The 20 Best Big Dog Breeds For Families- Top Large Dogs for Kids & Family

What are the best big dogs for families and kids? Read on to find out!

Few things are more iconic than the image of a family, a home, and a big dog running around with the kids.

According to the ASPCA, approximately 44% of homes in the United States have a dog.

But, that doesn’t mean all of these families are happy with their pets. Unfortunately, many families don’t end up choosing the best large dog breed for their particular family, which leads to frustration and regret.

And while this is less-than-ideal for those with small dogs, it’s even more difficult for families who choose the wrong big dog.

Big dogs can be a handful. Many large dog breeds live for a decade or more. So, it’s essential to select the best large dog breed for your family carefully. In this guide, we provide all the information you need to know to make this huge decision.

First, we’ll explain some of the characteristics that make different big dogs well-suited for family life.

Then, we will recommend 13 of the best big dog breeds for families and kids and list some of the important things you’ll need to do before bringing a large dog home to your family.

What to Look for in Big Dog Breeds for Families?

It’s important to select a child-friendly dog if you have kids. Luckily, many big dog breeds are exceptionally good with kids.

You should never leave a small child unattended with a dog. And it is important to teach children the proper way to interact with their pets. However, the following big breeds are typically very gentle and tolerant of kids.

Most of the best large family dogs exhibit several of the traits detailed below, making them great for kids and families.

• Friendly
• Affectionate
• Hypoallergenic
• Loyal
• Appropriate energy levels
• Intelligent
• Low Maintenance
• Playful
• Gentle
• Self-aware

A couple of the breeds even satisfy every characteristic on this list!

Be sure to keep your family’s preferred characteristics in mind. Some of the criteria will surely be more important to you than others.

1. Friendly

Friendliness seems like an obvious trait you’d want in any dog, but it is especially important for families that want to add a big dog breed to their home.

You want a dog that gets along well with everyone you meet at the park, the other dogs you encounter during walks, and with friends and family that come over to visit.

Note that this does not mean that big friendly dogs can’t be protective of their home and family. But, they must be able to recognize the differences between friendly strangers and those who may pose a threat.

They should also be quick to take cues from you when meeting new people.

2. Affectionate

Affectionate dogs tend to follow their people everywhere and love spending time in their company. They’re quick to hop up on your lap (despite their size) and slobbery kisses are rarely in short supply.

Most of the popular big dogs are pretty affectionate, but there are also a few exceptions.

Chows, Shar-Peis, and a few other big dog breeds are more reserved and tend to keep to themselves a bit more than the average Labrador or Golden Retriever.

This isn’t always a bad thing, but most families (especially those with children) will appreciate breeds that are more affectionate.

READ MORE: The 10 Most Affectionate Large Dog Breeds

3. Hypoallergenic

Many families make the unpleasant discovery that one or more of the people in the home are allergic to dogs. In some cases, dog allergies can be severe enough that you’ll be forced to consider re-homing your new pet.

You can do a few things to help reduce the amount of fur and dander in your home. But the best way to avoid allergy-related problems is by selecting a “hypoallergenic” big dog breed.

No breed is truly “hypoallergenic” as all dogs shed their fur. But some shed much less hair than others. Many also simply appear to trigger fewer allergic reactions than others.

If you’d like to read more about dogs that don’t shed very much and are generally good for those with allergies, check out our article on big dogs that don’t shed.

4. Loyalty

Most well-treated dogs are loyal to their pack – it’s a core characteristic of domestic dogs. But, some dogs are much more loyal than others. And super-loyal dogs are often among the most rewarding breeds to add to your family.

Many of the breeds with guarding histories are especially loyal, as it was an important trait that was reinforced during the development of the breed.

Note that some large breed dogs tend to be loyal to one person in the family more than others, while other dogs seem to treat all members of the family equally. Either alternative is acceptable, just consider what would be best for your family before making your choice.

5. Appropriate Energy Level

Some of the best big dog breeds are content being indoor dogs, sitting around all day, and getting most of the exercise they require by chasing squirrels in the backyard or going for a walk or two. Conversely, other breeds are famous for their seemingly inexhaustible reservoirs of energy.

Neither end of the spectrum is inherently better than the other. But it’s imperative that you select a breed that has an appropriate energy level for your family.

