Among all animals, dogs have the most remarkable social communication system, one that strengthens their bond with humans in ways few creatures can.

Science mentions research about canine and human bonding that even a simple gaze between a dog and its human companion can trigger the release of oxytocin, the love hormone, in dogs, which proves how deeply this positive feedback loop is, even without words.

Dogs are trusted to be loyal companions for many genuine reasons, the foremost being that their loyalty never wavers. Building a connection with them, however, is ultimately the responsibility of the owner.

As humans, we have sharper cognitive and reasoning skills, but you would be amazed at how little acts of affection can make a canine fall completely in love with you. Once that bond forms, these animals will remain by your side as long as they live.

Whether we talk about giant breeds or small dogs, each has its own unique way of showing love. Some are stubborn during the puppy stage, while others are quick learners, yet all share the same instincts, not to disappoint their favorite humans.

When you choose to make a dog part of your family, remember to treat them as your own in return because their bigger hearts hold more affection than they can ever express in words.

Key Takeaways

• These giant dog breeds are not only devoted protectors but also amicable companions. With effective and consistent training, you can shape their temperament and strike a balance between their protective nature and gentle demeanor.

• Although these big dogs are generally kind and patient with children and even strangers, their natural guarding instinct means owners should always keep an eye on their interactions to avoid any unintended situations.

• These dogs have impressive cognitive abilities, which foster a deeper emotional connection with their owners.

XL Dog Breeds That Will Be By Your Side

1. Leonberger

Originally bred in Germany, Leonbergers are giant dogs with even bigger hearts, carrying an immense amount of love and loyalty to share.

Their bond with human companions is exceptionally strong as they are eager to please and never wish to leave their owner’s side. Because of their massive size, they thrive in large living spaces and are far more comfortable in big homes.

What makes this gentle giant so remarkable is the kindness hidden behind an imposing frame. Leonbergers are intelligent, surprisingly quick learners, and easy to train.

With moderate exercise, they remain happy and healthy while their sharp minds pick up obedience training and tricks with ease. Their ability to sense human emotions makes them deeply devoted to their families.

Originally bred for guarding sheep, Leonbergers still carry strong protective instincts. They love to play with kids, behave well with strangers, yet when it comes to defense, they do not take anything lightly.

Beyond guarding, their doting and therapeutic qualities shine, and they are often trained as mobility assistance dogs for people with autism or PTSD and other mental health challenges.

2. Bernese Mountain Dog

Originally bred to guard cattle in the Swiss Alps, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a fluffy, congenial breed that fills homes with warmth. Life with this mellow dog is never dull. When playing with family or children, their sweet, cheerful personality brings laughter and bustle to the house.

But don’t mistake their calmness for passivity; this giant dog breed remains highly alert. With a protective nature and sharp senses, they keep a vigilant eye on their surroundings to ensure no intruder passes unnoticed.

Their intelligence and loyalty to human companions make them excellent at obedience training. They are quick learners who respond well to positive training. Bernese are capable competitors in dog sports, as explained by the American Kennel Club.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is not only incredibly affectionate but also deeply intuitive. They can sense when their family members are sad or struggling and offer comfort during difficult phases.

This ability to connect with human emotions makes them excellent companions for people with disabilities or those with psychiatric issues. Trustworthy, gentle, and dependable, Bernese Mountain Dogs will always stand by those humans who place their trust in them.

3. Boerboel

The South African Boerboel is a giant dog breed known for its strength, independence, and protective instincts. Stubborn and confident, Boerboels were originally bred as guard dogs, and they still excel in that role today.

Orvis emphasises that with proper upbringing and socialization, they become excellent protectors and devoted companions.

Boerboels require experienced owners who can establish leadership through consistent training. They become attached to all family members and show special affection toward children. Historically, they were even trusted as babysitters. Still, owners should supervise interactions due to the dog’s sheer size and strength.

