Great Danes, with their towering stature and gentle demeanor, often capture the admiration of dog enthusiasts seeking a companion with both an imposing presence and a heart of gold. However, beyond the well-known Great Dane, several other gigantic dog breeds offer a similar balance of majesty and warmth. These gentle giants—ranging from the noble Irish Wolfhound to the statuesque Scottish Deerhound—each possess unique traits that mirror the Great Dane’s allure. Exploring these magnificent breeds opens up a world of towering canine companions, each bringing their own charm and commanding presence to the families they grace.
Ever met a Great Dane and thought, “Wow, that’s a dog and a half”? These majestic “Apollos of Dogs” have a knack for stealing hearts with their towering presence and warm personalities. But what if you’re looking for something similar—a dog that offers the same blend of size, gentleness, and charisma? Enter the world of Great Dane-like breeds!
From equally gigantic cuddle machines to slightly smaller (but just as regal) alternatives, this list has got you covered. Whether you’re hunting for a four-legged roommate that doubles as a body pillow or simply curious about these giant wonders, we’ll explore seven amazing breeds that channel the Great Dane vibe. Spoiler alert: big paws, big hearts, and lots of drool ahead!
7 Dog Breeds Similar to Great Danes
1. Neapolitan Mastiff
|
Height |
24–31 inches |
|
Weight |
110–150 lbs |
|
Similarities to Great Dane |
Massive size, protective nature, and loyal temperament. Both are gentle giants with guarding instincts. |
Neapolitan Mastiffs are like Great Danes with a touch of mafia boss energy—they’re big, protective, and utterly devoted. These hefty companions share the Dane’s gentle temperament but add a dash of guarding instinct, making them fantastic family protectors. They respond well to training if you’re firm but fair (and bribe them with treats). Just don’t expect them to sprint—they’re more “patrol the perimeter” types.
Health-wise, Neos face similar issues as Danes, such as joint problems and bloat, so a comfy bed and slow-paced meals are a must. Minimal grooming is needed, but their wrinkles require regular cleaning to avoid infections claims WebMD.
These gentle giants love sprawling out, so a spacious home or yard is ideal. Their affection for family is endless, and while they can be intimidating at first glance, they’re just as likely to plop their oversized head in your lap for a cuddle.
2. Newfoundland
|
Height |
26–28 inches |
|
Weight |
100–150 lbs |
|
Similarities to Great Dane |
Large, friendly, and affectionate; excellent with families. Shares the Dane’s gentle and calm demeanor. |
If Great Danes are graceful, Newfoundlands are the lovable teddy bears of the giant breed world. These water-loving giants share the Dane’s friendly, easygoing nature but bring their own splash of aquatic enthusiasm. They’re highly trainable, thanks to their eager-to-please attitude, and they shine as both family pets and working dogs.
Newfies need plenty of space (and maybe a kiddie pool), but they’re not overly energetic—regular walks and swim sessions will keep them happy and healthy. Thick, double coat needs frequent brushing to manage shedding and prevent matting.
Like Danes, they’re prone to hip dysplasia and heart issues, so regular vet checkups are key. These gentle souls thrive on companionship, and if you can handle a bit of drool and fluff, they’ll repay you with endless love.
3. Leonberger
|
Height |
25–31 inches |
|
Weight |
90–170 lbs |
|
Similarities to Great Dane |
Towering stature, social and loving personality. Like Great Danes, they’re patient and good with kids. |
Leonbergers are Great Danes with a luxurious fur coat and a touch of regal flair. These majestic giants are just as gentle and family-oriented as Danes, with a playful streak that makes them fantastic with kids. Their trainability is top-notch—they’ll happily master commands as long as training is fun and positive.
Leonbergers need space to stretch their legs and moderate exercise to stay fit, but they’re equally content snoozing beside you. Their luxurious coat demands regular brushing to maintain its shine and prevent tangles as per AKC.
Health-wise, they share common giant breed concerns like joint and heart issues, so regular vet care is essential. Their fluffy coat requires upkeep, but their love and loyalty make every brush stroke worth it!
4. Scottish Deerhound
|
Height |
28–32 inches |
|
Weight |
75–110 lbs |
|
Similarities to Great Dane |
Tall, elegant build with a calm and gentle temperament. Both breeds thrive on companionship. |
Scottish Deerhounds are like Great Danes in slim-fit suits—graceful, tall, and ridiculously charming. They’re just as calm and gentle, making them fantastic companions for those who appreciate quiet dignity. Training them takes patience, and early socialization is necessary as they’re independent thinkers, but their sweet nature makes them worth the effort.
