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Big dogs may look like they’re built for guarding castles, pulling sleds, or starring in action movies, but most are just oversized cuddle bugs. These gentle giants thrive on affection, adore their humans, and often forget how massive they are—especially when they try to sit in your lap. Despite their size, they’re sweet, loving, and devoted companions. If you want a dog with a heart as big as its paws, these breeds will shower you with love, loyalty, and probably a little extra drool.
Great Dane
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Despite their towering height, Great Danes are all about love and loyalty. These massive goofballs think they’re lap dogs and won’t hesitate to lean on you—or sit right on top of you—whenever they want attention. Known as “gentle giants,” they are affectionate, easygoing, and fantastic with families. Just be prepared for some serious drool because these lovable giants come with a built-in slobber supply.
Newfoundland
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Newfoundlands, or “Newfies,” are basically giant, fluffy babysitters. Known as “nanny dogs,” they are incredibly patient, gentle, and fantastic with kids. Originally bred for water rescues, these big-hearted dogs would much rather snuggle up with their families than do anything remotely aggressive. If you’re looking for a giant dog that doubles as a furry lifeguard and full-time cuddle buddy, a Newfoundland is the way to go.
Saint Bernard
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Saint Bernards may look like they could trek through blizzards and save stranded travelers (which they totally can), but at home, they’re just giant, slobbery love machines. These affectionate dogs are fantastic with families, great with kids, and always ready to offer big, wet kisses. While they enjoy lounging, they’re also protective and will always keep an eye on their humans—when they’re not napping.
Bernese Mountain Dog
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Bernese Mountain Dogs are giant fluffballs with hearts of gold. Originally bred to work on Swiss farms, they now use their strength for more important tasks—like leaning on their favorite humans and stealing all the couch space. They are gentle, affectionate, and incredibly loyal, making them fantastic family dogs. Just be prepared for some serious shedding because these big softies bring a lot of fur and all that love.
Irish Wolfhound
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Irish Wolfhounds may have been bred to hunt wolves, but today, they’d rather just lounge around and soak up affection. These majestic dogs are calm, gentle, and surprisingly low-energy for their size. While they are protective, they aren’t aggressive—they prefer to watch over their families with quiet devotion. If you want a dog that looks like it stepped out of a fantasy novel but acts like a big, lazy teddy bear, an Irish Wolfhound is the perfect pick.
Leonberger
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Leonbergers are the definition of gentle giants. These big, fluffy dogs are affectionate, patient, and fantastic with families. They love to play but are also perfectly content being oversized lap dogs. Their thick coats and majestic appearance make them look regal, but their goofy, loving personalities prove they’re just giant, cuddly goofballs at heart.
Tibetan Mastiff
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With their massive size and thick, lion-like mane, Tibetan Mastiffs may seem intimidating—but they’re actually giant softies for their families. These independent, intelligent dogs are deeply loyal and love being close to their humans. While they have a protective streak, they also have a calm, affectionate side, especially regarding their favorite people. If you want a dog that looks fierce but is secretly a big teddy bear, a Tibetan Mastiff is the perfect choice.
Great Pyrenees
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The Great Pyrenees may have been bred to guard livestock, but these fluffy giants are all about love and loyalty. They are patient, affectionate, and fantastic with children, making them one of the best family dogs around. While they do have a protective instinct, they are rarely aggressive and would much rather cuddle up with their humans than chase off intruders. If you want a gentle, loyal protector, the Great Pyrenees is a top contender.
Boerboel
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Boerboels may look like tough guardians, but underneath that muscular build is a giant heart full of love. These South African mastiffs are incredibly devoted to their families and are surprisingly gentle with children. They thrive on affection and love being close to their humans, making them fantastic family dogs. A Boerboel is a perfect fit if you want a strong, protective dog that’s also a total softie at home.
Alaskan Malamute
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Alaskan Malamutes are built for endurance, but they’re all about playtime and snuggles at home. These fluffy, affectionate dogs are incredibly loyal and love being around their humans. While they can be independent, they are also gentle, loving, and always up for a cuddle session. If you want a dog that’s equal parts strong and snuggly, an Alaskan Malamute will steal your heart.
Anatolian Shepherd
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Anatolian Shepherds are natural protectors, but when it comes to their families, they are giant, gentle souls. These independent dogs are incredibly loyal and will always keep a watchful eye on their loved ones. While they aren’t overly clingy, they are deeply devoted and will always be nearby, quietly guarding their humans with love and affection.
Mastiff
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Mastiffs may be enormous, but they’re also some of the biggest lovebugs around. These gentle giants are calm, affectionate, and incredibly loyal to their families. Despite their size, they are patient and great with children, making them fantastic family dogs. They may take up half the couch, but with a Mastiff around, you’ll always have a warm, snuggly companion by your side.
Cane Corso
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Cane Corsos may look like serious protectors, but deep down, they’re just giant softies. These powerful dogs are incredibly loyal and thrive on companionship. While they are natural guardians, they are also gentle and affectionate with their families. They love being close to their humans and will gladly lean in for belly rubs and cuddles any chance they get.
The Bigger The Paws, The Bigger The Cuddles
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These giant dogs may look intimidating, but their hearts are as big as their paws. Beneath their massive frames, they’re affectionate, loyal, and always ready for snuggles. They might come with extra fur, drool, and extra-large cuddle sessions, but their love knows no bounds. Despite their size, they often think they’re lap dogs and will happily take up all your space—and your heart. If you’re looking for a dog that’s big in size and even bigger in affection, these oversized best friends are the perfect choice.
