Best Large Calm Dog Breeds for a New Family Member

If you're looking to bring a large calm dog breed into your family, there are several great options to consider.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant, with adults typically weighing between 80-120 pounds. They're perfect for families with kids, as they're patient and easy-going.

The Newfoundland is another excellent choice, known for their calm and gentle nature. They're natural nannies, often taking to children like a fish to water.

In terms of temperament, the Great Dane is surprisingly calm, despite their massive size. They're often described as "sweet" and "gentle", making them a great fit for families with kids.

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If you're looking for a large calm dog breed, consider the Great Dane, which stands 35 inches tall and weighs up to 150 pounds. They're known for being gentle and loving, making them a great fit for families with small children.

The Great Pyrenees is another massive but gentle dog, weighing around 100 pounds, with a zen-like manner and lush coat that's perfect for snuggling. They're also great with kids, but their size requires close supervision to prevent overwhelming them.

Here are some key characteristics of large calm dog breeds:

These breeds are all known for their calm nature, but remember that every dog is an individual, so it's essential to spend time with a potential new pet before making a decision.

The Akita is a muscular, double-coated dog of ancient Japanese lineage famous for their dignity. They're a very stocky and muscular Japanese breed with pointed ears that look more like cat ears than dog ears.

The Akita typically stands at 30 inches tall and weighs around 100 pounds. Originally bred to hunt large game, the Akita is courageous and can be a bit wary of strangers.

Their thick double coat protects them from the elements, which is why they prefer cold weather. This makes them a great companion for outdoor activities in chilly climates.

Here are some key characteristics of the Akita breed:

The Akita is a loyal and loving breed, but they can also be a bit aloof with strangers. With their family, they're often silly and playful, making them a great companion for those who appreciate a fun-loving pet.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large breed that originated as a working dog in the Swiss mountains. They're built for hard work and can weigh anywhere from 85 to 140 pounds.

These dogs are also known for being gentle and relaxed, making them a great addition to families with children. They're friendly, loyal, and sociable, and can usually integrate well into a home with other pets.

A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog needs at least an hour of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They also require a large fenced-in yard to run around and play in.

Despite their large size, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are generally comfortable in cold climates, thanks to their thick coat. This makes them a great choice for families who live in areas with cold winters.

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The Great Dane is a giant dog, standing 35 inches tall. They can weigh up to 150 pounds, making them a significant presence in any home.

Despite their size, Great Danes are known for being affectionate and loving. They're often described as gentle giants, and they're especially gentle and calm around small children and smaller animals.

One of the most notable things about Great Danes is their size. To put it into perspective, here are some key stats:

As you can see, Great Danes are quite large, but they're also known for their loving nature. If you're considering bringing a Great Dane into your home, be prepared for them to take up a lot of room – and your heart!

Saint Bernards are a mountain dog breed known for heroic rescues, but that doesn't mean they're always calm and collected. They can be patient, peaceful, and gentle, especially if they've been well trained, well bred, and well socialized.

Saint Bernards enjoy spending time with their humans, especially when they have a job to do, like pulling a cart or going for a walk with a backpack. They're also quite relaxed and gentle, especially with little ones.

Saint Bernards love the cold, but they don't handle heat well at all, so they need to lounge indoors in air conditioning on hot days. They weigh a little more than Great Danes, despite being a few inches shorter.

If you have a long-haired Saint Bernard, be prepared for heavy grooming, and don't forget about all the drool, regardless of coat length.

The Boerboel is a docile breed that looks similar to a Mastiff. They were bred to protect livestock in South Africa.

Their height is quite impressive, reaching 32 inches. This makes them a large dog that requires plenty of space.

Originating from South Africa, the Boerboel is a breed with a rich history. Early socialization and ongoing training are essential if you intend to take a Boerboel into your home.

A Boerboel's weight can range up to 180 pounds. This means they need regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain their health.

Expect a lot of chewing, pulling, and heavy play sessions with a Boerboel.

The Great Pyrenees is a massive breed, standing at about 32 inches tall and weighing around 110 pounds. They originated in France and Spain.

These gentle giants are perfect for families with children, as they are calm and gentle around kids and other animals. However, they can be a bit stubborn at times, making them a challenge to train, especially for first-time owners.

Despite their size, Great Pyrenees are quiet and not very active when in the home, making them a great choice for families who want a laid-back pet. They are also devoted guardians of the family and tend to be a bit protective.

Great Pyrenees are generally easy to train, but their size does require close supervision around children to prevent overwhelming them. They are also great with kids, but their sheer mass can be a concern.

Here are some key facts about the Great Pyrenees breed:

The Mastiff is one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world, weighing up to 200 pounds. They're originally from England and were raised as guard dogs.

Despite their intimidating size, Mastiffs are loving and loyal to their family. However, they can be formidable if they sense a threat.

Mastiffs need plenty of exercise, as they're prone to putting on excess weight. This can lead to serious health concerns and illnesses.

Here's a comparison of the Mastiff with other large breeds:

The Mastiff's calm nature makes them a great breed for families with small children and smaller animals. However, they still require early socialization and ongoing training to ensure they're well-behaved.

The Anatolian Shepherd is a working dog from Turkey, known for being a capable guard dog.

They can grow to be very large indeed, and their thick, light-colored coat allows them to blend in with the animals they protect.

Training and socialization are essential with this breed.

The Borzoi is a tall, skinny dog that can run up to 35-40 miles per hour, making them quite speedy.

