25 Giant Dog Breeds That Are Gentle Babies at Heart

Understanding Dog Behaviour
By Liam Hartwell

Discover the world of gentle giant dogs, where size meets tenderness. These large breeds might have an imposing presence, but inside, they are as gentle as can be. Perfect companions for families, they offer love, loyalty, and companionship in abundance. Explore 25 giant dog breeds known for their gentle nature and learn what makes each one unique.

Great Dane

© rmgdri

Despite their towering stature, Great Danes are affectionate and gentle companions. They are known for being ‘gentle giants’ due to their loving nature and calm disposition. With their short coats and regal appearance, they make excellent family pets.

Great Danes are also incredibly patient with children, often forming strong bonds with younger family members. Their laid-back personality makes them perfect for families looking for a playful yet gentle pet. However, due to their size, they do require ample space to move around. Regular exercise and a comfortable resting place are essential for their well-being.

Saint Bernard

© thebigdamndogco

Saint Bernards are famous for their rescue work and gentle nature. With their large, sturdy build and calm demeanor, they are ideal for families. Their fluffy coats and sweet expressions often win the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.

Saint Bernards are friendly and gentle with children, making them perfect companions for family adventures. Known for their patience, they are also protective and watchful over their loved ones. Although they are gentle giants, they still require plenty of exercises to keep them healthy and happy. Regular grooming is also necessary to maintain their fluffy coats.

Newfoundland

© hugo_the_newfie

Newfoundlands are known for their swimming prowess and gentle personality. These dogs are incredibly sweet-natured and are often called ‘nanny dogs’ for their protective instincts towards children.

With their large size and thick coats, they are perfectly suited for colder climates. Newfoundlands are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. Their calm temperament and love for water make them excellent companions for families who enjoy outdoor activities. Regular brushing is important to keep their coats healthy, and they thrive on daily exercise and affection.

Bernese Mountain Dog

© masontheberner

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their striking appearance and gentle temperament. With a tri-color coat and a sturdy build, they are both beautiful and strong.

These dogs are incredibly affectionate and form deep bonds with their families. They are gentle with children and get along well with other pets. Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive in colder climates and love spending time outdoors. Regular exercise and grooming keep them happy and healthy. Their friendly nature makes them a joy to have around, and their loyalty is unmatched.

Mastiff

© barkonpark

Mastiffs are known for their massive size and gentle nature. They are incredibly loyal and form strong attachments to their families. Despite their size, they are often very calm and laid-back.

Their protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs, but they are also gentle and affectionate with their loved ones. Mastiffs enjoy being part of family activities and prefer calm environments. Regular exercise and socialization are important to keep them well-adjusted. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance for such a large breed.

Irish Wolfhound

© murphyirishwolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest of all dog breeds and possess a gentle and friendly disposition. They are known for their calm and laid-back nature, making them wonderful companions.

Despite their size, they are gentle and affectionate with children and other pets. Irish Wolfhounds enjoy lounging and are content with moderate exercise. Their wiry coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. These gentle giants thrive in spacious environments where they can stretch out and relax. Their affectionate nature makes them ideal family pets.

Leonberger

© akceducation

Leonbergers are known for their majestic appearance and gentle temperament. With their lion-like mane and large size, they are both beautiful and imposing.

These dogs are incredibly friendly and sociable, enjoying the company of their families and other pets. They are especially gentle with children, making them ideal family companions. Leonbergers enjoy outdoor activities and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Their thick coats need regular grooming to maintain their beauty. Their affectionate nature and loyalty make them a cherished addition to any family.

Tibetan Mastiff

© kylights

Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their impressive size and protective instincts. Despite their imposing appearance, they are gentle and affectionate with their families.

These dogs are independent and strong-willed, requiring consistent training and socialization. Tibetan Mastiffs thrive in spacious environments and enjoy outdoor activities. Their thick coats need regular grooming to prevent matting. They are vigilant and watchful, making them excellent guard dogs. However, they are also deeply loyal and loving towards their families. Their majestic presence and gentle nature make them a unique addition to any home.

Kuvasz

© PetHelpful

Kuvasz dogs are known for their protective instincts and gentle nature. With their striking white coats and regal appearance, they are both elegant and powerful.

These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They are gentle and patient with children, making them excellent family pets. Kuvasz dogs enjoy outdoor activities and require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Their coats need regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Their protective nature and loving demeanor make them a cherished addition to any family.

Anatolian Shepherd

© skydancepetlodge

Anatolian Shepherds are known for their protective nature and gentle disposition. They are independent and strong-willed, making them excellent guardians.

Despite their size, they are incredibly affectionate and loyal to their families. Anatolian Shepherds enjoy outdoor activities and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance. These dogs thrive in environments where they can roam freely and protect their loved ones. Their gentleness and devotion make them wonderful family companions.

Scottish Deerhound

© murphyirishwolfhound

Scottish Deerhounds are known for their elegance and gentle nature. Despite their large size, they are incredibly calm and friendly.

These dogs are affectionate and enjoy the company of their families. They are gentle with children and get along well with other pets. Scottish Deerhounds thrive in spacious environments where they can exercise freely. Their wiry coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Their gentle demeanor and loyalty make them wonderful companions for families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Boerboel

© boerboel.realm

Boerboels are known for their powerful build and protective nature. Despite their size, they are gentle and loving with their families.

These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their loved ones. They enjoy being part of family activities and are gentle with children. Boerboels thrive in spacious environments where they can move freely. Regular exercise and socialization are important to keep them well-adjusted. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance. Their protective instincts and gentle nature make them excellent family companions.

