Think big hearts come in small packages? These gentle giants are here to change your mind. From towering guardians to couch-hogging cuddle buddies, the largest dog breeds bring surprising tenderness, devotion, and charm. Ready to meet the massive pups who prove size only magnifies sweetness? Let’s explore the giants who adore their humans just as much as their humans adore them.
Great Dane
Known as the “Apollo of dogs,” the Great Dane combines majestic height with a remarkably soft temperament. Despite their imposing silhouette, Danes are famously affectionate, leaning on their people for reassurance and attention. They typically thrive with moderate exercise, a cozy bed that actually fits, and consistent, gentle training. Socialization helps manage their enthusiastic greetings. Their short coat is easy to maintain, though their size means higher food and veterinary costs. With proper care and joint support, they’re loyal companions who bond deeply. Great Danes excel in families seeking a calm, friendly giant who loves lounging as much as playing.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are legendary for their water rescue instincts and serene, loving nature. These fluffy giants often act like empathetic babysitters, watching over kids and guests with quiet patience. Their thick double coat requires routine brushing and seasonal de-shedding, but rewards you with a teddy-bear aesthetic. Regular, low-impact exercise helps protect joints. Newfs are people-oriented and happiest when included in daily life, whether napping by your feet or paddling in a lake. Drool towels are a must. Train with kindness, and their eagerness to please shines. Few dogs demonstrate such gentle courage, making Newfoundlands true sweethearts in colossal packages.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog blends Swiss farmhand roots with a cheerful, affectionate spirit. Renowned for their tricolor coats and expressive eyes, Berners adore family life and thrive on companionship. While not high-energy, they enjoy regular walks and mental stimulation. Their thick coat sheds seasonally and appreciates attentive grooming. Gentle training builds confidence and manners, especially during adolescence. Health screening for hips, elbows, and certain cancers is vital. With their easygoing charm and devotion, Berners excel as cuddly, adaptable partners for homes that can accommodate their size, shedding, and desire to be near their people—preferably with a paw on your foot.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are iconic alpine rescuers who bring big love and bigger snuggles. Their calm, patient demeanor makes them wonderful family companions, especially with respectful children. Expect drool and a lot of it, along with regular grooming for their dense coat. Saints love leisurely strolls and a comfy place to sprawl. Early training helps manage their strength and teach polite greetings. They’re deeply loyal, often choosing a favorite person to shadow. Heat sensitivity requires cool environments and hydration. Treat them with affection and structure, and you’ll discover a sweet, steadfast friend who embodies kindness wrapped in a giant, huggable frame.
Irish Wolfhound
As one of the tallest breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is surprisingly mellow, dignified, and sensitive. They bond closely with their families and exhibit a quiet, thoughtful presence at home. Moderate exercise and long, ambling walks suit them well. Their wiry coat requires routine brushing and occasional stripping. Early socialization and gentle training foster confidence, as they can be reserved. Space matters; they need room to stretch those long legs and a supportive bed. Health considerations include bloat awareness and joint care. Treat them kindly and consistently, and they’ll reward you with profound loyalty and a soulfully tender companionship.
Mastiff (English Mastiff)
The English Mastiff is a living legend of gentle strength, renowned for loyalty and an unflappable temperament. Despite their massive build, many are content with moderate daily activity and plenty of calm companionship. Early training and socialization are crucial to manage size and ensure polite manners. Short coats make grooming straightforward, though drool control is part of the routine. Provide joint support, controlled growth in puppies, and a comfortable resting area. Mastiffs are natural guardians, typically serene rather than reactive. With patient guidance, they become affectionate shadows—quietly devoted protectors who excel at being close without overwhelming the household.
