8 Large Dog Breeds That Are Big Babies: Gentle Giants Who Think They're Lap Dogs

Why These Large Dog Breeds Are Actually Total Softies

There's a special kind of magic in watching a 150-pound dog try to fold itself into a human lap. These gentle giants may look imposing, but according to iHeartDogs, many of the largest breeds were developed to work alongside people—guarding livestock, pulling sleds, or rescuing travelers. That history tends to produce dogs that are deeply bonded, emotionally intuitive, and very comfortable around the people they love. The result? A group of dogs that share a calm temperament (most of the time), a serious love of physical contact, and a complete inability to understand why you'd want the bed to yourself. In this guide, we're celebrating eight of the biggest softies in the dog world. From the nurturing Saint Bernard to the steadfast Mastiff, these breeds prove that size has nothing to do with how much of a baby you really are. Whether you're considering adding one to your family or simply love a good gentle giant story, you're in the right place.

Quick Size Comparison: The 8 Gentle Giants

Before we dive into each breed, here's a quick look at the numbers. According to the iHeartDogs quick size table, these eight breeds range from the 70-pound Bernese Mountain Dog to the massive 230-pound Mastiff. Heights vary from 23 inches at the shoulder to a towering 35 inches for the Irish Wolfhound. But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines these dogs is their personality: nurturing, dignified, devoted, cheerful, gentle, majestic, patient, and steadfast. Each one brings a unique blend of traits to the table, but they all share a common thread—a deep love for their humans and a tendency to forget just how big they are. So let's meet the gentle giants, one by one.

1. Saint Bernard: The Original Rescue Hero Who Just Wants to Cuddle

The Saint Bernard is a breed with a legendary past. According to iHeartDogs, these dogs were bred by Swiss monks to rescue travelers in the Alps. That heroic history shines through in their nurturing personality. Weighing between 120 and 180 pounds and standing 26 to 30 inches tall, they are undeniably massive—yet they are notoriously soft with children. In fact, they are champion droolers and emotionally sensitive to raised voices. A harsh word can send a Saint Bernard into a sulk. They thrive on affection and want nothing more than to be close to their people. Despite their size, they often believe they are lap dogs, leaning their considerable weight against you for comfort. If you're looking for a dog that will rescue your heart as diligently as its ancestors rescued travelers, the Saint Bernard is a perfect match. Just keep a towel handy for the drool. For more on sensitive breeds, see 15 Dog Breeds More Sensitive Than You Think.

2. Great Dane: The Gentle Apollo Who Needs Half Your Couch

Known as the Apollo of dogs, the Great Dane is one of the tallest breeds, standing 28 to 32 inches at the shoulder and weighing 110 to 175 pounds. According to iHeartDogs, they have a dignified personality, but that dignity often flies out the window when they try to sit in your lap. Great Danes seem to have no idea how big they are. They lean with their full body weight and attempt to curl up in spaces far too small for them. Their exercise needs are moderate, but their emotional needs are high. They don't do well alone for long stretches and can become anxious if left by themselves. This is a breed that craves companionship and will happily follow you from room to room. If you work from home or have plenty of time to devote, a Great Dane will reward you with unwavering loyalty and a whole lot of leaning. They are true velcro dogs—see 18 Surprisingly Clingy Dog Breeds: Velcro Dogs You Wouldn't Expect.

3. Newfoundland: The Nanny Dog With a Bear-Sized Heart

The Newfoundland is a devoted giant, weighing 100 to 150 pounds and standing 26 to 28 inches tall. According to iHeartDogs, this breed was bred to work alongside fishermen off the coast of Canada, hauling nets and rescuing people from the water. Their webbed feet and thick water-resistant coat make them natural swimmers. But their talents don't stop there. J.M. Barrie based Nana in Peter Pan on a Newfoundland, cementing their reputation as the ultimate nanny dog. They are patient, gentle, and fiercely protective of their families. However, prospective owners should know that Newfoundlands shed constantly and don't love the heat. They prefer cooler climates and plenty of time with their people. If you can handle the fur and keep them cool, you'll have a loyal companion who will never let you down. For a low-shedding alternative, check out 7 Hypoallergenic Large Dog Breeds That Don't Shed (And Protect Your Allergies).

4. Bernese Mountain Dog: The Cheerful Tricolor Who Lives to Please

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a cheerful breed originally from Switzerland, where they worked as farm dogs for drafting and herding. According to iHeartDogs, they weigh between 70 and 115 pounds and stand 23 to 27 inches tall. Their personality is cheerful and eager to please, making them highly responsive to training. They are a wonderful choice for active families who want a dog that will happily join in on hikes, games, and daily adventures. However, their lifespan is typically only 7 to 10 years, which is a heartbreakingly short time for such a wonderful companion. They also have a thick double coat that requires a serious grooming commitment. Regular brushing is essential to keep them comfortable and your home relatively fur-free. If you're ready for the commitment, the Bernese Mountain Dog will fill your life with joy and unwavering devotion. Before bringing one home, read What To Know Before Getting A Dog: The Brutal 15-Year Reality Check.

