Unfortunately, the definition of family dogs is a bit vague. This includes those breeds that are primarily kept for entertainment.
So-called “working breeds” would therefore be the exact opposite. But there are also working dogs that are suitable for families. Here is a classification of all family dogs:
Family dogs are typically very trusting by nature and develop a close bond and protective instinct with their family. [1]
Although dogs are generally very easy to train, you will definitely save time with these four-legged friends. Here you will learn about 33 large family dogs.
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#1 Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever originally comes from Scotland and was once used as a hunting dog for waterfowl. [2]
Today the four-legged friend is primarily kept as a family dog, but it is also suitable as a rescue and guide dog.
The large family dogs also have a loving nature and get along very well with children, strangers and other pets.
Fun fact: Even in old age, representatives of this breed remain young in spirit, which is why even adult dogs occasionally behave like puppies.
#2 Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter also has its roots in Scotland and was bred and kept there to hunt birds. [3]
With early socialization, these four-legged friends are also suitable as family dogs, but the high need for mental and physical activity should be taken into account.
Keeping these large family dogs in an apartment could also prove problematic as they require a lot of space.
Fun fact: While most other dog breeds mature after just 9 months, these four-legged friends need a whopping 3 years to do so.
#3 Newfoundland
The Newfoundland, as the name suggests, comes from the Canadian island of Newfoundland and was kept by fishermen as a working dog. [4]
Representatives of this breed can also be kept as a family dog, but the space requirements and hunting instinct should be taken into account.
With appropriate training, this large family dog develops a close bond with its family and especially the children.
Fun fact: If there's one thing this dog can do, it's shed! When it's time to shed your fur, you should have your vacuum cleaner ready.
#4 Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky comes from the United States and was originally kept as a sled and working dog. [5]
They are also considered to be particularly durable and sporty, which is why you should ask yourself whether you can meet these requirements before purchasing them.
Despite their impressive appearance, these large family dogs are not suitable as guard dogs because they are simply too friendly towards strangers.
Fun fact: Because of their close relationship to wolves, these dogs do not bark. They much prefer to cry.
#5 Black and Tan Coonhound
This hunting dog, the Black and Tan Coonhound, also comes from the USA and was kept to hunt raccoons and other larger wild animals. [6]
He needs a dominant master as well as early and strict socialization, otherwise he tends to be stubborn, bark constantly and pull on the leash.
However, if everything falls into place, this large family dog will become your loyal companion and best friend. It's in their genes.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends have already caused several police calls because they bark and howl loudly when left alone.
#6 Beauceron
The Beauceron was once used in France as a sheepdog and guard dog, including protecting herds of animals from wolves and other threats.
He has now made it onto our sofas and, with a shoulder height of up to 70 cm, is a truly large family dog. [7]
However, keeping your self-confident four-legged friend requires experience and patience. He needs a lot of exercise and mental activity.
Fun fact: Despite their waterproof fur, these dogs hate water and will immediately seek dry shelter when it rains.
#7 Drentse Patrijshond
As the name suggests, the Drentse Patrijshond comes from the Netherlands. It is one of the spaniel breeds. [8]
However, they are a true rarity; there are only around 5,000 representatives of this breed worldwide. So consider yourself lucky if you see one.
This large family dog originally served as a hunting dog. Accordingly, he demands a lot of exercise, attention and activity.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends were busy workers in the past. Among other things, they worked as babysitters and as family dogs, working dogs, sled dogs, tracking dogs, house dogs, hunting dogs and guard dogs.
#8 Bernese Mountain Dog
The Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog once worked in the mountains and was kept for pulling carts and herding livestock. [9]
Today he prefers to be pampered by his two-legged friends. He builds a close bond with the family – especially with children.
Unfortunately, this large family dog is very fond of cancer and has an average life expectancy of only 6 to 9 years.
Fun fact: The Bernese Mountain Dog sheds so much twice a year that you could easily stuff pillows and blankets with the shed fur.
#9 German boxer
The German Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Their character traits make this large Great Dane the ideal family dog. [10]
He is considered loyal, loving and protective. He is also easy to train and is therefore also suitable as a first dog for beginners.
