Big dogs are a lot of things – strong, imposing, and full of personality. But what if we told you that some of the largest breeds are also the biggest cuddle monsters?
These gentle giants are more than just big paws and wagging tails. They’re the ones who will curl up next to you on the couch, practically crushing you with affection.
Forget the stereotype that large dogs are all about protecting their territory. Some of them are total softies, living for belly rubs and snuggles. From giant fluffballs to sleek, majestic pups, these breeds redefine what it means to be a lap dog.
If you’re ready for some serious cuddle time with a dog that could easily outweigh you, get ready to meet 23 large dog breeds that might just steal your heart – and your space on the couch!
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. These big dogs, often weighing between 140 to 180 pounds, have a calm demeanor and a love for human companionship. With their soulful eyes and expressive faces, they are masters at winning hearts.
Despite their large size, they are remarkably gentle with children, making them excellent family pets. Their thick, fluffy coats add to their cuddle appeal, especially during colder months. If you’re looking for a canine companion who’s both a gentle giant and a devoted friend, the Saint Bernard might be your perfect match.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are often referred to as ‘nanny dogs’ due to their nurturing and gentle nature. Weighing between 100 to 150 pounds, these dogs are not only large in size but also in heart.
Their sweet temperament and patient demeanor make them wonderful companions for families with children. Known for their swimming skills, these water-loving dogs have a natural affinity for water-related activities.
Their dense, water-resistant coats make them huggable, ensuring they are always ready for a cuddle. With a Newfoundland in your home, expect plenty of love and loyalty.
Great Dane
Great Danes are not just large; they are giants of the dog world. With their towering presence, often standing over 30 inches tall, they may seem intimidating, but their hearts are full of love.
Despite their size, Great Danes are true lap dogs at heart. They enjoy curling up beside their humans, offering warmth and companionship. Their gentle and friendly nature makes them great with kids and other pets.
Known for their elegance and grace, Great Danes bring a touch of sophistication to any home, coupled with endless affection.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are strikingly beautiful with their tri-colored coats and expressive eyes. Weighing between 70 to 115 pounds, these dogs are known for their sweet, easygoing nature.
They are excellent family dogs, offering both protection and affection to their loved ones. Their thick, soft fur makes them perfect for cuddling, especially during chilly days.
Originally bred for working in mountainous regions, they are strong yet gentle, always ready to join in family adventures. A Bernese Mountain Dog will fill your life with joy and plenty of snuggles.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, known for their friendliness and loyalty. Weighing between 55 to 80 pounds, they are the perfect size for families.
Labs have a playful spirit and a love for outdoor activities, but they equally enjoy relaxing and cuddling with their owners. Their short, dense coats are easy to care for, adding to their appeal.
Their intelligence and easygoing nature make them highly trainable, making them ideal companions for both fun and relaxation. Expect boundless love and loyalty from these cuddle-loving dogs.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are synonymous with friendliness and warmth. Weighing between 55 to 75 pounds, these dogs are cherished for their gentle and loving nature.
They are ideal for families, offering both playfulness and calmness. Their golden coats are not just beautiful to look at but also perfect for running your fingers through during a cuddle session.
Known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, Golden Retrievers excel in obedience and agility. With a Golden Retriever, you gain a loyal friend who fills your life with love and joy.
Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds stand among the tallest of dog breeds, with their height often exceeding 32 inches. Despite their towering presence, they are gentle souls known for their calm and friendly nature.
These dogs were originally bred for hunting, but today they are beloved for their companionship and love. Their wiry coats add to their distinctive appearance, making them perfect for outdoor adventures and indoor cuddles.
With their noble and dignified presence, Irish Wolfhounds are sure to bring elegance and warmth to any household, guaranteeing plenty of snuggles and affection.
Leonberger
Leonbergers are giant dogs with a heart to match. Weighing between 90 to 170 pounds, they are known for their friendly and gentle disposition. Their lion-like manes add to their majestic appearance.
These dogs are wonderful family pets, known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. They enjoy spending time with their human families, whether playing or simply relaxing.
With their thick, waterproof coats, Leonbergers are huggable and warm, making them perfect companions for cuddle sessions. Their playful yet calm demeanor ensures they fit well into family life.
Mastiff
Mastiffs are among the largest dog breeds, often weighing over 200 pounds. Despite their massive size, they are gentle giants at heart, known for their loyalty and affection.
They form strong bonds with their families and are often protective, making them excellent guards and companions. Their calm and patient nature makes them suitable for homes with children.
With their short coats and expressive faces, Mastiffs are both impressive and endearing. They enjoy relaxing with their families and are always up for a good cuddle, bringing warmth and love into any home.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are known for their strength and confidence, but they also have a softer side. Weighing between 80 to 135 pounds, these dogs are both imposing and affectionate.
They are loyal and protective of their families, often forming deep bonds with their human companions. Their short, sleek coats are easy to care for, adding to their appeal as pets.
Rottweilers enjoy family activities and are always up for playing, but they also love to relax and cuddle. With proper training and socialization, they make loving and devoted family members.
Boxer
Boxers are known for their playful and energetic nature. Weighing between 50 to 80 pounds, they are medium to large dogs with a lot of love to give.
These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. Their playful antics and joyful spirit bring smiles to everyone they meet.
Boxers have a smooth, short coat that is easy to maintain, and they love being part of family activities. They enjoy both playtime and cuddle time, providing endless joy and affection to their human companions.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are known for their striking appearance and athletic build. Weighing between 55 to 90 pounds, these dogs are both elegant and affectionate.
