10 Gentle Giant Dog Breeds That Make Great Pets

Discover lovable, loyal giants perfect for families and companionship.

By
Jenna Stregowski
Jenna Stregowski, Pet Health and Behavior Editor, The Spruce Pets and Daily Paws
Jenna Stregowski
Jenna Stregowski is the Pet Health and Behavior Editor for Daily Paws and The Spruce Pets. She's also a registered veterinary technician with over 20 years of expertise in the field of veterinary medicine.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 06/12/25

Key Takeaways

  • Giant dog breeds are known for their loyalty, gentle temperaments, and protective nature.
  • Potential owners should consider the increased cost and space requirements associated with these large breeds.
  • Life expectancy is generally shorter for giant breeds, averaging around 6 to 10 years.

While some people prefer small dogs, others feel there's nothing better than massive dogs, so they search for the best giant dog breeds. Giant canines come packed with plenty of pluses. They're big softies with sweet, gentle temperaments that think they're lap loungers. They're loyal and protective of their family pack. And they're smart and usually easy to train.

Here are 10 of the best giant dog breeds if you're ready for a massive companion.

Tip

If you're getting a giant dog for a young family, one pill that is hard to swallow (especially for young children) is that massive dogs typically have shorter lifespans than all other dogs. Many only live about six to 10 years, while the average dog lifespan is around 12 to 15 years.

Breed Characteristics

There are several factors to consider before adopting a large dog. Bigger dogs require more of everything, from food to larger-scale supplies to higher veterinary care costs. Also, a big dog needs a larger living space to move around comfortably.

Giant dogs vary in temperament, too. So, as you work on deciding which breed is right for you, don’t just focus on their looks. Instead, research their personalities so you can find a dog who is suitable for your family and lifestyle. For example, if you have children or other pets, or if you don’t lead an active lifestyle, you can keep these things in mind as you learn about the best giant dog breeds.

  • 01 of 10

    Great Dane

    Harlequin Great Dane near a lake
    Credit:

    Beanstock Images / Getty Images

    One might say this majestic creature more closely resembles a small horse than a dog. Great Danes stand out in a crowd. Appearance, or in this case, size, isn't what makes this an excellent companion; it is this breed's temperament.

    These dogs are generally gentle, playful, friendly, and incredibly loyal, so it’s no surprise this is one of the best giant dog breeds. Because of their size, they appear to be goofballs, but it's their larger limbs and plop-anywhere attitude that makes them fun to be around.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)

    Height: 28 to 32 inches

    Weight: 110 to 175 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Calm, gentle, friendly

    Energy Level: Medium

    Coat and Color: Short coat; brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin (white with black patches), or mantle (black and white)

    Life Span: 6 to 8 years

    How to Care for Large and Giant Dogs
  • 02 of 10

    Mastiff

    English mastiff lying on floor
    Credit:

    Cappi Thompson / Getty Images

    Another one of the best giant dog breeds is the mastiff. These dogs are all brawn on the outside, but they're softhearted, easygoing companions on the inside. Keep a rag handy to clean up the slobber that drools from their massive heads.

    Their muscular bodies can knock over people and objects in tight spaces; keep that in mind if you're living in an apartment or smaller home. These giant dogs need ample living space and obedience training wherever they go.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)

    Height: 28 inches and up

    Weight: 120 to 230 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, protective, loyal

    Energy Level: Medium

    Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include apricot, brindle, and fawn with a black mask

    Life Span: 10 to 12 years

  • 03 of 10

    Leonberger

    Leonberger dog with tongue hanging out
    Credit:

    Marla Rutherford / Getty Images

    The Leonberger is a massive working dog that typically has a kind, gentle disposition. This breed is known to bond closely with family, and this dog also seems to have great intuition when it comes to human emotions.

    Leonbergers make excellent family pets and superb therapy dogs. If you have the space for one, this could be the ideal dog for you if you’re a fan of large canines.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)

    Height: 26 to 32 inches

    Weight: 90 to 170 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Fearless, loyal, loving

    Energy Level: Medium

    Coat and Color: Double coat with feathering; colors include red, brown, and sand with a black mask

    Life Span: 7 to 10 years

  • 04 of 10

    Bullmastiff

    bullmastiff lying on side
    Credit:

    Corey Hochachka / Getty Images

    In the mid-19th century, breeders crossed the mastiff and bulldog to get a powerful dog that could stop poachers. Today's bullmastiff is considered one of the best giant dog breeds.

    The bullmastiff also remains a capable guard dog and a treasured companion. Despite this big dog's somewhat intimidating appearance, this is a gentle giant who forms a solid bond with family.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)

    Height: 24 to 27 inches

    Weight: 100 to 130 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Loyal, protective, alert

    Energy Level: Medium

    Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include fawn, red, and brindle with a black mask

    Life Span: 8 to 10 years

    Continue to 5 of 10 below
  • 05 of 10

    Newfoundland

    Boy hugging black Newfoundland outdoors
    Credit:

    Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

    Newfoundlands are loving companions and outstanding workers. With their webbed feet and waterproof coats, they evolved into ideal water dogs, aiding fishing folk and saving people from drowning.

