13 of the Calmest Large Dog Breeds

Rewrite and expand this content to 700 words This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.There’s just something about snuggling up to a furry gentle giant, so in today’s blog post, we’ll talk about the calmest large dog breeds. They are patient, gentle, not easily excitable or aggressive unless provoked and do well around kids. Their sweet temperament also makes them great candidates for therapy dogs and service dogs.However, while the dog breeds we mention in this blog post have a natural tendency to be much calmer and more easy going than others, you’ll still have to put in a little work to keep them calm and relaxed in your home!Big Calm Dog Breeds Still Need ExerciseThat includes regular exercise because it provides an outlet for their physical and mental energy.Because here’s the thing – regardless of how much energy a dog naturally has, pent up energy is always going to result in frustrating problem behaviors. For example, excessive barking as well as inappropriate chewing and digging.So the best way to keep your large dog calm and relaxed at home is by providing daily walks. On that note, all large pups who make an appearance in this blog post were originally bred to perform specific tasks such as sheep herding, hunting game, pulling carts or saving people. To this day, they all do best when they have a job. And no, that does not mean you have to take them boar hunting or commit to Schutzhund training.The easiest way of providing both a physical and mental workout is by taking them for daily backpack walks! That’s easy enough to do and can be a great conversation sparker as people inquire what the backpack’s for.Aim for two 45 minute walks and adjust as necessary. Some pups will do fine with 30 minute walks while others will be better off with 1 to 1.5 hour walks. There’s a variety of dog backpacks in multiple price ranges you can choose from, and the ones we like best for calm big dog breeds are the following:In-between walks, you can keep your giant pup busy with interactive toys like filled Kongs and treat-dispensing dog food puzzles.Don’t Forget To Socialize & Train Your Gentle GiantsIt’s just as important to socialize and train your large pups as it is to give them regular breed-specific exercise.So if you’re raising a large dog breed puppy, make sure to properly socialize them to the world around them. That’s important to turn them into confident adult pups who aren’t easily startled by strange sounds and sights. You’ll also have to teach them polite leash manners and commands like sit, down, and come.Additionally, you’ll want to include a solid “off” command. It’s different from “down” and particularly useful to keep your giant pup from counter surfing. That’s a common bad habit in large dogs as they can naturally reach kitchen counters and tables that smaller dogs can’t.An easy tool to help you with this is a hands-free dog leash that you wear at home. One end connects to a belt you wear around your waist, and the other end clips to your dog’s collar (or harness).As its name suggests, you can use your body to direct your dog rather than a leash that you hold in your hands.That way, you can easily correct your pup when they’re trying to help themselves to whatever peaks their curiosity on the kitchen counter or dining room table. You can also look into taking your giant puppy to puppy kindergarten as well as to basic obedience classes. Both are great settings to get your pup used to being around other dogs without acting up.Now without further ado, let’s explore a variety of large yet gentle dog breeds!13 of the Calmest Large Dog BreedsIn no particular order here’s our list of 13 large dog breeds that are calm:1. Irish WolfhoundWe’re starting our list of calmest large dog breeds with the tallest of all dogs, the Irish Wolfhound. They measure up to 35” and weigh up to 180 lbs.As their name suggests, they hail from Ireland where they were originally bred as big game hunters specializing in wolves.Although that may conjure up a fierce image in your imagination, Irish Wolfhounds are actually mellow dogs who are great with kids and their families in general.Irish Wolfhounds do fine with a moderate amount of daily exercise, followed by lounging about. To keep your pup and their joints comfy, make sure to invest in an extra large orthopedic dog bed. Since Irish Wolfhounds have a somewhat rugged looking double coat, you’ll have to make some time for a few weekly brushing sessions. But unlike other dogs with double coats, they don’t blow them out which results in less loose dog hair! 2. Scottish DeerhoundNext on our list is the Scottish Deerhound, a relative of the Irish Wolfhound with very similar looks, coat care needs and a sweet disposition!Originally bred for hunting giant red deer in Scotland, the Scottish Deerhound measures up to 32” and weighs up to 110 lbs. This giant pup needs a bit more daily exercise than the Irish Wolfhound, but appreciates a soft dog bed or couch for cuddles post-exercise just as much!3. Saint BernardNext on our list is the Saint Bernard who originated in the Swiss Alps where they would rescue lost and injured travelers.They have moderate daily exercise needs, measure up to 30”, weigh up to 180 lbs and come in two different coats: short and long! But regardless of their coat length, they’re heavy shedders who blow their coat twice per year. Saint Bernards truly are gentle giants as they are patient and great with kids. 4. Bernese Mountain DogNext up is the Bernese Mountain Dog. One of our favorites!Just like Saint Bernards, they hail from Switzerland where they were bred as herding and carting dogs for dairy farmers. Keeping that in mind, they need a decent amount of daily exercise.Berners measure up to 27.5”, weigh up to 115 lbs and blow their double coat twice per year.They make great family dogs who are gentle with children.5. Great DaneFifth on our list are Great Danes, originally from Germany (nope, not from Denmark!) where they were used to hunt wild boar alongside their aristocratic owners. Thanks to their courageous nature, they were also used to protect their homes and masters, and still make loyal family members who protect their human loved ones.While the Great Dane is an impressive looking dog measuring up to 32” at the shoulder and weighing up to 175 lbs along with a deep bark, this dog has a gentle disposition who does fine with moderate daily exercise.Danes have a short coat and don’t shed much, so there’s not a lot of grooming involved with this breed.6. LeonbergerNext up on our list is the giant Leonberger aka Leo who measures up to 31.5” and weighs up to 170 lbs. This breed was originally bred in Germany as a companion dog for aristocracy throughout Europe, but was later also used as cart pulling working dogs on farms. Given their companionship background, Leos make wonderful family dogs who are gentle with kids. Despite their strength, these pups are OK with moderate daily exercise.Like many other large dog breeds on this list, Leonbergers are heavy shedders with a double coat that blows twice per year. 7. MastiffSeventh on our list is the heaviest of all dog breeds – the Mastiff. They measure up to 30” and can weigh up to an impressive 230 lbs!Mastiffs originated in Great Britain from where they were exported to Italy during the Roman invasion. Commonly used as war dogs, they also excelled at hunting wild boar and deer. This gentle giant is sweet natured, great with kids and requires moderate daily exercise. Mastiffs have a short single layer coat that’s easy to maintain.8. GreyhoundEighth on our list are Greyhounds. They measure up to 30” and weigh up to 70 lbs.They’re one of the oldest dog breeds with origins in ancient Egypt where they were bred as fast desert hunting dogs. Despite their ability to get up to great speeds, Greyhounds are fine with moderate daily exercise but need to be able to spread their legs in a secure area. They’re sweet natured and do great with kids, but they have a strong prey drive which means they’re not the best dog for homes with smaller pets like cats and ferrets.Greyhounds have a short, single layer coat that’s easy to maintain!9. Greater Swiss Mountain DogNext on our list is the…