Deciding to bring a dog into your home is one decision that should not be taken lightly and never is that truer than when you have kids.
Bringing a pet into your life will require dedication and training for both you and your children. While some dogs are better suited for life with families, all dogs need to be trained and given limits, plus a whole lot of love.
Any dog can become aggressive, big or small, so it is vital that young children are never left alone with them even for a second. It is also important that children are taught how to treat their pets.
One of the first things people should consider when looking for a pet pooch is if they want a big or a small pup. Large dogs are not for everyone. They naturally require more exercise on the whole, not to mention ample space and food. But rest assured because many of these gentle giants make fabulous additions to family life.
If you are fond of big dogs and are looking to bring one into your family, check out these 10 large dog breeds that make great pets for families:
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are good-natured, self-assured, placid towards strangers, and docile. They can do very well in homes but require a large outdoor space since they are outdoor dogs at heart. For such a large size dog, they are very fast. They are affectionate, loyal, faithful, stable, intelligent, and sometimes shy. The majority of Bernese are friendly to people, and other dogs. Eager to please, they also get along well with other household pets.
2. Collie
Who wouldn’t want a Lassie look-a-like in their family? Collies are highly trainable, gentle, intelligent, and well suited as pets. In fact, their tenderness and loyalty also make them highly compatible with children. While not huge dogs, they are usually between 60-75 pounds and require a daily walk and moderate exercise.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are very active dogs, excellent guard dogs and also suitable for search missions. Shepherds have a very loyal nature and bond well with people they know, particularly the head of the household, and tend to become very protective of their human family. Highly intelligent and obedient, with adequate training, they make amazing family pets.
5. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland dog is known its calm nature and strength. Incredibly loyal, they are also known as “the gentle giant” and have a sweet temper. Although exceptionally good with children, small children might get accidentally leaned on and knocked down simply due to their size. They also need a very large amount of space and a committed grooming regimen.
6. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are kind, friendly, and confident. They make wonderful family pets and get along great with children. Unlike German Shepherds who don’t like strangers and safeguard their families, Golden Retrievers like everyone. This makes them not very good guard dogs but they are intelligent, learn tricks easily and are very social, loving creatures. For these reasons, they are especially good for families with very young children.
7. Australian Shepherd
Averaging about 50-65 pounds, Australian Shepherds aren’t the biggest dogs, but if you’re seeking a largish dog that is not extremely big, they might be a wise choice. Calm and easy going, they are kind, loving, and devoted to those they know. They are very loyal to their owners. Protective of their property, they are inclined to bark at unfamiliar noises outside their homes.
8. Great Dane
The term “gentle giant” was quite possibly created specifically for Great Danes. They are not only friendly to other dogs, but also cats and other pets as well as people. Their good-natured disposition might seem polar opposite to their looming size, but Great Danes are immensely loving animals wither proper training.
9. Labrador Retriever
Labs are easy going, lovable dogs with high intelligence and a keen sense of smell. They are high energy and require a lot of exercise but adapt to family life the best because they usually want nothing more than just to be part of the family’s daily activities, except maybe food!
10. Rottweiler
Used in police work and as guard dogs, Rottweilers are very devoted, obedient, and eager to work. They have an inherent desire to protect home and family. While the thought of a Rottweiler as a family might alarm some people, these dogs are a product of their environment (just as every dog is), and aggressive dogs are typically the result of poor training and socialization, and sadly, abuse. I grew up with a Rottweiler/Doberman mix that we got when I was just 8. Schatzie was the most gentle and loyal pet, and a large part of my fond childhood memories.
