Today’s list of 20 best dogs for large family is the most reliable source to find your desired dog for your big family in 2025. This is an all-in-one place where you can see, compare and choose your big dogs.
Do you know the best part of having a dog is? You will feel, at least there is someone loyal in your life. We all know about the Hachiko memorial statue in Japan, it was made for the loyalty of the dog Hachiko.
Well, if you are thinking of extending your family with a new dog, then stop thinking. Yes, you heard it right! Stop thinking and go grab your dog tomorrow. It will be double the fun for your children to have this. You may check our recent post on the biggest dog breeds in the world.
And the best option for your family dog is a big dog breed, big dog breed, and big dog breed. These dogs are loyal, friendly, easy to maintain, and most importantly follow instructions properly which is the best relief for your child.
Why Big Dogs for a Large Family?
There are many enormous dogs in the world that are family-friendly despite the larger sizes. Your large family needs a big dog as several breeds are widely recognized to be loyal, loving and gentle. A calm, patient disposition is crucial if you have young children, and everyone enjoys a good cuddle with a huge dog that believes it’s a lap dog. You may also check the 30 Cheapest Dog Breeds in the World.
Bigger is always better, and these giant dog breeds make the case that it very well might be! Large dogs, while not for everyone, maybe immensely lovable and adorable pets, some of the largest breeds, such as Mastiffs and Bernese Mountain Dogs, are known for being gentle, and many make excellent running partners.
Why should you have a Big Dog for your Kid Safety?
You must have seen several hyped videos on social media regarding kids with dogs. Haven’t you? These videos show that dogs are holding the kids or cuddling the kids and often saving the kids from unwanted occurrences. Dogs can be one of the great reliable pets to have your kids with. Especially big dogs often play the role of other family members for their safety.
It is essential to research the temperament of the dog to bring large dogs into the home with children. Every dog is different and you can generalize it according to the basic arrangement of the race. Nevertheless, note that you really should keep a watch on them with youngsters (or other animals) when you bring a new dog into your household until you can determine their overall personality and disposition.
The Expectation of a Large Family from the Best Dog?
Every family’s expectations are not the same but most of the family brings a dog home to add some more fun to their typical life. And trust me, dogs are worth fulfilling your expectations. If you like cute dogs then check our recent publication on 10 Cute Dog Breeds in the World.
Most of the big families expect to have friendly, gentle, and at the same time easy-going dogs. They expect to have such a dog which will cope up soon with all the family members. well in this case you should choose a big dog breed. Big dog breeds are truly your friends indeed, it helps you even by losing its life.
How do big dog breeds protect your large family?
Guard dogs are generally chosen for the best protection of your family but would you always like a dog with a chain and sitting near your gate?
You can definitely choose a big breed of dog, who is a family dog and at the same time protects your family too. When it comes to family fun with protection, big dog breeds are the best choice. Let’s see one important fact on how to know if your dog is sick?.
They protect you from strangers. They take care of your babies when you are not there. They know what you need as they also become a family member. and they do all these without being harsh like guard dogs.
look, when you are having a milkshake with pancakes, why would you only have the pancakes? So, Big dog breeds are the combo pancakes and milkshakes offered. You should know the Human Foods that your Puppies can Eat.
#Here are the 20 Best Dogs for Large Family in 2025
Although people search for the top 10 best dogs for large families, we have arranged 20 dog breeds for your better analysis and choosing the best dog for your big family. Let’s go
01. Labrador Retriever
Price: $10,000
Minimum Price: $800
Origin: United Kingdom
Weight: Male: 64–79 lbs (29–36 kg), Female: 55–71 lbs (25–32 kg)
Height: Male: 22–24 inches (57–62 cm), Female: 22–24 inches (55–60 cm)
Life Span: 12 – 14 years
Color: Black, Chocolate, Yellow
Eats: Real meat, beef, chicken, and turkey. raw fruits, apples, bananas, and cranberries
Litter Size: 5 to 10 puppies
Other Name: Labrador
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Intelligent, Even Tempered, Outgoing, Kind, Agile, Trusting, Gentle
Possible health problems: Hip Dysplasia, Laryngeal Paralysis, Arthritis, Hypothyroidism, Elbow Dysplasia, Seizures, Cancer
No wonder Labrador Retriever, cutely called Lab is at the peak of the list of Top 20 Best Dogs for Largest Family in 2025. Originating in the United Kingdom, this cute dog was developed from the imported Canadian fishing dogs.
