Gentle Giant Dog Breeds That Are Surprisingly Great with Kids
When it comes to choosing a family dog, many people are drawn to smaller breeds, believing them to be more manageable and kid-friendly. However, some of the gentle giants in the dog world are not only surprisingly great with kids, but they also bring an extra layer of love and protection to the family. These larger-than-life companions often have a heart as big as their stature, offering a calm and patient demeanor perfect for children. In this article, we will explore nine gentle giant dog breeds that you might want to consider for your family.
Newfoundland: The Nanny Dog
The Newfoundland is often affectionately referred to as the “nanny dog,” and for good reason. Known for their sweet temperament and protective nature, these big dogs are incredibly gentle with children. They have a natural instinct to protect and care for little ones, making them an ideal family pet. Their thick, water-resistant coat may require some grooming, but it also means they love water and swimming, which can be a fun activity for the entire family. Despite their size, Newfoundlands are surprisingly agile and can be trained easily, making them a perfect addition for families with active children.
Saint Bernard: The Gentle Giant
Saint Bernards are iconic for their role as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, but they are also known for their gentle nature. With a calm demeanor and an affectionate personality, Saint Bernards are excellent family dogs. They are patient and tolerant, making them great companions for kids. However, their size means they need space to move around, so a large backyard is ideal. Saint Bernards are also known to be droolers, so keep a towel handy when they’re around. Their loving and protective nature makes them a beloved member of any family.
Great Dane: The Friendly Giant
Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are often referred to as “gentle giants” because of their friendly and affectionate nature. They are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their family members, especially children. Great Danes are generally calm and patient, making them excellent playmates for kids. However, their size means they can accidentally knock over small children, so supervision is recommended. With regular exercise and a sturdy couch to lounge on, a Great Dane can be a perfect family pet.
Bernese Mountain Dog: The Loyal Companion
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their loyalty and gentle nature, making them wonderful companions for children. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes training them a breeze. These dogs are affectionate and love to be part of the family activities, whether it’s hiking or just lounging around the house. Their thick coat requires regular grooming, but their warm, loving nature makes it worth the effort. Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive in family environments where they can get plenty of attention and love.
Irish Wolfhound: The Gentle Soul
Irish Wolfhounds may look intimidating due to their size, but they are truly gentle souls. Known for their calm demeanor and affectionate nature, these dogs are great with kids. They are patient and tolerant, making them excellent companions for children of all ages. Irish Wolfhounds are relatively low-energy dogs, which means they don’t require excessive exercise, but they do enjoy long walks and playtime in the yard. Their size means they need plenty of space to move around, so they’re best suited to families with a spacious home and yard.
Leonberger: The Playful Protector
Leonbergers are known for their playful yet protective nature, making them ideal family dogs. They are great with kids, offering a perfect balance of playfulness and protection. Leonbergers are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. They enjoy being part of family activities and are known to be gentle with children. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, but their loving nature and loyalty make them worth the effort. With their friendly disposition and protective instincts, Leonbergers make wonderful companions for families.
Mastiff: The Gentle Guardian
Mastiffs may appear imposing, but they are truly gentle guardians. These dogs are known for their protective nature and are incredibly loyal to their families. They are calm and patient, making them excellent companions for children. Mastiffs are relatively low-energy dogs, which means they enjoy lounging around the house but still need regular exercise to stay healthy. Their size means they require a spacious home, but their loving and protective nature makes them a great addition to any family.
Great Pyrenees: The Watchful Protector
Great Pyrenees are known for their watchful and protective nature. They are gentle with children and have a natural instinct to protect their family. These dogs are calm and patient, making them excellent companions for kids. Great Pyrenees are also known for their independent nature, which means they can be left alone for short periods without becoming anxious. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, but their loving and loyal nature makes them a beloved member of any family.
Tibetan Mastiff: The Regal Protector
Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their regal appearance and protective nature. They are incredibly loyal to their families and are gentle with children. These dogs are calm and patient, making them excellent companions for kids. Tibetan Mastiffs are relatively low-energy dogs, which means they enjoy lounging around the house but still need regular exercise to stay healthy. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, but their loving and protective nature makes them a great addition to any family.
In conclusion, while these gentle giant dog breeds may be larger than life, their calm and loving nature makes them perfect companions for families with children. With the right training and care, these dogs can become beloved members of your family, offering protection, love, and companionship for years to come.
Alex is a born and raised Capetonian with a strong love for animals and the outdoors. She is a first-year veterinary student at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She also completed a BSc in Animal Science at Stellenbosch University, where her passion for working with animals only strengthened. She has always surrounded herself with animals and has been fortunate enough to work closely with them.
