10 Best Giant Breed Dogs for Families: Complete Guide & Comparison
Discover the best giant breed dogs for families with our expert comparison of 10 breeds, including size, temperament, health risks, and lifestyle fit.
What Qualifies a Dog as a Giant Breed?
Giant breed dogs typically weigh over 100 pounds (45 kg) and stand taller than 27 inches (69 cm) at the shoulder. These magnificent animals have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds—usually 6-10 years—and require specialized nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care throughout their lives.
Our Selection Criteria
For this family-focused guide, we evaluated breeds based on:
- Temperament stability: Low aggression scores and high tolerance for children
- Trainability: Response to positive reinforcement methods
- Exercise requirements: Manageable activity levels for typical families
- Health predictability: Availability of genetic testing and responsible breeding programs
- Space adaptability: Ability to thrive in homes with yards (not apartments)
The 10 Best Giant Breed Dogs for Families
1. Great Dane
Size Class: Giant (110-175 lb / 50-79 kg, 28-32 inches / 71-81 cm)
Key Family Trait: Exceptional patience with children despite intimidating size
Great Danes earn their "gentle giant" reputation through consistent, calm temperaments. They form strong bonds with family members and typically accept visitors without territorial aggression. Their moderate energy level means 30-45 minutes of daily exercise suffices, making them surprisingly manageable for busy families.
2. Newfoundland
Size Class: Giant (100-150 lb / 45-68 kg, 26-28 inches / 66-71 cm)
Key Family Trait: Natural protective instinct combined with gentleness
Newfoundlands excel as family guardians without displaying aggression. Their thick double coat requires significant grooming (2-3 hours weekly), but their patient nature with children and other pets makes them ideal for multi-pet households. They're particularly suited to families near water, given their swimming heritage.
3. Saint Bernard
Size Class: Giant (120-180 lb / 54-82 kg, 26-30 inches / 66-76 cm)
Key Family Trait: Low reactivity and high tolerance for household chaos
Saint Bernards remain calm in stimulating environments that would stress other breeds. Their historical role as rescue dogs selected for steady nerves translates to modern family life. Expect moderate drooling and seasonal heavy shedding, but reward with unwavering loyalty and minimal training challenges.
4. Leonberger
Size Class: Giant (110-170 lb / 50-77 kg, 26-31 inches / 66-79 cm)
Key Family Trait: Balanced energy—playful but not hyperactive
Leonbergers strike an ideal balance between activity and relaxation. They enjoy hiking and swimming but settle calmly indoors. Their lion-like mane requires regular brushing, and they thrive in families that can provide consistent socialization during puppyhood (critical 8-16 week window).
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Size Class: Large-to-Giant (70-115 lb / 32-52 kg, 23-28 inches / 58-71 cm)
Key Family Trait: Strong desire to participate in family activities
Bernese Mountain Dogs want to be wherever their people are. They excel in families that include them in outdoor activities and don't leave them isolated for long periods. Their tricolor coat sheds heavily twice yearly, and their shorter lifespan (6-8 years) is a significant consideration.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Size Class: Giant (105-180 lb / 48-82 kg, 30-35 inches / 76-89 cm)
Key Family Trait: Remarkable gentleness despite sighthound prey drive
Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest of all breeds, yet they're notably gentle with children. Their sighthound heritage means they need secure fencing (minimum 6 feet) and can't be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas. Daily exercise needs are moderate—30-40 minutes of walking plus occasional sprinting in safe areas.
7. Mastiff (English Mastiff)
Size Class: Giant (120-230 lb / 54-104 kg, 27-30+ inches / 69-76+ cm)
Key Family Trait: Low exercise requirements and high tolerance for inactivity
Mastiffs are content with minimal exercise—20-30 minutes of daily walking suffices. They're ideal for families with limited mobility or smaller yards. However, their massive size creates practical challenges: they need oversized beds, ramps for vehicle loading, and significant food budgets ($150-250 monthly).
8. Tibetan Mastiff
Size Class: Giant (85-150 lb / 39-68 kg, 24-30 inches / 61-76 cm)
Key Family Trait: Strong protective instinct without excessive aggression
Tibetan Mastiffs bond deeply with family while remaining aloof with strangers. They require experienced owners who can provide firm, consistent training using positive reinforcement. Their independent nature makes them less suitable for first-time dog owners, but they excel in families seeking a loyal guardian.
9. Anatolian Shepherd
Size Class: Giant (80-150 lb / 36-68 kg, 27-31 inches / 69-79 cm)
Key Family Trait: Livestock guardian heritage translates to family protection
Anatolian Shepherds are natural guardians who protect without training. They're best suited to rural families with property to patrol and experience with independent-thinking breeds. Early socialization (starting by 12 weeks) is critical to prevent over-protectiveness. Not recommended for urban or suburban settings.
10. Scottish Deerhound
Size Class: Giant (75-110 lb / 34-50 kg, 28-32 inches / 71-81 cm)
Key Family Trait: Quiet demeanor and low indoor activity level
Scottish Deerhounds are among the quietest giant breeds, rarely barking without cause. They're ideal for families in noise-sensitive neighborhoods. Like other sighthounds, they need secure fencing and can't be trusted with small pets. Their wiry coat requires minimal grooming compared to other long-haired giants.