This medium-large gun dog is not only popular in Western countries but also throughout the world. With short, dense, weather-resistant double coats, it is found in black, chocolate, or yellow. Popularly known for its obedience, loyalty, and playful composure, it is largely used as a disability assistance breed in many countries to help people with blindness or autism.
For its strong and muscular body, it gives excellent performance in sports. This intelligent dog is also used for hunting, tracking, and detection. Being very kind, pleasant, and good-tempered, it is an excellent family dog for the largest family.
02. Bulldog
Price: $2500
Origin: England
Weight: 8–23 kg
Height: 31–40 cm
Life Span: 8 – 10 years
Color: White, Fawn, Piebald, Brindle & White, Fawn & White, Red & White, Red, Red Brindle
Eats: bread, oatmeal, shrimp, eggs, pork, turkey, salmon, chicken, beef, lamb
Litter Size: 3 to 4 puppies
Other Name: British Bulldog
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Willful, Docile, Friendly, Gregarious
Possible health problems: Overheating, Severe Skin Allergies, Eczema, Dry Skin, Acne, Degenerative Spine Disease, Cherry Eye, Hip Dysplasia, Joint & Ligament Injuries
The Bulldog can be the best dog for large families in 2025. One of the most renowned breeds of Bulldog, also known as the British Bulldog, is placed 2nd on our list. Originated in England, this popular purebred is the national animal of the United Kingdom. This muscular and hefty dog is very easy to recognize for its wrinkled face and distinctive pushed-in nose.
It is found in various colors such as brindle, solid white, red, fawn, yellow, piebald, etc. Some British consider this medium size dog as the national icon. As a distinctive feature, it has a natural short and either straight, screwed, or thin tail. It is very.
Courageous but not aggressive, friendly, patient breed. Bulldog is a perfect choice for a large family as it gets along well with children, other dogs and other pets. The Bulldog is the official mascot of thirty nine universities of United States of America and United States Marine Corps,
03. Golden Retriever
Price: $3,000 USD
Minimum Price: $500 USD
Origin: United Kingdom, Scotland, England
Provider: The Kennel Club
Weight: Male: 30–34 kg, Female: 25–32 kg
Height: Male: 56–61 cm (22–24 inches), Female: 51–56 cm (20–22 inches)
Life Span: 10 – 12 Year
Color: Dark Golden, Cream, Light Golden, Golden
Eats: Diets Dry Dog Food, Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, High Protein Dry Dog Food
Litter Size: 8 Puppies
Other Name: N/A
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Intelligent, Kind, Reliable, Trustworthy, Confident, Friendly
It is no wonder to find the water lover dog Golden Retriever on the list. It is a medium-large size gun dog that originated mostly in Scotland and the United Kingdom. It got the title retriever because of its soft mouth which has the ability to carry even a raw egg without crushing it.
Hence, it can retrieve shot games undamaged. It is used as a disability assistance dog to guide blind people and can be used as a hearing dog by deaf people. This extremely obedient dog can be trained very easily to use in hunting and shooting parties to retrieve shot waterfowl like ducks and birds.
Furthermore, it has incredible detection power to use in searching and rescue missions. It is an intelligent, delightful, adorable, obedient dog by nature. With its dense, water-repellant wavy coat for protection in freezing temperatures, it is found commonly in cream and golden colors. One of its distinctive features is that it doesn’t have bad breath like most other dogs.
04. Alaskan Malamute
Price: $6,500 USD
Minimum Price: $1,000 USD
Weight: Female: 32–38 kg, Male: 36–43 kg
Height: Female: 56–61 cm, Male: 61–66 cm
Origin: United States (Alaska)
Provider: AKC
Life Span: 10-12 Years
Color: Gray, sable, black, or red, always with white, as well as all white.
Eats: high-quality dog food
Litter Size: up to 16 Puppies
Other Name: Mal or Mally
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Playful, Friendly, Affectionate, Devoted, Dignified, Loyal
Possible health problems: Canine Hip Dysplasia
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the best dogs for large families in 2025. Some people think large dogs are only used as watchdogs and hounds. The Alaskan Malamute can break their myth. Because of its Alaskan origin, it is quite similar to other arctic breeds like husky and spitz dogs such as the Greenland Dog, Canadian Eskimo Dog, the Siberian Husky, and the Samoyed.
