10 Best Large Dog Breeds for Families Discover top breeds known for their gentle, loyal nature, perfect for families with kids seeking a large furry friend. By Christina Donnelly Christina Donnelly Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. She has volunteered for shelters and organizations, including the ASPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 10/09/25 Reviewed by Alycia Washington Reviewed by Alycia Washington Alycia Washington is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with nearly a decade of experience as a small animal emergency veterinarian. She currently works as a relief veterinarian for various emergency and specialty hospitals. Dr. Washington recognizes the importance of education and also works as a veterinary writer. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: The Spruce / Kristie Lee Key Takeaways Large, family-friendly dogs like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are known for their intelligence, good temperament, and make excellent companions.Some breeds, such as the Great Dane and Bernese Mountain Dog, are gentle giants that love inclusion in family activities despite their large size.While breeds like Rottweilers and Boxers are loving and protective, they might be better suited for families with older children due to their size and sometimes excitable nature. Many large, family-friendly dogs are available, but certain breeds are renowned for their loyalty, affection, and gentle nature�even with their large size. A calm and patient personality is crucial for families with young children, and who doesn't love a cuddle with a giant dog that considers itself a lap dog? Here are 10 large, family-friendly dog breeds to consider if you want to expand your family pack. Tip Every dog is an individual—no matter their breed—and proper training and socialization to maintain an even temperament and good behavior in your family. Children should learn to be respectful around the family dog, and give it space when needed. Even the most patient dog can be overwhelmed by an overly excited or rough child. 01 of 10 Labrador Retriever Credit: Purple Collar Pet Photography / Getty Images Labrador Retriever Known for their sweet, loving personalities and endless enthusiasm, Labrador Retrievers are widely adored. They consistently rank as one of the United States' most beloved breeds. Labradors are intelligent, friendly, and even-tempered, making them easier to train compared to other breeds. Consequently, they often work as service dogs for the blind, handicapped assistants, therapy dogs, and search and rescue. Breed Overview Group: Sporting (AKC)Height: 21.5 to 24 inches at the shoulderWeight: 55 to 80 poundsCoat and Color: Short, dense double coat in black, chocolate, yellow, or silvery grayLife Expectancy: 10 to 12 years 02 of 10 German Shepherd Credit: Rebecca Stynes / Getty Images German Shepherd German Shepherds have historically served as hunting and herding dogs in Germany. Due to their intelligence and diligent nature, they are commonly trained as service dogs and are employed by police, search and rescue teams, and the military. This breed is deeply loyal and loving, making it an ideal choice for an active family. Breed Overview Group: Herding (AKC)Height: 22 to 26 inches at the shoulderWeight: 60 to 100 poundsCoat and Color: Coarse, medium-length double coat in a variety of colors, including brown, black, fawn, and tanLife Expectancy: 7 to 10 years 03 of 10 Golden Retriever Credit: Sharleen Chao / Getty Images Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are often portrayed as the quintessential family dogs in movies and TV shows, from the '90s sitcom 'Full House' to the 'Air Bud' movie series. Known for their affectionate and patient nature, along with their intelligence, Golden Retrievers make excellent companions. They are also favored for roles in search and rescue, therapy, or as comfort dogs. Breed Overview Group: Sporting (AKC)Height: 21.5 to 24 inches at the shoulderWeight: 55 to 75 poundsCoat and Color: Silky, medium-length, double coat in yellow, golden, white, cream, and copperLife Expectancy: 10 to 12 years 04 of 10 Bernese Mountain Dog Credit: Andrew Hingston / Getty Images Bernese Mountain Dog Whether called Berners, Bernies, or Bernese Mountain Dogs, this Swiss breed is known for risking life and limb to rescue people stranded in the Alps. They are highly protective but not aggressive. Despite their size, they are gentle, especially with small children, and enjoy being part of family activities. Breed Overview Group: Working (AKC)Height: 23 to 28 inches at the shoulderWeight: 79 to 110 poundsCoat and Color: Thick double coat with a longer outer coat and a wooly undercoat in black, rust, and whiteLife Expectancy: 6 to 8 years Continue to 5 of 10 below 05 of 10 Boxer Credit: Ryan Murphy / Getty images Boxer Despite their tough-sounding name, Boxers are incredibly affectionate, attention-loving dogs. They respond well to positive reinforcement but can become excitable. Consider training if you have very young children or