Large dogs often have a reputation for their imposing size, but when it comes to family life, many of these gentle giants are as loving and protective as they are big.
In this guide, we are going to explore the 10 best large dog breeds for families, considering their unique traits, care requirements, and compatibility with children. Whether you’re looking for a playful companion or a calm protector, there’s a breed here to fit your family dynamic.
What to Look for in a Family Friendly Large Dog
In most of the cases small dog breeds are preferable for families. But many large dog breeds are also very much suitable for family life. Consider the following factors when selecting the right dog:
Key Traits of a Family-Friendly Dog
- Gentle Temperament: Large dogs with a calm and patient nature are ideal for households with children.
- Trainability: Breeds that are easy to train and eager to please adapt better to family routines.
- Energy Levels: Choose a breed that matches your family’s activity level—whether you’re a high-energy household or prefer a laid-back companion.
- Protective Instincts: Some large breeds are naturally protective, offering an extra layer of security for your family.
- Tolerance for Children: Breeds known for their patience and affection with kids make for great companions.
No matter the breed, proper training, socialization, and supervision are essential for any dog living in a family environment.
12 Best Large Dog Breeds for Families
Finding the perfect breed for your household means choosing a dog with the right balance of temperament, energy level, and trainability to suit your family’s needs. Here you will find the 12 best large dogs for families and choose the one right fit for your family.
1. Labrador Retriever: The Ultimate Family Companion
Labradors are one of the most beloved family dogs for many reasons. With their affectionate nature and boundless energy they are excellent companions for active families. They’re also highly trainable, making them perfect for households with young children.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Sporting (AKC) |
| Height | 21.5 to 24 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 55 to 80 pounds |
| Coat & Color | Short, dense double coat; black, chocolate, yellow, or silvery gray |
| Life Expectancy | 10 to 12 years |
Why They’re Great for Families:
- Known for their loyalty and patience with children.
- Thrive in homes with ample space for play and exercise.
- Adaptable to various family dynamics, from small children to active teens.
2. German Shepherd: The Loyal Protector
German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence, courage, and loyalty. These traits make them excellent family dogs, particularly for households with older children who can match their energy and need for engagement.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Herding (AKC) |
| Height | 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 60 to 100 pounds |
| Coat & Color | Coarse, medium-length double coat; brown, black, fawn, or tan |
| Life Expectancy | 7 to 10 years |
Why They’re Great for Families:
- Fiercely protective, ensuring the safety of their loved ones.
- Highly trainable, often excelling in obedience and agility exercises.
- Adaptable to active families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Note: Early socialization is key to ensuring German Shepherds develop a balanced temperament around strangers and children.
3. Golden Retriever: The Quintessential Family Dog
Golden Retrievers are the epitome of family-friendly dogs. With their gentle disposition and eagerness to please, they’re a perfect match for households with children of all ages.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Sporting (AKC) |
| Height | 21.5 to 24 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 55 to 75 pounds |
| Coat & Color | Silky, medium-length double coat; shades of yellow, gold, cream, or copper |
| Life Expectancy | 10 to 12 years |
Why They’re Great for Families:
- Exceptionally patient, making them ideal for young children.
- Love to engage in games like fetch, keeping kids entertained.
- Natural affinity for water—perfect for families who enjoy swimming or beach outings.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog: The Gentle Giant
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a calm, affectionate breed that thrives in a family setting. Known for their loyalty, they form strong bonds with their families and are particularly gentle with young children.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Working (AKC) |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 79 to 110 pounds |
| Coat & Color | Thick double coat; black, rust, and white |
| Life Expectancy | 6 to 8 years |
Why They’re Great for Families:
- Gentle and non-aggressive, even with toddlers.
- Enjoy being included in family activities, both indoors and outdoors.
- Protective without being overly territorial.
Note: Bernese Mountain Dogs thick coat requires regular grooming and they thrive in cooler climates due to their Swiss heritage.
