9 Best Large Dog Breeds Perfect for Family Life
If looking for a new family member, you should definitely consider getting a large breed dog. Contrary to popular belief, many large dogs make excellent family companions. In this article, we will review the nine best large dog breeds suitable for family life.
1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever comes from Newfoundland, Canada. It is considered to be a descendant of the now-extinct St. John’s Water Dog. In the late 1800s, the breed became almost extinct after placing new laws about heavy taxation on dog ownership.
Labrador Retrievers are highly praised for being smart and affectionate. They can learn to do just about anything and are used as service dogs, guide dogs, and emotional support animals. Plus, they make exceptional family dogs.
Personality Traits: Outgoing, Active, Friendly
Kid-Friendliness: 5 out of 5
Pet-Friendliness: 5 out of 5
Average Lifespan: 11-13 years
2. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever originated in Scotland and is the result of the breeding efforts of the First Lord Tweedmouth. As the name suggests, the initial role of the breed was to retrieve. Even modern Goldens have gentle mouths and can carry a raw egg without breaking it.
Today, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the world. It makes an exceptional family dog - it is well-mannered, loving, and does not bark a lot. Plus, it is playful and loves kids.
Personality Traits: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted
Kid-Friendliness: 5 out of 5
Pet-Friendliness: 5 out of 5
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
3. Boxer
The Boxer is a big dog with a giant heart. The breed was developed in Germany, where it was used for hunting bears, boars, and other large game. Today, modern Boxers are called the Peter Pan of the dogdom, as they are eternally childish and playful.
Boxers are athletic dogs that enjoy outdoor activities and spending time with their human families. Interestingly, the world record for the longest canine tongue is held by a Boxer called Brandy, whose tongue was a whopping 43 cm long.
Personality Traits: Fun-Loving, Active, Bright
Kid-Friendliness: 5 out of 5
Pet-Friendliness: 3 out of 5
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
4. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a massive yet gentle dog hailing from Newfoundland, Canada. The breed was developed with one purpose - to aid search and rescue missions in cold waters. The webbed toes, waterproof coat, and swimming skills are direct results of that purpose.
Modern Newfoundlands are great family dogs. They are extremely affectionate and enjoy being with their families. Despite the size, Newfies are gentle with small children and very protective.
Personality Traits: Devoted, Patient, Sweet
Kid-Friendliness: 5 out of 5
Pet-Friendliness: 5 out of 5
Average Lifespan: 9-10 years
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
The exact history of the Bernese Mountain Dog is not clear. It is believed that the breed’s ancestor was brought to Switzerland when the Romans crossed the Alps over 2000 years ago. This progenitor of the breed was a Mastiff-type dog.
Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to be herding and guard dogs. Later on, they were used as delivery dogs. Today, they are exceptional family dogs - loving, playful, and affectionate. The Bernese Mountain Dog is considered to have a sense of humor.
Personality Traits: Calm, Strong, Good-Natured
Kid-Friendliness: 5 out of 5
Pet-Friendliness: 5 out of 5
Average Lifespan: 7-10 years
6. Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is the national dog of France. However, despite the breed’s association with France, its origins can be traced back to Germany. The original purpose of the breed was to retrieve ducks from water.
The hallmark of the breed is the curly coat that comes in various colors. Despite the fancy physical appearance, the Standard Poodle is an agile and athletic dog that loves being part of family activities. Also, it is one of the smarties breeds in the world.
Personality Traits: Proud, Very Smart, Active
Kid-Friendliness: 5 out of 5
Pet-Friendliness: 3 out of 5
Average Lifespan: 10-18 years
7. Great Dane
Despite the misleading name, the Great Dane comes from Germany and not Denmark. It is believed to be developed by breeding English Mastiffs with Irish Wolfhounds with the purpose of hunting boars.
Because of their size and physical appearance, Great Danes are popularly called the Apollo of dogs. They are the tallest breed in the world. However, do not be fooled by their size, as Great Danes are gentle and excellent family dogs.
Personality Traits: Patient, Dependable, Friendly
Kid-Friendliness: 4 out of 5
Pet-Friendliness: 4 out of 5
Average Lifespan: 7-10 years
8. Mastiff
The English Mastiff is one of the oldest breeds in the dogdom. The ancestors of the breed were Molossers brought to England by Phoenician traders. Originally, members of the breed were used for bull baiting and as war dogs.
Despite the violent history, modern Mastiffs are gentle giants. They love snoozing and drooling. Mastiffs are very affectionate with their humans and also protective, hence making great dogs for families.
Personality Traits: Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured
Kid-Friendliness: 5 out of 5
Pet-Friendliness: 3 out of 5
Average Lifespan: 6-10 years
9. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an agile working breed from Switzerland. The dog is stronger and larger than a medium-sized ma. Sadly, we do not know much about the breed’s history, but it is believed that it is a descendant of the war dogs Cezar brought across the Alps.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are family-oriented and enjoy spending time with their humans. They are loyal and devoted. Plus, these dogs get along well with other pets and are gentle and patient with children.
Personality Traits: Family-Oriented, Dependable, Faithful
Kid-Friendliness: 5 out of 5
Pet-Friendliness: 3 out of 5
Average Lifespan: 8-11 years
Conclusion
All of the above-described large dogs make excellent family companions. They are loving and protective of their owners.
Plus, they tend to get along well with other dogs and pets. These family dogs are also gentle and patient with small children.
