Have you ever looked at a gentle giant with paws the size of dinner plates and thought, “Now there’s a dog who’d scare off any intruder”? You might be surprised! Not every large dog breed is a natural-born guard dog. In fact, some of the biggest, fluffiest, and most lovable breeds are more likely to greet a stranger with a wagging tail than a warning bark. If you’re thinking of adding a big furry friend to your family and want to know which ones are more likely to nap on your couch than patrol your property, this list is for you. Let’s meet the gentle giants who’d rather be your best friend than your security system!
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are often described as “gentle giants” for a reason. Despite their imposing size and thick, bear-like coats, these dogs have hearts as soft as marshmallows. They were originally bred to help fishermen, not to guard homes, and their sweet nature makes them wonderful family companions. Newfoundlands are known for their patience with children and their love of water. When it comes to strangers, they’re more likely to offer a drooly hello than a warning growl. Their calm demeanor and affectionate personality simply don’t lend themselves to guard dog duties. Instead, they’re happiest when cuddling with their people or making new friends at the park.
Bernese Mountain Dog
With their striking tri-color coats and soulful brown eyes, Bernese Mountain Dogs are hard to resist. Don’t let their size fool you—they’re not made for guarding. These dogs are famously friendly and gentle, often forming strong bonds with everyone they meet. Originally bred to help with farm work in the Swiss Alps, their skills are better suited for pulling carts than scaring away intruders. Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive on companionship and can be downright goofy when playing with the family. Their trusting nature and lack of suspicion mean they’ll likely welcome strangers with a wag and a sniff, not a bark or snarl.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards have a heroic reputation thanks to their legendary mountain rescues, but when it comes to guarding, they’re more about saving lives than protecting property. These massive dogs are famously good-natured, patient, and tolerant. They adore children and make excellent family pets, but their trusting personalities make them poor watchdogs. Instead of barking at newcomers, a Saint Bernard might just slobber on them or hope for a gentle pat. Their calm and friendly disposition is part of what makes them so beloved, but it also means they’re not likely to deter unwanted guests.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, and their regal appearance can be quite striking. However, their temperament is anything but fierce. These dogs are sweet, gentle, and dignified, often described as having the soul of a poet. They’re loyal to their families but lack the territorial instincts of traditional guard dogs. Irish Wolfhounds generally greet newcomers with curiosity rather than suspicion. Their friendliness, even with strangers, means they’re much more likely to make friends than enemies. If you’re looking for a giant cuddle buddy, this breed is a perfect choice.
Great Dane
Great Danes are often dubbed “gentle giants,” and for good reason. Despite their great size and impressive stature, their personalities are usually soft and loving. They’re known for forming strong bonds with their families and for their patience with children. While their bark can be loud, it’s usually reserved for play, not protection. Most Great Danes are friendly, even with people they don’t know. They might look intimidating at first glance, but their affectionate and laid-back nature keeps them from being reliable guard dogs. A Great Dane is more likely to lean in for a hug than lunge at a stranger.
Leonberger
Leonbergers are majestic dogs with lion-like manes and massive frames. Despite their regal appearance, these dogs are known for their loving and gentle nature. They were originally bred to be companion animals and are happiest when they’re part of the family. Leonbergers are typically calm around new people and don’t have a strong protective instinct. They may bark when someone comes to the door, but it’s more out of excitement than suspicion. Their easygoing attitude and love for people make them better suited for therapy work than guard duty.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and their friendly, outgoing nature is a big reason why. These dogs are all about love and affection, whether it’s for family members or total strangers. While they’re large and can be energetic, they simply lack the wariness and territorial drive needed to be effective guard dogs. Golden Retrievers are notorious for greeting everyone as a potential new friend. They might bark at a knock on the door, but once the visitor steps inside, the tail wagging begins. If you want a dog who loves everyone, goldens are the gold standard.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are beloved for their intelligence, trainability, and endlessly cheerful disposition. They’re the ultimate family dogs, always ready for playtime or cuddles. While their size and bark might seem intimidating to some, labs are usually too friendly to be effective guard dogs. They’re eager to please and quick to trust, which means they’re unlikely to react aggressively to strangers. Labs are more likely to welcome an intruder with a toy than a warning. If you need a dog who’s loyal, gentle, and endlessly forgiving, a lab is hard to beat.
Old English Sheepdog
With their shaggy coats and unmistakable bear-like walk, Old English Sheepdogs are truly unique. These dogs were bred to herd sheep, not to protect property, and their gentle, playful nature reflects that. Old English Sheepdogs are known for being affectionate and sociable, often getting along well with both people and other animals. They might bark at new arrivals, but their curiosity quickly takes over. These dogs love to be part of the action and enjoy meeting new people, making them poor choices for a guard dog role.
Borzoi
Borzoi, also known as Russian Wolfhounds, are elegant and graceful, with long, slender bodies and a quiet demeanor. They’re known for their calmness and for being reserved around strangers, but not in a protective way. Instead, Borzoi tend to be aloof or indifferent rather than aggressive or suspicious. They lack the assertiveness needed for guarding and are more likely to retreat from a confrontation than defend their home. Their gentle, sensitive nature makes them wonderful companions for calm households, but not reliable protectors.
Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Deerhounds are tall, lean, and incredibly gentle. They have a noble bearing, but their personalities are anything but fierce. These dogs are friendly and easygoing, preferring to relax with their people rather than patrol the yard. Scottish Deerhounds are gentle with children and tend to get along well with strangers. Their lack of territorial instinct and their mild-mannered approach to life mean they won’t put up much of a fuss if someone new comes around. If you want a peaceful, loving companion, this breed is a top pick.
Clumber Spaniel
Clumber Spaniels may not be as towering as some of the other breeds on this list, but they’re still solid, sturdy dogs with a calm demeanor. These dogs are famously laid-back and affectionate, often content to lounge around the house with their families. Clumber Spaniels are not known for being vocal or territorial, and they generally greet newcomers with a wag and a sniff. Their easygoing personalities make them poor choices for guarding, but excellent choices for families looking for a relaxed, loving companion.
What surprised you most about these gentle giants? Would you have guessed that some of the largest dogs are also the friendliest?
Born and bred in South Africa, a Capetonian at heart. Amy-Leigh’s love for nature and animals was inherited from her Dad. He loves taking the family on road trips to experience nature at its finest; Amy-Leigh’s favourite being whale watching in Hermanus and spotting Kudu along the West Coast. Amy-Leigh holds a BA in English Literature and Communication Studies.