5. Boxer: The Playful Guardian
Boxers are energetic, affectionate, and incredibly loyal. Their playful nature makes them a hit with kids, while their protective instincts ensure they’ll keep a watchful eye on the family.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Working (AKC) |
| Height | 22 to 25 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 50 to 80 pounds |
| Coat & Color | Short coat; brindle, fawn, or white with black mask or white markings |
| Life Expectancy | 10 to 12 years |
Why They’re Great for Families:
- High energy level suits active families with older kids.
- Strong bonds with children, often acting as their playful companion.
- Respond well to positive reinforcement during training.
Note: Early training is essential to curb their enthusiasm, especially for families with very young children, as Boxers may unintentionally knock them over.
6. Alaskan Malamute: The Friendly Adventurer
Alaskan Malamutes are affectionate, hardworking dogs with a love for the outdoors. Their friendly disposition makes them wonderful companions for families who enjoy an active lifestyle. While their size can be intimidating, Malamutes are gentle giants at heart.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Working (AKC) |
| Height | 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 75 to 100 pounds or more |
| Coat & Color | Thick double coat; various shades of gray, black, red, or white |
| Life Expectancy | 10 to 12 years |
Why They’re Great for Families:
- Extremely friendly, even with strangers, making them more of a companion than a guard dog.
- Thrive on physical activity and love outdoor adventures, such as hiking or sledding.
- Excellent with children, displaying patience and affection.
Note: Malamutes shed heavily and require frequent grooming. They are best suited for homes with ample space and cooler climates.
7. Goldendoodle: The Allergy-Friendly Family Dog
Goldendoodles are a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, combining the best traits of both breeds. Their intelligence, sociability, and low-shedding coats make them ideal for families, especially those with allergies.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Hybrid |
| Height | 13 to 26 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 45 to 100 pounds |
| Coat & Color | Shaggy or curly coat; yellow, gold, cream, red, black, brown, white, or gray |
| Life Expectancy | 10 to 15 years |
Why They’re Great for Families:
- Gentle and playful, making them excellent companions for children.
- Highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
- Minimal shedding, reducing allergens in the home.
Note: While Goldendoodles are low-shedding, they still require regular grooming to maintain their coat and prevent matting.
8. Basset Hound: The Patient Friend
Basset Hounds may not have the stature of other large breeds, but their average weight places them in the same category. Known for their calm demeanor and unyielding loyalty, these hounds are perfect for families seeking a laid-back companion.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Hound (AKC) |
| Height | Less than 15 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds |
| Coat & Color | Short, coarse coat; combinations of black, white, brown, tan, and lemon |
| Life Expectancy | 12 to 13 years |
Why They’re Great for Families:
- Extremely loyal and devoted to their family.
- Patient and tolerant with children, even younger ones.
- Get along well with other pets, especially when socialized early.
Note: Basset Hounds are known for their stubborn streak, so patience and consistent training are essential.
9. Great Dane: The Gentle Giant
The Great Dane’s enormous size is matched only by its gentle, affectionate nature. Despite their towering stature, they’re remarkably calm and are excellent with children when properly trained and socialized.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Working (AKC) |
| Height | 28 to 34 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 100 to 200 pounds |
| Coat & Color | Short, smooth coat; yellow, fawn, blue, black, or brindle |
| Life Expectancy | 6 to 8 years |
Why They’re Great for Families:
- Calm and loving, making them gentle playmates for children.
- Require moderate exercise, making them suitable for less active households.
- Protective without being aggressive, offering peace of mind for families.
Note: Their large size requires ample space, and their shorter lifespan means they need attentive care during their senior years.
10. Rottweiler: The Devoted Guardian
Rottweilers are strong, loyal, and protective, making them excellent family dogs when properly trained. While their muscular build might seem intimidating, they are affectionate and playful with their loved ones.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Working (AKC) |
| Height | 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 80 to 130 pounds |
| Coat & Color | Short double coat; black with tan, rust, or mahogany markings |
| Life Expectancy | 8 to 10 years |
Why They’re Great for Families:
- Naturally protective, ensuring the safety of their family.