Many families – particularly those with children – will enjoy a dog that needs a lot of exercise and will find it easy to keep their dog properly entertained. However, a breed’s exercise requirements are not something to take lightly.

High-energy breeds that don’t get the opportunity to wear themselves out on a daily basis often develop destructive behaviors.

6. Intelligence

Intelligent dogs are often easier to train than those that aren’t terribly sharp. And they often provide more rewarding interactions than their less-intelligent counterparts, too.

Smart canines typically cause fewer problems with things like house training and it is easy for the kids to teach them cute tricks.

However, intelligence isn’t always a good thing, and there’s something to be said for dogs who could be best described as “simple.”

The smartest dog breeds are often more likely to experience separation anxiety. And they can get into quite a bit of mischief – particularly when they’re left alone.

7. Low Maintenance

A few otherwise-awesome large dog breeds have long or dense coats that require regular brushing and maintenance.

Pulis, Komondors, and Bearded Collies, for example, will need to visit the groomer several times each year (unless you want to learn how to groom your dog at home).

This, unfortunately, makes many of these breeds a poor choice for families.

Instead, you want a dog who can go from the park to the couch without dragging along a metric ton of dirt in his fur. And you’ll likely want to limit your big dog’s grooming needs to the occasional washing and routine nail-clippings.

8. Playful

Playful dogs are usually up for anything fun that involves their family. They’re ready to retrieve a ball, go for a swim or play hide-and-seek with the kids on a rainy day.

Playful dogs can occasionally drive you crazy with their constant desire for fun and games. But they’ll probably make you smile more than dogs who prefer to just lay around.

Note that there’s nothing wrong with avoiding playful big dog breeds if you have a low-key family who prefers calm to chaos. Even the most laid-back of breeds will typically engage in a bit of play from time to time.

So don’t hesitate to select a large dog breed that isn’t particularly playful if that suits your family better.

9. Gentle and Self-Aware

Even big dogs that barely exceed the 50-pound mark can inflict serious (if accidental) injuries. It doesn’t take much to knock over a toddler and some dogs may get a bit rough while playing with older kids.

But big dogs that are good with kids are usually exceedingly gentle and don’t get carried away when excited.

This is obviously most important for families with very young children, or those who are inclined to add a large dog to their family.

Remember that most big dog breeds retain their puppy-like demeanor for long after they’ve reached their adult size. So it’s wise to select a calm large dog breed whenever possible.

13 Best Big Dog Breeds for Families and Kids

Ranking	Name	Height	Weight	Life span	Breed size	Temperament	Origin
1	Labrador Retriever	21 – 24 inches	55 – 80 lbs	10 – 12 years	Large	Outgoing, Even Tempered, Intelligent, Kind, Agile, Trusting, Gentle	Newfoundland
2	Golden Retriever	22 – 24 inches	65–75 lbs	10 – 12 years	Large	Intelligent, Friendly, Reliable, Kind, Trustworthy, Confident	United Kingdom, Scotland, England
3	Standard Poodle	17– 23 inches	44-70 lbs	12 – 15 years	Medium	Retrieving, running, swimming, hunting	Germany
4	Basset Hound	12 – 15 inches	55–75 lbs	10 – 12 years	Small	Sweet-Tempered, Tenacious, Friendly, Devoted, Affectionate, Gentle	France, Great Britain
5	American Pit Bull Terrier	18 – 21 inches	35 – 60 lbs	8 – 15 years	Medium	Friendly, Intelligent, Clownish, Strong Willed, Affectionate, Stubborn, Obedient, Loyal, Gentle, Courageous	United States, United Kingdom
6	German Shepherd	24 – 26 inches	70 – 88 pounds	9 – 13 years	large	intelligent, obedient, courageous, stubborn, curious, confident	Germany
7	Bernese Mountain Dog	25 – 28 inches	84–110 lbs	6 – 8 years	Large	Intelligent, Affectionate, Loyal, Faithful	Switzerland
8	English Bulldog	12 – 16 inches	51 – 55 lbs	8 – 10 years	Medium	Willful, Docile, Friendly, Gregarious	United Kingdom, England
9	Doberman Pinscher	26 – 28 inches	88 – 99 lbs	10 – 13 years	Large	Intelligent, Energetic, Fearless, Alert, Obedient, Loyal, Confident	Germany
10	name	20 – 22 inches	42 – 60 lbs	12 – 15 years	Medium	Intelligent, Impetuous, Docile, Quarrelsome, Obedient, Brave	Portugal
11	Siberian Husky	21–24 inches	44 – 60 lbs	12 – 15 years	Large	Outgoing, Friendly, Intelligent, Alert, Gentle	Siberia
12	Boxer	22 – 25 inches	60 – 71 lbs	10 – 12 years	Large	Bright, Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted, Energetic, Fearless, Cheerful, Loyal, Confident, Playful, Calm, Brave	Germany
13	Newfoundland	27–28 inches	140 – 180 lbs	8 – 10 years	Large	Sweet-Tempered, Gentle, Trainable	Newfoundland

