When you think of large dog breeds, their imposing size might be the first thing that comes to mind. However, beneath their robust exterior lies an incredible capacity for love and loyalty that often surpasses their physical stature. These gentle giants exhibit hearts of gold, making them affectionate companions and protective family members. From the gentle and patient Great Dane to the ever-loyal Bernese Mountain Dog, these breeds exemplify tenderness and devotion. In this article, we explore the ten most loving large dog breeds whose big hearts match their big frames, revealing the profound bond they share with their humans.
Large dog breeds often appear intimidating due to their size, but many of them are incredibly gentle and affectionate. These dogs form deep bonds with their families and love to spend time with their humans.
Despite their impressive stature, they have a calm demeanor that makes them perfect companions for children and adults alike. Their protective yet loving nature allows them to be fantastic family pets.
Many of these breeds were originally bred for working purposes, but over time, they have become wonderful companions in family life. With proper training and regular exercise, these gentle giants prove that their hearts are as big as their bodies.
Large Dog Breeds That Have Hearts Of Gold
1. Mastiff
Mastiffs are among the most imposing large dog breeds, yet they are known for their incredibly gentle nature. These massive dogs form strong bonds with their family members and remain devoted throughout their lives.
They are naturally protective and make great companions for those seeking a loyal guardian.
Their affectionate nature makes them perfect for families with children. They require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Originally bred for guarding, Mastiffs are incredibly loyal companions that thrive on companionship and love.
Proper training and early socialization are essential to ensure they develop balanced behavior. Regular vet check-ups help maintain their health and prevent potential issues such as hip dysplasia.
Despite their large size, Mastiffs are fun-loving and enjoy spending time with their loved ones.
2. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a gentle giant that has been a beloved family pet for centuries. Originally bred in the Swiss Alps for rescue work, this breed is naturally protective and incredibly loyal.
According to AKC, Saint Bernards are known for their patient and protective nature, making them wonderful companions. Their gentle temperament allows them to form strong bonds with their families, but early socialization and training are crucial.
Given their massive size and strength, they must learn proper behavior from a young age. Teaching them obedience helps prevent issues like jumping on people, knocking over small kids, or grabbing food from tables.
These dogs are naturally eager to please, so they tend to respond well to training once they understand what is expected of them. However, they thrive on companionship and do not do well when left alone for long stretches.
If isolated too often, they may develop undesirable behavior. A well-trained and well-socialized Saint Bernard is a devoted and affectionate family member who brings warmth and love to any home.
3. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are one of the tallest dog breeds, yet they have an incredibly gentle nature. These big dogs were originally bred to hunt wolves but have since become loving companions.
Their affectionate nature and calm demeanor make them great family pets.
The Saint Bernard originates from the Western Alps, specifically in Italy and Switzerland. This powerful breed is known for its strength and resilience, making it well-suited for challenging mountain conditions.
Despite their towering presence, they are fantastic companions who form deep bonds with their loved ones. Irish Wolfhounds enjoy long walks and outdoor activities, making them a perfect match for active families.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are well-known for their loving nature and affectionate temperament. Britannica describes Golden Retrievers for their friendly and eager-to-please nature. They are highly sociable dogs that enjoy interacting with people and other animals.
Their enthusiasm extends to both land and water, making them excellent retrievers in various environments. This breed is recognized for its obedience and regularly excels in competitions such as agility trials and field events.
Despite their intelligence, Golden Retrievers can be a bit challenging to train at first. They are easily distracted, especially as puppies, which can make early training sessions difficult.
However, with patience and consistency, they quickly learn commands and develop good behavior. Without proper training, they may pull on the leash due to their natural curiosity and excitement for new experiences.
5. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever, commonly known as the Labrador, is a British breed of retriever gun dog. It was originally developed in the United Kingdom using St. John’s water dogs, which were brought over from the Newfoundland colony. The breed gets its name from the Labrador region within that colony.
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds due to their high energy level means they require regular exercise to stay healthy.
These gentle giants are incredibly loyal companions who love spending time with their owners. Labs are naturally protective and often act as watchful guardians.
Their affectionate nature makes them fantastic family pets who bring joy to their homes.
6. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large and powerful working dog, known for its strength, loyalty, and gentle temperament.