Often referred to as ‘velcro dogs,’ Weimaraners form strong attachments to their families and love staying close to their human companions. Their sleek coats and intelligent eyes make them a favorite among dog enthusiasts.
They thrive on physical activity and enjoy spending time outdoors, but they also appreciate quiet moments and snuggles. With their playful yet loving nature, Weimaraners are perfect additions to active families.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are powerful dogs with a gentle heart. Weighing between 75 to 100 pounds, they are known for their strength and endurance.
These dogs are highly social and enjoy being part of a family, where they can share their boundless affection. Their thick, fluffy coats make them exceptionally cuddly, especially during cold weather.
Malamutes have a friendly and calm demeanor, making them excellent companions for both children and adults. With their love for adventure and cuddles, they are perfect for those who enjoy both outdoor activities and cozy indoor moments.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are known for their sleek appearance and intelligence. Weighing between 60 to 100 pounds, they are both graceful and powerful.
Despite their reputation as guard dogs, Dobermans are affectionate and loyal to their families. They thrive on human companionship and enjoy spending quality time with their loved ones.
Their short coats are easy to maintain, and their elegant demeanor adds to their charm. With proper training and socialization, Dobermans become loving members of the family, offering both protection and plenty of cuddles.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and versatility. Weighing between 50 to 90 pounds, they are strong, loyal, and eager to please.
These dogs are highly trainable and make excellent working dogs, as well as loving family companions. With their protective nature, they form strong bonds with their families.
Their dense, double coats are perfect for snuggling, and they enjoy both playtime and relaxation. German Shepherds bring a sense of security and love to any home, ensuring they are beloved members of the family.
Collie
Collies are renowned for their intelligence and graceful appearance. Weighing between 50 to 75 pounds, they are elegant dogs with a lot of love to offer.
These dogs are gentle and devoted to their families, often forming strong bonds with children. Their long, flowing coats make them perfect for cuddling and add to their aesthetic appeal.
Collies are known for their herding instincts and love for outdoor activities, but they also enjoy quiet times with their loved ones. Their affectionate and loyal nature makes them ideal family pets, providing warmth and companionship.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are known for their striking appearance and high energy levels. Weighing between 35 to 60 pounds, they are smaller than some other large breeds but full of personality.
These dogs have a friendly and outgoing nature, making them excellent companions for active families. Their thick, double coats are suited for colder climates and perfect for cuddling.
Huskies are adventurous and playful, enjoying both outdoor activities and indoor relaxation. With their captivating eyes and spirited nature, they bring joy and warmth to any household.
Samoyed
Samoyeds are known for their joyful expressions and fluffy white coats. Weighing between 50 to 65 pounds, they are medium to large dogs with a loving disposition.
These dogs are incredibly friendly and sociable, thriving on human interaction. Their thick, weather-resistant coats make them perfect for cuddles, especially in cooler weather.
Samoyeds are known for their playful and gentle nature, making them excellent companions for families with children. Their constant ‘smiles’ bring happiness to everyone they meet, making them beloved pets in many homes.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are known for their strength and loyalty. Weighing between 55 to 80 pounds, they are powerful dogs with a love for water.
These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, making them excellent companions for outdoor enthusiasts. Their dense, waterproof coats are ideal for swimming and cuddling.
Chesapeakes have a friendly yet independent nature, thriving in active households where they can engage in activities with their families. With their affectionate and loyal disposition, they bring warmth and companionship to any home.
Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers are known for their intelligence and protective nature. Weighing between 55 to 85 pounds, they are large dogs with a lot of love to give.
These dogs are loyal and form strong bonds with their families. Their dense, wiry coats require regular grooming but add to their rugged charm.
Giant Schnauzers are energetic and enjoy being part of family activities, offering both protection and companionship. With their keen intelligence and affectionate nature, they make devoted family members who love to cuddle and play.
Borzoi
Borzois are known for their grace and elegance. Weighing between 60 to 105 pounds, they are large yet gentle dogs with a calm demeanor.
These dogs are affectionate companions, enjoying both active pursuits and quiet time with their families. Their long, silky coats add to their aesthetic appeal, making them perfect for gentle cuddles.
Borzois have a laid-back nature and enjoy leisurely walks and playtime. With their regal appearance and loving disposition, they bring elegance and warmth to any household, ensuring they are cherished family members.
Akita
Akitas are known for their strength and dignified presence. Weighing between 70 to 130 pounds, they are powerful dogs with a loyal nature.
These dogs are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families, often being protective of their loved ones. Their thick, plush coats are perfect for cuddling, especially in colder climates.
Akitas are independent yet loving, enjoying both playtime and relaxation with their families. With their noble appearance and devoted nature, they bring security and warmth to any home, making them beloved companions.
Bavarian Mountain Hound
The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a lesser-known breed that exudes charm and cuddliness. This medium to large-sized dog boasts a short, dense coat that feels like velvet under your fingers. Primarily bred for tracking, they have an acute sense of smell and a loyalty that’s unmistakably endearing.
Beyond their hunting prowess, they are also incredibly affectionate, forming strong bonds with their families. Their gentle nature makes them perfect for those looking for a cuddle buddy. If you’re in search of a dog that can accompany you on adventures and then snuggle up by the fire, this breed is ideal.
With a heart as big as their body, Bavarian Mountain Hounds offer unwavering companionship and warmth. Their charming presence is sure to bring joy and coziness to any household.