10 Gentle Giant Dog Breeds That Make Great Pets Discover lovable, loyal giants perfect for families and companionship. By 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." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Jenna Stregowski 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 12 Giant Dog Breeds and What Makes Them Special 1:16 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 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 inchesWeight: 110 to 175 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Calm, gentle, friendlyEnergy Level: MediumCoat 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 Relaxed English mastiff. 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 upWeight: 120 to 230 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, protective, loyalEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short coat; colors include apricot, brindle, and fawn with a black maskLife 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 inchesWeight: 90 to 170 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Fearless, loyal, lovingEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Double coat with feathering; colors include red, brown, and sand with a black maskLife Span: 7 to 10 years 04 of 10 Bullmastiff Close up of Bull Mastiff dog. 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 inchesWeight: 100 to 130 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Loyal, protective, alertEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short coat; colors include fawn, red, and brindle with a black maskLife Span: 8 to 10 years Continue to 5 of 10 below 05 of 10 Newfoundland Boy hugging black Newfoundland. 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 inchesWeight: 100 to 150 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Loyal, sweet-tempered, gentleEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Flat double coat; colors include black, brown, gray, and black and whiteLife Span: 9 to 10 years 06 of 10 Saint Bernard 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: WorkingHeight: 26 to 30 inchesWeight: 120 to 180 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, protectiveEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Dense coat; colors include brown and white, red and white, and moreLife Span: 8 to 10 years 07 of 10 Dogue de Bordeaux 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: WorkingHeight: 23 to 27 inchesWeight: 100 pounds and upPersonality/Temperament: Devoted, even-tempered, vigilantEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short coat; colors include fawn, mahogany, and red with a black maskLife Span: 5 to 8 years 08 of 10 Great Pyrenees 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 inchesWeight: 85 pounds and upPersonality/Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, patientEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Thick double coat; colors include white with gray, red, or tan markingsLife Span: 10 to 12 years Continue to 9 of 10 below 09 of 10 Irish Wolfhound 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 upWeight: 105 to 120 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Courageous, calm, even-temperedEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Rough coat; colors include black, blue, brindle, cream, gray, and moreLife Span: 6 to 8 years 10 of 10 Neapolitan Mastiff 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 inchesWeight: 110 to 150 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Protective, stubborn, fearlessEnergy Level: LowCoat and Color: Short coat; colors include black, blue, mahogany, and tawnyLife 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: Dachshund Pug Maltese Italian Greyhound Shih Tzu Basenji Chow Chow Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Brittany Beagle 10 Best Large Dog Breeds for Families Explore more: Dogs Dog Breeds