26 Big and Gentle Dog Breeds That Will Steal Your Heart

Understanding Dog Behaviour
By Liam Hartwell

Big dogs often come with even bigger hearts. These gentle giants are known for their affectionate nature and loyalty. They may be large, but their kindness and love for their families are even larger. Discover 26 big and gentle dog breeds that are sure to steal your heart and bring joy to your home.

Newfoundland

© hugo_the_newfie

The Newfoundland is a true gentle giant, known for its sweet temperament and love for water. With their thick, water-resistant coats, these dogs are perfect companions for families who enjoy outdoor activities by lakes or rivers.

Newfoundlands are often referred to as ‘nanny dogs’ due to their protective nature around children. Their patient and calm demeanor make them excellent family pets, always ready to offer a comforting presence.

Despite their size, they are incredibly gentle, making them suitable for households looking for a loving and caring furry friend.

Bernese Mountain Dog

© masontheberner

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking breed with its tri-colored coat and friendly disposition. Originating from the Swiss Alps, these dogs were bred to work on farms, herding cattle and pulling carts.

They are known for their affectionate nature and loyalty towards their families, often forming strong bonds with children. Their gentle temperament and patience make them wonderful family pets.

Their love for the outdoors and playful spirit ensure they bring joy and energy to any household, making them a beloved choice for those seeking a gentle giant.

Great Dane

© delmardogrescue

Great Danes are often referred to as the ‘Apollo of dogs’ due to their impressive stature and graceful appearance. Despite their enormous size, they are known for their gentle and friendly nature.

These dogs make excellent companions, known for their loyalty and affectionate behavior towards their families. They thrive on human interaction, often leaning on their owners as a sign of affection.

Great Danes are low on aggression and are usually well-behaved with children, making them a great choice for families looking for a gentle giant.

Saint Bernard

© Britannica

Saint Bernards are famous for their roles as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, known for their incredible strength and gentle nature. Their thick, fluffy coats make them well-suited for cold climates.

These dogs are particularly gentle and patient, making them wonderful companions for families, especially those with young children. They are known for their calm demeanor and loving disposition, always eager to please their owners.

Despite their large size, Saint Bernards are gentle souls, bringing warmth and affection into any home they join.

Leonberger

© leonberger_chronicles

The Leonberger is a regal breed, known for its lion-like mane and gentle demeanor. Originally bred in Germany, these dogs are a mix of several breeds including the Saint Bernard and Newfoundland.

Leonbergers are known for their calm and patient nature, making them excellent family pets, particularly in homes with children. They are incredibly loyal and protective, often forming deep bonds with their families.

Their love for water and playful personality ensure they bring fun and joy into any household lucky enough to have one.

Mastiff

© azmastiffrescue

Mastiffs are one of the largest dog breeds, known for their protective yet gentle nature. With their enormous size and wrinkled faces, they are truly gentle giants.

Despite their imposing appearance, Mastiffs are known for being affectionate and loyal companions. They are particularly good with children, often displaying patience and care in their interactions.

These dogs thrive in family environments, providing not only protection but also warmth and love, making them a great choice for those seeking a big-hearted furry friend.

Irish Wolfhound

© cdpkennel

The Irish Wolfhound is a historic breed, renowned for its height and hunting prowess. Despite their formidable appearance, they are gentle and loving companions.

These dogs are known for their calm and peaceful nature, making them excellent family pets. Their affectionate demeanor ensures they form strong bonds with their families, always eager to be near them.

With their love for lounging and gentle play, Irish Wolfhounds are perfect for those seeking a tall, dignified, and gentle furry friend.

Old English Sheepdog

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The Old English Sheepdog is a breed known for its distinctive shaggy coat and playful nature. They are often associated with herding sheep and other livestock, a testament to their intelligence and work ethic.

Despite their working background, these dogs are incredibly gentle and loving, making them perfect for families. They enjoy playtime with children and are known for their affectionate nature.

Their love for fun and friendly demeanor make them a joyful addition to any household, ready to steal hearts with their playful antics.

