The 7 Best Large Dog Breeds for Families

Most American households are pet owners, and it should be no surprise that the most popular type of pet is the family dog. While many animals make the best pet for children, nothing compares to the snuggles and play that a dog can provide. While there is a benefit to owning a small dog breed, a large dog can come on adventures, go on long walks and engage in lots of physical play. If your family has decided you're looking for a medium to a large dog but aren't sure which breed to choose, keep reading to find the perfect fit. 

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for their strength, loyalty, and calm demeanor. These black and white beauties grow to an average height of two feet and weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. These gentle giants were bred to be working dogs, so spending hours outdoors with kids is second nature to them. They are extremely affectionate and great with other dogs if you already own one. 

Cane Corso 

The Cane Corso is an easily trainable dog with an incredible intellect. These dogs are fiercely loyal, confident, and very affectionate. If you're looking for a dog that can serve as a best friend and protector for your children, the Cane Corso is a great fit. Incidentally, the proper Cane Corso pronunciation for more than one is Corsi, and most people who own the breed love their build and quality enough to get multiples. The Cane Corso is muscular with a short build, and though mildly intimidating in appearance, they're a stunningly beautiful breed. 

Irish Wolfhound 

The Irish Wolfhound has a tall and slender body with a beautiful, wiry coat. This breed is calm, kind, and quite distinguished in appearance. Though these are a large breed, they are happy to curl up on the floor and let your children climb over them. Their gentle nature lends them to become an ideal companion for children of all ages. Their size is massive, reaching around 32 inches tall and weighing over 100 pounds, regardless of gender. 

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are known for their calm demeanor and openness to new people and dogs. The Retriever is a large, patient dog that enjoys running outside, playing fetch, and going on hikes with its owners. These dogs are incredibly comfortable in the water, so if your family spends a lot of time by the ocean or the lake, this dog would fit right in. If you're looking for the same qualities as a Labrador Retriever with a longer coat, their close relative, the Golden Retriever, would make an excellent match with the same type of family. 

Old English Sheepdog 

The Old English Sheepdog is the archetypical shaggy dog. Their beautiful long gray and white coats make seeing their cute faces nearly impossible. While this breed takes more attention in grooming than the above breeds, they make up for it with their adorable appearance and sweet personalities. The Old English Sheepdog is affectionate with family, excellent with children, and protective and playful. These courageous dogs make excellent protectors and are known for their loud and intense bark. 

Redbone Coonhound 

A familiar staple in hunting families, you don't have to live on a homestead to enjoy the family benefits of adopting a Redbone Coonhound. The dog has a beautiful reddish brown short coat and loves nothing more than being a family companion. The Redbone Coonhound wants to go on every adventure with your children and have the energy level for hours of active play. Their gentle nature makes them fit seamlessly into families with small children.

Newfoundland 

The distinctive-looking Newfoundland is an excellent dog for families of all sizes and ages. The Newfoundland is kind and patient, earning the nickname of the "nanny dog." Newfoundlands are known for their distinctive affection toward young children and embody why we refer to dogs as "man's best friend." This breed may be the best fit for any family. They grow to about two feet tall and around 120 pounds on average. 

Adopting a dog is a great way to teach children responsibility, make memories together, and even a form of protection for the household. Large breeds can make the best playmates for children of all ages. The above breeds are known for their gentle nature and would all make a great addition to your family. Happy Adopting!