Leonberger
Leonbergers look like lion-hearted fluff but behave like gracious family companions. Bred as multipurpose working dogs, they balance confidence with sweetness and playfulness. Their thick, water-resistant coat needs frequent brushing and seasonal de-shedding. Leos adore outdoor adventures—hiking, swimming, even carting—followed by sprawling naps at home. Early training and socialization nurture their biddable nature and stable temperament. They’re known for a soft mouth and a keen sense for children’s energy. Provide structure, mental stimulation, and joint-friendly exercise. Handle with patience and care, and you’ll enjoy a gentle, goofy, and devoted giant who thrives when included in everyday family life.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient guardian breed, independent yet deeply bonded to its family. While aloof with strangers, they’re famously gentle and protective with their people. Early, consistent training and thorough socialization are non-negotiable given their strong-willed nature. They prefer cool climates and have a thick seasonal coat that blows dramatically once or twice a year. Daily exercise, secure fencing, and clear boundaries create harmony. They’re surprisingly calm indoors, often lounging like dignified lions. With experienced ownership and respect for their instincts, Tibetan Mastiffs offer loyal companionship, majestic presence, and a tender side reserved for their inner circle.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a serene livestock guardian with a famously affectionate disposition toward family. Their snow-white double coat is beautiful and requires regular grooming, especially during shedding seasons. Pyrs are calm indoors, watchful outdoors, and often nocturnal guardians. They benefit from patient training that respects their independent nature. Secure fencing and mindful leash habits are essential. Gentle yet resolute, they thrive with moderate exercise and cool resting spots. Expect soft nudges for affection and steadfast devotion. When properly socialized, Pyrs balance protective instincts with a cloudlike sweetness, making them tranquil giants in both rural and suburban homes.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Steadfast and self-reliant, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a powerful guardian with a calm, deeply loyal spirit. They form strong bonds with their families and require clear, consistent leadership. Socialization from puppyhood helps them differentiate friend from foe. Moderate exercise and a job—watching the yard or property—satisfy their purpose-driven minds. Short coats are relatively low-maintenance, with seasonal shed. Secure fencing, mental stimulation, and respect for their instincts are crucial. While not the most overtly cuddly, they show affection through steadfast presence and protective watchfulness, proving that even formidable giants can be tender-hearted with the people they love most.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a muscular Italian mastiff celebrated for loyalty, intelligence, and a deeply affectionate bond with family. With proper training and socialization, they’re steady, confident companions who love participation in daily routines. They need regular exercise, mental challenges, and clear boundaries to flourish. Their short coat is easy to groom, though drool and shedding occur. Corsos are responsive to fair, consistent guidance and reward it with devotion. They can be reserved with strangers but tender with their people, thriving in active homes that appreciate their protective nature. Treat them with respect, and they’ll be a loving, watchful shadow.
Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound pairs elegant height with a tranquil, affectionate temperament. These sighthounds are gentle housemates who enjoy sprawling on soft surfaces after a breezy run. Their wiry coat needs regular brushing and occasional stripping. Sensitive and sweet, they respond best to positive training and calm routines. Space to stretch is a plus, along with joint-friendly exercise and cozy bedding. While they may chase wildlife outdoors, indoors they’re dignified cuddle enthusiasts. Health considerations include bloat awareness and maintaining a lean frame. For families seeking a regal, low-drama giant, the Deerhound offers quiet devotion and an old-world grace that captivates.
Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a robust, intelligent guardian bred for versatility and loyalty. Despite the “terrier” name, they’re more akin to working giants—confident, affectionate, and calm with family. They need consistent training, early socialization, and daily mental and physical work. Their dense, black coat requires scheduled grooming and trims. When engaged properly, they’re playful and loving, often leaning in for reassurance. Secure boundaries and thoughtful introductions help them shine in social settings. With their steady demeanor and giant-sized heart, Black Russian Terriers become devoted protectors who prefer being near their people, quietly ensuring everyone feels safe and loved.
Boerboel
The Boerboel is a South African guardian famed for confidence, power, and surprising tenderness with family. They bond closely and thrive on purposeful activity, consistent leadership, and clear routines. Early, thorough socialization and obedience training are essential to guide their protective instincts. Short coats are easy to maintain, though regular health checks and controlled growth are important. Boerboels are affectionate, often leaning or sitting close as a sign of trust. They enjoy moderate exercise and mental tasks. With experienced ownership and structure, they blossom into stable, loving companions whose giant presence brings comfort, security, and steadfast devotion.
Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a noble Hungarian guardian with a plush white coat and an independent, tender spirit. They’re devoted to their families and excel with owners who appreciate thoughtful training and consistency. Early socialization helps balance watchfulness with calm confidence. Regular brushing manages shedding and keeps their coat pristine. Moderate exercise and a clear job—patrolling the yard or accompanying hikes—satisfy their instincts. While reserved with strangers, they show deep affection at home, often resting nearby. Provide structure, respect their intelligence, and they’ll reward you with quiet loyalty and a protective gentleness that belies their impressive size and strength.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a cheerful, confident working breed with a big, loving heart. Known for their tricolor shine and sturdy build, Swissies relish being part of family activities. They enjoy moderate exercise, carting, and obedience games that engage body and mind. Short coats are relatively low-maintenance, though seasonal shedding occurs. Early training and socialization foster their easygoing manners. They’re affectionate without being clingy, often content to lie nearby as you work or relax. With joint care and a sensible exercise routine, Swissies become steadfast companions who bring a warm, balanced presence—and plenty of sweet, expressive smiles.