Despite their slender build, Borzois are known for being affectionate and loyal companions, according to the AKC. They make great pets for active families who enjoy the outdoors.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a great choice for families, as they're good-natured and can make a kind, lovable addition to the family.

They're often misunderstood, but with proper training, they can thrive in a loving home.

Their friendly nature makes them a great fit for families with children, as they're gentle and patient.

With the right care and attention, American Staffordshire Terriers can live happy and healthy lives.

If you're looking for a large calm dog breed, the Samoyed is a great choice. They're kind and gentle, according to the AKC, making them perfect for families with children.

Samoyeds need a good bit of exercise to stay happy and healthy. This means they're perfect for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Their fluffy white coats are a sight to behold, but they do shed, so be prepared for regular grooming.

The Newfoundland is a gentle giant, with adults averaging a whopping 130 pounds. They're incredibly calm and unruffled, making them a great addition to families with kids.

Newfies are also excellent swimmers and renowned for their lifesaving skills, often pulling people out of the water to safety. Their larger-than-life size equates to being a vigilant watchdog, keeping a close eye on the kids.

They're dubbed "the nanny dog", and it's easy to see why - they're devoted and empathetic fans of your little ones. Newfies are 100-plus pounds of fur and drool, but they're easy to train and love kids.

They're not exactly lap-dog material, but bulldogs will try to snuggle up with you anyway, despite their 50-pound muscular physique.

Their distinctive swagger and stout body make them a delight to be around, and they're known for being relatively calm, often hanging out under the dining room table.

Bulldogs are sleepy dogs, and they'll love cuddling up with you and taking naps, often to the point of being downright sleepy.

Their smooshed-in snout is adorable, but it can make them more prone to heatstroke in hot weather, so be sure to keep them cool.

They're a great companion for families who don't want the demands of an athletic or hyperactive dog after a long day at work, and they'll be happy to just chill out with you.

The Basset Hound is a laid-back and peaceful breed, with a sniffer second only to the bloodhound. They're basically easy-going dogs that love to follow a smell to their heart's content.

Their low-key nature makes them a great fit for families who can appreciate their unique characteristics. They're patient, loyal, and sometimes stubborn, but in the right home, they can be a wonderful member of the family.

Basset Hounds are not high-energy dogs, so they're perfect for families who don't need a hyperactive companion. They're happy to spend their days lounging around and sniffing out treats.

As Ree Drummond's favorite breed, Basset Hounds have a special place in many hearts. Their droopy ears and cute, droopy face make them impossible to resist.

In the right home, Basset Hounds can thrive and become a beloved member of the family. They just need a family that understands and appreciates their laid-back, sometimes stubborn nature.

The Standard Poodle is a great choice for those looking for a calm companion. Standard poodles generally have very chill demeanors.

As they mature, Standard Poodles tend to be less energetic, making them a great fit for families with smaller living spaces.

The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant, frequently described as "dignified." They love to be at their owners' sides.

Their wiry gray coats require regular grooming to prevent matting.

Greyhounds are surprisingly mellow, calm, and distinguished dogs.

They're so graceful that you don't need to worry about them running amok in your house.

The Clumber Spaniel is a loving breed that's perfect for families with kids. They're easygoing and very loving, children are sure to enjoy spending time with a Clumber Spaniel.

These dogs are known for their gentle nature, making them a great addition to households with children. They're super affectionate, and their laid-back attitude makes them a great choice for families who want a calm companion.

Clumber Spaniels are smart and loyal, which means they'll be quick to learn and form strong bonds with their owners. They're friendly and relaxed around new people, making them a great choice for families who enjoy hosting gatherings or meeting new people.

As you bring your new large calm dog breed home, it's essential to remember that training and socialization are key to a happy family life. Most calm dog breeds have talents beyond their laid-back nature.

Herding dogs, like livestock guardians, tend to be more laid-back than active. This is because their job was to hang out with the flock until trouble arose.

Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of space to relax and unwind, just like a lazy ol' hound dog. Most calm dog breeds love to sleep unless they're hunting.

Regardless of breed, all dogs are individuals, so it's crucial to get to know your dog's unique personality.

If you're looking for a calm and gentle giant to bring home, you'll want to consider the Great Pyrenees. They're known for being calm and gentle around children and other animals, making them a great fit for most families.

Their thick coat also makes them comfortable in cold climates, which is a bonus if you live in a chilly area. They do need regular exercise, but they're not high-energy dogs like some other breeds.

The Great Pyrenees is a large breed, with a height of 32 inches and a weight of 110 pounds. They're also intelligent, but they can be a bit stubborn at times, so training may require some patience and consistency.

If you're looking for a calm and gentle giant, here are a few more breeds to consider:

These breeds are known for being calm and gentle, but it's essential to remember that every dog is an individual, and training and socialization are crucial for a happy and healthy relationship with your new furry friend.

English breeds are known for their calm nature. They're not as high-strung as some other breeds, and that's a great thing for families with kids or for people who want a relaxed pet.

English Bulldogs are a great example of this, they tend to be downright sleepy. They'll love cuddling up with you and taking naps.

Newfoundland is another large breed that's known for being calm and unruffled. They're so laid-back that they're often described as "peaceful and composed" as they age.

English breeds like Bulldogs and Newfoundlands are generally happy to just hang out with you, they don't need to be constantly entertained or exercised. That makes them a great choice for people who want a low-maintenance pet.