It is very common to find gray, sable, black, or red, always with white Alaskan Malamute. To protect itself from extreme cold, it has a thick double coat, with a plush undercoat. Though it was bred for sled dogs and hounds, it has now become a famous house dog for its amazing qualities.
It is a quiet, less barking dog and very fond of people. As it nimble around furniture and smaller items, it is an ideal house dog for a large family but not a very reliable watchdog as it seldom barks.
05. Bernese Mountain Dog
Price: $2,000 USD
Minimum Price: $800 USD
Weight: Male: 38–50 kg, Female: 36–48 kg
Height: Male: 64–70 cm, Female: 58–66 cm
Origin: Switzerland
Provider: AKC
Life Span: 6-8 Years
Color: Tricolor (black, rust, and white)
Eats: Dog food
Litter Size: 7-15 Puppies
Other Name: Berner Sennenhund
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Intelligent, Affectionate, Loyal, Faithful.
Possible health problems: WD, hypomyelination, allergies, etc
The Bernese Mountain Dog also known as Berner Sennenhund is one of the cutest dogs in the world. This large-sized dog originated in Switzerland. It is called a Bernese Cattle Dog as it was mainly kept as a family dog and is the most famous breed among the four breeds of Sennenhund type dogs from the Swiss Alps.
In addition, sometimes it was used as a draft dog and for pulling carts. It is easily recognized for its long coat tricolored with black, rust, and white and the white “Swiss cross” marking on its chest, and a white mark is known as the “Swiss kiss” on the neck. This well-mannered, sweet, gentle, well-behaved, and playful dog is an ideal dog for a large family. It is affectionate to stay with children and other pets. Although It is very quick and energetic, it is not aggressive. It is very obedient and attacks the enemy when its owner is under attack.
06. Beagle
Price: $1,000 USD
Origin: England
Weight: Male (10–11 kg), Female: (9–10 kg)
Height: Male: 14–16 inches (36–41 cm), Female: 13–15 inches (33–38 cm)
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Color: Lemon & White, Tri-color, White & Tan, Chocolate Tri, Red & White, Orange & White, White & Chocolate
Eats: meats, fish, cheese, yogurt, popcorn, wheat and grains
Litter Size: six puppies
Other Name: Tricolor Beagle, English Beagle
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Intelligent, Even Tempered, Amiable, Determined, Excitable, Gentle
Possible health problems: obesity, epilepsy, allergies, cherry eye, and hypothyroidism
The Beagle is also known as English Beagle a cute small dog breed. Originated in England, it is a breed of small scent hound and looks quite alike to the fox foxhound. This intelligent dog has short-haired, hard coats of medium length.
It is commonly found in tricolor or white in combination with black and tan/ brown or brown/ tan. This insanely popular house dog actually was not primarily a pet dog. It was basically developed for hunting hare. Because its extraordinary smelling power and superior tracking instincts ability made them renowned as a detection dog. But its perfect pet size, cute appearance, good temper, affectionate with toddlers, and lack of inherited health problems made him an ideal house dog.
07. Pug
Price: $3,000
Origin: China
Weight: 4 and 18 pounds
Height: 30 – 36 cm
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Color: Black, Fawn, Apricot, Silver Fawn
Eats: lamb, chicken, beef
Litter Size: 4 to 6 puppies
Other Name: Dutch bulldog
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, Charming, Stubborn, Mischievous, Clever, Docile, Sociable, Loving, Attentive, Quiet, Calm
Possible health problems: Encephalitis (PDE) and canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elongated palate, patellar luxation, stenotic nares, Legg-Perthes disease, entropion, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), hemivertebra
Quite similar to the British Bulldog, the Pug has been placed 7th in our list of Top 20 Best Dogs for Largest Family in 2025. It is often called the Dutch Bulldog. Its wrinkly, short-muzzled face, curled tail, and fine, glossy coat have made it easier to recognize.
It is found in varieties of colors mostly light brown or fawn and black. This cute little dog has an unusual square shape and we’ll develop muscle and legs. After bringing it to Europe from its origin in China, it gained popularity in the United Kingdom when Queen Victoria owned it. Even this passion passed to the other members of the Royal family.
It is a perfect family pet and is renowned for being sociable and gentle companions. Its fondness for toddlers has made them safe for large families with kids. It got the title “shadow” for its affection for the owner. And like to follow and stay close to the owner.