Breed Comparison Table
| Breed | Weight Range (lb/kg) | Exercise Needs (min/day) | Grooming (hrs/week) | Lifespan (years) | Family Friendliness (1-10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Dane | 110-175 / 50-79 | 30-45 | 1-2 | 7-10 | 9 |
| Newfoundland | 100-150 / 45-68 | 30-60 | 2-3 | 8-10 | 10 |
| Saint Bernard | 120-180 / 54-82 | 30-45 | 2-3 | 8-10 | 9 |
| Leonberger | 110-170 / 50-77 | 45-60 | 2-3 | 8-10 | 9 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 70-115 / 32-52 | 30-60 | 2-3 | 6-8 | 10 |
| Irish Wolfhound | 105-180 / 48-82 | 30-40 | 1-2 | 6-8 | 8 |
| Mastiff | 120-230 / 54-104 | 20-30 | 1 | 6-10 | 8 |
| Tibetan Mastiff | 85-150 / 39-68 | 30-45 | 2-3 | 10-12 | 7 |
| Anatolian Shepherd | 80-150 / 36-68 | 45-60 | 1-2 | 11-13 | 7 |
| Scottish Deerhound | 75-110 / 34-50 | 30-45 | 1 | 8-11 | 8 |
Why These Breeds Made the List
Each breed was selected based on documented temperament testing through the American Kennel Club's breed standards and behavioral assessments from the Merck Veterinary Manual. We prioritized breeds with:
- Low bite force relative to size: Breeds like Great Danes and Newfoundlands have powerful jaws but rarely use them aggressively
- High pain tolerance: Essential for families with young children who may accidentally pull ears or tails
- Predictable adult temperament: Breeds with consistent personality traits across bloodlines
- Established health screening protocols: Availability of OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing for hip dysplasia, cardiac conditions, and breed-specific genetic diseases
Decision Framework: Choosing Your Giant Breed
Match Your Lifestyle to the Right Breed
Step 1: Assess Your Living Situation
- If you have a large yard (1+ acre) and rural setting: Consider Anatolian Shepherd or Tibetan Mastiff
- If you have a fenced suburban yard: Great Dane, Newfoundland, or Saint Bernard are ideal
- If you have limited outdoor space: Mastiff or Scottish Deerhound (lower exercise needs)
Step 2: Evaluate Your Time Commitment
- If you can dedicate 2-3 hours weekly to grooming: Newfoundland, Leonberger, or Bernese Mountain Dog
- If you prefer minimal grooming: Great Dane, Mastiff, or Scottish Deerhound
Step 3: Consider Your Experience Level
- First-time giant breed owner: Great Dane, Newfoundland, or Bernese Mountain Dog (most forgiving of training mistakes)
- Experienced with independent breeds: Tibetan Mastiff or Anatolian Shepherd
Step 4: Factor in Children's Ages
- Toddlers/preschoolers: Newfoundland or Bernese Mountain Dog (highest tolerance for unpredictable behavior)
- School-age children: Any breed on this list with proper supervision
- Teenagers who can help with exercise: Leonberger or Irish Wolfhound
Step 5: Budget for Lifetime Costs
- Annual food costs: $1,800-3,000 for giant breeds
- Veterinary care: $800-1,500 annually, plus $2,000-5,000 emergency fund
- Joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin): $300-600 yearly starting at age 2-3
Honorable Mentions & Breeds to Avoid
Honorable Mentions
Bullmastiff: Excellent family temperament but shorter lifespan (6-8 years) and higher cancer rates kept them off the top 10.
Dogue de Bordeaux: Loyal and gentle but requires experienced handling due to protective instincts and significant drooling.
Giant Breeds to Approach with Caution
Cane Corso: Powerful guardian breed requiring extensive training and socialization. Not recommended for families with young children or first-time owners.
Presa Canario: Strong prey drive and territorial nature make them unsuitable for most family settings.
Tosa Inu: Banned or restricted in many jurisdictions due to fighting heritage. Requires expert-level management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are giant breed dogs good with children?
Yes, when properly socialized and supervised. Breeds like Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs are exceptionally patient with children. However, their large size means they can accidentally knock over toddlers, so always supervise interactions and teach children respectful behavior around dogs.
How much do giant breed dogs eat?
Adult giant breeds typically consume 4-8 cups of high-quality kibble daily, costing $150-250 monthly. Puppies require specially formulated giant breed puppy food to control growth rate and prevent orthopedic problems. Never feed adult food to giant breed puppies.
What health problems are common in giant breeds?
Hip and elbow dysplasia affect 20-40% of giant breeds. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention—prevent by feeding 2-3 smaller meals daily and avoiding exercise 1 hour before/after eating. Cardiomyopathy and certain cancers also occur at higher rates. Consult your veterinarian about breed-specific screening protocols.
How long do giant breed dogs live?
Most giant breeds live 6-10 years, with some exceptions like Tibetan Mastiffs (10-12 years) and Anatolian Shepherds (11-13 years). Their accelerated aging means senior care begins around age 5-6, including joint supplements, biannual veterinary exams, and modified exercise routines.
Do giant breeds need large homes?
Surprisingly, many giant breeds adapt well to smaller homes if they receive adequate outdoor exercise. Mastiffs and Great Danes are often called "apartment dogs" due to their low indoor activity. The critical factor is access to outdoor space for exercise and bathroom breaks, not indoor square footage.
What's the best giant breed for first-time owners?
Great Danes and Bernese Mountain Dogs are most forgiving of training mistakes and have predictable temperaments. Avoid independent breeds like Tibetan Mastiffs or Anatolian Shepherds until you've gained experience with more trainable giant breeds.
For comprehensive breed information and health screening recommendations, visit the American Kennel Club or consult with a veterinarian specializing in giant breed care. Remember that individual temperament varies—even within breeds—so meet the puppy's parents and request health clearances before committing.
Tom Renshaw
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
