There’s something about seeing a massive dog lumbering down the street that stops people in their tracks. Maybe it’s the sheer size or perhaps the realization that underneath all that bulk often lies one of the sweetest, most affectionate souls you’ll ever meet. These giant breeds flip the script on what size supposedly means about temperament. Instead of aggression, you’ll find loyalty. Instead of hostility, there’s often a goofball energy wrapped in a hundred-plus-pound package.
Here’s the thing though: adopting a giant dog isn’t quite like bringing home a Chihuahua. We’re talking about animals that can weigh as much as a full-grown adult and whose tails alone can clear a coffee table in one enthusiastic wag. They need space, they require training while still manageable as puppies, and yes, they come with bigger vet bills. Still, if you’re ready for the commitment, these gentle giants offer devotion and companionship that’s hard to match. Let’s dive into 13 breeds that prove size and sweetness can absolutely coexist.
Great Dane: The Lovable Lapdog Who Forgot Their Size
Despite their enormous size, Great Danes are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them great family pets. Honestly, these dogs haven’t quite grasped the concept of personal space. They’ll try to curl up on your lap like they’re a ten-pound puppy (spoiler: they’re not).
Great Danes can grow to be over 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 200 pounds. Despite that intimidating stature, they’re surprisingly sensitive creatures. Great Danes are actually rather “sensitive” by nature, which means harsh training methods won’t fly with this breed. What you get instead is a dog who lives to please their humans, leaning on you quite literally for affection and reassurance.
Bernese Mountain Dog: The Tri-Colored Teddy Bear
Originating from Switzerland, these dogs can weigh upwards of 120 pounds, yet their temperament is as soft as their luxurious coat. Berners, as they’re lovingly called, are very gentle, considerate dogs.
Their stunning tri-color fur and expressive faces make them instantly recognizable. Bernese Mountain dogs can also make for great therapy dogs, which tells you everything about their patient, empathetic nature. These dogs were bred as working animals in the Swiss Alps, so they do need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Still, they’re equally content curling up beside you after a good romp outside, making them wonderfully balanced companions for active families.
Newfoundland: The Water-Loving Lifeguard
The Newfoundland spent its early days as a water rescue dog in Canada, combining power with a docile temperament. Newfoundlands are famously patient temperament, and trustworthy temperament, earning them the adorable nickname “nanny dogs”.
Their massive size – males can exceed 150 pounds – might make them look intimidating, but one look into those soulful eyes reveals pure kindness. Newfoundlands are massive, friendly dogs that often charm their families with their sweet temperament. These dogs absolutely love water and swimming, so if you’ve got access to a lake or pool, you’ll have one happy Newfie. Just be prepared for the drool and the shedding that comes with that gorgeous, thick coat.
Saint Bernard: The Alpine Rescue Hero with a Heart of Gold
Despite their massive size and powerful build, Saint Bernards are famously gentle, affectionate, and patient. Originally bred to assist monks in the snowy Alps with search-and-rescue missions, these dogs are born helpers.
It’s hard to say for sure, but there’s something about a Saint Bernard’s droopy jowls and kind expression that just melts your defenses. The Saint Bernard has a lovely, warm temperament and is very affectionate with its human family, including young children too. They’re calm, loyal, and mild-mannered, though they can be a bit stubborn during training. That’s why starting early – when they’re still relatively manageable puppies – is key. Otherwise, you’ll have a 180-pound dog who thinks they make the rules.
Irish Wolfhound: The Towering Softie
Irish Wolfhounds are often cited as the tallest dog breed in the world, with some reaching up to 3 feet in height. Let’s be real, when you see one of these dogs walking toward you, it can feel like encountering a small horse. Yet Irish Wolfhounds are famous for being calm, sweet, and sensitive souls.
They’re the kind of dogs who look like they wrestle dragons – but cry if you’re upset. This endearing sensitivity means they respond best to gentle, positive training methods. Despite their hunting heritage, modern Irish Wolfhounds are more likely to be found lounging on the couch than chasing game. Their lifespan is unfortunately shorter than many breeds, typically around six to eight years, which makes every moment with them all the more precious.
Leonberger: The Gentle Lion with a Playful Streak
Known for their calm, patient, and friendly nature, Leonbergers are true gentle giants who are affectionate with their families and great with children. The Leonbergers is sometimes known as the ‘Gentle Lion’ due its easy-going temperament but also its appearance.
Males can weigh up to 170 pounds, and with their thick coats and lion-like manes, they certainly command attention. This is a powerful dog, though it moves with a relaxed manner and is generally friendly, even serving as therapy dogs thanks to their affectionate nature. They’re surprisingly playful despite their size, always eager to join in family activities. That gorgeous coat does require significant grooming commitment though, so be prepared with a quality brush and some patience.
Bullmastiff: The Soft Guardian
The Bullmastiff is a large, very imposing guardian breed, but underneath that muscular exterior beats a surprisingly gentle heart. Despite their intimidating size, Bullmastiffs are surprisingly affectionate dogs and loyal to their families.
