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Gentle giant family dogs are large breeds that are known for their calm and affectionate nature. They make great family pets due to their size, loyalty, and patience with children. Here are five gentle giant family dogs to consider:
1. Great Dane – one of the tallest breeds, Great Danes are known for their gentle demeanor. They are great with kids and other pets and are often referred to as “gentle giants”.
2. Newfoundland – this breed is known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. They are often used as therapy dogs due to their calm temperament and gentle disposition.
3. Saint Bernard – this breed is known for their patience and loyalty. They make great family pets and are very protective of their owners.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog – this breed is known for their sweet and gentle nature. They are great with children and are often used as therapy dogs due to their calm demeanor.
5. Irish Wolfhound – this breed is known for their calm and patient nature. They make great family pets and are very loyal to their owners.
Pets
Saint Bernards are known for their loving and gentle dispositions.
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Are you interested in adding a massive dog to your family? We’re not talking about just a big dog, like a slim Golden Retriever that only reaches your knees. We’re referring to truly giant dogs, the tallest or most massive breeds around.
Before you adopt a giant dog, keep in mind that they require a lot of space. They won’t be happy confined to an apartment or small pen for most of the day. You’ll need a large, secure fence and someone willing to take the dog for daily walks to keep them content.
Be careful when choosing a large breed as a family pet, particularly if you have children. Even though big dogs are commonly quiet, gentle, and slow-moving enough for households with kids, avoid large dogs that have strong herding or protective, watchdog instincts. Although these dogs may be excellent companions for children they’ve grown up with, they may try to “herd” or become aggressive towards their playmates. They may also be hostile towards other dogs. However, even the most well-tempered and gentle breeds can accidentally knock a child over while playing, so it’s best not to leave large dogs and small children alone together.
One unfortunate consideration is that the largest dogs typically have the shortest lifespans, with many only living around eight years.
If you’re interested in having a gentle giant in your family, there are some excellent choices. Keep reading to learn about them.
5: Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a true gentle giant and the tallest of all dog breeds. It’s also one of the sweetest.
Adult males are usually a minimum of 32 inches (81 centimeters) tall at the shoulder and can be as tall as 35 inches (89 centimeters). Females are typically a few inches shorter. Adults can weigh from 140 to 180 pounds (64 to 82 kilograms) [source: Irish Wolfhound Club of America].
Irish Wolfhounds are sighthounds, bred to use sharp eyesight and speed to hunt. They are an ancient breed that hunted wolves in Ireland almost 2,000 years ago. The breed was written about by ancient Romans and may have been brought to Ireland by them [source: The Complete Dog Book].
These big pups require playtime and bonding with their family. Irish Wolfhounds are usually gentle, quiet, calm, even-tempered, and affectionate. A large, fenced yard is necessary. Adult Wolfhounds may become lazy, so it’s a good idea to take them on frequent long walks to keep them healthy. Excursions where they can run free are even better, as Irish Wolfhounds don’t do well in confined spaces.
They have a rough coat, but it doesn’t require a lot of grooming. Their lifespan is typically six to eight years.
Ready to discover another big dog? Keep reading.
4: Great Dane
Great Danes are known for their size, but they fit right in with most families.
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Many people are familiar with Marmaduke, the Great Dane from the comics. That image is fairly accurate: these huge dogs are affectionate and lovable, but because they’re so big, they can accidentally cause chaos in a household, particularly when they’re playful puppies.
Great Danes, despite their name, are not actually from Denmark. They were originally bred in Germany and England to hunt wild boar, but were later bred to be human companions. They are easy-going dogs that love interaction with their family, but because of their size, they need to be trained well and supervised when playing with small children. Male Great Danes can grow up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 140 pounds. They take about three years to be fully mature and usually live seven to ten years.
The Saint Bernard breed was founded by an Augustine monk named Bernard de Menthon over a thousand years ago to help travelers in the Swiss Alps. These large dogs were trained to rescue people buried in snow drifts, predict avalanches, and even revive those they rescued by lying on them for warmth. They are gentle dogs with a keen ability to sense danger, but they still need ample exercise and grooming. The short-haired Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the larger of the four varieties of Swiss Mountain dogs and can weigh up to 135 pounds. Both the Bernese and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are gentle by temperament and good with children, but they would not make good apartment dogs.
It is important to note that the Bernese breed suffered from inbreeding in the past, which has resulted in various health issues. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a reputable breeder when selecting a Bernese. Additionally, these dogs require good training and plenty of interaction with their families. It is important not to leave them alone with small children.
The Newfoundland breed is known for its large size, with males reaching up to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 150 pounds. They are friendly and love being a part of the family, making them a great choice for families with young children. These dogs were originally bred to work on the Canadian island for which they are named and were used for a variety of tasks, including rescuing drowning people due to their swimming ability and webbed feet.
Newfoundlands have a gentle and loving disposition, making them a great fit for families. However, their long hair requires regular grooming, and they need plenty of space and companionship. Their life expectancy is around 11 years. It is worth noting that if you are swimming with a Newfoundland around, they may try to rescue you even if you don’t need it!
For more information, check out the related articles and sources provided.
FAQ
What are the gentlest family dogs?
There are many gentle family dogs, but some of the most popular ones include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Bulldog, Boxer, and the Collie. These breeds are friendly, affectionate, and great with children.
What is a gentle giant dog?
A gentle giant dog is a large breed that is known for its kind, gentle, and calm temperament. These dogs are often great with children and make excellent family pets. Some of the most popular gentle giant breeds include the Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, and the Newfoundland.
What is the best gentle giant dog for families?
The best gentle giant dog for families depends on your lifestyle and needs. If you have young children, the Newfoundland or the Saint Bernard might be a good option, as they are both patient and protective. If you live in a smaller space, the Great Dane or the Mastiff might not be the best choice, as they require more room to move around.
What is the difference between a gentle giant dog and a regular dog?
The main difference between a gentle giant dog and a regular dog is their size and temperament. Gentle giant dogs are typically larger breeds that have a calm and gentle personality. Regular dogs can come in all shapes and sizes and have varying personalities.
Can gentle giant dogs be trained?
Yes, gentle giant dogs can be trained just like any other dog. It’s important to start training early and to use positive reinforcement techniques. These dogs are often eager to please their owners and respond well to training.
Do gentle giant dogs have any health issues?
Like all breeds, gentle giant dogs can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the common health issues for these breeds include hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart problems. It’s important to work with a reputable breeder and to keep up with regular vet check-ups to ensure your dog stays healthy.
Are gentle giant dogs good with children?
Yes, gentle giant dogs are often great with children. They are patient, protective, and love to play. However, it’s important to supervise interactions between children and dogs to ensure everyone stays safe.
Do gentle giant dogs require a lot of exercise?
Most gentle giant dogs do require a moderate amount of exercise, but the amount can vary depending on the breed. For example, the Great Dane is known for being a couch potato, while the Newfoundland loves to swim and play. It’s important to research the exercise needs of your chosen breed before getting a dog.
Can gentle giant dogs live in smaller homes or apartments?
Some gentle giant dogs can live in smaller homes or apartments, but it’s important to ensure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. For example, the Bulldog is a great breed for apartment living, as they don’t require a lot of exercise. On the other hand, the Mastiff might not be the best choice for a small space, as they need room to move around.
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