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Ever thought about adding a big furry friend to your family? Life with a large dog means more love, more fur, and, yes, more messes to clean up. But ask any big dog owner, and they’ll tell you that the love and companionship they offer make it all worth it!
There’s just something special about these gentle giants. Big dogs aren’t just big; they’re also extra cuddly and surprisingly sturdy. They’re known for being calm, smart, and easy to train. Recent research even shows that bigger dogs have bigger brains, excelling in intelligence tests.
Plus, their size brings a sense of security to your home. So, if you’re considering a big dog, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Before you bring home a big pup, think about your lifestyle and home setup. Not all big dogs are the same, so knowing their personalities and tendencies is key. Get ready to welcome a new member into your family – it’s a decision you won’t regret!
Best Large Family Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
For over thirty years, the Labrador Retriever has been America’s favorite dog breed, and it’s easy to see why. Their friendly demeanor and eagerness to learn make them perfect for various tasks like search and rescue, therapy, hunting, and agility. In fact, in 2022, a lab named Endal won a PDSA Gold medal for saving its owner, Allen. When Allen fell unconscious, Endal put him in a recovery position, covered him, and fetched help. Labs truly embody the title of ‘man’s best friend.’
Known for their gentle nature, Labs are ideal companions for families seeking a medium-to-large dog, according to AKC. They’re outgoing, affectionate, and always ready for fun, making them a popular choice for households with kids or other pets.
Labs are super chill, unfazed by loud kids or bustling households. Their loyalty drives them to protect and keep the family happy. They need about 90 minutes of exercise daily, perfect for hiking or trekking buddies. Labs are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. While their double coat sheds a lot, grooming only requires daily brushing.
2. German shepherds
German Shepherds are often associated with devotion and bravery and are known as reliable guard dogs or police K9s. But don’t let that fool you—they also have a playful side! With their confident demeanor and intelligence, they make wonderful family members, bringing affection and joy for a lifetime.
According to Petplan, German Shepherds are typically gentle with kids and pets but may develop behavioral issues like aggression if left alone or under-exercised. They thrive with human interaction and might struggle with separation anxiety. They have a history of patience and tolerance, ideal for families with kids. While they bond closely with their family, they can be aloof with strangers.
Large breeds like the GSD are less likely to get hurt around small children, but it’s crucial to teach kids to respect the dog’s space and boundaries. Avoid situations where the dog may feel harassed or mistreated.
German Shepherd dogs demand regular care, training, and attention, but their unwavering loyalty and affection make it all worthwhile, providing you with many years of companionship and devotion.
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are an absolute delight, bringing immense joy to any home lucky enough to have them. This remarkable breed is not only smart but also incredibly gentle, kind, and loyal. Their sweet and playful nature adds an extra dose of happiness to family life. With proper training, they’re a breeze to housebreak, making them a nearly effortless addition to your household.
Golden Retrievers exhibit remarkable patience around unpredictable children and are typically cautious around smaller animals, making them one of the least aggressive breeds.
They thrive on activity and social interaction, and their high emotional intelligence allows them to offer companionship and comfort, especially when someone is upset. These qualities explain why Golden Retrievers are often chosen and excel as therapy dogs.
Goldens aren’t typically high-maintenance, but they do need regular exercise and attention to flourish. Despite their luscious coats, grooming is relatively low-key, with occasional brushing needed to keep their double coats in check.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
Renowned for their affectionate and gentle nature, Bernese Mountain Dogs are among the least aggressive breeds towards humans, making them perfect family companions. Their calm demeanor and playful attitude make them wonderful partners for young children, providing both love and entertainment.
AKC states that these mountain dogs are known to bond with the whole family, especially children, but they may develop a special attachment to one person. While they have an imposing presence, they are not intimidating and maintain a dignified aloofness with strangers.
Bernese dogs exhibit patience, making them tolerant of energetic kids who love climbing over their big, furry bodies. Their eagerness to please means they’re often willing playmates for children. Plus, their ease of training is a bonus, allowing kids to get involved in the training process effortlessly.
This giant dog boasts beautiful medium—to long-haired double coats, but its stunning appearance requires high maintenance. Regular grooming is essential to manage its heavy shedding, particularly during warmer seasons.
5. Boxer
Boxers are medium to large dogs known for their muscular physique and expressive faces. Celebrated for their playful and protective nature, they can be excellent companions for children. Boxers are known for their patience and gentleness with kids, often displaying remarkable tolerance.
Boxers are high-energy dogs, needing regular exercise, making them ideal playmates for active children. They’re durable, able to handle whatever kids throw their way, and their patience with children is remarkable. Affectionate and loving, this big dog breed is also protective of their families, always looking out for the kids’ well-being.