The breed was developed in the 19th century to protect private English game preserves and country estates, which explains their natural wariness of strangers. However, with proper socialization from puppyhood, they learn to distinguish between actual threats and friendly visitors. Though large, they are relatively lazy dogs and make excellent apartment dwellers, provided they get their daily exercise. Their calm demeanor at home makes them surprisingly adaptable for their size.
Great Pyrenees: The Nocturnal Fluff Ball
Originally bred in the Pyrenees Mountains to guard herds of sheep in the early 17th century, these majestic dogs are known to be nocturnal, as they’re used to standing guard throughout the night.
Don’t let that working background fool you though. With a protective and fearless nature, Pyrenees make excellent guard dogs and gentle, affectionate family pets. Their thick, beautiful white coat is stunning but requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Males typically weigh around 100 pounds and can stand up to 32 inches tall. One thing potential owners should know: these dogs have a loud, deep bark that they won’t hesitate to use when alerting you to something – or sometimes just because they feel like it.
English Mastiff: The Colossal Couch Potato
The English Mastiff can weigh up to 230 pounds and is the largest dog breed by weight. That’s not a typo. We’re talking about a dog that can literally outweigh many adult humans. Mastiffs have since become more of a family dog, and their calm temperaments make them good with kids.
These giant couch potatoes are content with naps in the sun and need their pet parents to take them on walks to prevent obesity. Their droopy faces and often wrinkled coats give them a perpetually wise, gentle expression. These dogs tend to not reach full maturity until about five years of age, which means you’ll have an oversized puppy on your hands for quite a while. Training during this extended adolescence is crucial, because nobody wants an untrained 200-pound dog making the household rules.
Tibetan Mastiff: The Himalayan Guardian
These giants can weigh up to 150 pounds, but thanks to their thick double coat, they often appear closer to “small bear” than a “dog”. Seriously, when one of these dogs shakes off, it’s like watching a walking blizzard.
Hailing from the remote Himalayan regions, the Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed known for its imposing size and formidable presence. Despite their protective instincts, they’re surprisingly affectionate with their families. However, that magnificent coat built for freezing mountain climates means they can overheat easily in warm weather. Air conditioning, shade, and plenty of water aren’t luxuries for this breed – they’re necessities. Their independent nature means they need an experienced owner who understands guardian breeds.
Spanish Mastiff: The Silent Sentinel
This colossal breed is the definition of power wrapped in gentleness, with a massive head and muscular build. They are affectionate, noble, and surprisingly kind – until trouble shows up.
For centuries, these dogs walked alongside herds across Spain, defending livestock from wolves with calm confidence. Fortunately, they don’t bark much – they only speak when necessary, like wise elders delivering important messages. When they do bark though? It’s deep, raucous, and can be heard for miles. They’re slow, steady, and sure of their abilities, which gives them an almost regal bearing. This isn’t a breed for first-time dog owners, but in the right hands, they’re incredibly devoted companions.
Dogue de Bordeaux: The Expressive French Mastiff
Another powerful guardian dog, the Dogue de Bordeaux is known for its expressive face and eyes and has the proportionately largest head of any breed. This sweet breed can come with an independent streak, so pet parents must be patient and consistent when training.
These dogs are sensitive and loyal, forming deep bonds with their families. These dogs are sensitive and loyal, but they are also known to be stubborn, which makes early training extremely important. Their wrinkled faces and soulful eyes give them an almost melancholic appearance, but they’re actually quite affectionate and love being close to their people. Like most giant breeds, they’re prone to drooling – so keep those towels handy if you value clean floors and furniture.
Black Russian Terrier: The Soviet-Bred Protector
The Black Russian Terrier was developed by the Soviet government in the 1930s to create a powerful guardian dog, and they maintain those protective qualities today. A powerful and courageous breed, these large dogs are loyal to their family and can be standoffish toward new people.
Don’t let that initial wariness fool you though. However, they are gentle with children and can be sociable and affectionate when they learn strangers aren’t something to be suspicious of. These dogs are intelligent, trainable, and surprisingly versatile. Their thick, black coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, and they need both physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. With proper socialization from puppyhood, they transform from wary guardians into affectionate family members who just happen to be excellent watchdogs.
Conclusion
Giant dog breeds offer something truly special – a unique combination of imposing presence and unexpectedly tender hearts. The truth is, though, that most big dog breeds are huge sweethearts overflowing with love and affection for their families. Sure, they come with considerations that smaller breeds don’t: higher food costs, larger living spaces, shorter lifespans, and the challenge of training a puppy who’ll soon outweigh you.
These gentle giants prove that you can’t judge character by size alone. Whether it’s the goofy Great Dane trying to be a lap dog or the noble Spanish Mastiff standing silent watch, each breed brings something irreplaceable to the families lucky enough to have them. What’s your take on giant breeds? Would you welcome one of these magnificent dogs into your home? Tell us in the comments.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