08. Irish Setter
Price: $5,500
Origin: Ireland
Weight: Dogs: 25–27 pounds (11–12 kg), Bitches: 24–26 pounds (11–12 kg)
Height: Dogs: 17–18 inches (43–46 cm), Bitches: 16–18 inches (41–46 cm)
Life Span: 13 – 15 years
Color: Wheaten, Red Wheaten, Red
Eats: high-quality dry food, Brown Rice, Oats, and Vegetables
Litter Size: 4 puppies
Other Name: Irish Red Terrier
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Temperament: Intelligent, Respectful, Lively, Dominant, Protective, Trainable
Possible health problems: eye problems, Hyperkeratosis, allergies, and sensitive
The Irish Setter, a breed of gundog and family dog is also known as Red setter. It originated in Ireland and is called Sotar Rua there. This medium large-size dog has a double coat for protection from extreme cold. The Irish Setter is easy to recognize for its red or chestnut long and silky topcoat.
This intelligent dog was bred for hunting and well suited in any land. It was primarily used for setting or locating and pointing upland game birds. It is quite friendly with children and other dogs. But some of them may create problems with small animals like cats.
But it is a great companion and family pet. Even in schools and hospitals, it is used as a therapy dog. Two famous US presidents Richard Nixon and Harry Truman had Irish Setter as a pet dog.
09. Brussels Griffon
Price: $6,300
Origin: Belgium
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
Height: 7 to 10 inches
Life Span: 10 – 15 years
Color: Black, Black & Tan, Blue, Brown, Red, Belge
Eats: corn, barley, and oats
Litter Size: 1 to 3 puppies
Other Name: Brussels Griffon, Belgium Griffon, Petit Brabançon, Griffon Belge, Brabançon Griffon
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Temperament: Self-important, Inquisitive, Alert, Watchful, Companionable, Sensitive
Possible health problems: weak bladder, distichiasis, patellar luxation, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Small and cute Brussels Griffon, also known as Griffon Bruxellois, is one of the most popular & best dogs for large families. It was named after its origin city Brussels in Belgium. This toy dog is often called Griffon or Griff. This small size dog is available in two coat variants such as wiry or rough and smooth coat.
It has short red, black, and tan, or black and reddish hair and looks quite similar to the Belgian Shepherd. Being very obedient, it likes to stay with its master and doesn’t remain shy or aggressive. It gets along with children easily and likes to play even though being impatient. As it is very sensitive, it needs to socialize properly at an early age.
10. Newfoundland
Price: $4,000 USD
Minimum Price: $1,000 USD
Weight: Male: 60–70 kg, Female: 45–55 kg
Height: Male: 69–74 cm, Female: 63–69 cm
Origin: the Island of Newfoundland, modern-day Canada
Provider: AKC
Life Span: 8-10 Years
Color: Black, white with black patches (“Landseer”), brown (not in Canadian standard), and grey (only in US standard.
Eats: 2-3 cups of food, twice a day
Litter Size: 4-12 Puppies
Other Name: Newfoundland
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Sweet-Tempered, Gentle, Trainable
Possible health problems: SAS, cystinuria, CHD
The Newfoundland was named after its origin the Dominion of Newfoundland, currently a part of Canada where it was used as a working dog for fishermen. This large working dog has a muscular body with a thick and straight double coat which has the water-resistant ability.
It is usually found in black, white with black patches (Landseer), brown (not in Canadian standard), and grey (only in US standard) colors. This calm and quiet dog is renowned for its giant size, intelligence, strength, and loyalty. It is an ideal family dog for its sweet nature but its size can cause problems to toddlers and small animals. With its excellent swimming ability, it can be useful in water rescue and lifesaving.
11. French Bulldog
Price: $6,000 USD
Minimum Price: $1,500 USD
Origin: England, France
Provider: American Kennel Club
Weight: 7.3–11.3 kg
Height: 11 to 12 inches
Life Span: 10 – 14 Year
Color: Fawn, White, Brindle, Brindle & White, Tan
Eats: Dry kibble, high-quality dog food, cookie, homemade foods
Litter Size: 3 Puppies
Other Name: Frenchies
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Affectionate, Easygoing, Sociable, Lively, Alert, Patient, Keen, Bright, Playful, Athletic.
Possible health problems: elbow Dysplasia, hip dysplasia
The French Bulldog was one of the few dogs which were originally bred to be a companion dog. It is not difficult to understand that its origin is France where it is called Bouledogue français. This muscular dog has a soft and loose coat forming wrinkles with short, fine, and silky hair.
