10 Best Large Breed Dogs For Families

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

As someone who’s shared my home with these big bundles of joy, I know firsthand the joy and chaos they can bring to family life.

From gentle giants to energetic goofballs, large breed dogs offer a unique blend of loyalty, affection, and fun.

In this article, I’ll share my top picks for large breeds that thrive in family settings, so whether you’re seeking a cuddly companion or an adventurous sidekick, get ready to meet some paw-some pals who’ll steal your heart and fill your home with love!

10 Best Large Breed Dogs For Families

1. Bernese Mountain Dog

Don’t let their massive, bear-like frames fool you – these fluffy giants are some of the biggest teddy bears around!

Bernese Mountain Dogs may tip the scales, but their sweet, laidback temperaments make them ideal family companions.

Sure, they can look a little intimidating at first glance. But take one look into those soulful eyes and you’ll instantly fall for their affectionate, eager-to-please personalities.

Berners just want to shower you with gentle love and slobbery kisses all day long!

And that wonderful patience and willingness to learn means training will be a total breeze.

You’ll have their classic good looks and stellar obedience skills on point in no time.

Just be prepared to constantly squeal over their cartoon-like adorableness and frantically try to fit all that fluff into your snuggle sessions!

2. Pitbull Terrier

Talk about the total package!

These athletic dynamos are the fun-loving, cuddly companions that family dreams are made of. Sure, they’ve got a ton of playful energy to burn on the field or at the park.

But at home? They instantly transform into the gentlest, most patient pals around the little ones.

Whether it’s romping and wrestling with the kids or snuggling up for epic movie nights, these versatile pups are always game.

You’ll never find a better built-in buddy for all your adventures big and small.

Endless endurance for activities? Check. Foolproof patience with grabby toddler hands? You got it!

3. Alaskan Malamute

These fluffy teddy bears may look like they’d never hurt a fly, but don’t let those affectionate mugs fool you – Malamutes need a firm human alpha from day one!

While incredibly friendly fellows by nature, their big personalities and stubborn streaks mean they’ll quickly take over the household if you let them.

The key is establishing yourself as the respected pack leader nice and early through consistent training.

With their people pleasing attitudes, Mals are usually eager students…as long as you make it clear that you’re the one calling the shots.

Once they respect your authority, these goofy giants make wonderfully well-behaved, devoted family companions.

Just don’t go Easy Parent on them – a bored Mal is a destructive Mal!

Keep them mentally and physically stimulated with plenty of activities and rules to follow. Lazy owners need not apply for this breed.

4. American Staffordshire Terrier

These muscular goofballs are the total package – part hilarious clown, part steadfast watchdog, and 100% devoted family member.

American Staffs live to make their humans smile with their endless antics and eager-to-please personas.

But try to pull one over on them, and you’ll quickly see their protective, intelligent side shine through.

The key to unlocking this breed’s heart is treating them like a true part of the pack from day one.

Am Staffs hardly have a stubborn bone in their stocky bodies when they get ample quality time and leadership from their beloved humans.

Ignore or isolate them, however, and you’ll soon meet their mischievous, strong-willed alter ego!

5. Belgian Malinois

When it comes to brains and brawn, few breeds can outmatch the impressive Malinois.

Their intense smarts and unflinching loyalty make them the elite forces’ top pick for serious protection details.

But don’t let those tough military muscles fool you – underneath all that determination beats the heart of a true velcro dog.

These herders live to have a job, whether that’s guarding the President or just keeping a watchful eye on their human pack at home.

A bored, unstimulated Mal is a recipe for a destructive furball of pent-up energy.

No, these dynamos need pretty much constant activity and mental challenges to stay balanced and happy.

6. Doberman

Don’t let their sleek muscles and regal posture fool you – these watchdogs may look imposing, but they’re complete lovable goofballs for their adored human families.

German Pinschers are utterly devoted companions who will quickly smother you in affection…as long as you’re part of their inner pack circle.

Strangers, however, had better watch out for their instense territorial side! These quick-witted dynamos take their guardianship role very seriously and won’t hesitate to send sketchy characters packing with more than a few sassy sideye glances.

And boy, do Pinschers have the energy to back up that fearless attitude!

Their high-octane minds and bodies require pretty much constant vigorous activity and mental stimulation to stay balanced. A laze-around-the-house lifestyle is simply not an option for these muscular athletes.

7. Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers are essentially the supersized, turbocharged version of their smaller Schnauzer kin.

These burly pups may look a bit scary with their massive builds and bushy ‘beards,’ but underneath all that hair, you’ll find a total clownish sweetheart just waiting to make you laugh.

That said, be prepared for a pooch that puts the “giant” in energy levels! Giants are among the smartest students in obedience class, sure.

But their endurance for pretty much any activity is just off the charts. You’ll need tons of time and wide open spaces to properly wear out these muscular goofballs through hiking, running, swimming – you name it.

Otherwise, that pent-up dynamo energy might start channeling into unwanted antics around the house!

8. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are like the sunshine on a cloudy day—bright, warm, and impossible not to love.

With their golden coats and friendly faces, they’re the epitome of charm and affection.

But don’t let their gentle demeanor fool you—these pups are also bursting with energy and enthusiasm, ready to tackle any adventure that comes their way.

From morning fetch sessions to afternoon hikes, these furballs are always up for some outdoor fun.

9. Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are the quintessential family dogs, known for their friendly demeanor and unwavering loyalty.

With their glossy coats and soulful eyes, Labs have a way of melting hearts wherever they go.

But don’t let their sweet looks fool you—these pups are also bundles of energy, always ready for a game of fetch or a swim in the nearest pond.

When it comes to energy levels, Labs are in a league of their own. Their boundless enthusiasm and zest for life make them perfect companions for active families.

Whether it’s a hike in the mountains or a romp at the beach, Labs are always up for an adventure.

And with their gentle and patient nature, they’re great with kids of all ages, making them the ultimate furry best friend for any household.

10. Old English Sheepdogs

These giants are the epitome of cuddly charm, with their abundant fur and lovable demeanor.

While their thick coats may have originally served to keep them warm on the farm, they now make these pups perfect snuggle buddies for lazy days at home.

Despite their large size, Old English Sheepdogs are known for their gentle and agreeable nature, making them ideal companions for families of all sizes.

After a long walk or a day of play, these fluffy furballs are more than happy to curl up on the couch for some quality relaxation time with their favorite humans.

Their laid-back attitude and love for cozy comforts make them the perfect addition to any household seeking a furry friend with a heart as big as their fluff.

In Conclusion: Best Large Breed Dogs For Families

When it comes to finding the best large breed dogs for families, it’s clear that each breed offers its own unique blend of qualities that can enrich family life.

From the gentle giants like the Old English Sheepdog to the energetic companions like the Labrador Retriever, there’s a large breed out there for you!

Be it a loyal protector, a playful playmate, or a cuddly companion, I can guarantee that these breeds offer boundless love, endless joy, and unforgettable memories for years to come.