Pyrenean Mountain Dog

© savingpyrsinneed

Also known as the Great Pyrenees, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a majestic breed, famous for its protective instincts and gentle demeanor.

These dogs were historically used to guard sheep in the Pyrenees mountains, showcasing their loyalty and bravery. Despite their size, they are incredibly gentle and patient, especially with children.

Their calm nature and protective instincts make them excellent family pets, bringing a sense of security and warmth to any household fortunate enough to have them.

Tibetan Mastiff

© bigfoot_pet

The Tibetan Mastiff is a noble breed, known for its large size and thick, protective coat. Originally bred to guard livestock in the Himalayas, they are both brave and loyal.

Despite their formidable appearance, they are gentle and calm, especially with their families. Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their independent yet affectionate nature, forming strong bonds with their owners.

These dogs are perfect for those seeking a protective yet loving companion, bringing both strength and warmth into their homes.

Alaskan Malamute

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The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful and majestic breed, known for its strength and endurance. Bred for pulling sleds in the Arctic, they possess incredible stamina.

Despite their strength, Malamutes are known for their gentle and friendly nature, especially towards their families. They enjoy playtime and outdoor activities, bringing energy and joy into any household.

With their love for adventure and affectionate demeanor, Alaskan Malamutes are perfect for active families seeking a loyal and gentle companion.

Great Pyrenees

© rescuecity

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed, celebrated for its gentle and protective nature. Historically used to guard livestock, these dogs exhibit loyalty and courage.

They are known for their calm disposition and patience, especially with children, making them ideal family pets. Great Pyrenees are affectionate and loving, often seeking out companionship and cuddles.

Their majestic appearance and gentle temperament ensure they bring both beauty and warmth to any home, making them a beloved choice for those seeking a gentle giant.

Komondor

© fourleggedjawns

The Komondor is a unique breed, easily recognized by its corded coat resembling dreadlocks. Originating from Hungary, they were bred to guard livestock, showcasing their bravery and loyalty.

Despite their imposing appearance, Komondors are gentle and affectionate with their families. They are particularly protective of children, often forming strong bonds with them.

Their distinctive appearance and loving nature make them a great addition to any household, bringing both protection and warmth to their families.

Bullmastiff

© ron.schmidt.photo

The Bullmastiff is a powerful breed, known for its strength and protective instincts. Originally bred to guard estates, they possess both courage and loyalty.

Despite their muscular build, Bullmastiffs are gentle and affectionate with their families, often forming strong bonds with their owners. They are particularly good with children, displaying patience and care.

These dogs are ideal for those seeking a protective yet loving companion, bringing both security and warmth into their homes.

Kuvasz

© PetHelpful

The Kuvasz is a noble breed, known for its protective instincts and gentle nature. Originally bred in Hungary to guard livestock, they exhibit both courage and loyalty.

Despite their guarding background, Kuvaszok are gentle and loving with their families, forming strong bonds with their owners. They are particularly protective of children, often acting as guardians.

Their majestic appearance and affectionate nature make them a wonderful addition to any household, bringing both security and warmth to their families.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

© bradshawanimalshelter

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a robust breed, known for its protective instincts and gentle nature. Originally bred in Turkey to guard livestock, they are both brave and loyal.

Despite their formidable appearance, Anatolian Shepherds are gentle with their families, forming strong bonds with their owners. They are particularly protective of children, often acting as guardians.

Their calm nature and protective instincts make them excellent family pets, bringing both security and warmth to any household lucky enough to have them.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

© angels_retreat_pa

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large and powerful breed, known for its gentle and friendly nature. Originating from the Swiss Alps, these dogs were used as working dogs, pulling carts and guarding livestock.

Despite their working background, Swissies are affectionate and loyal companions, forming strong bonds with their families. They are particularly good with children, often displaying patience and care.

Their love for the outdoors and playful spirit ensure they bring joy and energy to any household, making them a beloved choice for those seeking a gentle giant.