if your Boxer tends to jump on people. Boxers generally get along well with children and have a natural instinct to protect their family. Breed Overview Group: Working (AKC)Height: 22 to 25 inches at the shoulderWeight: 50 to 80 poundsCoat and Color: Short coat in brindle, fawn, and white with a black mask or white markingsLife Expectancy: 10 to 12 years 06 of 10 Alaskan Malamute Credit: LiuMeiLi / Getty Images Alaskan Malamute Originally bred to hunt powerful prey like bears and seals, today's Alaskan Malamutes are domesticated and gentle giants, making them excellent additions to active families. Their naturally friendly disposition leads them to greet most strangers as friends. Consequently, they do not make effective guard dogs. Breed Overview Group: Working (AKC)Height: 22 to 27 inches at the shoulderWeight: 75 to 100 or more poundsCoat and Color: Thick, double coat in many color variationsLife Expectancy: 10 to 12 years 07 of 10 Goldendoodle Credit: Genevieve Morrison / Getty Images If you or a family member suffers from allergies—but your family must have a dog—consider bringing home a goldendoodle. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, goldendoodles come close, thanks to their poodle lineage. This breed is highly intelligent, athletic, lovable, and great with children and other pets. Breed Overview Group: HybridHeight: 13 to 26 inches at the shoulderWeight: 45 to 100 poundsCoat and Color: Shaggy, curly coat in yellow, gold, cream, red, black, brown, white, or grayLife Expectancy: 10 to 15 years 08 of 10 Basset Hound Credit: Andrea Calzona / Getty Images Basset Hound Basset Hounds may not look like large breeds at first glance, but their average weight ranks them along side Siberian huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Goldendoodles. Although Basset Hounds can be quite stubborn, they are known for their devotion and unwavering loyalty to their families. They're affectionate and patient with children and other pets (provided they've been properly socialized). Be prepared for some training—these hounds have a mind of their own. Breed Overview Group: Hound (AKC)Height: Less than 15 inches at the shoulderWeight: 40 to 65 poundsCoat and Color: Short, coarse coat in combinations of black, white, brown, tan, and lemonLife Expectancy: 12 to 13 years Continue to 9 of 10 below 09 of 10 Great Dane Credit: Erin Vey / Getty Images Great Dane Calm, loyal, and reaching up to 200 pounds when fully grown, the Great Dane is the gentle giant of the canine world. Despite their massive size, these king-sized pooches are calm and only need a few walks a day once they grow out of puppyhood. Great Danes adore children, though their size means they can accidentally knock a child over. Breed Overview Group: Working (AKC)Height: 28 to 34 inches at the shoulderWeight: 100 to 200 poundsCoat and Color: Short, smooth coat in yellow, fawn, blue, black, or brindleLife Expectancy: 6 to 8 years 10 of 10 Rottweiler Credit: Tara Gregg / Getty Images Rottweiler Rottweilers have a playful and affectionate side but sometimes get an undeserved bad reputation. They can be excellent family dogs, especially with older children�not so much with the very young. Like many breeds, Rotties were initially bred to herd cattle by using their strong, bulky bodies to nudge cattle in the right direction. They may also try to herd children, which could result in accidentally knocking over a smaller child. A Rottweiler might become overly protective of the children in its family and try to intervene during rough play with other kids. Their prey drive can also be triggered to chase running children. Breed Overview Group: Working (AKC)Height: 22 to 27 inches at the shoulderWeight: 80 to 130 poundsCoat and Color: Short double coat in black with tan, rust, or mahogany coloringLife Expectancy: 8 to 10 years Breeds to Avoid Children must be taught how to act around dogs. However, if your children are harder to tame than dogs, then some breeds to drop from consideration include Akitas, chow chows, and huskies. These dogs likely will not tolerate children who walk all over them, pull their hair, stare them down, run around, or shout and squeal. These spitz breeds are more aloof and independent-minded. Also, some smaller dogs with big personalities that may not want to be tugged and challenged by little humans include Chihuahuas, Pekingese, and shih tzus. Discover 10 Medium-Sized Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds FAQ What type of lifestyle is best suited for a large dog breed? Large dog breeds often require more exercise and space compared to smaller breeds. An active family or one with a large backyard would be ideal. How can I ensure my dog is friendly with young children? Proper training and socialization from a young age are crucial for ensuring a dog is friendly and well-behaved around children. Are large dog breeds more expensive to care for? Yes, typically large dog breeds can incur higher costs in terms of food, veterinary care, and other pet supplies compared to smaller dogs. Explore more: Dogs Dog Breeds