Dogs have been known as man’s best friend, but some breeds, despite their intimidating appearances, are nothing short of gentle giants. These dogs are large in size but surprisingly tender at heart, often forming strong bonds with their families. In this blog post, we explore 19 such dog breeds that might appear fierce but are truly gentle souls.
Great Dane
The Great Dane is a towering figure in the canine world, often referred to as the “Apollo of dogs.” Despite their imposing size, they are incredibly gentle and affectionate towards their family members.
They are known for their friendly nature and love to be around people, including children. Great Danes are often called “gentle giants” due to their calm and composed demeanor.
Their loyalty and protective instincts make them excellent companions. However, due to their large size, they require a spacious environment and regular exercise to keep them healthy and content.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are renowned for their sweet nature and remarkable swimming ability. These dogs are particularly known for their love of water and have been used in water rescue missions.
Their kind and patient temperament make them excellent with children, often acting as a gentle babysitter. Despite their size, they are very gentle and adapt well to family life.
Newfoundlands require regular grooming due to their thick coat, and they thrive in cooler climates. Their loyalty and calmness make them a cherished addition to any household.
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard, famous for its rescue missions in the Swiss Alps, is a gentle and friendly breed. Known for their enormous size, these dogs are incredibly patient and loving.
They are excellent with children and often referred to as “nanny dogs” due to their nurturing instincts. Despite their intimidating size, they possess a calm and friendly demeanor.
Saint Bernards enjoy being part of a family and require regular exercise to maintain their health. Their thick coats need frequent grooming, especially in warmer climates.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their striking tri-color coats and gentle temperament. Originating from the Swiss Alps, they are loyal and affectionate companions.
These dogs are great with children and enjoy being part of family activities. Their calm nature makes them perfect for families looking for a gentle giant.
Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy. Their thick coats need regular brushing to prevent matting, and they thrive in cooler climates. Despite their size, they are gentle and loving pets.
Leonberger
Leonbergers are majestic dogs with a lion-like appearance, known for their gentle and friendly nature. Despite their large size, they are loving and friendly with their family members.
These dogs are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them. Their calm demeanor and intelligence make them easy to train and perfect family pets.
Leonbergers enjoy outdoor activities and require regular exercise. Their thick double-coat needs regular grooming to keep it in good condition. They are truly gentle giants, known for their loyalty and affection.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large and powerful breed with a majestic presence. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are remarkably gentle with their families.
These dogs are known for their protective instincts and are often used as guardians. However, they are very affectionate with those they know.
Tibetan Mastiffs require regular exercise and benefit from having a large area to roam. Their thick coats are well-suited for cold climates and need regular grooming. Their loyalty and calmness make them a treasured companion for those familiar with the breed.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound, one of the tallest dog breeds, is known for its gentle and friendly nature. Despite their size, they are loving and affectionate with their families.
These dogs have a calm demeanor and are excellent with children. Their gentle nature makes them perfect companions for families.
Irish Wolfhounds require regular exercise and a spacious environment to thrive. Their wiry coats need regular grooming to keep them looking their best. They are known for their loyalty and gentle disposition, making them beloved pets.
Mastiff
Mastiffs are known for their massive size and protective nature, but they are also incredibly gentle and loving with their families.
These dogs are known for their calm and patient demeanor, making them excellent companions for children. Their loyalty and protective instincts are well-regarded.
Mastiffs require regular exercise to stay healthy and thrive in a spacious environment. Their short coats are easy to maintain with regular brushing. They are truly gentle giants, known for their affectionate nature and devotion to their families.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are known for their strong build and protective nature, but they are also incredibly gentle and affectionate with their families.
These dogs are known for their loyalty and devotion, making them excellent companions for families with children. Their calm nature makes them wonderful pets.
Bullmastiffs require regular exercise and benefit from a spacious environment. Their short coats are easy to groom, and they thrive in various climates. Despite their size, they are gentle and loving, making them perfect family companions.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is known for its striking white coat and gentle temperament. These dogs are calm and affectionate, making them wonderful family pets.
They are known for their protective instincts and are often used as guardians for livestock. However, they are loving and gentle with their families.
Great Pyrenees require regular exercise and thrive in cooler climates due to their thick coats. Regular grooming is essential to keep their fur in good condition. They are truly gentle giants, known for their loyalty and devotion.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are known for their protective nature and strong guarding instincts. Despite their imposing appearance, they are gentle with their families.
These dogs are loyal and devoted, making them excellent companions. They are particularly good with children, displaying patience and affection.
Regular exercise and a spacious environment are important for their well-being. Their short coats require minimal grooming, and they adapt well to various climates. Despite their size, they are gentle giants, known for their calm demeanor and loyalty.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful breed with a calm and gentle nature. Known for their loyalty and devotion, they make excellent family pets.
These dogs are affectionate and protective, particularly with children. Their calm demeanor makes them wonderful companions.
Dogue de Bordeaux require regular exercise and thrive in a spacious environment. Their short coats are easy to maintain, though regular grooming is recommended. Despite their size, they are gentle giants, known for their loving nature and dedication to their families.
Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a large and majestic breed known for its protective instincts and gentle nature. Despite their imposing appearance, they are affectionate with their families.
These dogs are loyal and devoted, making them excellent companions for families. They are particularly good with children, displaying patience and tenderness.
Regular exercise and grooming are essential to keep them healthy and happy. Their thick coats require regular brushing, and they thrive in cooler climates. They are truly gentle giants, known for their calm demeanor and loyalty.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is known for its unique matted coat and gentle demeanor. Despite their unusual appearance, they are affectionate and loving with their families.
These dogs are loyal and patient, making them excellent companions for families with children. Their calm nature makes them perfect pets.
Regular exercise and grooming are important to keep their coats in good condition. They adapt well to various climates and environments. Despite their size, they are gentle giants, known for their loyalty and devotion to their families.
Cane Corso
Cane Corsos are known for their powerful build and protective nature, but they are also gentle and affectionate with their families.
These dogs are loyal and devoted, making them excellent companions for families with children. Their calm nature makes them wonderful pets.
Cane Corsos require regular exercise and thrive in a spacious environment. Their short coats are easy to groom, and they adapt well to various climates. Despite their size, they are gentle and loving, making them perfect family companions.
Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro is a large and protective breed, but they are also gentle and affectionate with their families. Known for their loyalty and devotion, they make excellent companions.
These dogs are particularly good with children, displaying patience and affection. Their calm demeanor makes them wonderful family pets.
Regular exercise and a spacious environment are important for their well-being. Their short coats require minimal grooming, and they adapt well to various climates. Despite their size, they are gentle giants, known for their loving nature and dedication to their families.
Kangal Shepherd Dog
The Kangal Shepherd Dog is known for its protective nature and strong guarding instincts. Despite their imposing appearance, they are gentle with their families.
These dogs are loyal and devoted, making them excellent companions. They are particularly good with children, displaying patience and affection.
Regular exercise and a spacious environment are important for their well-being. Their short coats require minimal grooming, and they adapt well to various climates. Despite their size, they are gentle giants, known for their calm demeanor and loyalty.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are known for their strength and endurance, but they are also gentle and affectionate with their families.
These dogs are loyal and devoted, making them excellent companions for families with children. Their calm nature makes them wonderful pets.
Regular exercise and a spacious environment are important for their well-being. Their thick coats require regular grooming, and they thrive in cooler climates. Despite their size, they are gentle giants, known for their loving nature and dedication to their families.