Neapolitan Mastiff

© thedogloversfestival

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a striking breed, known for its impressive size and protective nature. Originally bred in Italy as a guard dog, they possess both strength and loyalty.

Despite their imposing appearance, Neapolitan Mastiffs are gentle and affectionate with their families, often forming strong bonds with their owners. They are particularly good with children, displaying patience and care.

Their distinctive appearance and loving nature make them a great addition to any household, bringing both protection and warmth to their families.

Boerboel

© authenticboerboels

The Boerboel is a powerful breed, known for its strength and protective instincts. Originating from South Africa, they were bred to guard homesteads, showcasing courage and loyalty.

Despite their muscular build, Boerboels are gentle and affectionate with their families, often forming strong bonds with children. Their protective nature ensures they are always watchful, providing both security and warmth.

Their love for their families and playful spirit make them a cherished addition to any home, bringing both joy and protection.

Cane Corso

© rescuecity

The Cane Corso is a noble breed, known for its protective instincts and gentle nature. Originally bred in Italy as a guard dog, they possess both strength and loyalty.

Despite their formidable appearance, Cane Corsos are gentle and affectionate with their families, often forming strong bonds with their owners. They are particularly good with children, displaying patience and care.

Their calm nature and protective instincts make them excellent family pets, bringing both security and warmth to any household lucky enough to have them.

Dogue de Bordeaux

© azmastiffrescue

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful breed, known for its strength and gentle nature. Originally bred in France as a guard dog, they possess both courage and loyalty.

Despite their muscular build, Dogues de Bordeaux are gentle and affectionate with their families, often forming strong bonds with children. Their protective nature ensures they are always watchful, providing both security and warmth.

Their love for their families and calm demeanor make them a cherished addition to any home, bringing both joy and protection.

Tosa Inu

© koreank9rescue

The Tosa Inu is a majestic breed, known for its strength and gentle nature. Originally bred in Japan for traditional dog fighting, they possess both courage and loyalty.

Despite their powerful build, Tosas are gentle and affectionate with their families, often forming strong bonds with children. Their protective nature ensures they are always watchful, providing both security and warmth.

Their love for their families and calm demeanor make them a cherished addition to any home, bringing both joy and protection.

Kangal

© greatwesternanimalhospital

The Kangal is a robust breed, known for its protective instincts and gentle nature. Originally bred in Turkey to guard livestock, they are both brave and loyal.

Despite their formidable appearance, Kangals are gentle with their families, forming strong bonds with their owners. They are particularly protective of children, often acting as guardians.

Their calm nature and protective instincts make them excellent family pets, bringing both security and warmth to any household lucky enough to have them.

Fila Brasileiro

© niccigilbert

The Fila Brasileiro is a powerful breed, known for its strength and protective instincts. Originating from Brazil, they were bred to guard estates, showcasing courage and loyalty.

Despite their muscular build, Fila Brasileiros are gentle and affectionate with their families, often forming strong bonds with children. Their protective nature ensures they are always watchful, providing both security and warmth.

Their love for their families and playful spirit make them a cherished addition to any home, bringing both joy and protection.

Akbash

© kinderhookfarm

The Akbash is a majestic breed, known for its protective instincts and gentle nature. Originally bred in Turkey to guard livestock, they possess both courage and loyalty.

Despite their formidable appearance, Akbash dogs are gentle with their families, forming strong bonds with their owners. They are particularly protective of children, often acting as guardians.

Their calm nature and protective instincts make them excellent family pets, bringing both security and warmth to any household lucky enough to have them.

Samoyed

© doumarsdrivein

The Samoyed is a beautiful breed, known for its fluffy white coat and gentle nature. Originally bred in Siberia to herd reindeer and pull sleds, they are both strong and friendly.

Despite their working background, Samoyeds are gentle and affectionate with their families, often forming strong bonds with children. Their playful and friendly nature makes them wonderful companions, always ready for a game or a cuddle.

Their love for their families and cheerful demeanor make them a cherished addition to any home, bringing both joy and warmth.