Some dogs are big, but these gentle giants are absolutely larger-than-life in heart. If you’ve ever dreamed of a furry friend who turns heads on walks and melts into your lap like a teddy bear, this list is your roadmap. From steadfast guardians to goofy cuddlebugs, these colossal companions prove size only amplifies sweetness. Read on to discover 13 giant breeds whose endearing personalities make every day a bigger, better adventure.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog combines a plush tri-color coat with a heart as warm as a hearth. Bred for farm work in the Swiss Alps, they’re steady, patient, and astonishingly gentle with children. Their affectionate nature often includes leaning against you for reassurance—or sitting squarely on your feet. Although sizable, they’re sensitive souls who thrive on praise and calm guidance. Daily companionship matters more than flashy activities; they simply want to be near their people. With consistent grooming and moderate exercise, the Berner’s kindness, loyalty, and soft-eyed devotion blossom. Expect a gentle giant who loves family rituals and outdoor strolls.
Newfoundland
Nicknamed “Nature’s lifeguard,” the Newfoundland marries massive size with a calm, nurturing temperament. Their history of water rescues hints at deep empathy and bravery. Around the home, they’re famously patient with kids, moving slowly and carefully as if aware of their stature. Their dense, water-resistant coat and strong frame love cooler climates and lake adventures. Despite their bulk, they prefer a relaxed pace and steady routines. Training works best when kind and consistent, never harsh. They’re drool-prone cuddlebears who bond intensely with family. A well-socialized Newfie offers quiet reassurance, gentle guardianship, and a soothing presence in busy households.
Great Dane
Graceful yet goofy, the Great Dane is a towering companion with a surprisingly tender heart. Known as the “Apollo of dogs,” they balance regal lines with a clownish spirit at home. Danes thrive on closeness, often leaning, pawing gently, or curling into improbable couch positions. Their calm, observant nature makes them excellent apartment giants when exercised daily. Positive reinforcement is key, as they’re sensitive to tone and mood. Expect short bursts of play followed by long lounging sessions. Socialization helps maintain confidence and politeness around strangers. With loving guidance, a Dane becomes a devoted shadow, offering quiet loyalty and affectionate silliness.
Saint Bernard
Famous for alpine rescues, the Saint Bernard brings mountain-sized compassion to the family hearth. Their expressive faces and lumbering gait disguise a careful, kid-friendly approach. Saints adore human contact and often station themselves near the action, offering calm supervision and the occasional mighty cuddle. They’re eager to please but can be a bit stubborn, so patient training works wonders. Moderate exercise suits them; they prefer leisurely walks to long runs. Expect drool, seasonal shedding, and a steadfast sense of duty. With early socialization, a Saint becomes a mellow pillar of comfort—an affectionate, dependable presence in any household.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a serene giant with a poetic soul and a surprisingly delicate demeanor. Historically a hunter, today’s hound is a gentle companion who moves with quiet dignity. They’re affectionate without being clingy, often choosing a spot nearby to keep watch. Their wiry coat and noble silhouette turn heads—yet it’s their soft gaze that captures hearts. Sensitive and intelligent, they respond best to calm, consistent training. Moderate, regular exercise is essential, but sprinting bursts in safe areas keep them happiest. With a kind environment and gentle guidance, the Wolfhound blossoms into a tender, loyal, and profoundly soothing friend.
Leonberger
Majestic and affectionate, the Leonberger blends lion-like looks with a therapist’s calm. Developed as a family companion, they’re tuned to human emotions and excel at reading the room. They’re playful outdoors, yet indoors they settle into a considerate, mellow rhythm. Leos appreciate meaningful engagement—training games, nose work, or swimming. Their thick double coat needs regular grooming, and their size requires mindful manners early on. With steady, positive training, they become confident, courteous, and deeply attached to their people. Expect gentle humor, a love for water, and a reassuring presence that anchors bustling households with warmth and balance.
