When envisioning giant dog breeds, images of strength, loyalty, and a sometimes intimidating presence often come to mind. However, beneath their formidable appearance lies an often-overlooked trait: exceptional trainability. Contrary to their size, many giant dog breeds stand out for their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them some of the most obedient companions. This guide explores seven giant breeds that not only impress with their stature but also excel in training, demonstrating remarkable discipline and responsiveness. Whether for family life, therapy work, or demanding roles, these gentle giants shine as paragons of both loyalty and learning.
Did you know that most of the dog-related injuries involve untrained large breeds? While their towering size makes them impressive, a lack of obedience can turn them from gentle companions to overwhelming challenges. That’s why choosing a naturally obedient giant dog can make all the difference.
From the noble Irish Wolfhound to the gentle Saint Bernard, some large breeds are not just lovable but also incredibly trainable. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly protector or a laid-back giant, these breeds prove that big dogs can have big hearts—and big discipline.
In this article, we’ll explore seven of the most obedient giant dogs, why they excel in training, and what makes them stand out.
Obedient Giant Dog Breeds
1. Irish Wolfhound
Quick Facts:
- Known for: Gentle giant, historic hunting dog
- Ideal for Families, spacious homes
- Temperament: Affectionate, calm
The Irish Wolfhound stands among the tallest of all giant breeds, with a history dating back to ancient times. Originally bred for hunting wolves, this breed has transformed into a gentle, affectionate companion known for its regal presence. Despite their intimidating size, these dogs are famous for their calm demeanor and loving nature.
Obedience comes naturally to the Irish Wolfhound, thanks to its loyal and people-pleasing attitude. While not as quick to follow commands as some dog sports competitors, they are known to be attentive learners when trained with patience and consistency. Their willingness to bond with humans makes them reliable and easygoing companions.
Their personality is a blend of loyalty and independence, which means they listen well but may also have a mind of their own. While they get along well with other dogs, they thrive on strong leadership from their owners. Their calm nature makes them fantastic house pets despite their large size.
Training an Irish Wolfhound requires positive reinforcement and socialization from an early age. They respond best to gentle yet firm guidance, as harsh corrections may cause them to shut down. Short and engaging training sessions work best to keep their interest, especially when treats or praise are involved.
These gentle giants need plenty of space to stretch their long legs, making them best suited for homes with large yards. Though they adapt well to indoor living, they require regular exercise to stay healthy. Given their friendly nature, they aren’t ideal guard dogs, but their sheer size alone is enough to deter intruders.
2. Great Dane
Quick Facts:
- Known for: Towering size, gentle temperament
- Ideal for Families, spacious homes
- Temperament: Friendly, patient
One of the most obedient dog breeds, the Great Dane is an impressive combination of power and elegance. Despite their massive stature, these gentle giants are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. Originating from Germany, they were initially bred for hunting wild boars but have since evolved into loyal companions.
Their eagerness to please makes them exceptionally trainable, which is why they’re often ranked among the most obedient dog breeds. With consistent guidance, they respond well to commands and enjoy forming strong bonds with their owners. Their intelligence allows them to pick up new skills quickly, making them a pleasure to train.
While their size might be intimidating, Great Danes are known for their calm and patient personalities, as stated in PetMD. They thrive on human companionship and are naturally good-natured, making them ideal family dogs. Despite their gentle demeanor, their protective instincts can emerge when they sense a threat, ensuring their loved ones feel safe.
Training a Great Dane requires an early start with positive reinforcement. Due to their size, it’s essential to establish good behavior habits early on. While they’re naturally well-mannered, socialization and obedience training help them become even more adaptable and well-behaved.
As affectionate as they are, these giants need space to move comfortably. They do well in homes with large yards, but they’re also content indoors as long as they receive daily exercise. Their laid-back nature makes them surprisingly adaptable, and they can even be excellent service dogs, providing comfort and assistance to those in need.
3. Saint Bernard
Quick Facts:
- Known for: Strength, rescue skills
- Ideal for Families, cold climates
- Temperament: Gentle, patient
Saint Bernards are famous for their heroic history as search and rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps. Originally bred by monks to locate lost travelers in the snow, these gentle giants have an instinct for helping people. Despite their large size, they are affectionate and form deep bonds with their families, making them both protective and loving companions.
They may look imposing, but Saint Bernards are surprisingly easy to train due to their eagerness to please as mentioned in PetMD. With the right motivation, they quickly grasp commands and develop excellent manners. However, their intelligence means they respond best to consistent, patient guidance rather than harsh corrections.
Their calm and affectionate nature makes them great family pets. They are known for being exceptionally gentle with children and other animals, thriving in homes where they receive plenty of love and attention. While they enjoy lounging indoors, they also need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Starting with proper training early on is crucial to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults. Due to their size, they must learn commands like “sit” and “stay” from a young age to prevent unwanted behaviors as they mature. Obedience training, combined with early socialization, helps them develop into polite and well-adjusted dogs.
While they don’t require intense exercise, Saint Bernards enjoy outdoor adventures, especially in cooler weather. Their thick coat makes them well-suited for colder climates, but they need extra care in the heat. A loving, structured environment helps these dogs thrive, ensuring they remain the gentle giants they are known to be.
4. Mastiff
Quick Facts:
- Known for: Strength, loyalty
- Ideal for: Experienced owners, spacious homes
- Temperament: Protective, calm
Mastiffs are one of the oldest dog breeds, with a history dating back thousands of years. Originally bred as guardians and war dogs, they have played crucial roles in protecting homes and livestock. Despite their intimidating size, they are known for their unwavering loyalty and deep affection toward their families.
