may get separation anxiety, Berners should be introduced to socialization and training at an early stage of their lives. This big dog has exceptional intelligence with moderate energy levels.
Therefore, half an hour of exercise with some dog sports like agility, obedience training, and tracking is enough for their healthy lifestyle.
5. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
This family-oriented big dog breed is immensely strong and affectionate. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs were used as drafting and herding dogs, so they made a devoted and dependable breed. This giant dog needs plenty of exercise and space, but is adaptable to both city and country living.
Confident yet easy-going Swisses make great family dogs. These gentle giants have a strong affinity towards people and children. As an intelligent working dog breed, they tend to have boundless energy, which should be channeled through physical and mental stimulation.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are known for their friendly temperament, deep bark easy maintenance. In the past, they had been working independently for so long, which is why they have a strong will, making training a bit challenging.
However, with positive reinforcement methods, consistency, and patience, they can easily be trained.
6. Kuvasz
Hailing from Hungary, sweet and fearless Kuvaszok were once giant guardians of flocks and also enjoyed the royal status of being the companions of Kings. Their calm and sensitive demeanor makes the Kuvasz a relatively easy-to-train breed.
This large boned dog also ranks in the list of the tallest dog breeds.
Kuvasz is a bit reserved toward strangers, but typically polite dog breed, says WebMD. The imposing and majestic Kuvasz has retained its watchful and easygoing temperament, making them a gentle family dog.
Backed by history, these dogs have a gentle and protective nature, which means they bring loyalty, love, and guardianship together.
Kuvasz is a perfect hiking and hunting companion for active individuals and households. Due to strong protective instincts, they should be in a fenced yard during walks and exercise. They are intelligent and curious dogs and can solve tricks and obey commands with consistent training starting at puppyhood.
7. Black Russian Terrier
One of the healthiest large dog breeds, the Black Russian Terrier is a versatile working dog breed, thanks to its robust and intelligent personality. These smart dogs respond well to training with accurate methods and consistency. Originally bred to hunt and guard, BRTs are powerful and protective dogs.
The American Kennel Club describes Black Russian Terriers as majestic, massive, and imposing dogs. They do great in patrolling the territory during cold nights due to their black coat. While being reserved with strangers, BRTs bond closely with families.
Consistently and properly socialized Black Russian Terriers get along well with other dogs and cats in the same house. Since they are intelligent dogs, BRTs want to use their abilities; that’s why playtime and regular exercise are important to provide an outlet for energy.
They excel in hiking, swimming, and the play of frisbee and fetch.
8. Boerboel
Calm and intelligent Boerboel hails from South Africa as a big farm dog. With a muscular build and strength, the Boerboel looks intimidating and confident, and is one of the biggest dog breeds. This breed’s puppies are trainable, which shapes them into obedient guard dogs and watchdogs.
With proper training and socialization, these farm dogs can be good family pets, bringing affection and protection to homes. However, this powerful ad muscular big dog is not a good choice for novice pet parents.
A socialized and trained Boerboel gets along well with children and other family dogs, yet all interactions need supervision of an elder.
As an athletic big dog breed, the Boerboel demands daily exercise, including walks and play sessions. Along with physical activity, they also need mental enrichment via dog sports such as obedience and agility competitions.
Owing to its strong protective nature, all Boerboel’s outdoor activities should be done on leash.
9. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards have hearts as big as their size. Back in times, the Saint Bernards were used to search and rescue people buried in the Swiss Alps by avalanches. Today, these gentle big dogs are wonderful family companions thanks to their loving and gentle nature.
Saint Bernard puppies are smart and quickly learn things; this time is the best to train them for socialization and obedience.
Regardless of their mellow demeanor, St. Bernards should only be introduced to older kids, as they may accidentally knock over infants or small children. They crave human interactions, and if left too long, they could get separation anxiety. Blessed with low drive, Saints can also adapt to multi-pet households.
In puppyhood, Saints are energetic and playful, but as they get older, they seem to be calm dogs. They demand moderate exercise for half an hour. Eager to please, Saint Bernards are a relatively easy-to-train breed.
10. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest hounds among all dog breeds. These hunting dogs are also famous for their affectionate and patient nature with children and family members. Irish Wolfhound’s shaggy, wiry coat, lumbering gait, and gentle demeanor add more shine to its characteristics.
These massive and kind mutts excel in indoor sittings. They are typically amiable to everyone and devoted to their owners. Since they enjoy indoor activities, Irish Wolfhounds need light to moderate physical activities, and prefer to be couch potatoes in your house.
Despite their lower barking and exercise needs, they still do not adapt apartment lifestyle, as they need ample space to roam and a proper fenced yard for exercise.
Irish Wolfhounds are reasonably easy to train and quick at learning physical cues, but due to their sheer size, they may become destructive during training.
Conclusion
Choosing size and trainability method wisely can prevent you from hassles and turn your giant dog into a loyal, loving, and obedient pal rather than a challenge. Moreover, it’s not only about understanding the size but also the heart.
With patience, gentle care, and affection, you can share an unbreakable bond with them while giving your time and attention, which will never go in vain.
German Shepherds, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, English Mastiffs, and Standard Poodles are other dog breeds that will suit your lifestyle as well.