These lanky pups enjoy a good gallop but are low-energy indoors, so a big yard and daily strolls suit them just fine. Low-maintenance coat, but occasional brushing keeps them looking sleek says PetMD.
Like Danes, they’re prone to bloat and joint issues, so a careful diet and regular vet visits are a must. If you’re looking for an elegant, affectionate sidekick with a touch of aristocracy, the Deerhound is your dog.
5. Irish Wolfhound
|
Height |
30–34 inches |
|
Weight |
105–120 lbs |
|
Similarities to Great Dane |
Immense height, gentle nature, and a regal presence. Both are affectionate and family-oriented. |
The Irish Wolfhound is a Great Dane’s rugged, windswept cousin, with an equally loving heart. These gentle giants are calm, patient, and deeply bonded to their families, much like Danes. They’re eager to please but need a soft, consistent approach to training—they don’t respond well to harshness.
Wolfhounds enjoy space to roam but are surprisingly low-energy indoors, making them the ultimate couch companions. Their wiry coat needs weekly brushing and occasional trimming to stay tidy.
Health considerations include bloat, joint issues, and heart health, so a balanced diet and regular checkups are key. Their shaggy coat and kind eyes make them impossible to resist, and their devotion rivals that of any Dane.
6. English Mastiff
|
Height |
27–30 inches |
|
Weight |
120–230 lbs |
|
Similarities to Great Dane |
Gigantic size, loyal personality, and calm demeanor. Both are gentle giants who enjoy being with their families. |
English Mastiffs are like Great Danes who hit the gym—massive, muscular,and ridiculously loving. They share the Dane’s calm, gentle nature and are excellent with kids, but their sheer size means they need consistent training from the start. Luckily, they’re eager learners with a soft spot for treats.
Mastiffs don’t need tons of exercise—short walks and plenty of lounging suit them fine—but they do need space to stretch out. A short coat requires minimal grooming, but weekly brushing helps control shedding.
Like Danes, they’re prone to joint issues and obesity, so portion control is a must. If you want a gentle, loyal giant who doubles as a cuddle machine, the Mastiff is your perfect match.
7. Saint Bernard
|
Height |
26–30 inches |
|
Weight |
120–180 lbs |
|
Similarities to Great Dane |
Massive size, friendly temperament, and excellent family dogs. Both breeds are known for their patient and loving nature. |
Saint Bernards are Great Danes’ snow-loving cousins, with the same affectionate and gentle temperament. These big softies are easy to train thanks to their desire to please, and they’re famously patient with kids, making them excellent family dogs.
Saints need room to sprawl and enjoy moderate exercise to stay fit, but they’re more than happy to relax indoors with their favorite humans. Thick, dense coat needs regular grooming to manage shedding and keep them clean claims PDSA.
Like Danes, they’re prone to joint and heart issues, so regular checkups and a careful diet are crucial. Add their drooly charm and iconic looks, and you’ve got a lovable giant who’s impossible to ignore.
Conclusion
The canine world is full of fascinating breeds, but few are as awe-inspiring as large mountain dogs and other giant guardians. Take the Bernese Mountain Dog, for example—a lion-like mane, thick coat, and gentle demeanor that make pet parents swoon.
Originally bred for specific tasks like pulling carts or guarding livestock, these versatile dogs are the ultimate mix of brains and brawn. If you’ve ever seen a dog standing taller than some humans, you’ve likely met the tallest dog breeds like the Anatolian Shepherd or the French Mastiff.
These intelligent companions prefer loyal, attentive owners who can give them the care and training they need to thrive. While their massive heads and physical characteristics can seem intimidating, these large breeds are far from overly aggressive—they’re big softies at heart. Potential owners should be ready to accommodate their size, lifespan needs, and penchant for attention.
Whether guarding livestock, befriending smaller breeds, or loving children, these dogs blend strength with sensitivity. In a world full of smaller breeds, it’s no wonder these heaviest dog breeds stand tall—literally and figuratively—as beloved family members.
In exploring the world of giant dog breeds, the Great Dane stands out for its towering stature, gentle demeanor, and regal appearance. However, it is not alone in the category of gentle giants. Breeds such as the Irish Wolfhound, Saint Bernard, and Mastiff share not only impressive size but also similar traits of loyalty, patience, and a friendly disposition. Each breed carries its unique history and characteristics, providing dog enthusiasts with diverse options for companionship. Despite their size, these breeds are known for their affectionate nature, making them wonderful family pets for those who can accommodate their spatial and care needs.