It is commonly found in brindle, fawn color but other shades such as cream or white with brindle patches (pied) are also available. This friendly dog is well-mannered and obedient to the owner. For its fun-loving attitude, it is famous as the “clowns of the dog world.” Hence, it is a popular companion dog and an ideal one for a large family. In 2020, it was the second most popular dog in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
12. Collie
Price: $1,500
Origin: Scotland
Weight: Dogs: 14–20 kg (31–44 lb), Bitches: 12–19 kg (26–42 lb)
Height: Dogs: 48–56 cm (19–22 in), Bitches: 46–53 cm (18–21 in)
Life Span: 10 – 17 years
Color: Solid coloured, bicoloured or tricoloured on blue merle, red merle, chocolate merle, liver, lilac merle, bear, chocolate, lilac, blue, sable merle, sable, shaded sable, chocolate sable, black, white, red, red, and white, brindle or orange.
Eats: Dry Food, Merrick Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato
Litter Size: 4 to 8 puppies
Other Name: Scottish Sheep Dog, English Sheep Dog, Welsh Sheep Dog
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Intelligent, Tenacious, Energetic, Loyal, Keen, Responsive, Alert, AthleticPossible health problems: seizures, progressive retinal atrophy, osteochondritis dissecans, lens luxation, hypothyroidism, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
No wonder Collie, the medium-sized cute dog is in 12th place on our list. Originated in Scotland and Northern England, it is a fairly lightly built dog. It is found in various colors such as black, black and tan, red, red and tan, white, and so on.
Some types of collie such as Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Border Collie, etc are kept as pets for many generations. It is very gentle, loyal, intelligent, and easy to train. This agile dog is very friendly with children and other pets. Sometimes it is used as watchdogs. US President Calvin Coolidge and his wife had two famous white Collies.
13. German Shepherd
Price: $1,500
Origin: Germany
Weight: Male: 66–88 lbs (30–40 kg), Female: 49–71 lbs (22–32 kg)
Height: Male: 24–26 inches (60–65 cm), Female: 22–24 inches (55–60 cm)
Life Span: 9-13 Years
Color: Black, Black & Tan, Sable, Grey, Red & Black, Black & Silver
Eats: beef, chicken, pork, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs, apples, bananas, berries, carrots, peas, and pumpkins.
Litter Size: 1 to 15 puppies
Other Name: German Shepherd Dog; Alsatian wolf dog; Berger Allemand; Deutscher Schäferhund
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Intelligent, Stubborn, Loyal, Obedient, Alert, Watchful, Confident, Curious, Courageous
Possible health problems: Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Bloat, Epilepsy, Hemophilia, Diabetes, Cataracts, Degenerative Disc Disease
Wolf-looking medium large size German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs and second-most registered breed by the American Kennel Club which was previously known as Alsatian Wolf Dog. Originated in Germany, it has a double coat and comes with tan with black saddle, sable, solid black, or bi-color.
Though developed as herding dogs for herding sheep, it is now renowned for working in disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police, and military activities for its strength, obedience, intelligence, and trainability. Being excellent guard dogs, sometimes they can become overprotective of their family.
14. Samoyed
Price: $14,000 USD
Minimum Price: $1,500 USD
Origin: Northwest Russia and Western Siberia
Provider: AKC Puppy Finder, Euro Breeder
Weight: Male: 20-30 kilograms, Female: 16–20 kilograms
Height: Male: 53-60 cm (21-24 Inch), Female: 48–53 cm (19-21)
Life Span: 12-14 Years
Color: White, White & Biscuit, Cream
Eats: Dry kibble
Litter Size: 4 – 6 Puppies
Other Name: Smiley, Sammy
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Temperament: Lively, Stubborn, Sociable, Alert, Friendly, Playful
Possible health problems: Nephritis, diabetes mellitus, Hip Dysplasia
Samoyed is one of the best dogs for large families till 2025. The medium size herding dog Samoyed is placed 14th on our list. For its smiley face, it is also called Bjelkie, Smiley, Sammy. Originated mainly in Northwest Russia and Western Siberia, it got its name from the Samoyedic people living in Siberia where it is used for hunting, herding reindeer, and hauling sleds.
