When individuals hear "big dogs," they usually imagine fearsome, intimidating creatures—but many of the largest dog breeds are sweet, loyal, and family-oriented. These large creatures appear rugged on the outside, but within, they are sweet, gentle companions who live for love and attention from humans. Despite their gigantic size, they're very gentle with children and other household pets, making them ideal additions to family homes. Regardless of whether it's their calm nature or cuddly disposition, these giant dogs show that big can indeed be lovable. Discover about the top 10 gentle giant dog breeds that are kind and large.
Large dogs with loving personalities
Great Dane
Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds in the world. Their size is intimidating at first sight, but anyone lucky enough to be in their presence will attest to the fact that they are as loving as possible. "Gentle giants" is their endearing colloquial name, and rightly so: kind, affectionate, and human-snuggly. Affectionate indoors and great with children and other animals. Lap dog personality in giant dogs who love to curl up with humans. 2.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are gigantic, soft-coated dogs that once helped fishers in icy seas. With their power and swimming capacity, they also have a kind and easy-going temperament. They are highly tolerant of children and are even called "nanny dogs." Newfoundlands are alert but not aggressive and love to be part of the family. Their friendly nature and big hearts make them a sweetheart to those who want a loving and devoted companion.
Mastiff
Mastiffs, particularly English Mastiffs, are gigantic and very loyal. Behind the scary physique, Mastiffs are gentle and soft and most likely to attach to their families. Mastiffs are friendly, relaxed, and defensive yet not aggressive. Mastiffs simply love to just snuggle with family members and are ideal family pets for those who want a peaceful, loving watchdog.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are renowned for their alpine rescues, yet under the working beginnings lies an extremely kind and sweet canine. Though they are humongous in size and possess such immense strength, they are soft, gentle, and good around kids. They would be perfect for a setup where they could just lounge around and hang out with the family. Saint Bernards are the friendly giant par excellence—unobtrusive, mature, and loving to everyone who approaches them.
Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are large dogs with stately faces that appear to be from the old days in Ireland, where they were originally bred to hunt wolves. Today, they are valued as serene, gentle companions. Clever, friendly, and very people-oriented, but large, if awe-inspiring-looking, in size, their temperament is reported to be sweet and dignified. They love quiet homes where they can spend lots of time lounging around and playing with people.
Leonberger
Leonberger is a regal dog that appears and behaves like a lion. But under that rough fur lies a gentle and loving heart. Leonbergers are sweet, gentle, and loving with children. They were developed to be family companions and play beautifully at this role. Properly socialized and well taken care of, they are one of the emotionally smart and loving breeds you will ever own.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are clever, brave, and devoted. Wonderful with families and affectionate friends, they're highly trainable and often used as police and service dogs but are more than happy to be part of a loving family. Alert and guardian-like, they also have exceptional watchdog potential. An adult German Shepherd will generally weigh 50 to 90 pounds.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are friendly, gentle, and warm—a great family pet for a very good reason. Golden Retrievers adore people and are sweet, and they are thus great with kids and other animals. Golden Retrievers are intelligent and willing to please, so they are easy to train and ideal for such work as therapy work. Golden Retrievers weigh 55-75 pounds.
Labrador Retriever
Labradors are bouncy, friendly, and never too keen to say no to a game. Yellow, chocolate, or black, Labs are outgoing and affectionate dogs who so easily become part of the family scene. They are friendly to exercise, enjoying games of fetch, so are ideal for sporty families. Friendly and lively, it's little wonder they're such a favorite in the States. Labradors weigh between 55-80 pounds when fully grown.
Siberian Husky
With their beautiful coat colors and piercing eyes, Siberian Huskies are absolutely impossible to resist. They're social, friendly dogs that work well in families and generally get along well with other dogs as well. Despite having thick, fluffy coats, they don't surprisingly have that usual "doggy odor." Instead, they possess a great deal to say—they're notoriously chatty and enjoy "talking" in a range of howls, whines, and game sounds. These lively puppies generally weigh between 35 and 60 pounds.
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