They are extremely distrustful of strangers, yet once they recognize a friend, their demeanor softens quickly. Boerboels can be friendly, but they may clash with unfamiliar dogs unless socialized early. To thrive, they require daily exercise, long walks, play sessions, and activities that burn energy.

Without this, their high energy can turn into destructive behaviors. In the right hands, this large dog becomes a trustworthy companion.

4. Newfoundland

Originally bred in Canada to assist fishermen with tasks like pulling nets, Newfoundlands are giant dogs with a natural love for water. Their temperament is as calm and refreshing as the sea itself. Despite their massive size, these dogs have a childlike heart.

Calm and tolerant, they get along well with children and other pets, which makes them excellent family pets. Newfies bring joy to everyone around them, much like an outgoing toddler, because of their size and working dog heritage.

Beyond being loving companions, they excel as working dogs. Newfies require training and socialization from an early age. While they may be stubborn at first, their gentle temperament makes them adapt quickly.

Although generally tranquil, their protective instincts remain strong. This quiet dog will not hesitate to raise the alarm when a stranger threatens their territory, which shows how smart and alert they truly are.

Newfies enjoy long walks to keep them healthy and happy. After a moderate exercise, they seek cuddles and live up to the reputation as welcoming and benign dogs.

5. Pyrenean Mastiff

Pyrenean Mastiffs were originally bred as working dogs to protect livestock in the Pyrenees mountains.

They guarded herds of sheep and cattle against predators like wolves and bears, and that protective nature is very much alive today. This large dog is calm and intelligent yet bold and distrustful of strangers.

The Pyrenean Mastiff is friendly with people when properly introduced and treats other dogs and pets calmly, knowing well its superior strength.

Due to their gentle temperament, they get along with cats and are kind around children. They are obedient learners and relatively easy to train, though first-time owners should seek professional guidance.

Keep in mind that it’s better to do crate training for them to provide Pyrs with a secure space in the house and prevent destructive behavior. You can use a dog crate size calculator to get a better idea.

The Pyrenean Mastiff does not demand endless activity; moderate walks and playful activities outdoors are enough, as suggested by Omlet. They feel most comfortable in a larger living area, ideally a private home with a yard, where they can move freely.

With the right environment, they become excellent family companions who are protective, calm, and incredibly loyal.

FAQs

Do XL dog breeds need a lot of space?

Yes, space is a major requirement for these dogs. Having a large backyard or easy access to outdoor areas is necessary for giant breeds to thrive. A semi-rural location is often ideal because it gives them freedom to move without restrictions.

Are giant dog breeds hard to train?

Surprisingly, giant dog breeds are not hard to train. In fact, many of them are eager learners. However, it’s crucial to start early with positive reinforcement and consistent obedience training. These dogs grow very fast, and without guidance, their sheer size can make them difficult to manage.

How much exercise do XL dog breeds need?

Giant breeds should never be over-exercised, and it’s best to keep their workouts in cooler places. Most of these dog breeds love water, and swimming is one of the best activities to boost their energy and lift their moods.

Giant dog breeds have moderate exercise needs, but spending regular time outdoors, more than one hour of daily activity, is essential for their health. Long walks may be boring for them, so it’s better to mix in other tasks or train them as service animals.

Conclusion

You have read how these giant dog breeds, despite their massive size, carry such sweet-tempered and loving personalities. However, before you bring one home, it’s important to think realistically about their needs.

Ask yourself whether you can afford their requirements, not just financially but also in terms of time, energy, and attention. They may not always be high maintenance, but they do need regular brushing, moderate exercise, and veterinary medicine, and most importantly, your companionship.

Keeping a large dog is a commitment, one that asks you to balance responsibility and affection. But once you sort these things out, you will realize you are the luckiest dog owner in the world.

Having one of these gentle giants by your side means having a loyal friend who will never let you down. They will stay with you and provide comfort when you feel detached from the world.