This basal breed dog, part of the spitz or northern dog group and closely related to laikas or Eurasian dogs has thick, dense, and double-layer coats with white fur and black or brown almond-shaped eyes. Its distinctive feature is its curled tail carried over the back but not so tightly as flag-like and touching its back. Being a poor guard dog, it is an appropriate house dog for its appearance, calm and friendly nature which makes it more desirable to dog lovers.
15. Siberian Husky
Price: $6,000 USD
Minimum Price: $60-1,300 USD
Origin: Northeast Asia
Provider: AKC
Weight: Female: 16–23 kg, Male: 20–27 kg
Height: 21–23.5 inches (53–60 cm)
Life Span: 12-15 Years
Color: White, Black, Black & Tan, Black & White, Sable & White, Grey, Gray & White, Red & White, Silver-gray
Eats: chicken, beef, lamb, fish, fruits
Litter Size: 4–8 puppies
Other Name: Chukcha, Husky; Sibe
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Intelligent, Friendly, Outgoing, Alert, Gentle
Possible health problems:
The very famous Siberian Husky, Also known as Chukcha, is ranked 15th on our list. This medium size cute pet dog is a member of the Spitz genetic type and is genetically quite similar to the Alaskan Malamute and the Alaskan husky.
It is used as a companion and used for sled pulling by the Chukchi people of Siberia of Northeast Asia. It is found in all colors from black to pure white and includes many different colors and markings with thick furred double coat dog to protect itself from extreme cold.
It was brought to Nome, Alaska by a Russian named William Goosak. As a distinctive feature, it usually howls instead of barking like other dogs. The Husky is an immensely energetic and active breed who is pretty much affectionate to play with children. It is very loyal, gentle, and intelligent and a perfect dog for a large family.
16. Australian Shepherd
Price: $1,800
Origin: United States
Weight: 35–70 lb (16–32 kg)
Height: 20–23 in (51–58 cm)
Life Span: 13 – 15 years
Color: Blue or red merle, solid black or red, and/or white markings and/or tan points or a mixture of all
Eats: Whole grains, starchy vegetables, and fresh fruits
Litter Size: 6-7 pups
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Intelligent, Good-natured, Affectionate, Active, Protective
Possible health problems: Epilepsy, Hereditary Eye Diseases, Hip Dysplasia, Heart Disease, Chronic Allergies, Hypothyroidism, Drug Sensitivity, Deafness.
Originally developed in the United States as a herding dog, The Australian Shepherd is now one of the most owned pet dogs in the world. It got its name from the farmers as it was used for sheep herding.
This medium-sized athletic dog is covered with a moderately long double coat and comes with blue or red merle, solid black or red and/ or white markings and/ or tan points, or a mixture of all colors. Being intelligent, active, loyal, protective, playful, and adaptive, it has become a very popular pet. But inadequate exercise can make it destructive.
17. Belgian Tervuren
Price: $5,500
Origin: Belgium
Weight: Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg) Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Height: Female: 22–24 inches (56–62 cm), Male: 24–26 inches (60–66 cm)
Life Span: 12 – 14 years
Color: Black, Brindle, Mahogany & Black, Fawn & Black, Black & Cream, Fawn & Liver
Eats: Salmon, Shrimps, Meat, Fish, Apples, Eggs, Bread, Watermelon.
Litter Size: 6-10 puppies
Other Name: Chien de Berger Belge, Belgian Sheepdog
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Intelligent, Attentive, Alert, Energetic, Loyal, Protective
Possible health problems: elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, osteochondritis dissecans, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, autoimmune thyroiditis, von Willebrand’s disease and allergies
The Belgian Tervuren, bred as a majestic herding dog is a famous pet dog also known as Tervuren or Terv. It got its name from where it originated, Tervuren, a small town in Belgium and known as Chien de Berger Belge there.
Like most other pet dogs, this medium-size dog is covered with a double coat with a long, straight outer coat and dense undercoat. It is a perfect pet dog for a large family. Being strong, energetic, bold, and courageous not only made them protective of family members but also their intelligence, loyalty, and behavior helped them to create strong bonds with all.
Though it is quite affectionate and playful to toddlers, surprisingly it likes to spend more time with adults. As it barks seeing suspected people, it can be a great guard dog. But it needs time to be trained properly.
18. Great Dane
Price: $3,000 USD
Minimum Price: $600 USD
Weight: Female: 45–59 kg, Male: 54–90 kg
Height: Female: 71–81 cm, Male: 76–86 cm
Origin: Germany
Provider: AKC
Life Span: 8-10 Years
Color: Black, Brindle, Fawn, Mantle, Blue, Harlequin.
