Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Gentle giants: 6 big dog breeds that make great family pets

Family dogs: Large dog breeds perfect for families with children

Gabrielle LaFrank
By
A Bernese Mountain Dog offers their paw during a training session
Melounix / Shutterstock

Large dogs can be intimidating to some, but the truth is that many of them are as sweet as can be — especially with children! Although it may sound surprising, we’ve all heard the term “gentle giant” used to describe large dog breeds like Great Danes and Saint Bernards. It should come as no surprise that they can be great with kids with a reputation like that, but they’re not the only family dogs out there!

These five big dog breeds make wonderful pets for anyone with kids. They have a history of being patient and gentle with children, and they all respond well to positive reinforcement training. With the right amount of attention and love, any of these dogs can be your child’s best friend.

Tall black and white Great Dane staring at camera.
earlwilkerson / Adobe Stock

Great Danes are famous for their “gentle giant” nature

Great Dane dogs are known for being the largest dog breed in existence — but they’re also one of the sweetest. Though they’ll happily watch over their homes, Hill’s Pet notes that Danes are “moderately playful” and “affectionate.” Their energy level is somewhat limited, so they will be happy with a backyard and about 30 minutes of daily exercise. The only downside is that this breed only lives for about 6 to 8 years, on average. Losing a family pet can be difficult for a young child, and for their parents, too.

A Staffordshire bull terrier lies on a pile of leaves, smiling
nicolecedik / Adobe Stock

Staffordshire bull terriers have a history of caring for children

Despite the negative stereotypes pit bull breeds have faced, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a long history as a loving family pet. In fact, these dogs were known as “nanny dogs” in England because of their playful, protective nature toward children. Plus, there’s no doubt that Staffies love to play. They were even built to be sturdy playmates — just look at those stocky bodies! Hill’s Pet explains that turning training into play (using positive reinforcement with rewards) is the best way to practice obedience with this breed. Here’s a hint: Positive reinforcement training is best for just about any dog.

A Bernese mountain dog stands in the middle of a wooded trail
André Dehne / Unsplash

Bernese mountain dogs are just as sweet as they are beautiful

This gorgeous breed is known for its elegant look and distinctive fur coloring, but don’t let that massive size fool you. Bernese mountain dogs are some of the most sensitive pups you can find. They’re extremely affectionate, notes Purina, and they’ll usually choose a good cuddle over a walk around the block. Still, these dogs do have moderate exercise needs. Playtime can help with that!

Recommended Videos

Berners don’t love to be alone and can be aloof with strangers, so you’ll have a loyal family dog if you choose this breed. Their gentle, patient natures will mesh well with young kids’ playful personalities, too.

A German shepherd dog lies on the ground with their tongue out happily
Hyper_Joker / Shutterstock

German shepherds can keep children occupied, safe, and happy

Even though German shepherds are known for their tough-looking exterior, they can be just as gentle and affectionate as any other breed; especially with the right training. Their higher energy level can make them great companions for older children or budding athletes, and they can be wonderful guardians for kids who aren’t in the eyesight of their parents. This breed shows loyalty to a T.

Newfoundland dog lying down
Angel Luciano / Unsplash

Newfoundlands’ most valued trait is their gentle disposition

Even though these dogs come with a lot of fur to maintain, they also come with a lot of love to give. If anything, your Newfie’s regular grooming can be a way to teach a child about responsibility. Whether they’re around adults, children, or other dogs, Newfoundlands are affectionate and difficult to anger. That’s why they’ve earned the title of “nanny dog,” too! According to the American Kennel Club, the Newfoundland breed standard values their sweet temperament over any other characteristic — even looks.

A Leonberger dog stands outside and looks behind him.
Sesheta / Pixabay

Leonbergers just might be the largest companion dogs on earth!

