Looking for a furry friend who’s all love with none of the attitude? These sweet-natured pooches prove that some of the gentlest souls come in both tiny packages and massive frames!
From apartment-friendly cuddle bugs to impressive giants with hearts of gold, these lovable breeds might just be your perfect match. Dogs such as Mastiffs and Great Danes might look intimidating, but many large and giant breeds are actually total softies. Our vet experts reveal which dogs top the charts for gentle temperaments that make them ideal companions for families, seniors, and everyone in between.
Newfoundland
When it comes to gentle giants, the Newfoundland stands in a league of its own. Despite their massive bodies and, in some cases, copious fur, many are calm and gentle dogs who often just want to snuggle on the couch. Newfoundland dogs, often nicknamed “Newfs,” are a large breed of dog that pairs well with families thanks to their gentle temperament and high trainability.
The Newfoundland is often happiest when he’s in the water or snuggling on the couch with his family. With his calm demeanor and docile temperament, the Newfie can be an excellent therapy dog. Their natural protective instincts combined with their incredibly gentle nature earned them the nickname “nanny dogs” – just like Nana from Peter Pan!
These water-loving giants also have an impressive history as rescue dogs, saving countless lives with their powerful swimming abilities and gentle care of those in distress.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Don’t let their royal name fool you – these adorable small dogs are as down-to-earth as they come! Once the lapdog of King Charles II, it’s no wonder these small pups are so affectionate and love to be held. They have a sweet temperament, which is why the breed is such a popular therapy dog.
With their silky coats and melting brown eyes, Cavaliers excel at their favorite job: being your loving shadow. This is a gentle, good-natured, and affectionate breed that gets along very well with children, other dogs, and dog-friendly cats. They adapt easily to both active households and quieter homes, making them versatile companions for nearly any lifestyle.
Golden Retriever
Is anyone surprised to see this beloved breed on our list? Golden Retrievers are friendly, tolerant, and affectionate dogs known for their gentle demeanor, making them great with children.
Finding a breed that’s more fun-loving than a Golden Retriever is very difficult. Goldens are always cheerful, revelling in whatever antics the children dream up. Their eagerness to please and natural intelligence make them highly trainable, while their loving disposition ensures they’re gentle with everyone they meet. Whether retrieving a ball or simply lounging beside you, these dogs radiate pure joy and unconditional love.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Coming from the mountains of Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog proves that strength and gentleness can go hand-in-hand. Originally bred in Switzerland and brought to the US as farm dogs, these affectionate pups are now mostly family pets.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a very large carting dog from Switzerland. Second on the list is the ever-lovable Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, affectionate, and sturdy. Calm, good-natured, and devoted to family. While they love outdoor adventures, they’re equally content being gentle, attentive companions to their human family members.
Bichon Frise
These fluffy white dogs might look like living stuffed animals, and their personalities match their adorable appearance! The Bichon Frise a small dog breed known not only for their great personality, but also for their low-shedding coat that may be less irritating to certain people with dog allergies. Bichons are adaptable family dogs who get along well with other pets and children.
This cotton ball with legs fills your home with cheer and delight. Bichon’s irresistible plush coat and charm rocket them to stardom among family dogs. Trick-loving and playful, they adore kids’ laughter. They’re playful without being overwhelming, affectionate without being needy, and smart without being stubborn.
Great Dane
Don’t let their imposing stature fool you – Great Danes are truly gentle giants. This German Mastiff is widely known for its overwhelming size, but the breed is considered to be one of the “gentle giants” of the dog world. Great Danes are very social dogs and are even known to be friendly towards other animals, including cats.
Typically referred to as the “Gentle Giant” of all the dog breeds, the Great Dane has many qualities which make it an ideal large dog for families. Not only are they furrific pets for children, but they also make devoted furry companions for life. Their easy-going nature makes them surprisingly good apartment dogs (if you have the space!), as they’re generally quiet and less energetic than smaller breeds.
Beagle
With their expressive eyes and musical howls, Beagles have charmed families for generations. Because they were bred to hunt in packs, they enjoy the company of other dogs and people. They’re happy-go-lucky, rarely aggressive, and make great companions for kids and adults of all ages.
These curious and energetic hound dogs need plenty of exercise and weekly grooming. Beagles’ compact size, short, easy-to-care-for coat, and intelligence make them an excellent family dog. Beagles are happiest when they have company, and shouldn’t be left alone inside or outside for long periods of time. Though they can be stubborn at times, their sweet nature more than makes up for it.
Saint Bernard
The classic rescue dog of the Alps, Saint Bernards combine impressive size with incredible gentleness. Calm, patient and gentle, the Saint can be a good choice for families as long as he is trained and socialized from a young age.
Another good large dog for families is the Saint Bernard. These dogs are known for their calm demeanor and gentleness, even around rambunctious groups of children. This ancient breed’s rescue missions date back as far as 1050 C.E., when they were widely known as the rescue dog of monks. While they may drool considerably (keep those towels handy!), their loving nature and protective yet gentle instincts make them wonderful companions for families with enough space to accommodate their impressive size.
Collie
Made famous by the beloved “Lassie” television series, Collies live up to their reputation as devoted and gentle companions. Hailing from herding lineage, Collies bond intensely to “their” flock, you guessed it, your family. They become gentle yet vigilant guardians, active outdoors yet composed when indoors.
