Top 5 Gentle Giant Dog Breeds for Families

Are you considering a massive dog to join your household? We're referring to truly enormous dogs, not just large breeds like a Golden Retriever that stands knee-high, but the largest and heaviest canines available.

Before bringing a giant dog into your home, remember that such a dog requires ample space. They won’t thrive in an apartment or a small enclosure. A spacious yard with a sturdy fence and a commitment to daily walks are essential to ensure their happiness.

Selecting a large breed as a family dog requires caution, particularly if children are part of your household. While big dogs are typically calm, gentle, and slow-paced, making them suitable for families with kids, it’s best to avoid breeds with strong herding or protective instincts. Such dogs might be wonderful with their own family members but could display herding behavior or aggression toward a child’s friends or other dogs. Additionally, even the most well-mannered large breeds can accidentally knock over a child during play, so supervision is essential when they interact.

Another important factor to consider is that larger dog breeds often have shorter lifespans, with many living only around eight years.

If you’re determined to welcome a gentle giant into your home, there are excellent options available. Continue reading to discover some of the best choices.

5: Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound, a true gentle giant, stands as the tallest of all dog breeds and is renowned for its exceptionally sweet temperament.

Male adults typically stand at least 32 inches (81 centimeters) tall at the shoulder, often reaching up to 35 inches (89 centimeters). Females are generally a few inches shorter. Their weight ranges from 140 to 180 pounds (64 to 82 kilograms) [source: Irish Wolfhound Club of America].

Irish Wolfhounds are classified as sight hounds, bred to rely on sharp vision and speed for hunting. This ancient breed was used to hunt wolves in Ireland nearly 2,000 years ago. Historical records from ancient Romans mention them, and they may have introduced the breed to Ireland [source: The Complete Dog Book].

These gentle giants thrive on playtime and bonding with their families. Known for their calm, quiet, and affectionate nature, Irish Wolfhounds are even-tempered and loving. A spacious, fenced yard is ideal, as adult Wolfhounds can become sedentary. Regular long walks are essential for their health, and opportunities to run freely are even better, as they struggle in confined spaces.

Their rough coat requires minimal grooming. Unfortunately, their lifespan is relatively short, typically ranging from six to eight years.

Interested in learning about another large breed? Continue reading.

4: Great Dane

Most are familiar with Marmaduke, the Great Dane from the comics. This portrayal is quite fitting: these enormous dogs are affectionate and endearing. However, due to their size, they can unintentionally cause chaos in a home, particularly as energetic puppies.

Contrary to their name, Great Danes do not originate from Denmark. They were initially bred to hunt wild boar, descending from mastiff and greyhound breeds in Germany and England. As boar hunting declined, they were refined to become companions. They thrived on large estates and now adapt well to families with spacious, fenced yards. By the 1870s, the Great Dane was recognized as Germany's national breed [source: Great Dane Club of America].

Great Danes are known for their relaxed and friendly nature. They are typically simple to housebreak and require minimal grooming. These dogs thrive on human interaction and need plenty of family involvement. Due to their large size, proper training is essential. Supervision is recommended when they play with small children, as their size can unintentionally overpower little ones.

How large do they get? Male Great Danes can stand up to 32 inches (81 centimeters) at the shoulder and weigh as much as 140 pounds (64 kilograms). Females are slightly smaller in size.

It takes approximately three years for them to reach full maturity, and their lifespan generally ranges from seven to 10 years.

3: Saint Bernard

Male Saint Bernards are not only tall but also robust, often standing at least 27 1/2 inches (70 centimeters) at the shoulder and weighing over 200 pounds (91 kilograms). However, their gentle temperament has been a defining trait of these massive dogs for centuries.

Around a millennium ago, Bernard de Menthon, an Augustine monk, established a hospice in the Swiss Alps to aid travelers navigating perilous mountain passes. While the exact origins of the Saint Bernard breed remain uncertain, the monks began employing large dogs for rescue missions. These dogs honed their skills in locating people buried in snow, digging them out, reviving them with licks, and even providing warmth by lying on them until help arrived. They also excelled at sensing impending avalanches.

Their rescue abilities became so renowned that teams of two or three dogs were dispatched alone. If one dog discovered a stranded traveler, the others would return to alert the monks [source: The Complete Dog Book -- please link to LMI].

Saint Bernards are deeply devoted to their families. Like all large breeds, they require plenty of exercise and space to roam. The long-haired variety needs regular grooming. Despite their gentle breeding, it’s wise to supervise interactions with small children to prevent accidental knocks or overly enthusiastic affection.

2: Bernese and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs

Swiss Mountain dogs come in four varieties, originally bred as farm helpers and companions in Switzerland. Among them, the long-haired Bernese and the short-haired Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, both featuring black coats with brown and white markings, have gained popularity as family pets in the U.S.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, with its short coat, is the larger of the two, with males reaching up to 28 1/2 inches (72 centimeters) in height and weighing as much as 135 pounds (61 kilograms). The Bernese, with its longer hair, tends to be slightly smaller. Both breeds are known for their gentle nature and compatibility with children, and they can be trained for tasks like pulling carts or sleds. However, like other large breeds, they are not suited for apartment living [source: Dog Breed Info].

A word of caution: The Bernese breed faced inbreeding issues decades ago, leading to various health concerns. Additionally, they can sometimes exhibit shyness or sensitivity, so it’s crucial to select a puppy from a trustworthy breeder.

Both breeds require consistent training and thrive on interaction with their families. They are happiest and best-behaved when given tasks to perform. As with all large dogs, supervision is recommended when they are around small children.

1: Newfoundland

If you’ve ever spotted what appeared to be a gentle bear being walked in public, chances are it was a Newfoundland. These massive dogs can stand 28 inches (71 centimeters) tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 150 pounds (68 kilograms) [source: The Complete Dog Book -- please link to LMI].

If you’re looking for a dog that remains unfazed even when a toddler climbs on them or tugs their ears, the Newfoundland is an ideal choice. These dogs are simply delighted to be part of the family.

While their origins are somewhat unclear, it’s widely believed that Newfoundlands evolved on the Canadian island they’re named after, likely descending from European dogs. They were bred as working dogs, excelling in shorelines, marshes, and water. Known for their strength, they can pull carts and were often used in water rescues due to their swimming prowess and webbed feet.

Their temperament makes them perfect for families. Newfoundlands are calm, affectionate, and incredibly patient. They adore people, particularly young children.

Their thick, long coats demand regular grooming. As with all large breeds, they require ample space, and being family-oriented, they thrive on affection and companionship. Their average lifespan is around 11 years.

A friendly heads-up: If you take a swim near your Newfoundland, be prepared for an enthusiastic "rescue" attempt, even if you’re perfectly fine in the water!

Continue reading for additional insights and details.