- Affectionate with older children, forming strong bonds.
- Highly trainable with consistent, positive reinforcement.
Note: Rottweilers require early socialization and training to ensure they are well-behaved around children and other pets.
11. Newfoundland: The Gentle Water Lover
Known as “nanny dogs,” Newfoundlands are famous for their sweet, patient nature and affinity for children. These gentle giants are particularly great for families who enjoy water activities, as their webbed feet and strong swimming abilities make them natural lifeguards.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Working (AKC) |
| Height | 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 100 to 150 pounds |
| Coat & Color | Thick double coat; black, brown, gray, or black-and-white |
| Life Expectancy | 8 to 10 years |
Why They’re Great for Families:
- Exceptionally patient and gentle, even with small children.
- Love being involved in family activities, especially swimming.
- Protective yet friendly, making them great companions for families.
Note: Their size and dense coat require ample grooming and space, and they thrive best in cooler climates.
12. Irish Setter: The Playful and Elegant Companion
Irish Setters are known for their striking red coats and lively, friendly personalities. They thrive in active families that can match their high energy levels and need for play.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Group | Sporting (AKC) |
| Height | 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 60 to 70 pounds |
| Coat & Color | Silky, medium-length coat; rich chestnut or mahogany |
| Life Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
Why They’re Great for Families:
- Playful and energetic, making them ideal for families with older, active children.
- Friendly with everyone, including strangers and other pets.
- Intelligent and trainable, excelling in obedience and agility exercises.
Note: Irish Setters require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and avoid boredom-related behaviors.
Choosing the Best Large Dog Breed for Your Family
Selecting the right large dog breed for your family is a deeply personal decision, influenced by your lifestyle, activity level, and the ages of your children.
Large dogs are known for their loyalty, protective instincts, and ability to form strong bonds with their families, making them wonderful companions in the right environment.
Key Factors to Consider
- Space Requirements: Large dogs need ample room to move around. Homes with a backyard or access to open spaces are ideal for breeds like Labradors and Alaskan Malamutes.
- Activity Levels: High-energy breeds like Irish Setters or German Shepherds thrive in active households, while calmer breeds like Great Danes are better suited to quieter families.
- Training and Socialization: Early and consistent training is crucial for large dogs to ensure they grow up to be well-mannered and safe around children and other pets.
- Grooming Needs: Breeds with thick coats, such as Bernese Mountain Dogs or Newfoundlands, require regular grooming, while short-coated breeds like Boxers need less upkeep.
- Health Considerations: Larger breeds often have shorter lifespans and are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary care is essential to keep them healthy.
Comparing the Top Breeds
| Breed | Energy Level | Best For | Grooming Needs | Life Expectancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | High | Active families, all ages | Moderate | 10–12 years |
| German Shepherd | High | Protective families, older kids | Moderate | 7–10 years |
| Golden Retriever | Moderate | All-around family companion | Moderate | 10–12 years |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Low to Moderate | Families with young kids | High | 6–8 years |
| Boxer | High | Active families, older kids | Low | 10–12 years |
| Alaskan Malamute | High | Outdoor-loving families | High | 10–12 years |
| Goldendoodle | Moderate | Allergy-sensitive families | Moderate | 10–15 years |
| Basset Hound | Low | Laid-back families, all ages | Low | 12–13 years |
| Great Dane | Low to Moderate | Families with older kids | Low | 6–8 years |
| Rottweiler | Moderate | Protective families, older kids | Low | 8–10 years |
| Newfoundland | Low to Moderate | Families with young kids, swimmers | High | 8–10 years |
| Irish Setter | High | Active families, older kids | Moderate | 12–15 years |
Final Thoughts
The perfect large dog for your family depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a calm protector like the Great Dane, an energetic playmate like the Irish Setter, or a water-loving companion like the Newfoundland, there’s a breed that’s perfect for you.
Remember, proper training, socialization, and regular care are crucial to ensuring your dog thrives in your family. With the right match, a large dog can bring joy, love, and unforgettable memories to your home.