While any list like the one that follows is inherently subjective, the following are easily among the best big dogs for kids and families, and few authorities would dispute the ones that comprise this list.

#1. Labrador Retriever

The most popular large dog breed in the United States, the Labrador retriever is perhaps the best family dog in the world. Lovable, loyal and goofy, the Labrador retriever is the quintessential large family dog.

Labs, as they are typically called, are one of the most intelligent and easily trained breeds. Labs are friendly with adults and children alike, and they are often used as therapy dogs due to their loving, gentle nature.

However, these intelligent and driven dogs also excel at a number of jobs, from police work to therapeutic tasks, and many hunters still consider them the best duck hunting dogs in the business.

Labs are very gentle and good-natured, and they usually get along well with most people and other dogs (although some may be aggressive toward cats).

They make great large family dogs with children, although they’re occasionally a bit rambunctious, which can cause problems for toddlers. Labs are usually very easy to train, and they love learning new tricks and commands.

Labs are high-energy family dogs, who will play fetch until you grow tired, so you’ll need to be willing to spend plenty of time playing with them – under-exercised Labs can be a bit of a handful. Labradors also shed pretty heavily, so they aren’t the ideal choice for homes with allergy sufferers.

LEARN MORE: Silver Lab: Interesting Facts About This Unusual Coated Labrador Retriever

#2. Golden Retriever

One of the most popular family dogs in the U.S., the Golden Retriever was first recognized by the AKC in 1925. Although they were originally developed as a hunting breed, Goldens make fantastic family pets.

Sensitive, smart, easy to train and eager to please, golden retrievers have a lot going for them. They are generally friendly with everyone they meet and are one of the best big dogs for kids.

Golden retrievers are very similar to Labrador retrievers, as they’re gentle, loving and sensitive big family dogs. They are one of the smartest breeds in the world and even novice owners will usually find them easy to train.

They’re also very playful pups, who love swimming, playing fetch or running around in the backyard with the kids.

Golden retrievers are amazingly friendly big dogs, who consider strangers to be friends they’ve yet to meet. They rarely exhibit any aggression at all (aside from their propensity to chase squirrels and other small critters), and most will get along with the other pets in your home.

Golden retrievers do have a high energy level, so you’ll need to be willing to go on regular walks and take them to the park frequently.

The biggest challenge owners usually face is Golden retriever shedding. Due to their tendency to shed heavily, Golden retrievers can cause problems for those with allergies, and their shed coats will often leave all of your belongings coated in a thick layer of fur.

Additionally, Golden retrievers often exhibit separation anxiety, so they aren’t the best choice for families that spend lots of time away from the home.

If you find yourself trying to decide between a Golden retriever and a Lab, check out our article on Labradors vs Golden Retrievers that examines the differences between two of the best large companion dogs.

#3. Standard Poodle

Most people think of poodles as a small breed, but these dogs actually come in three different official sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. And, while toy and miniature poodles are indeed tiny pups, standard poodles usually weigh about 50 to 70 pounds and stand 22 inches tall at the shoulder.

Poodles are incredibly intelligent dogs, who are often easy to train. They are also loving, sensitive and gentle dogs that make great big dogs for kids.

However, it is the poodle’s “hypoallergenic” coat that makes them a favorite family dog. Additionally, they are pretty calm and tidy dogs, who often adapt to apartment life well.

