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10 Giant Dog Breeds That Are Big Softies

By: Scott H
Scott Haiduc is the Director of Publishing for iHeartDogs, iHeartCats and The Hero Company. When not working, Scott spends his time on the farm, taking care of his animals and crops.Read more
| January 17, 2015

Giant dog breeds can look very intimidating, but most are surprised to find out these dogs are just gentle giants wanting to snuggle. Some of them will even try to fit in your lap! Your best friend might be too big to carry around, but will help keep your couch warm during your Netflix binges! If you’re looking for a large dog that’s a big softie, look no further than these breeds! 

#1 – Great Dane

One of the tallest dog breeds in existence, the Great Dane was originally considered the German Mastiff. Although he was intended to be a guard dog, Danes are much more apt to nap on your couch. Great Danes average a weight of 105-170lbs.

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#2 – Newfoundland

These fluffy giants are very affectionate and make excellent family companions. Weighing in at around 100-150lbs., this breed is certainly a gentle giant.

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#3 – Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs weigh an average of 70-120lbs. They are easygoing, peaceful family companions that do well in colder climates.

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#4 – Saint Bernard

Originally used as an avalanche rescue dog, the Saint Bernard needed a calm, peaceful temperament in order to able to assist the victims he found. Weighing roughly 140-264lbs., this giant breed has kept his gentle temperament even without the need to work.

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#5 – Bullmastiff

Although they look intimidating, Bullmastiffs are giant softies that mostly want to snuggle with their people. Weighing in around 100-130lbs., these gentle giants make excellent guard dogs from their looks alone. That said, they are great family companions as well.

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#6 – Great Pyrenees

These giant dogs make wonderful family companions and have a gentle, calm disposition. The breed weighs around 85-160lbs. and were originally bred as livestock guardian dogs.

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#7 – Irish Wolfhound

The tallest of the dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is true giant with a gentle temperament. Originally bred to hunt wolves, he’s now a suitable family companion for someone looking for a giant breed with a sweet disposition. The average weight for Irish Wolfhounds is 115-180lbs.

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#8 – Leonberger

Although this giant breed was named after the location in which it originated, there’s no doubt he looks similar to a lion. Weighing in around 120-170lbs., the Leonberger makes a great family companion given he has enough mental and physical exercise.

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#9 – Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Just like his Bernese Mountain Dog cousin, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a gentle giant that makes a great family companion. Weighing in around 100-155lbs., this breed gets his size from his original purpose as an all-duty farm dog.

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#10 – English Mastiff

The English Mastiff might appear dangerous and scary, but he’s really just a big softie that wants to relax with his people. The largest English Mastiff in history weighed a whopping 343lbs., so you can see by their looks and size they make incredible guard dogs. That said, they’re a relatively lazy breed that would much rather nap inside.

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