Eats: lamb, beef, fish and whole chicken.
Litter Size: up to Eight Puppies
Other Name: German Mastiff
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Friendly, Devoted, Reserved, Confident, Loving, Gentle.
Possible health problems: Hip Dysplasia, Cardiomyopathy
One of the largest breeds in the world, The Great Dane is listed 18th on our list. It is also known as Deutsche Dogge, German Mastiff, German Boarhound. Originated in Germany, it is also one of the tallest dogs in the world.
It is found in fawn, brindle, black, harlequin, mantle and blue colors. It is named “gentle giant” for its huge size and friendly nature. If this loving pet is raised with children and gets proper training, it gets along with the toddlers easily. On the contrary, lack of socialization might make them aggressive and fearful.
19. Great Pyrenees
Price: $2,500 USD
Minimum Price: $800 USD
Weight: Male: 50–54 kg, Female: 36–41 kg
Height: Male: 70–82 cm, Female: 65–74 cm
Origin: France
Provider: AKC
Life Span: 10-12 years
Color: White, Tan, Grey, Red, Badger
Eats: Dog food
Litter Size: 6-9 Puppies
Other Name: Patou
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Gentle, Affectionate, Strong-Willed, Fearless, Patient, Confident.
Possible health problems: OCD, skin problems, cataracts.
The Great Pyrenees, a breed of livestock guardian dog, is popularly known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. It originated in the Pyrenees Mountains of France and is called the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées or the Patou in short there.
This large and heavily built dog is covered with a long and thick double coat from protection in extreme weather and comes with white with or without patches of black, badger, grey, or tan on the head. As a distinctive feature, it has double dewclaws on its hind legs. Being bred as a guardian dog, it is very protective of family members and affectionate with toddlers. Though it is intelligent and a quick learner, its Independence resists training it easily.
20. Mastiff
Price: $2,500 USD
Minimum Price: $1,000 USD
Weight: Male: 45–73 kg, Female: 34–54 kg
Height: Male: 66–76 cm, Female: 61–71 cm
Origin: Tibet
Provider: AKC
Life Span: 12-15 Years
Color: Black, Black & Tan, Brown, Brown & Tan, Red Gold, Blue Gray
Eats: Dog food
Litter Size: 6-12 Puppies
Other Name: Bordeauxdog
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Intelligent, Stubborn, Tenacious, Aloof, Strong-Willed, Protective.
Possible health problems: cardiomyopathy, pulmonic stenosis, mitral dysplasia
The Mastiff, also known as the English Mastiff is the largest dog breed in the world in terms of mass. Its desired temperament and loyalty made it one of the most popular dog breeds on this planet. Its massive body with a broad skull is usually covered with a short, fine, and smooth coat.
It is available in various colors such as apricot-fawn, silver-fawn, fawn, and dark fawn-brindle. Though being very courageous and powerful it is very gentle, kind, and generous. It is mixed up with family and fond of playing with children. Because of its huge physical size, it needs plenty of space. As a result, it is mainly suitable for country or suburban life.
What to Consider in Big Dog Breeds for Large Families?
If you have a large family, you are blessed, trust me you are. And now if it is time to add another member to the family, check out all the considerations written below.
01. Friendliness
really does seem like a visible feature of a dog, but for families that wish to add a huge dog breed to their homes, it’s extremely crucial.
You would like a dog who fits along with everyone else in the playground, with other dogs you meet on walks, even with family and friends who come over to visit.
Note that this is not about giant friendly dogs being unable to protect their homes and families. However, the differences between nice strangers and persons who can represent danger must be recognized.
02. Affectionate
Dogs prefer to follow their owners around and like spending time with them. Despite their size, they are quick to get up on your lap and slobbery licks are plentiful.
The majority of popular large dogs are affectionate, however there are a few outliers.
Chows, Shar Peis, and other large dog breeds are much more passive than the average Labrador or Golden Retriever. They tend to keep a little longer for themselves.
03. Hypoallergenic
You will hardly find a home where at least one person is not allergic. In certain circumstances, dog allergies can be sufficiently severe to cause you to send your new animal.
You may do a few things to lessen your home’s hair and sweat. However, selecting a “hypoallergenic” large dog breed is the best method to prevent allergy problems.
No race is genuinely “hypoallergenic,” like all dogs’ hair. But there are individuals who shed far less hair than others. Many of these reactions also seem only to cause less allergies than others.