While Boxers are typically good-natured, their size and strength can pose a challenge around very young or small children. It’s crucial to teach kids how to interact safely with dogs and to supervise their interactions closely.
This large breed requires ample exercise and thrives on human attention. Proper training is essential to manage their energy levels effectively. Fortunately, they are low-maintenance in terms of grooming.
6. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is characterized by its affectionate, loyal, playful, and confident nature. Recognizable by their well-furred bodies and distinctive caps over their heads, they thrive on attention from their owners. Their playful demeanor, coupled with confidence and independence, makes them well-suited for households with ample outdoor space.
This breed of dog makes excellent family pets and generally gets along well with children. However, their large size can sometimes be overwhelming for small children. It’s important to supervise their interactions to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
According to WebMD, although Alaskan Malamutes are intelligent, they can display stubborn tendencies, which might pose challenges for first-time owners. Additionally, they have a high prey drive, making them prone to chasing small animals. If you have other pets, early socialization is crucial to ensure harmonious coexistence.
These big family dogs require ample exercise to stay happy, considering their heritage of pulling sleds for generations. Additionally, due to their thick double coat, they need regular grooming to maintain their fur’s health and cleanliness.
7. Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles inherit the friendly nature of both Poodles and Golden Retrievers, resulting in an exceptionally friendly breed. They are deeply social and love playing, displaying remarkable tolerance. Whether it’s small children or other animals, your Goldendoodle will thrive in a home filled with companionship and activity.
Goldendoodles are not only friendly but also exceptionally obedient, willing to listen and follow commands. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please make them one of the easiest breeds to train.
They adore small children and enjoy keeping them entertained, thanks to their natural playfulness. Plus, they thrive outdoors and particularly love water, making them ideal swimming partners for your children. With a swimming pool around, they’ll never want to leave the house!
Goldendoodles come with heightened energy levels and intelligence, which may require some special time and effort from owners to keep them stimulated and engaged. Additionally, they have heavy grooming needs, requiring grooming sessions every 8 to 12 weeks, along with regular brushing of their coat at least every other day to maintain its health and prevent matting.
8. Basset hound
Basset Hounds are known for their sweet and low-key demeanor. These charming dogs belong to the medium-sized hound group and typically remain calm and composed, not getting easily excited. Basset Hounds, like Beagles, are wonderful with children and possess comical, affectionate personalities.
Their easy-going demeanor is coupled with a protective, playful, and loyal nature. They thrive in family settings due to their charming disposition and ability to bond well with kids. They are highly social creatures, enjoying the constant company of their owners throughout the day.
They have relatively low-maintenance coats, typically requiring brushing only on a weekly basis. However, due to their excess skin and long ears, daily checks are necessary, including cleaning their skin folds and ears, to prevent any potential issues.
However, they do present challenges such as shedding, drooling, and potential back issues. If you seek a dog with personality and vocal expression, the Basset Hound is an excellent choice for your family.
9. Great Dane
Great Danes are indeed gentle giants, often reserved but content to be couch companions with their family members, even if their size doesn’t quite fit. While some high-energy breeds may be unpredictable around young children, Great Danes are typically very calm and tolerant, only becoming uneasy if they feel pushed beyond their limits.
Great Danes are excellent guard dogs, owing to their imposing size and unwavering loyalty to their families. They often serve as watchdogs, alerting their owners to any suspicious activity.
While they typically get along well with other pets, Great Danes may exhibit jealousy at times. Proper socialization and training are crucial, especially if you have other dogs in the home, to ensure harmony and peace among all pets.
Great Danes are relatively easy to care for, but they do need regular exercise, mental stimulation, and ample food due to their large size. Grooming requirements vary depending on the coat type, but brushing should be done at least once a week to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles.
10. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are known for their loyalty and natural protectiveness, making them a great fit for family life when properly trained and mentally stimulated. Rottweilers can indeed be playful and gentle family pets, showing loyalty to anyone they consider part of their ‘pack.’ However, they must be treated with respect.
PDSA doesn’t recommend Rottweilers for families with younger children and babies, as these kids may not fully understand how to interact with dogs. While Rottweilers are loyal, they can also be protective, so it’s essential for both children and adults to know when to give them space.
Intelligent and powerful, they thrive in homes where owners understand their breed and prioritize early socialization and consistent, reward-based training.
They thrive on human contact and require firm, consistent handling from an early age to establish boundaries. It’s essential for them to understand who’s in charge. Additionally, they need ample space and regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Being playful by nature, they particularly enjoy engaging in chasing games to burn off their energy.
Conclusion
Big dog breeds, originally bred for various purposes, embody the term “gentle giants.” They serve as loyal companions, efficient service dogs, and cherished members of families worldwide. Among the best large dog breeds, along with others, they stand as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their canine companions.