Poodles don’t present many challenges for owners, and they are one of the best breeds for first-time owners. However, they do bond strongly with their people, and they can become quite anxious when left alone.

They also require more exercise than many people anticipate, so be sure you are ready to take frequent trips to the park with your poodle.

RELATED: Sheepadoodle: Understanding the Sheepdog Poodle Mix

#4. Basset Hound

One of the most easily recognized big breeds on our list, the basset hound’s long ears, droopy face, and tubby little body are unmistakable. And although they may not look very big, most basset hounds weigh about 50 or 60 pounds, which allows them to qualify as a “large” breed.

Basset hounds are easily one of the friendliest big dogs on our list. They make quick friends with everybody they meet and usually get along with other dogs well (many even tolerate cats too).

They are fantastic big dogs for kids, and they’ll love tagging along with them all day long. They don’t require a lot of exercise, and they are pretty well-suited for life in an apartment or a small home.

However, you’ll need to be comfortable with a dog that sheds and drools constantly if you decide to add a basset hound to your family.

They are also susceptible to a number of health problems, so it is important to purchase your new pet from a high-quality breeder to avoid many of the problems that characteristically plague the breed.

#5. American Pit Bull Terrier

Many readers may be shocked to see the infamous pit bull on our list of best big dog breeds for families, but this is likely due to the prevalence of misinformation surrounding the breed. In actuality, pit bulls are remarkably wonderful dogs who are gentle and loving.

Contrary to popular perception, pit bulls are one of the friendliest breeds available – many security experts even consider them too friendly to be considered a good guard dog.

But pit bulls aren’t just friendly, they’re also smart dogs. They are quite affectionate, gentle with children and bond strongly with their owners.

Unfortunately, their tendency to bond with their pack can lead to separation anxiety, so they aren’t a great choice for families on the go.

But the single greatest challenge you’ll experience with a pit bull is undoubtedly the need to constantly re-educate people about their nature and deal with biases against the breed. Many places even ban the breed entirely, so be sure to do your homework before adding a pit bull to your family.

RELATED: Blue Nose Pit Bull: A Good Fit for Your Family?

#6. German Shepherd

One of the most familiar big dog breeds in the world, the German shepherd is generally great with kids.

Few dogs are as comfortable herding sheep as they are participating in agility trials or learning new training to please their owners. There is a reason, after all, that they’re the second most popular dog breed in the United States.

German shepherds are loving, loyal and incredibly intelligent canines, who are typically very affectionate with family. They can be a bit protective of their pack when visitors come by, but they’ll quickly make friends once they’ve assessed the situation.

German Shepherds love playing with children, but they can occasionally be a bit aggressive with other pets.

The biggest problems German shepherds present include their propensity to shed obscene amounts of hair, which can make them poor choices for allergy-suffering families. An additional challenge is their incredible intelligence can cause problems for first-time owners.

There isn’t much you can do to address the former problem, but the latter is often easier to overcome with the help of a trainer.

RELATED: All About the Black German Shepherd

#7. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain dogs are gentle, loving, playful and intelligent, and they have plenty of devotees. They barely qualify as a “large” breed – many exceed 100 pounds in weight — but, because plenty of female Bernese Mountain dogs remain below the 90-pound mark, we’ve included them on our list.

Hailing from Switzerland, Bernese Mountain dogs were bred to perform a number of tasks on the farm. This required them to have a sharp intellect and a strong work ethic – traits that also make them excellent family dogs. 

They are very easy to train, and they spend most of their lives trying to figure out ways to please their families.

Bernese Mountain dogs drool and shed pretty heavily, and they don’t have an especially long lifespan. And while their tendency to bond strongly with their families is often a good thing, it also makes them susceptible to separation anxiety, so they aren’t a good choice for families that aren’t home for long periods of time.

#8. English Bulldog

The English bulldog (note that many drop the “English” and simply call these canines “bulldogs”) is a lovable and lazy lump that makes a great choice for low-key families who want a low-energy dog.

Bulldogs may look pretty small – they typically stand only 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder – but they’re pretty hefty animals, who often exceed our 50-pound threshold.

