The 10 Best Big Dogs for Families

Large dog breeds can make wonderful family companions, offering loyalty, protection, and affection. Many of these breeds are gentle giants, known for their calm nature and ability to bond with children. Some are even hypoallergenic, making them great choices for families with allergies. Others stand out for their robust health, reducing concerns about frequent vet visits.

If you're looking for a big dog to bring into your home, here are ten of the best large breeds that are great for families.

1. Labrador Retriever – The Ultimate Family Dog:

🐶 Size: 25-36 kg (55-80 lbs)

🏡 Best For: Active families, children, first-time owners

💛 Temperament: Friendly, loyal, intelligent

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs worldwide. Labs are affectionate, intelligent, and easy to train, making them perfect for families with children. They thrive on companionship and outdoor activities, making them ideal for active households.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Excellent with children and other pets

✅ Highly trainable and eager to please

✅ Generally a healthy breed with few major issues

❌ Cons:

❌ Prone to obesity if not exercised regularly

❌ Sheds a lot – not ideal for allergy sufferers

2. Golden Retriever – The Affectionate Companion:

🐶 Size: 25-34 kg (55-75 lbs)

🏡 Best For: Loving families, therapy roles

💛 Temperament: Gentle, loving, sociable

Golden Retrievers are known for their affectionate and tolerant nature. They are excellent with children and thrive in homes where they receive attention and playtime. Goldens are intelligent and often work as therapy dogs due to their calm and patient demeanor.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Super affectionate and loving

✅ Easy to train and very intelligent

✅ Great with kids and other pets

❌ Cons:

❌ Requires regular grooming due to long fur

❌ Prone to hip dysplasia and other joint issues

3. Standard Poodle – The Hypoallergenic Choice:

🐶 Size: 20-32 kg (45-70 lbs)

🏡 Best For: Allergy sufferers, intelligent homes

💛 Temperament: Smart, playful, energetic

If your family needs a hypoallergenic breed, the Standard Poodle is a fantastic option. These dogs are highly intelligent, easy to train, and low-shedding, making them great for families with allergies. They are also playful and active, making them a fun companion for kids.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Hypoallergenic – great for allergy sufferers

✅ One of the most intelligent breeds

✅ Highly trainable and obedient

❌ Cons:

❌ Needs regular grooming to maintain coat health

❌ Requires daily mental and physical stimulation

4. Bernese Mountain Dog – The Gentle Giant:

🐶 Size: 35-55 kg (80-120 lbs)

🏡 Best For: Families who love big, fluffy dogs

💛 Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, protective

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a calm and affectionate breed that thrives in a loving home. They are protective but not aggressive, making them excellent watchdogs. Their gentle nature makes them fantastic with children, and they enjoy outdoor adventures.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Very calm and friendly

✅ Good with children and other pets

✅ Loyal and protective without being aggressive

❌ Cons:

❌ Prone to joint and heart issues

❌ Sheds heavily

5. Irish Setter – The Playful Family Dog:

🐶 Size: 25-34 kg (55-75 lbs)

🏡 Best For: Active families, homes with large yards

💛 Temperament: Energetic, friendly, affectionate

Irish Setters are known for their gorgeous red coats and playful, loving nature. They have endless energy, making them a perfect match for active families. These dogs love to be around people and are great at playing with kids and other pets.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Super friendly and affectionate

✅ Good with children and other animals

✅ Healthy breed with fewer genetic issues

❌ Cons:

❌ Requires a lot of exercise to prevent boredom

❌ Needs regular grooming

6. Portuguese Water Dog – The Hypoallergenic Water Lover:

🐶 Size: 16-27 kg (35-60 lbs)

🏡 Best For: Active families, allergy sufferers

💛 Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, fun-loving

The Portuguese Water Dog is an active, hypoallergenic breed that loves water. These dogs were originally bred to help fishermen, so they are highly intelligent and trainable. They bond closely with their families and do well in homes where they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Hypoallergenic coat

✅ Loyal and affectionate

✅ Smart and easy to train

❌ Cons:

❌ Requires regular mental and physical activity

❌ Needs professional grooming

7. Great Dane – The Gentle Giant:

🐶 Size: 50-90 kg (110-200 lbs)

🏡 Best For: Families with space for a giant dog

💛 Temperament: Calm, friendly, loving

Great Danes may be massive, but they are gentle, calm, and loving. Despite their size, they are great with children and tend to be protective yet affectionate. They don’t need as much exercise as other large breeds but require space to move around.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Gentle and affectionate despite their size

✅ Good with kids and other pets

✅ Minimal grooming needs

❌ Cons:

❌ Short lifespan (6-10 years)

❌ Prone to bloat, which can be fatal

8. Newfoundland – The Ultimate Water Dog:

🐶 Size: 45-70 kg (100-150 lbs)

🏡 Best For: Families with access to water and space

💛 Temperament: Patient, protective, kind

The Newfoundland is one of the best large breeds for families, thanks to their sweet and gentle personality. These dogs are known as natural lifeguards, often rescuing people from drowning. They are protective but not aggressive, making them perfect for homes with children.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Exceptionally gentle and loving

✅ Excellent with children

✅ Protective without aggression

❌ Cons:

❌ Heavy shedding and drooling

❌ Requires a lot of space and water access

9. Boxer – The Playful Protector:

🐶 Size: 25-32 kg (55-70 lbs)

🏡 Best For: Energetic families, active households

💛 Temperament: Playful, protective, intelligent

Boxers are energetic and fun-loving, making them great for active families. They are naturally protective and make excellent watchdogs without being overly aggressive. Boxers are loyal, affectionate, and always ready for fun.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Great with kids and very playful

✅ Low-maintenance short coat

✅ Intelligent and easy to train

❌ Cons:

❌ Needs plenty of exercise

❌ Can be stubborn

10. German Shepherd – The Loyal Guardian:

🐶 Size: 30-40 kg (65-90 lbs)

🏡 Best For: Families looking for a protective, intelligent dog

💛 Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, protective

German Shepherds are brilliant, loyal, and protective, making them one of the best family guard dogs. They bond deeply with their owners and are excellent with children. They require consistent training and mental stimulation to stay happy.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Highly intelligent and trainable

✅ Loyal and protective

✅ Great with children when properly socialised

❌ Cons:

❌ Needs a job or task to stay happy

❌ Sheds heavily

Final Thoughts:

Welcoming a large dog into your home is a big commitment, but with the right breed, you’ll have a loyal and loving companion. Whether you need a hypoallergenic breed, a calm and gentle giant, or a strong and healthy dog, there is a perfect large breed for every family.

📌 Thinking of getting a big dog? Make sure to consider space, exercise needs, and temperament before making your decision!