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If you’re considering getting a big dog but worried about handling their size, don’t stress—many large breeds are surprisingly great for first-time owners. These gentle giants may be massive, but they are known for their patience, loyalty, and easygoing nature. While some require more space and exercise, many are content being couch potatoes who love lounging with their humans. These large breeds are affectionate and eager to please, making them great choices for new dog owners ready to welcome an oversized best friend into their home.
Labrador Retriever
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Regardless of size, labradors are among the best choices for first-time dog owners. They are friendly, intelligent, and eager to please, making training easy. Labs are fantastic family pets, get along well with children, and have a naturally social personality. While they do require regular exercise, they are adaptable to many lifestyles. With their affectionate nature and playful spirit, a Lab will quickly become your best friend.
Golden Retriever
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Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them an excellent choice for first-time owners. They are intelligent, easy to train, and get along with just about everyone. Goldens thrive on human companionship and are happiest when spending time with their family. Their patience and kind-hearted temperament make them wonderful with children and other pets. Be prepared for many furs, as their thick coats require regular brushing.
Bernese Mountain Dog
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Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, fluffy lovebugs who adore being part of the family. They are incredibly gentle and calm despite their size, making them great for first-time owners. They are intelligent and easy to train but have a playful and goofy side. These dogs thrive in colder climates and enjoy outdoor adventures but are also happy to relax indoors with their humans. Just be prepared for some serious shedding!
Great Dane
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If you want a dog that turns heads wherever they go, a Great Dane is a perfect choice. Despite their massive size, Danes are known as gentle giants with loving and calm personalities. They are great with children and have an affectionate, goofy nature that makes them endearing. While they require space due to their size, they are not overly energetic and enjoy lounging around the house. Just make sure you have a big enough couch!
Newfoundland
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Newfoundlands, or “Newfies,” are giant teddy bears with an incredibly gentle and sweet temperament. They are excellent swimmers, fantastic family dogs, and great with kids. These dogs have a natural protective instinct but are never aggressive, making them excellent companions for first-time owners. Newfies require regular grooming due to their thick coats, but their affectionate and laid-back nature makes it all worth it.
Irish Setter
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Irish Setters are known for their striking red coats and playful personalities. They are affectionate, intelligent, and highly trainable, making them a good choice for new dog owners. These energetic dogs love outdoor adventures and are happiest when they get plenty of exercise. They are fantastic with children and are known for their fun-loving, goofy nature. While they require some patience during training, their eagerness to please makes them a joy to have as a companion.
Boxer
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Boxers are energetic and love to entertain their owners with their silly antics. They are affectionate and loyal and form strong bonds with their families. Boxers are intelligent and trainable but can have a stubborn streak, so consistency is key. They are great with children and enjoy being part of an active household. While they need regular exercise, they also love nothing more than snuggling up with their humans.
Standard Poodle
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Poodles are not only highly intelligent but also incredibly loving and loyal. The Standard Poodle is a fantastic choice for first-time owners because of their trainability and affectionate nature. They don’t shed much, making them a good option for those with allergies. Poodles enjoy learning new tricks and thrive on mental stimulation and exercise. Their playful and friendly personality makes them wonderful companions for individuals and families.
Rottweiler
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Rottweilers are large, powerful dogs with hearts full of love for their families. While they may have a reputation for being intimidating, they are incredibly affectionate and loyal when raised in a loving home. They are intelligent and respond well to consistent training, making them an excellent choice for first-time owners willing to put in the effort. Rottweilers are natural protectors and will always have your back while still being loving and playful companions.
Leonberger
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Leonbergers are giant, fluffy dogs with a calm and affectionate personality. Despite their large size, they are incredibly gentle and enjoy being around people. They are intelligent and trainable, making them a great option for first-time owners looking for a large, loving companion. Leonbergers require regular grooming, but their affectionate and patient nature makes them worthwhile. They are great with kids and other animals and love being part of a family.
Alaskan Malamute
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If you love the look of a Husky but want a more laid-back personality, the Alaskan Malamute might be a great choice. These dogs are strong, intelligent, and full of personality. While they require regular exercise, they are affectionate and social and form strong bonds with their humans. Malamutes have a thick coat that requires maintenance, but their loving and playful nature makes them wonderful companions for first-time owners ready for a little extra fluff.
Weimaraner
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Weimaraners are elegant, athletic dogs that love to be with their humans. They are intelligent, easy to train, and thrive on companionship. These dogs are highly affectionate and will follow you everywhere, earning them the nickname “Velcro dogs.” Weimaraners require plenty of exercise but are incredibly loving and loyal. They are perfect for first-time owners who want an active, affectionate companion.
Saint Bernard
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Saint Bernards are massive but incredibly gentle dogs known for their patience and loving nature. They are fantastic with children and make wonderful family pets. Despite their size, they are calm and not overly energetic. Saint Bernards require some grooming due to their thick coats, but their affectionate and laid-back attitude makes them easy to love. Be prepared for some drool, though—these dogs are famous for their slobbery kisses!
Collie
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Collies are intelligent, affectionate, and fantastic family dogs. They are known for their loyalty and strong desire to please their owners, making training a breeze. Collies are gentle with children and are always eager to spend time with their humans. Their long, beautiful coats require maintenance, but their loving and devoted nature makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners.
Tibetan Mastiff
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Tibetan Mastiffs are massive, fluffy, and incredibly loyal guardians. While they have a strong protective instinct, they are also loving and devoted to their families. These dogs are independent thinkers but can be trained with patience and consistency. Despite their imposing size, they enjoy lounging around and being close to their humans. Tibetan Mastiffs require space and early socialization, but for first-time owners ready for a big, majestic companion, they are a wonderful choice.
The Bigger, The Better!
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If you’re ready to welcome a big dog, these gentle giants will bring endless love, warmth, and unwavering companionship into your life. They may take up more space on the couch, steal your blankets, and occasionally knock things over with their wagging tails, but their loyalty and affection make every moment worth it. These dogs aren’t just large—they have even bigger hearts. These big dogs will be by your side through everything. Once you experience life with a giant pup, you may never go back!
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