Giant Breed Dog

Few dogs make a first impression quite like the Great Dane. Towering, elegant and impossible to miss, these gentle giants may look imposing, but they're often happiest leaning against their favourite person, stretching out on the sofa or simply being wherever the family is.

Known for their affectionate nature and famously goofy side, Great Danes form close bonds with their people and love being part of everyday family life. Their giant size does come with some equally big considerations, from training and nutrition to space, healthcare and ongoing costs.

Thinking of welcoming a Great Dane into your home? Read on to learn more about their temperament, care needs and whether this larger-than-life companion could be the right fit for you.

Few breeds are as instantly recognisable as the Saint Bernard. Famous for their enormous size, gentle nature and remarkable rescue history in the Swiss Alps, these affectionate giants have captured hearts around the world for generations. Although they no longer rescue travellers in the Alps, many Saint Bernards still display the calm, dependable nature that made them legendary working dogs. Whether they're enjoying a leisurely walk, relaxing at your feet or quietly keeping the family company, they're happiest when included in everyday life and surrounded by the people they love.

Before bringing a Saint Bernard home, it's important to understand what life with this giant breed is really like. From temperament and training to exercise requirements, grooming and common health considerations, this guide will help you decide whether a Saint Bernard is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Gentle, loyal and famously sweet-natured, the Newfoundland is one of the dog world's most beloved gentle giants. Renowned for their impressive strength, instinctive swimming ability and long history as water rescue dogs, these powerful companions combine remarkable athleticism with a calm, affectionate temperament. Despite their size, they're often wonderfully patient companions who enjoy being close to their family and involved in everyday life.

With their thick double coat, large frame and people-loving personality, Newfies have some specific care needs worth understanding before bringing one home. From grooming and exercise to training, nutrition and health considerations, this guide will help you decide whether a Newfoundland is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Resembling a lion, these large, graceful dogs are a cross between a Newfoundland and St Bernard, among other breeds. They are a strong and muscular dog and are especially good swimmers. They are easy-going, placid and calm. Sweet, mild-mannered and even-tempered, they are gentle and wonderful pets for children. They also get on brilliantly with other pets. However two Leonbergers of the same sex are often aggressive with each other.

Crave company? A Dogue De Bordeaux is just the pet for you. They will stick to you like velcro. They associate separation as punishment, so if you’re out most of the day you may want to rethink getting a Dogue De Bordeaux. Despite their bulky size they think of themselves as lap warmers and will often to try clamber all over you. They are intelligent and eager to please their loved ones, but also stubborn and independent. They like doing things their own way so consistent, gentle training is key.

Deerhounds have been used in Australian since colonial times and were used to hunt Kangaroos for their meat. They are gentle giants and sight hounds so keep them away from small animals like Guinea Pigs. They love to chase any moving animal so keep them leashed when outside.

Also known as the Karabash or Kangal Dog, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large, powerful breed hailing from Turkey where they were used to guard flocks of sheep and goats.

Don’t be mistaken, this isn’t a small pony. The Irish Wolfhound is one of tallest dog breeds in the world, standing around 80cms tall. Once bred for hunting wolves, they are now calm and slow loyal companions. Affectionately known as a gentle giant due to their sweet temperament, an Irish Wolfhound makes a great family pet. They are great with children as well as other pets if socialised from a young age. They love to snuggle and may stretch out across your feet or along the couch so be prepared to share your space.