Epic dogs tales
When thinking about big dog breeds, images of intimidating guard dogs might come to mind. However, many large breeds are incredibly gentle and loving, making them perfect companions for families and individuals alike. These gentle giants may take up a bit more space on your couch, but their affectionate nature more than makes up for it. In this list, we explore 15 big dog breeds that are known for their surprisingly gentle demeanor, showcasing their unique characteristics and the joy they can bring into your life.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a gentle giant, known for its sweet temperament and love for families. These dogs are excellent swimmers, historically used for water rescues.
Despite their size, they are incredibly gentle with children and are often referred to as “nanny dogs.” Their patience and calm nature make them ideal companions for families.
Newfoundlands require regular grooming due to their thick coats, but the effort is worth it for their loving companionship. Providing them with plenty of exercise and love will ensure they thrive in any home.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are famous for their history as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, but their gentle nature is what makes them beloved family pets.
These dogs are incredibly patient with children and are known for their protective instincts. Although they are large, they are very gentle and love being part of family activities.
They do require space to move around and thrive in cooler climates due to their thick coats. Regular exercise and grooming keep them happy and healthy, making them a loyal addition to any family.
Great Dane
Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are known as gentle giants. They are affectionate with their families and are particularly gentle with children, making them great family pets.
These dogs enjoy lounging around but also need regular exercise to keep them healthy. Great Danes are friendly with other pets and love being part of household activities.
Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but their size means they need plenty of space to move around comfortably. Their loving nature makes them a wonderful addition to any home looking for a gentle companion.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their striking tri-color coats and gentle disposition. They are naturally affectionate and thrive in family environments, making them great companions.
These dogs are especially good with children and enjoy playing games and participating in family activities. They are loyal and protective, often forming strong bonds with their families.
Bernese Mountain Dogs require regular grooming and love outdoor activities, which help keep them fit and happy. Their gentle and loving nature makes them an excellent choice for families seeking a big, affectionate pet.
Mastiff
Mastiffs are known for their massive size and gentle, laid-back nature. Despite their imposing appearance, they are incredibly loving and affectionate with their families.
These dogs are particularly good with children and enjoy being part of family life. Their protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs without the need for aggression.
Mastiffs require regular exercise to maintain their health and benefit from a spacious living environment. Their short coats are easy to groom, and their gentle demeanor makes them perfect companions for families seeking a large, loving pet.
Leonberger
Leonbergers are known for their impressive size and friendly nature. These dogs are affectionate and gentle, forming strong bonds with their families.
They enjoy participating in family activities and are excellent with children, making them ideal family pets. Leonbergers are protective, yet calm, providing a sense of security without aggression.
These dogs require regular grooming due to their thick coats and need space to move around comfortably. Their loving and gentle nature makes them a fantastic choice for families looking for a big, affectionate companion.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds, known for its gentle and friendly demeanor. Despite their size, they are incredibly gentle with children and other pets.
They enjoy being part of family life and are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. These dogs are calm and patient, thriving in a peaceful home environment.
Regular exercise and grooming are essential for keeping them healthy and happy. Their gentle and loving nature makes them a wonderful addition to families seeking a large, affectionate pet.
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their impressive size and protective instincts. Despite their size, they are calm and gentle with their families.
These dogs are particularly good with children and enjoy being part of family activities. Their protective nature makes them excellent guard dogs, providing security without unnecessary aggression.
They require regular grooming due to their thick coats and benefit from plenty of space to roam. With the right care and attention, Tibetan Mastiffs make loyal and loving companions for families looking for a gentle giant.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are known for their large size and gentle demeanor. Despite their droopy expressions, they are incredibly affectionate and loving with their families.
These dogs are particularly good with children and enjoy being part of family life. Their calm nature and patience make them ideal companions for families.
Basset Hounds require regular exercise and love going for walks, which helps keep them fit and healthy. Their gentle and loving nature makes them a wonderful addition to families seeking a big, affectionate pet.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is known for its majestic appearance and gentle nature. These dogs are incredibly affectionate with their families and are particularly gentle with children.
They enjoy being part of family activities and have a calm, patient demeanor that makes them excellent companions. Their protective instincts make them great guard dogs without the need for aggression.
The Great Pyrenees requires regular grooming due to its thick white coat and benefits from plenty of exercise. Their loving and gentle nature makes them a fantastic choice for families seeking a large, affectionate pet.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are known for their wolf-like appearance and gentle nature. These dogs are incredibly affectionate with their families and enjoy being part of family activities.
They are particularly good with children and thrive in a loving home environment. Their playful and energetic nature requires regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Alaskan Malamutes need regular grooming due to their thick coats and benefit from a spacious living environment. Their loving and gentle demeanor makes them ideal companions for families seeking a large, energetic pet.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are known for their strong build and gentle nature. Despite their size, they are incredibly loving and affectionate with their families.
These dogs are particularly good with children and make excellent family pets. Their protective instincts ensure the safety of their loved ones without unnecessary aggression.
Bullmastiffs require regular exercise and benefit from a spacious living environment to move around comfortably. Their short coats are easy to groom, and their gentle demeanor makes them a perfect addition to families seeking a large, loving pet.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are known for their striking appearance and gentle disposition. These dogs are affectionate with their families and are particularly good with children.
They thrive in family environments, enjoying activities and forming strong bonds with their loved ones. Their calm and patient nature makes them ideal companions.
These dogs require regular grooming and benefit from plenty of exercise to stay fit and healthy. Their loving and gentle demeanor makes them a wonderful addition to families seeking a big, affectionate pet.
Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs are known for their shaggy coats and gentle temperament. Despite their size, they are incredibly affectionate and loving with their families.
These dogs are particularly good with children and enjoy being part of family activities. Their playful nature and intelligence make them great companions for active families.
Regular grooming is essential to maintain their coats, and they require plenty of exercise to keep them healthy. Their gentle and loving demeanor makes them a fantastic choice for families seeking a big, energetic pet.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is known for its muscular build and gentle nature. Despite their size, they are incredibly loving and affectionate with their families.
These dogs form strong bonds with children and are protective without being aggressive. Their calm demeanor makes them excellent companions for families.
Dogue de Bordeaux requires regular exercise and benefits from a spacious living environment to thrive. Their short coats are easy to groom, and their loving nature makes them a wonderful addition to families seeking a large, affectionate pet.