Despite their grumpy appearance, bulldogs are typically very friendly big dogs who make friends quickly. They don’t require very much space and they have very low exercise requirements, so they are well-suited for couch-potato families who don’t want to trek down to the park three times a day.

They also tolerate being alone more than many other dogs do, so they’re also good dog breeds for families who work long hours.

However, Bulldogs do present a few challenges. They don’t get along with other dogs very well, so they aren’t always a good option for multi-pet homes.

Bulldogs aren’t especially intelligent, so they aren’t a good option for owners who want to teach their dog a lot of tricks and dog commands. They also drool quite a bit, which many people find off-putting.

#9. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman pinschers are an intimidating-looking breed, but as anyone who’s met one already knows, they’re really big softies.

In fact, Dobermans are one of the most sensitive large breed dogs around and it is important to use a firm, yet gentle approach when training them. You must instill a proper family hierarchy, but you must avoid treating them harshly in the process.

Doberman pinschers are usually fantastic big dogs for kids, as they’re protective yet gentle, and they love playing.

They don’t shed very much, which makes them a pretty good choice for those with allergies, and they’re generally healthy dogs, which is good for owners who’d like to spend as little time (and money) in the vet’s office as possible.

Dobermans certainly aren’t ideal for all owners. Aside from the training challenges mentioned above, you’ll also have to get used to people being a bit nervous around your pup, thanks to the mistaken ideas many people have about the breed.

They’re also a bit clingy and won’t enjoy being left alone very often.

#10. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese water dogs are barely big enough to qualify for a list of the best “large” family dogs, but many do exceed our 50-pound threshold. More importantly, they’re wonderful dogs who exhibit a variety of traits that make them a great choice for most families.

One of the most appealing traits of Portuguese water dogs is their “hypoallergenic” nature. They don’t shed very much and rarely cause problems for allergy sufferers.

But they also have a number of great personality traits too. For example, Portuguese water dogs are very intelligent and easy to train – you’ll have them sitting, rolling over and fetching a tennis ball in no time.

They’re also one of the most loving and loyal breeds around, and they usually get along fabulously with children.

Portuguese water dogs are, however, a bit reserved around strangers, but they warm up to most new people after a brief time. Their energy levels are also off the charts, which can cause problems for families who don’t like frequent trips to the park, and they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.

#11. Siberian Husky

The Siberian husky is another breed that barely squeaks into the “large” category – most weigh between about 40 and 60 pounds. But, they usually stand at least 20 inches tall at the shoulder, and their long, furry coats make them appear larger than they actually are.

Given this, and the litany of traits they possess that make them great large family dogs, we’re including them on the list.

Most dog-lovers find huskies to be one of the most beautiful dogs in the world, and they have a very wolf-like appearance, which turns heads wherever they go. They are also incredibly playful, loving and friendly with nearly everyone they meet.

However, Huskies aren’t perfect for all families. They have ridiculous amounts of energy, which many families will find hard to exhaust. This can lead to destructive behaviors, such as chewing your belongings or knocking over trash cans (and spreading the contents around the house).

They also shed very heavily, so they aren’t the best big dogs for families with dog allergies.

#12. Boxer

The boxer is a fun-loving, sensitive and friendly breed, who was first recognized by the AKC in 1904. Originally bred to be a medium-sized guard dog, boxers are typically kept as pets in the modern world.

Boxers are smart, easy to train and affectionate, but they do not like being left alone for long periods of time — they want to be with their pack as much as possible. Accordingly, they are best suited for families that like to hang out around the house.

Most boxers stand between 21 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder, and they typically weigh between 65 and 85 pounds.

#13. Newfoundland

First recognized by the AKC in 1886, the Newfoundland is a large and lovable big dog breed, who is among the friendliest dogs in the world.

The Newfoundland’s coat is very long and they shed rather heavily, so they aren’t a great choice for owners with allergies. However, those who aren’t bothered by their shedding habit will surely love these sweet and gentle dogs.

Newfoundlands occasionally reach very large sizes, but they range between 21 and 29 inches in height. Most weigh about 100 pounds, but some individuals tip the scales at more than 150 pounds.

#14. Weimaraner

These huge, regal hunting dogs originated in Germany. The area in Germany where they first emerged, the Court of Weimar, is where Weimaraners got their name from. Weimaraners are charming individuals.