While they have a strong, independent nature, Mastiffs are incredibly devoted and thrive on companionship. They are an affectionate dog that enjoys spending time with their owners, often leaning against them as a sign of trust. Their calm demeanor makes them excellent house pets when trained properly from a young age.
As an intelligent dog, the Mastiff learns quickly but requires patient and consistent training. Their sheer size makes early obedience training essential to ensure they are well-mannered adults. Positive reinforcement works best, as they respond well to praise and rewards.
This popular dog breed is known for its versatility, serving as both a protector and a gentle giant. Historically, they have been prized for their ability to guard estates and today, they continue to be valued for their loyalty and watchful nature. Their deep bark alone is enough to deter intruders, making them natural watchdogs.
Mastiffs are classified as working dogs and excel in roles requiring strength and endurance. From guarding to search-and-rescue operations, their impressive physical abilities make them valuable in various fields. Despite their size, they enjoy being part of the family and thrive in loving, structured environments.
Though not overly energetic, Mastiffs still require daily exercise to stay healthy. A large yard or open space suits them best, as they need room to move freely. With the right care and training, they grow into gentle yet powerful companions, balancing their protective instincts with deep affection.
5. Newfoundland
Quick Facts:
- Known for: Strength, swimming ability
- Ideal for: Active families, water-loving owners
- Temperament: Gentle, patient
Newfoundlands, often called “Newfies,” are renowned for their sweet nature and strong swimming abilities. Originally bred as working dogs for fishermen, they are natural lifesavers, excelling in water rescues. Their thick, water-resistant coat and webbed feet make them powerful swimmers, setting them apart from other large breeds.
Despite their massive size, Newfoundlands are incredibly gentle, especially with children as WebMD suggested. They are often referred to as “nanny dogs” due to their patient and affectionate demeanor. Their calm disposition makes them fantastic family pets, as they form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on companionship.
Keeping a Newfoundland engaged requires both physical exercise and mental stimulation. They are intelligent dogs that enjoy problem-solving activities, obedience training, and interactive toys. Without adequate engagement, they may become bored, leading to undesirable behaviors like excessive barking or chewing.
Early exposure to different environments, people, and animals is essential for a well-adjusted Newfoundland. Proper socialization ensures they develop into confident and friendly adults, preventing them from becoming overly shy or protective. Given their size, a well-socialized Newfie is easier to manage and a joy to be around.
Due to their large frame and energetic nature, Newfoundlands require a larger living space to move around comfortably. While they can adapt to indoor living, access to a spacious yard or frequent outdoor adventures is ideal. They are happiest when they have room to roam, especially near water where they can indulge in their natural swimming instincts.
6. Scottish Deerhound
Quick Facts:
- Known for: Elegance, speed, hunting heritage
- Ideal for: Spacious homes, active families
- Temperament: Dignified, affectionate
The Scottish Deerhound, often described as a “royal hound,” has a rich history dating back to ancient Scotland. Originally bred for hunting deer, these graceful yet powerful dogs are known for their agility and endurance. Despite their hunting background, they are exceptionally gentle and thrive in peaceful home environments.
Deerhounds are not overly stubborn, making them easier to train with the right approach. Their gentle nature means they respond best to patience and kindness rather than harsh corrections. They form deep bonds with their owners, displaying an incredibly loyal temperament that makes them wonderful companions.
When it comes to obedience, the key is using positive training methods. They are sensitive dogs that appreciate rewards-based learning, thriving when praised rather than reprimanded. Consistency and motivation are essential, as they can sometimes be independent thinkers.
Since this is a large dog with high energy levels, regular exercise is necessary to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks, off-leash running in secure areas, and interactive play sessions are excellent ways to meet their needs. Without proper activity, they may become restless and develop destructive habits.
Various training methods can be effective with Deerhounds, but short and engaging sessions work best. They prefer learning in a stress-free environment where they feel encouraged rather than pressured. Introducing commands gradually and reinforcing them with rewards will yield the best results.
7. Leonberger
Quick Facts:
- Known for: Majestic appearance, family-friendly nature
- Ideal for: Active households, spacious homes
- Temperament: Gentle, intelligent
The Leonberger stands out among many giant breeds for its striking lion-like mane and balanced temperament. Originally bred as a working dog in Germany, this breed combines strength with a calm and affectionate nature. Despite its size, the Leonberger is known for being a devoted family companion, excelling in both work and play.
What makes them unique is their eagerness to please. They are highly responsive to commands, especially when trained with consistency and positive reinforcement. Early training helps shape their behavior, ensuring they grow into well-mannered adults.
Their affectionate yet protective personality makes them great pets for families with children. They have a natural instinct to guard their loved ones but remain gentle and patient. Their even-tempered nature allows them to get along well with both people and animals, making them adaptable to various home environments.
Due to their working background, Leonbergers need both physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Regular training, interactive games, and daily walks are essential to prevent boredom. A well-trained Leonberger is not only obedient but also a joy to be around, showcasing their natural intelligence and loyalty.
Conclusion
Owning a giant breed comes with responsibility, but with the right training and care, they become loyal and loving companions. Along with those we just discussed, other obedient breeds like the Labrador Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Golden Retriever are known for their trainability.
Working breeds such as the German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher thrive with structure, while highly intelligent dogs like Border Collies make training a breeze. No matter the breed, consistent guidance, and patience help these gentle giants reach their full potential as well-behaved, devoted family members.
In conclusion, the seven most obedient giant dog breeds demonstrate exceptional trainability, making them excellent companions and working dogs. With their impressive size comes a striking intelligence and eagerness to please, which facilitates effective training. These breeds not only display loyalty and devotion but also thrive in environments where they can put their skills to use, whether it be in service roles or as family protectors. By understanding the unique characteristics and training needs of these giant breeds, owners can nurture well-behaved, obedient, and loving companions that enrich their lives significantly.