    There are many things that make the Newfoundland one of the best giant dogs breeds today. For example, it's in their nature to assist and protect—especially children—and always with a gentle spirit.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)

    Height: 26 to 28 inches

    Weight: 100 to 150 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Loyal, sweet-tempered, gentle

    Energy Level: Medium

    Coat and Color: Flat double coat; colors include black, brown, gray, and black and white

    Life Span: 9 to 10 years

  • 06 of 10

    Saint Bernard

    Saint Bernard lying in grass
    Credit:

    Purple Collar Pet Photography / Getty Images

    The Saint Bernard might look intimidating, but this is one of the best giant dog breeds for work and companionship. Commonly used in search-and-rescue and as service animals, Saint Bernards are giant dogs with even bigger hearts.

    They tend to be gentle, loving family companions, often getting along well with children. Some Saint Bernards don't always realize how big they are, so training is a must for keeping them under control.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working

    Height: 26 to 30 inches

    Weight: 120 to 180 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, protective

    Energy Level: Medium

    Coat and Color: Dense coat; colors include brown and white, red and white, and more

    Life Span: 8 to 10 years

  • 07 of 10

    Dogue de Bordeaux

    dogue de bordeaux walking on a beach
    Credit:

    Tara Gregg / Getty Images

    The Dogue de Bordeaux is a lovable, slobbery hunk of a dog, and once you get to know them, you’ll realize why they’re on this list of the best giant dog breeds. This breed originated in France and is sometimes called the French mastiff.

    This massive canine with a giant head looks fierce, but that's mostly all for show, as this is an extremely loyal and gentle breed. Also worth noting: this breed is protective of family and makes a capable guard dog.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working

    Height: 23 to 27 inches

    Weight: 100 pounds and up

    Personality/Temperament: Devoted, even-tempered, vigilant

    Energy Level: Medium

    Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include fawn, mahogany, and red with a black mask

    Life Span: 5 to 8 years

  • 08 of 10

    Great Pyrenees

    Great Pyrenees lying in grass
    Credit:

    Kathryn Schauer / Getty Images

    Great Pyrenees dogs are massive in power and sweet dispositions. Among the oldest dog breeds, this working dog has a long history of guarding sheep and protecting homes.

    It is important to know that this is a very active breed. This canine requires vigorous daily exercise and obedience training to end up with a well-behaved dog. But the effort is worthwhile because they make great pets.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)

    Height: 25 to 32 inches

    Weight: 85 pounds and up

    Personality/Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, patient

    Energy Level: Medium

    Coat and Color: Thick double coat; colors include white with gray, red, or tan markings

    Life Span: 10 to 12 years

    Continue to 9 of 10 below
  • 09 of 10

    Irish Wolfhound

    Irish Wolfhound outside
    Credit:

    Anke Sauerwein / Getty Images

    Historically, Irish wolfhounds were battle and hunting companions, as well as guardians of homes. In modern times, wolfhounds are primarily companion animals, though they have retained some hunting and protective instincts.

    Irish wolfhounds need more space and exercise than some of the other giant breeds and generally do not thrive in smaller homes. Therefore, they are best suited for families with large homes and yards and an active lifestyle.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Hound (AKC)

    Height: 30 inches and up

    Weight: 105 to 120 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Courageous, calm, even-tempered

    Energy Level: Medium

    Coat and Color: Rough coat; colors include black, blue, brindle, cream, gray, and more

    Life Span: 6 to 8 years

  • 10 of 10

    Neapolitan Mastiff

    Neapolitan mastiff outside
    Credit:

    Tim Dawson / Flickr / CC By 2.0

    The Neapolitan mastiff is an Italian breed with ancient roots that historians can trace back to the Roman army's dogs of war. They later became guard dogs.

    This dog is known for more than their large size. They also have distinct wrinkles and loose skin, massive bones, and a lumbering gait. In terms of personality, they tend to be loyal and protective, though generally mellow and gentle.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)

    Height: 24 to 31 inches

    Weight: 110 to 150 pounds

    Personality/Temperament: Protective, stubborn, fearless

    Energy Level: Low

    Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include black, blue, mahogany, and tawny

    Life Span: 7 to 9 years

Breeds to Avoid

If massive dogs are your fancy, then it stands to reason that teacup and toy breeds are not your cup of tea.

Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkies have big personalities, but the canine world's smallest dogs don't top 7 pounds or get much taller than 7 inches when fully grown.

Other small dog breeds and medium dog breeds that won’t be suitable if you’re looking for a giant dog include:

10 Best Large Dog Breeds for Families
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