They have a tremendous amount of energy and are exquisite but can also be extremely demanding; hence they need a nice home where they can adjust. If your family’s lifestyle fits their upkeep needs, they can make good family dogs.

Weimaraners and Family

If your family is active, Weimaraners can make wonderful family pets. They are devoted and caring, and should the necessity arise; they would make good watchdogs or guards. Besides, although they are not known to be very vocal, Weimaraners can bark if they feel that their family members are threatened.

This also qualifies them to be excellent watchdogs. Please remember that they can also bark to express their annoyance at being left alone or if they feel bored.

Socialization and grooming Process

It’s crucial to start your Weimaraner’s training in a positive, reward-based manner as soon as possible because they are independent dogs and can have a strong will. Given their high level of intelligence and propensity for both good and negative behavior: Weimaraners are best suited for owners with some prior ownership experience.

Because of their short coats, Weimaraners require very little maintenance when it comes to grooming. For maintenance, a weekly brushing should be sufficient to remove any dead hairs.

Children and weimaraners

Although we wouldn’t advocate getting a Weimaraner if you have tiny children owing to their greater size as they could accidentally knock them over or hurt them, Weimaraners are generally good around youngsters since they enjoy playfulness.

So, to prevent any confrontations, it is equally crucial to teach kids how to treat their Weimaraners with respect.

#15. Irish Wolfhound

One of the tallest dog breeds in the world, the Irish Wolfhound is about 80 cm tall. Originally developed to chase wolves, they are calm and devoted canine friends. Due to their mild nature, Irish Wolfhounds are sometimes referred to as “gentle giants” and make wonderful family pets. 

If they are socialized from an early age, they get along well with kids and other animals. Be ready to share your space because they like to cuddle and may lay out across your feet or around the couch.

Family and Irish Wolfhound

Irish wolfhounds are as hearty as the rest of the pack. They are kind, honorable, perceptive, and often laid-back in nature. Despite their ability to run quickly, they behave in a snappy manner around the house and are rather poor candidates for obedience training.

They don’t bark frequently and don’t have a loud voice. Unfortunately, Irish Wolves make poor watchdogs. Intruders do not fear them because they are so kind, yet some people find their enormous size intimidating.

Physical Training

Irish Wolfhounds don’t require a lot of exercise despite their size. Your dog will be content with a daily walk and some time to play in the park. Under the age of two, refrain from too demanding activities or lengthy walks as these activities can affect the development of their bones. Some Irish Wolfhounds may experience gas problems as well.

Maintenance of Irish Wolfhounds

Irish Wolfhounds don’t require a lot to maintain. They don’t shed much and only require weekly brushing with a strong bristle brush and a bath every few weeks. Since they are big in size, Irish Wolfhounds require more space, and if your house is really big with a yard in it, it will definitely help your dog.

#16. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian ridgeback has gained admirers for its inborn abilities to be a family dog, despite having the appearance of a large, sluggish dog. It is highly sociable, calm, has a gentle nature, and makes a great companion. This breed is easily distinguished by its distinctive back ridge on its back.

When compared to the remainder of the coat, this pattern is created by the hair growing in the opposite direction. Slightly before the hips, it descends from where it begins just behind the shoulders. Two identical crowns, opposing one another, are seen at the beginning of this ridge.

Rhodesian Ridgeback and family

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was a well-known African hound that was trained to pursue lions rather than kill them. The Rhodesian Ridgeback needed to be muscular, tough, and energetic in order to hunt.

Because of this, these dogs make the ideal family pet for an active household. You have the ideal dog if you have a social family who enjoys outside activities like hiking and jogging.

Bonding With Children

Although every dog is different, generally speaking, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very friendly dog and gets along well with kids of all ages.

Of course, their size should be considered while interacting with toddlers, as even a gentle nudge from this dog to a young child may push the baby over and result in an unfortunate catastrophe.

#17. Saint Bernard

Despite their size, Saint Bernards are known for being lovable, kind, and tolerant, making them suitable for households with well-behaved kids. They are also eager to please, which makes their training process easy. Their loyalty, composure, and sensibility stand out as their most distinguishing qualities.