5. Irish Wolfhound: The Ancient Giant With a Philosopher's Soul

The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed recognized by the AKC, standing 30 to 35 inches tall and weighing 105 to 120 pounds. According to iHeartDogs, in ancient Ireland, these dogs were prized by chieftains, and only nobility could own them. They were sometimes given as royal gifts. Despite their imposing stature, they have a gentle personality. They are quiet, laid-back, and not aggressive or territorial. They are often described as having a philosopher's soul—calm, observant, and content to simply be near their people. However, they need space and are not ideal for small apartments. A home with a securely fenced yard is best. If you have the room and the time to share quiet moments, the Irish Wolfhound will be a serene and loving addition to your family. For apartment-friendly breeds, see 5 Easiest Dog Breeds To Potty Train For Apartments (And High-Rise Hacks).

6. Leonberger: The Lion-Maned Gentle Giant Who Loves Everyone

The Leonberger is a majestic breed developed in Germany in the 1800s as a companion for European royalty. According to iHeartDogs, they were bred to resemble a lion, with a golden-to-mahogany coat and a dark mane. They weigh between 90 and 170 pounds and stand 25 to 31 inches tall. Their personality is majestic, but they are also extraordinarily social and get along with other animals. They are highly trainable and eager to please, making them a great choice for families with other pets. They thrive on companionship and want to be involved in everything you do. If you're looking for a dog that will be the life of the party and a gentle friend to all, the Leonberger is an excellent choice. Just be prepared for a lot of brushing to keep that magnificent coat in shape.

7. Great Pyrenees: The Patient White Guardian Who Operates on His Own Schedule

The Great Pyrenees is a patient breed bred to guard flocks of sheep in the Pyrenees mountains of France and Spain. According to iHeartDogs, they often worked alone, through the night, protecting their charges from wolves and bears. They weigh 85 to 115 pounds and stand 25 to 32 inches tall. Their personality is independent, calm, and confident, with a touch of gentle stubbornness. They are not overly demanding but are deeply loyal to their families. Their thick white double coat needs regular brushing and sheds heavily, so be prepared for a fair amount of white fluff around your home. If you appreciate a dog that is self-assured and doesn't need constant direction, the Great Pyrenees could be your perfect match. They are guardians at heart but will happily snuggle on the couch after a long night's watch. For more guard dog options, see 7 Low-Maintenance Guard Dogs for Families.

8. Mastiff: The Steadfast Gentle Giant

The Mastiff is a true giant, weighing between 120 and 230 pounds and standing 27 to 30 inches tall. According to iHeartDogs, their personality is steadfast. While the source content cuts off before providing more details, the quick size comparison table includes the Mastiff, confirming their place among the gentle giants. What we do know is that Mastiffs are known for their calm, reliable nature. They are protective yet gentle, and they form deep bonds with their families. Their size alone is a deterrent to intruders, but their temperament is typically that of a loving, if somewhat lazy, companion. They enjoy lounging and being close to their people. If you have the space and the heart for a truly massive dog, the Mastiff will reward you with unwavering loyalty and a lifetime of steadfast companionship. A comfortable bed is a must—see Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed Review: Memory Foam for Large Dogs.

What These Gentle Giants Have in Common

Despite their varied backgrounds, these eight breeds share key traits:

• Affectionate: They crave human contact and often lean or cuddle.
• Intelligent: Many were bred for complex tasks and are highly trainable.
• Calm: Most have a relaxed demeanor, especially indoors.
• Social: They bond deeply with family and often do well with children and other pets.
• Size Oblivious: They frequently forget how big they are, leading to lap-dog antics.

Is a Gentle Giant Right for You?

Bringing a large dog into your home is a big decision. Consider these factors:

• Space: These breeds need room to stretch out. A securely fenced yard is ideal for most.
• Exercise: Daily walks and playtime are essential to keep them healthy and happy.
• Grooming: Many have thick coats that require regular brushing and occasional professional grooming.
• Lifespan: Some, like the Bernese Mountain Dog, have shorter lifespans (7–10 years), so be prepared for the emotional commitment.
• Cost: Food, vet care, and supplies for a giant breed can be significantly more expensive.
• Training: Early socialization and obedience training are crucial to manage their strength.

If you're ready for the rewards and challenges, a gentle giant can be an incredible companion. For more on large breeds, explore 15 Dog Breeds With Giant Paws: The Functional Truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these large breeds good with children? Yes, most are known for their patience and gentleness with kids, but supervision is always wise due to their size.

Do they need a lot of exercise? Exercise needs vary. Great Danes need moderate exercise, while Bernese Mountain Dogs and Newfoundlands enjoy daily walks and play.

Are they easy to train? Many are eager to please and highly trainable, but their size means early obedience training is essential.

Do they shed a lot? Breeds like the Newfoundland and Great Pyrenees shed heavily. Others, like the Irish Wolfhound, shed less but still require grooming.

What's the best bed for a large dog? An orthopedic bed with memory foam provides joint support. See our review of the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed Review: Memory Foam for Large Dogs.

Final Thoughts

These eight large dog breeds prove that size is no barrier to being a total softie. From the heroic Saint Bernard to the steadfast Mastiff, each brings a unique blend of loyalty, affection, and gentle giant charm. If you're considering adding one to your family, do your research, prepare your home, and get ready for a lifetime of love—and a lot of leaning. Whether you're a seasoned large-dog owner or simply a fan of gentle giants, these breeds are sure to steal your heart.

Source: iHeartDogs