Are you a dog lover with a soft spot for gentle giants? While many people are drawn to small or medium-sized breeds, there’s something truly special about owning a large dog with a heart just as big as its body.
These magnificent canines often have calm, loving personalities that make them perfect companions for families, active individuals, and even first-time big dog owners.
Large dogs can be both protectors and friendly companions. They offer loyalty, companionship, and often a surprising gentleness that melts your heart. Whether you want a faithful hiking partner, a watchful guardian, or simply a best friend who’s always happy to see you, these breeds deliver in more ways than one.
In this guide, we’ll explore seven gentle giant dog breeds that bring joy, love, and a little extra fluff into your life.
Most XL Dog Breeds That Make Majestic Pets
1. Newfoundland
Known as the “nanny dog,” the Newfoundland is one of the most affectionate giant dog breeds you’ll find. Despite their massive build, they are gentle, calm, and excellent with children. Their sweet temperament makes them perfect family companions.
Newfoundland dogs were bred to pull carts, but they were also treasured as excellent water dogs, according to Purina. Newfoundlands have incredible swimming skills and an instinct to protect. Their thick double coat keeps them warm in cold conditions, making them well-suited for outdoor adventures.
They require regular grooming to manage shedding, and their size necessitates ample space to move comfortably. But in return, you get a loyal, patient, and protective dog that will guard your home with quiet confidence.
Fun Fact: The Newfoundland breed has saved countless lives from drowning, earning them a heroic reputation in coastal communities for centuries.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed from Switzerland, known for its striking tri-colored coat and gentle nature.
Originally bred as a farm dog, they helped with pulling carts, herding cattle, and guarding property. Despite their size, they are incredibly affectionate and enjoy spending time with their family.
These dogs thrive in cooler climates and need regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Their calm temperament makes them wonderful companions, but they do require consistent training and socialization. Grooming is also a big part of their care, as their long coat can shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes.
Their loyalty and patience make them excellent with children and other pets. These mountain dogs quietly lie next to the couch while you relax or gently lean on you when they want affection. However, their large size means they need space to roam and play.
3. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a gentle giant, famous for its role as a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps. Known for their massive size and kind expression, these gentle giants were originally bred by monks to locate and save travelers lost in the snow. Their thick coats and incredible endurance made them perfect for harsh mountain conditions.
Despite their history as service dogs, Saint Bernards are affectionate family companions. They are patient, calm, and great with children, often referred to as “nanny dogs” because of their protective nature. However, their large size means they need room to move around comfortably.
Saint Bernards do best in cooler climates and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. While they are not overly energetic, they enjoy leisurely walks and spending time with their loved ones.
Fun Fact: Britannica mentions one famous dog at the Hospice, Barry, who saved over 40 lives on his own, which shows that courage can come in fluffy coats.
4. Leonberger
The Leonberger stands tall with a lion-like mane and dignified presence, truly a majestic giant. Originally bred in Germany in the 1800s as a steadfast companion and working dog, this gentle breed combines strength with an affectionate temperament.
Leonbergers are known for their loyalty, patience, and calm nature, making them excellent family pets that love to be part of every household moment.
These dogs thrive in active environments and enjoy moderate activities like strolls or swimming, though they’re just as content lounging beside you. Their thick, water-resistant coat requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and shedding, but the effort is well worth the reward of a soft, majestic companion.
Fun Fact: Leonbergers were once known as “royal dogs,” often seen accompanying European nobility in parades and public celebrations!
5. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest and most graceful giant dog breeds, originally bred for hunting wolves and guarding estates in Ireland.
Known for their gentle and friendly nature, these dogs are surprisingly calm and affectionate despite their towering size. They make excellent family pets, especially with children, thanks to their patient and loving temperament.
Irish Wolfhounds require regular exercise to stay healthy, but prefer relaxed walks over vigorous activity. Their wiry coat needs minimal grooming, though brushing helps keep their coat neat and healthy. Their noble appearance, combined with a loyal disposition, makes them a truly majestic breed.
Fun Fact: Despite their fierce name, Irish Wolfhounds are often called “gentle giants” because of their sweet and calm personalities.
6. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic giant dog breed known for its thick, weather-resistant double coat and calm, protective nature.
Originally bred to guard livestock in the Pyrenees Mountains, these dogs are powerful guard dogs with a strong protective instinct. They are affectionate and gentle with their families, making them excellent companions and family pets.
The Great Pyrenees thrives in cold weather thanks to its dense coat, but needs regular grooming to prevent matting. Great Pyrenees dogs are intelligent and independent thinkers, which means early socialization and training are key to managing their natural guarding tendencies.
It’s not noisy, lies near you or across a hallway, and watches over the house like it’s still guarding a mountain flock; no wonder the AKC calls them steadfast guardians.
Fun Fact: Great Pyrenees dogs have webbed feet, helping them navigate snowy mountain terrain with ease!
7. Great Dane
The Great Dane is a towering yet elegant dog known as the “gentle giant.” Despite their imposing size, they are affectionate, calm, and often think they’re lap dogs.
Their friendly nature makes them great companions, and they’re known to form strong bonds with their families. Great Danes are loyal protectors but rarely aggressive, preferring to watch over loved ones with quiet dignity.
While their exercise needs aren’t extreme, they do require daily walks to keep them healthy. Due to their size, a spacious living area is ideal, and training should start early to manage their strength. They have a short coat that’s easy to maintain, making grooming a breeze.
Fun Fact: The Great Dane holds the record for the world’s tallest dog; one famous Dane named Zeus stood at a staggering 44 inches at the shoulder, according to the Guinness World Records.
Conclusion
Giant dog breeds like the Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Saint Bernard truly embody the term “gentle giants.” These majestic dog breeds combine impressive size with a gentle, loyal temperament, making them excellent family dogs and powerful guard dogs.
Originally bred for protection and working purposes, many of these large dogs have adapted well to family life, offering both companionship and security. Their thick double coats and large stature make them well-suited for colder climates, and their calm demeanor wins the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.
While owning one of the biggest dog breeds requires commitment and early socialization, the rewards are endless. These giant breeds have a rich history, from guarding livestock in the mountains to being royal dogs in noble households.
For anyone seeking a majestic and loyal giant dog breed, these large dogs stand out as some of the best giant dog breeds to consider.