04. Loyalty
Loyalty is a key characteristic of domestic dogs that most possibly the best dogs are loyal to their group. However, some dogs are far more faithful than others. And the most gratifying breeds to bring to your household are very loyal dogs.
Please note that some of the huge dogs tend to be more loyal than others to one person in the family while other dogs appear to treat all family members equally. Before making your option, examine whether alternatives are acceptable or what would be better for your family.
05. Great energy levels
Some of the finest breeds of dogs are happy to be indoor dogs, sitting the whole day and doing most of their workout by chasing squirrels or going for a stroll or two. In contrast, several races are renowned for their almost unlimited energy storage.
Big dog breeds are likely to have more energy especially those with kids – a dog will love a workout and find it easier to maintain its dog properly. The exercise requirements of a breed, on the other hand, are not to be taken lightly.
06. Intelligent
Dogs who are intelligent are frequently easier to train than those who aren’t. More often than their smarter counterparts, they also provide more satisfying interactions.
Smart dogs are less likely to have issues with housetraining, and it is simple for children to teach them adorable skills.
However, intellect isn’t always a desirable thing, and dogs that are best described as “basic” have their own merits.
07. Low Maintenance
This underrated quality brings sufferage in the long run. Several very amazing huge breeds of dogs have lengthy or dense coats that need constant washing and maintaining. Unfortunately, this makes for a terrible family decision for many of these races.
You want instead of a dog who can walk from the couch to the park without pulling a metric tonne of dirt into his fur. And you probably wish to restrict the clothing requirements of your huge dog to occasional nail clothes and washing.
08. Playful
Dogs aren’t just for lying down on a corner of your family right? When it comes to having fun with their family, playful dogs are usually up for it. They are eager to hunt a ball, go swimming or spend the rainy day playing hide-and-seek.
Occasionally playful dogs can get you insane with their incessant longing for fun and games. But they’re likely to make you grin rather than just dogs laying about.
Note that avoiding playful large dog breeds is nothing but a wrong decision even if you’ve got an affinity family that enjoys calming down into chaos. Even the most relaxed races usually have some fun every now and then.
09. Self-conscious and gentle
Even large dogs weighing less than 50 pounds can cause serious (if unintentional) damage. It takes a little while to knock and some dogs can get a little tough when playing with older children.
But big, decent dogs with children are usually really gentle and are not taken away when they’re thrilled.
This is especially crucial for families with small children or those who are considering adding a large dog to their household.
It’s worth remembering that most large dog breeds retain their puppy-like disposition even after they’ve reached adulthood. It is therefore advisable, wherever feasible, to select a huge dog breed calmly.
Should I bring a puppy or big dog breed when I have a newborn?
Parents frequently have an idealist perspective on how to raise children and dogs but the truth is that it is a lot of labor. A puppy can be twice as difficult as raising young children.
If you’re planning to get a puppy ready to train, socialize, protect the house from puppies, destructive chewing, tits, and raw play. When your kids are small (under the age of five), consider yourself whether you have time to add puppy raising to the list.
If you want to bring a trained dog, that can even be problematic, as trained dogs have less capacity to accept the new situation of a new home.
In such a case, you better bring a big dog breed before any newborn baby. Train it, and when the newborn is at home, stay with the dog and baby, never let them stay alone without any presence of an adult. Thus the big breed dogs easily get used to the new member of the family, and thus they are bound to a great bond.
Do large dog breeds good with kids?
Whereas a dog’s behavior clearly plays a vital part, it is important that each dog is assessed as a person. If you have kids, you’ll want a dog who is friendly and ready to please. During the interactions, they should be pleasant, friendly, and gentle.
An extremely exuberant dog, no matter how friendly, can be a hazard to children if it jumps up, paws, or mouths them. Choosing a big dog breed, calm and clever dog that reacts well to instruction is also a great choice. And generally, such breeds are intelligent and likely to follow instructions clearly.
#Let’s see the Top 10 Best Big Family Dogs in 2025
Big dogs don’t always mean that they do not know their weight or are grumpy, or are lazy and not playful. The best family dogs are definitely the big dog breeds as they are friendly, easy to train, loyal, energetic, and whatnot. Here are the 10 best big family dogs you can pick for your family
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Boxer
- Australian Shepherd
- Alaskan Malamute
- Afghan Hound
- Alaskan Malamute Goldendoodle
- Basset Hound.