In addition, these dogs have no special space requirements and will be happy in an apartment as long as they have company.
Fun fact: By the way, this large family dog is called a boxer because he tends to stand on his hind legs when playing and use his paws for boxing.
#10 Greyhound
The Greyhound comes from Great Britain and is known for its athleticism. With a top speed of 72 km/h, it is the fastest dog breed in the world.
However, the true passion of the large family dog lies in lounging and sleeping. He does the latter for up to 18 hours a day. [11]
On top of that, these dogs love their owners and don't try to leave their side for a second.
Fun fact: A pregnant greyhound tends to surprise you. A litter sometimes consists of one, but sometimes of 12 puppies.
#11 Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie comes from Scotland and was originally bred as a sheepdog, which is why it still has a strong herding instinct today. [12]
The large family dog gets along great with strangers, dogs and other pets and is also suitable for beginners.
However, under-utilized representatives of this breed tend to bark and gnaw, so a lot of exercise and mental activity is necessary.
Fun fact: You definitely need to visit the dog groomer regularly with this dog, otherwise his hair will cover his entire face.
#12 Leonberger
The Leonberger is a German dog breed named after the town of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg. [13]
The gentle, large family dogs bond closely with their two-legged friends, but are not suitable for beginners due to their stature combined with their hunting instinct.
These dogs don't really grow up for very long, as they only live to be 7 years old on average and only develop full mental maturity at around 3 years old.
Fun fact: The Leonberger's coat is designed for cold weather. So you can expect that he prefers to go for long walks in the dead of winter.
#13 Bobtail
The Bobtail is a British dog breed. He has a strong herding instinct and requires a lot of attention. [14]
Their name comes from the fact that the tail of these dogs used to be cut into a bob. This practice is now banned in many countries.
This large family dog is also suitable as a first dog. He doesn't need a lot of exercise and is considered easy to train.
Fun fact: Lazy couch potatoes beware! This dog could be a perfect match for you because he also likes to spend a large part of the day on the couch.
#14 Epagneul Breton
The Epagneul Breton has its origins in the French province of Brittany, where it was once bred for bird hunting. [15]
That's why he is still considered to be particularly persistent, happy to move and sometimes even exhibits hyperactive behavior.
Sufficient exercise as well as physical and mental activity are mandatory when keeping these large family dogs.
Fun fact: The saying: “Age is just a number” absolutely applies to these four-legged friends, because even in old age they often still behave like playful puppies.
#15 Irish Red Setters
The Irish Red Setter is a diverse, large family dog that was kept in its native Ireland as a hunting, family and therapy dog, among other things. [16]
They are setter breeds and are particularly notable for their long, red-brown fur on the tail, legs and chest.
These four-legged friends also build a very close bond with their family, which is why they don't like to be left alone for long periods of time and need a lot of activity.
Fun fact: Although these dogs grow quite quickly physically, they remain mentally young for a long time and continue to exhibit puppy-like behavior even when they get older.
#16 Broholmer
The Broholmer, which is also called the “Danish Mastiff”, is a species of Danish mastiff that almost became extinct during the Second World War. [17]
It can reach a shoulder height of up to 75 cm and a weight of 90 kg, which is why sufficient space is necessary for a species-appropriate posture.
This large family dog develops a very close bond with its owners, but is skeptical of strangers, which is why it makes an ideal protection dog.
Fun fact: Despite their impressive appearance, these four-legged friends are true cuddly cats.
#17 Dalmatian
The famous Dalmatian originally comes from Croatia, where he was kept as a carriage dog to protect the draft horses. [18]
The film “101 Dalmatians” made these large family dogs popular, but many first-time owners underestimate the amount of exercise they need and give the animals back.
Dalmatians also don't tolerate loneliness very well. However, they get along really well with other animals and children.
Fun fact: The Dalmatian's distinctive spots are unique and vary from dog to dog, similar to the human fingerprint.
#18 Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog
The Pyrenean mountain dog comes from France and was originally kept as a guard and shepherd dog for herd animals. [19]
Due to his stature and…