Mastiff (English)
The English Mastiff is a colossal softie whose loyalty runs deep and steady. Calm and deliberate, they form powerful bonds and maintain a watchful, gentle demeanor at home. While protective by instinct, they prefer to deter rather than confront, relying on presence and confidence. Early socialization fosters polite restraint and eases their natural suspicion. They enjoy short, consistent walks and nap-filled afternoons near their family. Training should be positive and patient to match their thoughtful nature. Expect drool, snoring, and a steadfast willingness to lean in for affection. With responsible care, a Mastiff becomes a serene, loving guardian.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Bold yet affable, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a cheerful working partner with a big, friendly heart. They relish being part of the action—cart-pulling, hiking, or shadowing you through chores. Their clear, expressive eyes and tricolor coat draw admirers, while their steady temperament wins them. Training should emphasize impulse control and manners, as their enthusiasm can translate into enthusiastic leaning and greetings. They’re typically confident, people-oriented, and eager to participate. Moderate exercise and mental tasks keep them satisfied. With consistent guidance and socialization, the Swissy becomes a family anchor: upbeat, reliable, and thoroughly devoted to their humans.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a serene guardian with a gentle, contemplative spirit. Bred to watch flocks at night, they’re independent thinkers who remain unfazed by commotion. Their affection is quiet—often expressed through proximity and a calm, reassuring gaze. With family, they’re tender and patient, especially with children. Training requires fairness and respect for their autonomy; harsh methods erode trust. Regular, controlled exercise suits them, and cool climates complement their lush coats. Expect a soft cloud of fur on furniture, occasional vocal alerts, and unwavering loyalty. Properly socialized, a Pyr offers steadfast protection wrapped in a tranquil, loving presence.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd is a thoughtful, stoic protector with an unexpectedly affectionate side for their family. Independent by design, they excel at making calm decisions and reading situations. Their love manifests as quiet companionship, gentle nudges, and steady watchfulness. Early, thorough socialization and respectful training are crucial to shape their protective instincts. They appreciate space, routine, and dignified handling over micromanagement. Moderate exercise and mental work satisfy them more than repetitive fetch. With responsible ownership, the Anatolian becomes a loyal, composed presence—devoted to home and kin, yet mannerly and stable among friends and neighbors.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient guardian whose noble calm hides a surprisingly tender heart for loved ones. They are dignified, independent thinkers who prefer observing before engaging. With family, they display quiet affection—accepting pets, leaning gently, and resting nearby. Early socialization and positive, consistent training channel their protective instincts into polite confidence. They thrive with secure boundaries, predictable routines, and respectful handling. Moderate exercise and cool evenings suit their dense coats. Expect minimal neediness but deep loyalty. In the right hands, the Tibetan Mastiff becomes a serene sentinel and affectionate, steadfast companion at home.
Scottish Deerhound
Ethereal and sweet-natured, the Scottish Deerhound brings gentle elegance to family life. Though bred to pursue deer, today they prefer quiet companionship, soft beds, and short sprints in safe areas. Their affectionate manner is understated—leaning lightly, resting a chin on your knee, following room to room. They’re sensitive to tone and thrive with kind, consistent training. A calm home suits them, but they do enjoy open spaces and thoughtful exercise. Their wiry coat and long limbs create a striking silhouette, matched by a tender, polite temperament. With patience, a Deerhound matures into a soft-spoken, deeply loyal friend.
Kuvasz
The Kuvasz pairs statuesque beauty with deep devotion and a thoughtful, protective nature. Historically a royal and livestock guardian, they balance independence with tender attachment to their household. With family, they’re affectionate, often positioning themselves between loved ones and perceived trouble. Early socialization and fair, firm guidance help shape their judgment. They value clarity, consistency, and opportunities to work—obedience tasks, patrol-like walks, or jobs around the property. Moderate exercise and cool climates suit their plush white coat. When respected, the Kuvasz blossoms into a calm, steadfast companion whose love is quiet, unwavering, and impressively considerate.