Large dogs are easy to scare people, but large dogs do not mean they will be aggressive. Nowadays, large breeds can often be wary of strangers, tend to be highly protective of their families, but are quite calm, sweet, and gentle with family members. Here are 12 large dog breeds that are gentle giants.
#1 – Great Dane
Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
The Great Dane is a large breed of working dog originating from Germany. Great Dane has its regal appearance, strength and elegance with great size and a powerful, well-formed, smoothly muscled body. They are very gentle, friendly, and rarely bark, coupled with an elegant appearance. The Great Dane is a sweet, friendly, affection, gentle and reliable companion, they are also a good guardian, alert for the family.
#2 – English Mastiff
Height: 30 inches & up (male), 27.5 inches & up (female)
Weight: 160-230 pounds (male), 120-170 pounds (female)
English Mastiff, also known as Mastiff, is the largest weight dog in the world, originating from the United Kingdom. The English Mastiff is known for being a big, strong, brave, decent, gentle, kind dog. They are great companions and guardians for their families. However, the English Mastiff is a very lazy dog, and loves to sleep so they need to be exercised regularly to prevent lazy behavior and prevent some health problems.
#3 – Leonberger
Height: 28-31.5 inches (male), 25.5-29.5 inches (female)
Weight: 110-170 pounds (male), 90-140 pounds (female)
The Leonberger is a large dog originating from Germany, and is named after the city of Leonberg in Germany. The Leonberger is known for his appearance with the thick fur around his neck and chest that makes them very similar to the lion’s mane. The Leonberger is an intelligent, loyal, friendly, kindly, gentle and playful dog. In addition, because of their gentleness, they also have other nicknames such as: “Gentle Lion”, “Gentle Giant”.
#4 – Newfoundland
Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)
Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
The Newfoundland is also known by another name is Newfie, is a large working dog originating from Newfoundland and Labrador (is the easternmost province of Canada). In addition to its large, strong appearance, this breed is better known for its sweet, cute, sociable, gentle, patient, rarely barking personality and Newfie is also considered a good dog for children. Newfie also particularly likes water and they can work underwater, for rescue cases.
#5 – Great Pyrenees
Height: 27-32 inches (male), 25-29 inches (female)
Weight: 100 pounds & up (male), 85 pounds & up (female)
The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is a large breed of dog used as a livestock guardian dog. They are adapted to snow-covered mountains, and are used as dogs to protect cattle from wolves and other predators. The Great Pyrenees is an affectionate, confident, gentle, patient, calm dog and is considered good with children. However, The Great Pyrenees can be slow to learn new commands, slow to obey and somewhat stubborn to train.
#6 – Bernese Mountain Dog
Height: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
Weight: 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female)
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large-sized breed of working dog originating from Switzerland. They have a large appearance with a thick, silky, and moderately long coat is tricolored: jet black, clear white, and rust. The Bernese Mountain dog is an intelligent, loving, gentle, playful dog, easy to train, friendly with other pets and very gentle with children. however, they drool and shed pretty heavily and they are also prone to separation anxiety, so they will not be suitable for families that aren’t home for long periods of time.
#7 – Old English Sheepdog
Height: 22 inches & up (male), 21 inches & up (female)
Weight: 60-100 pounds
The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed of herding dog originating from England. The Old English Sheepdog has a long, thick, shaggy grey and white coat, with fur covering their face and eyes with ears lie flat to the head. The Old English Sheepdog is a intelligent, kindliness, gentle, courage and watchfulness. In addition, they are also great with children and never being nervous or aggression.
#8 – Greyhound
Height: 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female)
Weight: 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female)
The Greyhound is a hunting dog, but they are extremely gentle, sweet, obedient, independent in spirit and they exude an aristocratic look. Greyhound is famous for the fastest running ability in the dog world (45 Miles Per Hour) and they are also dogs that often have long sleeps. They have sweet, sensitive souls that is well suited for introverts.
#9 – Bullmastiff
Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
Weight: 110-130 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
The Bullmastiff is a combination of two breeds Bulldog and Mastiff, they are originated from the United Kingdom. In addition to their large, strong appearance, the Bullmastiff is also a affectionate, gentle, loyal and brave dog, which helps them to become reliable guardians and companions in families.
#10 – Irish Wolfhound
Height: 32 inches minimum (male), 30 inches minimum (female)
Weight: 120 pounds (male), 105 pounds (female)
The Irish Wolfhound is a talented hunting dog originating from Ireland. Previously, they were used as a wolf hunter, and their names also originated from here. Nowadays, Irish Wolfhounds are often favored for their loyalty, affection, patience, calm and devotion. in addition, they are generally introverted, intelligent, and reserved in character, not barking nor too aggressive.
#11 – Saint Bernard
Height: 28-30 inches (males), 26-28 inches (female)
Weight: 140-180 pounds (male), 120-140 pounds (female)
The Saint Bernard is a large, extremely strong and muscular dog breed. They are loved and famous throughout the world. Originally, Saint Bernard was used as a rescue dog in the Alps. Nowadays, the Saint Bernard is appearing in many happy families, because they are quiet, devoted, and friendly dogs and they sleep a lot.
#12 – Neapolitan Mastiff
Height: 26-31 inches (male), 24-29 inches (female)
Weight: 150 pounds (male), 110 pounds (female)
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large guard dog, with a wrinkled face and saggy facial skin. Neapolitan Mastiff is originally from Italy. They are loyal dogs, somewhat gentle and sweet, always alert. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a dog that requires early training and socialization.