Leonbergers are massive dogs — weighing up to 170 pounds — but couldn’t be more eager to spend time with their family. They are true love bugs! These sensitive dogs are known for their gentle demeanor and neverending loyalty, though their impressive physical stature sure doesn’t hurt. In fact, their size made them a popular choice among European royalty, though now these dogs are better known for being therapy animals or search-and-rescue dogs.

Their driven nature makes them easy to train and incredibly loyal. With this dog breed around, there will be no doubt that your child will have a big, friendly buddy by their side at all times.

If any of these big dog breeds caught your eye, don’t hesitate to learn more about them. They just might be the best fit for your family. Even if your ideal dog breed isn’t on this list, don’t feel discouraged. There are dogs for everyone out there. Good luck!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Meet the 5 newest dog breeds and what makes them so special
If you’re thinking of bringing home a new dog, consider one of these elusive breeds
A Bracco Italiano runs on the beach

Some dog owners (and fans of dogs) can name dozens of dog breeds like the back of their hands, but others can't even tell the difference between a dachshund and a Corgi breed. That's OK! As long as a dog owner knows how to take good care of their fur baby, they don't necessarily need to know the fun facts. At the same time, learning about different dog breeds can be valuable in certain situations, whether you like watching dog shows or are considering volunteering at a rescue.

Even if it's just for fun, there's a lot you'll want to know about the five newest dog breeds in the show universe. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is one of the largest dog breed registries in the world, and it oversees the standards and requirements for each new breed that's created. Since 2021, it has welcomed five new breeds to its ranks, and you may have even seen these dogs in a local or televised dog show (except for the newest breed, that is).

Read more
Why black Labrador retrievers are the perfect family dogs
This breed is one of America's favorites, but is it meant for your home?
A close-up shot of a black Lab wearing a red collar

For more than 30 years, the Labrador retriever was America's most popular dog breed, and it still remains a favorite (though the Frenchie has taken the number one slot). Playful, friendly, and affectionate, black Labs make amazing family pets. Is a black Labrador retriever the perfect pet for your family? Here's everything you need to know about this happy dog breed.

Are black Labradors good pets? 
A medium-to-large-sized breed, Labs weigh anywhere from 55 to 85 pounds, with females being smaller than males. Labs are active, sociable dogs who form lasting bonds with family members but are friendly toward strangers, too. With their double coats and webbed feet, Labs make excellent companions for water-loving families, but they're also equally at home romping through a yard with kids. 

Read more
Why you should let your dog sleep in your bed every single night
Sleeping with your dog in your bed can benefit you both
A woman snuggles with her dog in bed

When you think about your dog sleeping in your bed, how do you imagine it? Many pet parents can picture their beloved pet sprawled out across the entire bed while they themselves toss and turn for most of the night, but is that truly the reality of co-sleeping with a fur baby?
It can be hard to predict — every pet has their own personality and sleeping habits — but what scientists and behaviorists have found so far may surprise you. Not only do dogs provide comfort and warmth for their sleepy owners, but they tend not to disrupt sleep, either (most of the time, anyway). It may seem too good to be true, but these are the reasons why you totally should let your pet sleep in your bed every single night ... or at least try it out. Trust us, they’ll love it, too!

It can be comforting to have a dog sleeping in your bed
Just think about all the ways your pup lights up your waking hours with their goofy antics and endless love. Why not bring that sweetness into your nighttime routine, too? Spending time with your fur baby can be a comforting and rewarding way to end your evening on a happy (and adorable) note, though researchers found that people suffering from anxiety and depression may find even more benefits.
As Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an assistant professor at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, explained to CNN, "People with depression or anxiety may benefit from having their pet in the bed because the pet is a big pillow, a big blanket, and they may feel that snuggly, cuddly, furry creature decreases their anxiety.” Big fluffy blanket? Yes, please! If you've ever felt comfort from a weighted blanket, being tucked into bed, or even a simple hug, you can probably relate. Either way, there's no way to deny it -- dogs are comforting!

Read more