Discover 13 Gentle Giant Dog Breeds That Will Capture Your Heart
Many large breed dogs are gentle giants - loving with their family members and happy making new friends. However, social life comes easier for certain breeds. In this article, we will review the 13 large dog breeds that are most friendly.
1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is the synonym of the perfect pet dog. This outgoing and loving dog is perhaps the most popular breed in the dogdom. The breed comes from Newfoundland, Canada, where it was used to accompany fishermen and retrieve ducks.
Personality Traits: Friendly, Outgoing, Active
Affectionate With Family: 5 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 5 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 5 out of 5
2. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a beautiful Scottish gundog with a feathery, gold-colored coat. Because of its easygoing nature and keen intelligence, this dog has been used for many tasks. Today, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
Personality Traits: Friendly, Devoted, Intelligent
Affectionate With Family: 5 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 5 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 5 out of 5
3. Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is an American breed with exceptional hunting and swimming skills. The mahogany-colored coat of this dog is eye-catching, and its performance on the trail is breathtaking. The initial task of this breed was hunting raccoons.
Personality Traits:
Affectionate With Family: 5 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 5 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 5 out of 5
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a strong-working dog with a smiling face and long coat. The tri-colored (white, black, rust) coat pattern is the hallmark of the breed. The breed was developed in Switzerland and is one of the four native Swiss Mountain Dogs.
Personality Traits: Calm, Strong, Good-Natured
Affectionate With Family: 5 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 5 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 5 out of 5
5. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a giant dog with a sweet temper and soulful expression. It was developed to help with search and rescue missions on water. Therefore, the breed is an excellent swimmer. Newfoundlands are also used as versatile work dogs due to their strength.
Personality Traits: Patient, Devoted, Sweet
Affectionate With Family: 5 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 5 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 5 out of 5
6. German Longhaired Pointer
Long considered to be the perfect pointer, the German Shorthaired Pointer is an aristocratic gundog of all trades. As the name suggests, the breed was born in Germany with the task of pointing. Even today, German Shorthaired Pointers excel in hunting events and competitions.
Personality Traits: Willing to Please, Smart, Friendly
Affectionate With Family: 5 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 5 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 4 out of 5
7. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a highly spirited dog with immense love and loyalty to its family. The large droopy ears and silver-grey coat color are the hallmarks of the breed. The Weimaraner was developed in Germany at the beginning of the 19th century, and its original purpose was hunting.
Personality Traits: Obedient, Friendly, Fearless
Affectionate With Family: 5 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 5 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 3 out of 5
8. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a giant dog hailing from Germany. It is an excellent watchdog, capable of independent thinking and sound judgment. Over the years, it has served as an all-purpose work dog, and later on, it became a favorite among royal people and nobility.
Personality Traits:
Affectionate With Family: 5 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 5 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 3 out of 5
9. Mastiff
Despite the imposing stature and intimidating size, the Mastiff is a gentle giant. The dog is heavy-boned and well-muscled, with a cute facial expression. The Mastiff breed was perfected in England, but the ancestors were probably brought to the island by Roman legions.
Personality Traits: Dignified, Good-Natured, Courageous
Affectionate With Family: 5 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 5 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 3 out of 5
10. Estrela Mountain Dog
The Estrella Mountain Dog is named after the same-named geostructure in Portugal, where it was developed. It is one of the oldest dog breeds in the region. Originally used as a livestock guardian, the modern Estrella Mountain Dog is best known for its love of children.
Personality Traits: Intelligent, Brave, Alert
Affectionate With Family: 5 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 5 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 3 out of 5
11. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient, Mastiff-type dog. It hails from France, and it is best known for its frowning-like facial expression. The breed’s exact history of is unknown, but it is believed that the ancestor of the Dogue de Bordeaux was brought to France by Julius Cezar.
Personality Traits: Affectionate, Loyal, Courageous
Affectionate With Family: 5 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 3 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 3 out of 5
12. Boxer
The Boxer is a graceful athlete with high spirits. Because of its playful nature, it is known as the Peter Pan of the dogdom, referring to its childish nature. For many years, the Boxer was the most popular dog breed in America. The ancestors of the breed are probably war dogs from the Assyrian Empire.
Personality Traits: Bright, Fun-Loving, Active
Affectionate With Family: 4 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 5 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 3 out of 5
13. Great Dane
The Great Dane is a majestic and massive dog. In fact, it is the largest dog in the world. Because of its unique features, it is known as the “Apollo of dogs.” The breed originated in Germany, and originally it was used by noblemen for hunting wild boars.
Personality Traits: Dependable, Friendly, Patient
Affectionate With Family: 5 out of 5
Kid-Friendly: 3 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs: 3 out of 5
Conclusion
All of these breeds are very friendly. Their friendliness applies to human families, kids, other dogs, and different pets. However, this does not mean socialization is unnecessary. It is still highly recommended to socialize your pup starting from an early age to ensure a well-behaved adult dog.