Saint Bernard as a Part of Family

If you enjoy spending time outdoors and getting lots of exercise, Saint Bernards can make for a valuable family dog. They typically keep their emotions and activities under control and are calm indoor dogs. These dogs still require to spend a lot of time outside. As long as they go for walks once or twice a day, they can make good house dogs for tiny spaces.

Personal Attributes

Saint Bernards are calm and affectionate dogs. Unfortunately, owing to their size, strangers are often reluctant to approach this dog breed. Saint Bernards, however, act just as quickly to defend family members they perceive to be in danger. Saints are excellent for families with well-behaved kids since they are so amiable, kind, and tolerant. Saints are said to be incredibly patient and understanding, and they take special care not to harm children.

Living With The Family

Nothing makes a Saint Bernard happier than spending time with the family. On the other hand, if this dog feels that it has been left out of the family celebrations, it can feel deeply hurt. Due to the size of the adult Saints, training is essential, and the earlier the training sessions begin, the better it is for the dog.

Unfortunately, the breed has a reputation for being occasionally stubborn. However, a Saint’s natural desire to please others will usually balance out anything negative believed about him once he learns what is expected of him.

#18. Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are affectionate, devoted canines who like pleasing their owners. However, this does not imply that they are the ideal choice for all families. Cane Corsos are not advised for families with young children because of their enormous size. 

While playing, this dog could unintentionally hurt a young child. They are also renowned for being excellent guard dogs with keen attentiveness.

Easy to be Trained

The Cane Corso is a breed that is willing and intelligent. They frequently have a strong desire to please their owners, which makes them easy to train. Yet, they require positive reinforcement training from an early age.

Being a Great Companion

Cane Corso is a highly devoted friend. They only seek their owner’s approval. Over thousands of years, they have gradually developed this kind of disposition. There is proof that these canines frequently watched over small children in the household courtyards of Ancient Rome.

Children of all ages like these dogs, and they play with a natural sense of their size, although they are not the best choice for households with small children.

Being Friendly With Other Pets

Cane Corso puppies tend to get along well with other animals. With the right socialization skills, these puppies can grow accustomed to other canines. Taking them on long walks in your neighborhood or a dog park is one of the methods through which you may teach them to be more social. 

They should become more accustomed to unfamiliar surroundings and people. Additionally, you can take them on private play dates with another dog.

#19. Alaskan Malamute

Because of their distinctive personalities and pleasing nature, Alaskan Malamutes are popular dogs. Malamutes are bigger than Huskies and look like Huskies, and hence, are frequently confused with them. As they were initially developed to pull sleds, they are highly sturdy dogs.

They can be very challenging and are probably not the best choice for novice dog owners, despite the fact that their personalities can be a significant lure for owners. They are best suited for active households where they can go on everyday adventures with their family members.

Temperament of Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes enjoy interacting with people. This results from the fact that they were first developed to pull heavy loads, necessitating the need for them to be friendly around people. They will gladly spend most of their days with their owners, and they usually develop strong attachments to the household’s recognized alpha members.

With Children

Although their size can be daunting, they are among the most patient dog breeds, so it is not unexpected that they get along well with kids of all ages.

As long as the required safety precautions are followed, there is no reason an Alaskan Malamute should not be introduced into a family with children because of their love of human affection for everybody.

With Other Pets

Unfortunately, despite being quite sociable around people, Alaskan Malamutes don’t have the finest reputation when it comes to cohabitating with other dogs. As already explained, Malamutes place a high value on their place in the home of their owners. Therefore, being around other dogs that can threaten their status might make them a little aggressive.

Alaskan Malamutes are easy to be trained, and they can socialize with humans. Although Malamutes make wonderful family dogs, extra care should be taken when bringing them into a home with other animals such as cats or other dogs, especially if the dog is a large one.

#20. Great Dane

A huge breed like the Great Dane matures gradually, requires only modest exercise, and should not be overworked in their early years. The Great Dane is a fantastic family pet since it is charming and sociable. The Great Dane breed has an average lifespan of seven to nine years and is a typical healthy dog breed.

Temperament of Great Dane

Great Danes are calm, happy dogs who want nothing more than to relax on the couch with their owners. Danes are gentle and devoted to their families. They are friendly with the majority of people and won’t become aggressive unless they are seriously provoked. They are excellent watchdogs since they like keeping an eye on the land and will alert the family to any unusual activities.