Alaskan Malamute

© sgvhumanesociety

Alaskan Malamutes are known for their strength and gentle nature. With their fluffy coats and playful disposition, they are both beautiful and fun-loving.

These dogs are incredibly affectionate and enjoy the company of their families. They are gentle with children and get along well with other pets. Alaskan Malamutes thrive in colder climates and love outdoor activities. Regular exercise is important to keep them healthy and happy. Their thick coats need regular grooming to maintain their beauty. Their loyal and playful nature makes them cherished family companions.

Pyrenean Mastiff

© maurycountyanimalservices

Pyrenean Mastiffs are known for their protective nature and gentle disposition. With their large size and fluffy coats, they are both imposing and endearing.

These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They are gentle with children and enjoy being part of family activities. Pyrenean Mastiffs thrive in spacious environments and require regular exercise to keep them healthy. Their thick coats need regular grooming to prevent matting. Their gentle nature and protective instincts make them excellent family companions, especially in rural settings.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

© swiss_hundehaus

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are known for their striking appearance and gentle temperament. With their sturdy build and tri-color coats, they are both beautiful and strong.

These dogs are incredibly affectionate and enjoy the company of their families. They are gentle with children and get along well with other pets. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs thrive in rural environments where they can explore freely. Regular exercise and socialization are important to keep them well-adjusted. Their friendly nature and loyalty make them wonderful companions for families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Cane Corso

© portraitsofdogs

Cane Corsos are known for their protective nature and gentle demeanor. Despite their muscular build, they are affectionate and loyal to their families.

These dogs are gentle with children and form strong bonds with their loved ones. Cane Corsos thrive in spacious environments where they can move freely. Regular exercise and socialization are important to keep them well-adjusted. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance. Their protective instincts and gentle nature make them excellent family companions, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

Dogue de Bordeaux

© petlandsarasota

Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are known for their gentle nature and loyalty. With their muscular build and wrinkled faces, they are both distinctive and endearing.

These dogs are incredibly affectionate and form strong bonds with their families. They are gentle with children and enjoy being part of family activities. Dogue de Bordeaux dogs thrive in calm environments where they can relax. Regular exercise and socialization are important to keep them well-adjusted. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance. Their gentle demeanor and loyalty make them cherished family companions.

Bullmastiff

© frenzowithenzo

Bullmastiffs are known for their protective instincts and gentle nature. With their powerful build and calm demeanor, they are both strong and affectionate.

These dogs form strong bonds with their families and are gentle with children. Bullmastiffs thrive in environments where they can be part of family activities. Regular exercise and socialization are important to keep them well-adjusted. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance. Their protective instincts and loyalty make them excellent family companions, providing both love and security.

Komondor

© gabrielfeitosagrooming

Komondors are known for their distinctive corded coats and gentle nature. With their large size and unique appearance, they are both striking and charming.

These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They are gentle with children and enjoy being part of family activities. Komondors thrive in spacious environments where they can move freely. Regular grooming is important to maintain their corded coats. Their gentle nature and protective instincts make them excellent family companions, especially in rural settings where they can roam and explore.

Akbash

© bluebonnetrescue

Akbash dogs are known for their gentle nature and protective instincts. With their sleek white coats and calm demeanor, they are both elegant and watchful.

These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They are gentle with children and enjoy being part of family activities. Akbash dogs thrive in spacious environments where they can roam freely. Regular exercise and socialization are important to keep them well-adjusted. Their protective nature and gentle disposition make them excellent family companions, providing both love and security.

Tosa Inu

© k9matt1_

Tosa Inus are known for their powerful build and gentle nature. Originally bred for dog fighting, they have a calm and dignified presence.

These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They are gentle with children and enjoy being part of family activities. Tosa Inus thrive in calm environments where they can relax and feel secure. Regular exercise and socialization are important to keep them well-adjusted. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance. Their gentle demeanor and loyalty make them cherished family companions.

Neapolitan Mastiff

© pspca

Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their distinctive appearance and gentle nature. With their wrinkled faces and large size, they are both imposing and endearing.

These dogs are incredibly affectionate and form strong bonds with their families. They are gentle with children and enjoy being part of family activities. Neapolitan Mastiffs thrive in calm environments where they can relax. Regular exercise and socialization are important to keep them well-adjusted. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance. Their gentle demeanor and loyalty make them cherished family companions.

Great Pyrenees

© pawportunities_rescue

Great Pyrenees are known for their protective instincts and gentle nature. With their large size and thick coats, they are well-suited for cold climates.

These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They are gentle with children and enjoy being part of family activities. Great Pyrenees thrive in spacious environments where they can roam freely. Regular exercise and grooming are important to keep them healthy and happy. Their protective nature and gentle disposition make them excellent family companions, providing both love and security.

Estrela Mountain Dog

© lamontstagram

Estrela Mountain Dogs are known for their protective instincts and gentle nature. With their sturdy build and thick coats, they are both strong and beautiful.

These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They are gentle with children and enjoy being part of family activities. Estrela Mountain Dogs thrive in rural environments where they can roam and explore freely. Regular exercise and grooming are important to keep them healthy and happy. Their gentle demeanor and loyalty make them wonderful family companions.

Black Russian Terrier

© newhabitsk9

Black Russian Terriers are known for their protective instincts and gentle nature. With their large size and wavy coats, they are both striking and commanding.

These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They are gentle with children and enjoy being part of family activities. Black Russian Terriers thrive in spacious environments where they can exercise freely. Regular grooming is important to maintain their coats’ beauty. Their protective nature and gentle disposition make them excellent family companions, providing both love and security.