This breed comes in a variety of colors, including black, grey, brown, and black-and-white. Their thick coats and strong build make them well-suited for both water rescue and heavy labor.
Newfoundlands are known for their gentle nature and loving companionship. These large dogs were originally bred for water rescue, making them strong swimmers. They are fantastic family pets due to their protective instincts.
Newfoundlands are naturally protective and form deep bonds with their loved ones. Their affectionate nature allows them to coexist peacefully with other pets.
Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting and maintain their thick coats.
7. Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful and sturdy breed known for its remarkable strength and endurance.
Originally bred as a sled dog, it was developed to haul heavy loads across vast, icy landscapes. Their resilience and hardworking nature made them essential companions for Arctic communities that relied on them for transportation and survival.
However, Malamutes are notably larger and stronger, built for pulling heavy freight rather than racing. Their thick double coats protect them from freezing temperatures, allowing them to thrive in the harshest environments.
Beyond their physical abilities, Alaskan Malamutes are known for their loving nature. Despite their size and strength, they form deep bonds with their families and have a playful, loving side.
Their combination of power and devotion makes them one of the large dog breeds that truly have hearts of gold.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, known as the Berner Sennenhund in German, is a large breed that originated in Switzerland’s Bern canton and the Swiss Alps. This strong and sturdy dog was traditionally used for farm work, excelling in tasks like herding and pulling carts.
It is one of four Sennenhund breeds, all of which share a common heritage. The Bernese Mountain Dog’s ancestry can be traced back to Roman mastiffs, which were brought to the region centuries ago. These ancient dogs contributed to the breed’s strength and resilience.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their affectionate and friendly nature, making them wonderful companions for the entire family. They are especially gentle with children, displaying patience and kindness in every interaction.
While they form bonds with everyone in the household, they often develop a deep attachment to one special person, becoming their loyal and devoted shadow as described by AKC.
This strong emotional connection showcases the breed’s loving and protective heart. Their unwavering loyalty and gentle spirit make them more than just pets; they become cherished family members.
9. Leonberger
The Leonberger is an enormous dog breed named after the city of Leonberg, located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. PetMD states Leonbergers as devoted dogs to their family, showing unwavering loyalty and a gentle nature.
These dogs are known for their patience and self-assured personality. Their intelligence makes them highly trainable, and they thrive when given a task to focus on.
Whether assisting their owners or simply being a companion, they enjoy feeling useful and engaged.
Despite their playful side, Leonbergers are just as happy lounging at home, embracing their role as affectionate and loving pets. They form deep bonds with their family members due to their kind souls and crave attention and companionship.
10. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are big dogs with a protected nature. Originally bred for farm work, they are strong and protective of their family members.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is highly driven by food and tends to respond positively to training that involves tasty rewards. However, they can also show a stubborn side, which means owners need to be firm and consistent during training.
Patience and persistence are key when working with this breed, as they sometimes try to test boundaries. Training methods that focus on positive reinforcement without relying on a harness can be effective for them. Teaching them commands early on can help establish good walking behavior.
As with all dogs, early socialization and puppy training classes are essential to ensure they grow into well-mannered companions. Exposing them to different environments, people, and other animals helps shape their behavior.
Despite their strong-willed nature, their gentle heart and affectionate personality make them fantastic family pets when trained properly.
Conclusion
Large dog breeds may seem intimidating, but they have hearts of gold. These gentle giants form deep bonds with their family members and make fantastic companions. With proper training, regular exercise, and regular grooming, they become loving and loyal family pets. Whether you choose a Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, or Golden Retriever, these affectionate dogs will bring joy, love, and companionship to your home.
In conclusion, the ten most loving large dog breeds, recognized for their hearts of gold, embody the perfect blend of size and affection. These breeds, known for their gentle demeanor and unwavering loyalty, make exceptional companions and family members. Their nurturing nature enhances emotional bonds with their human counterparts, providing comfort and joy. From the protective German Shepherd to the gentle Labrador Retriever, these dogs exhibit compassion and dedication. Owning one of these affectionate giants not only offers companionship but also fosters a nurturing environment, enriching the lives of those fortunate enough to experience their generous love and unwavering loyalty.