Training Them

Proper training helps Danes in learning and responding to commands due to their stature and their tendency to be somewhat protective, especially with unfamiliar children. Danes are sometimes sensitive and would not submit to strict training methods, which might cause them to become resentful and disobedient.

Tolerating Others

Danes are reserved and placid dogs who love being a member of the family, in contrast to high-strung, high-energy breeds that could be too unpredictable with children. Danes are still dogs and will still retaliate if they are pushed over their breaking point, so it doesn’t mean they will never react or snap.

Great Dane and Kids

The safety of your children and the dog’s tolerance of them should be one of your top priorities when choosing a family dog. Some breeds are quick to growl or snap at rowdy or mischievous children, which makes them unsuitable as family dogs.

As long as they have adequate room to walk around, Great Danes make excellent family pets that can thrive in the correct settings. Danes get along well with the majority of households who have previously owned dogs, despite their tendency to be protective of children and being a little stubborn.

Preparing to Add a Big Dog to Your Family

You’ll always need to prepare for your family’s new dog, but this is especially important for those who plan on adding a large dog to the mix.

Large dogs can impact your family in big ways, so you’ll want to implement the following tips and suggestions to help ensure things work smoothly:

→ Find a veterinarian before you pick up your dog.

You’ll need to work closely with a vet for your dog’s entire life, and it is a good idea to stop by the vet’s office on your way home from the breeder, pet store or shelter.

This will give you the best chance of spotting health problems early and it will allow you to go ahead and get your pet’s first round of vaccinations out of the way.

Try to pick a vet that is located close to your home, so that you won’t have to travel very far for visits. There are a number of online veterinarian finders, but you can also find a good vet by talking to other owners at the local dog park or by speaking with the breeder or shelter from whom you acquired your new dog.

→ Purchase a high-quality crate for your new dog.

A crate is an invaluable tool that will help with the training and management of your new pet.

Crates are not only helpful during the house-breaking process, but they’ll also give you an easy way to keep your big dog safe when you can’t directly supervise him. They also provide a convenient “den” in which your dog can hang out when he needs a little peace and quiet.

Don’t make the mistake of purchasing a small crate for your soon-to-be big dog. Instead, select a crate that will be appropriate for your dog’s adult size. Just use dividers to scale down the amount of space provided while your pet is young.

If you want some help picking a crate, check out our comprehensive review of the best crates for large dogs.

→ Get your new dog an orthopedic mattress.

All dogs need a comfortable mattress or bed, and because large breeds are often susceptible to hip and joint problems, it is wise to select an orthopedic dog bed, which will cradle and support his body.

As when selecting a crate, go ahead and purchase a mattress that will work when your dog reaches his adult size – there’s no reason a small dog can’t use a big bed.

We’ve written about the best dog beds for large dogs before, so be sure to check out our selection tips and product recommendations before making your purchase.

→ Provide your dog with plenty of good toys.

Dogs of all ages need a few good toys to exercise their chewing instincts and help keep them occupied when they’re bored. And toys are especially important for puppies, who need to be able to chew on things when they’re teething.

But when you are choosing toys for a large breed, you’ll want to be sure you pick safe and resilient varieties, which will stand up to your dog’s big jaws and teeth. There are a few different options on the market, but we run down five of the best in our indestructible dog toy reviews.

→ Select a high-quality food.

You’ll end up buying quite a bit of food for your new pet over time, so it is not only important to find one that provides the kind of nutrition you want, but also one that provides good value for your dollar.

It is also important to select a food that is specifically designed for large breeds, as large breed puppies have different nutritional requirements than small and medium dogs do.

Selecting a food is often challenging for first-time dog owners, but we break down some of the key characteristics to seek when making your choice in our guide to the best large breed dog food.

FAQs

Summing Up the Best Large Dog Breeds

Have you added one of the best big dogs for kids from our list to your family? We’d love to hear all about him or her. Let us know what large dog breed you found to work best for your family and what characteristics were most important to you.

Would you have made the same choice again, if given the chance? Have you experienced any challenges you didn’t expect?

Let us know about your experiences in the comments below.

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