Best Gentle Large to Giant dog breed

[VanityGirl]

I'm looking for a puppy. Yes, it's finally time for me to begin puppy shopping.

I want a large to giant dog breed, I love big dogs. I do not, however, like dogs with excessively long hair. If I need to take it to the groomer, then it is not the dog for me.
Honestly, if the dog is longed haired, then you'll have to make a VERY good cae for me to like it. I really want a gentle natured dog. I know Great Danes are great gentle puppies, but I need some more options in case finding a Dane puppy is difficult.
This dog must be able to get along with other dogs and cats AND PEOPLE OF ALL AGES. I can teach it not to, but I don't want the dog to have a chasing nature (EI, a hound dog).

I tried looking online but all I got were generic answers like "get a lab or golden retreiver".

Anyone know of any good pups that would be good for me?

 

[Destal]

Great Dane. We just got a dane puppy and he is really good. They are probably the gentlest giant dog you will find.

 

[KEM10]

Bull Mastiffs are good large breed dogs. And I would also say Newfoundlanders if you like the long hair and don't mind it shedding every other month.

 

[Jroo wuz heer]

some places breed 1/4 golden 1/4 poodle and1/2 lab
(although the portions of lab and poodle might be switched, prolly not though)
calm but slightly playful, easy to train, hypo-allergenic (mostly) only time they're nasty is when teething, still have a few holes in one of my shirts from that

they are not giant but they grow fast and to a decent size

 

[Kirkby]

Weimaraner. We got one and he's as daft as a brush. Really good with puppies and small children as well. They do need quite a bit of exercise though otherwise they get a bit... pent up so i hope you like walking = P

 

[VanityGirl]

Bull Mastiffs are good large breed dogs. And I would also say Newfoundlanders if you like the long hair and don't mind it shedding every other month.

My friend told me his Mastiff had a problem chasing cats and bothered small dogs. Are mastiffs usually good with smaller animals?

Great Dane. We just got a dane puppy and he is really good. They are probably the gentlest giant dog you will find.

I'm really thinking of getting one, but their life span is so short, it makes me sad. I wish they could breed out some of the health issues in the dane.

 

[Best of the 3]

I'm not sure if they are as big as you are looking for but Dalmatians are lovely, goofy and quite big. Usually good with kids and people. Depends on how they are raised though.

*remembers a dog I called Loony Lottie*

Yeah, raise them bad and smile at you with their fangs. At least my nan said she was smiling.

 

[nolongerhere]

You could always try looking at mastiffs. Most of the breed's are pretty docile, and they get pretty big. English Mastiff's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Mastiff] are huge creatures.

 

[Mangopieland]

Pyrenean mountain dog? It does have pretty long hair, but one of the few breeds I can tolerate

 

[Sn1P3r M98]

My German Shepherd is very gentle with my cat and my brother, who is 9 years of age (the brother, not the dog). They take a bit of manner training, but they're very smart dogs and quickly catch on as to what is good and bad. As for the hair, it's not too bad. I've never had to take my dog to the groomer, but there will be hair all around the house when he's grown up.

 

[VanityGirl]

Newfoundland dogs are pretty docile and friendly, not to mention huge.

I love the looks of the Newfoundland. Very beautiful. I am scared of the long hair they have, I do live in Alabama and it can get VERY hot here. I'm not sure the climate would be good for them.

I'm not sure if they are as big as you are looking for but Dalmatians are lovely, goofy and quite big. Usually good with kids and people. Depends on how they are raised though.

I had a dalmation when I was young. Good dog, but she was racist and hated black people. We tried to get her to like EVERYONE but she just hated black people. The UPS guy (an African American) was scared to death of her. Hehe, good times.

Pyrenean mountain dog? It does have pretty long hair, but one of the few breeds I can tolerate

That is a BEAUTIFUL dog! How will it fair when the weather turns warm?

 

[KEM10]

Bull Mastiffs are good large breed dogs. And I would also say Newfoundlanders if you like the long hair and don't mind it shedding every other month.

My friend told me his Mastiff had a problem chasing cats and bothered small dogs. Are mastiffs usually good with smaller animals?

Let me guess, it's a male. They have a higher tendency to be more territorial and not get along with other dogs as easily. However, you can train them out of that and considering you are getting a puppy it should be easier.

And what ever breed you do take, sign it up for the socialization training that the Rottweilers get. The breed may be docile but it helps them realize they are the size of a small bear and not to throw their weight around like they would normally.

 

[VanityGirl]

Let me guess, it's a male. They have a higher tendency to be more territorial and not get along with other dogs as easily. However, you can train them out of that and considering you are getting a puppy it should be easier.

And what ever breed you do take, sign it up for the socialization training that the Rottweilers get. The breed may be docile but it helps them realize they are the size of a small bear and not to throw their weight around like they would normally.

Good guess, yes it is a male. My boyfriend wants a male dog I guess for male-male bonding or whatever. And if I can find a place to help with socialization training I will.

My boyfriend's mother has 2 pomeranians and a yorkie, so if I have to worry about my dog eating them then I won't be a happy camper. My grandma also has a dog so I don't want my dog so smoosh my nana's dog.

 

[KaosuHamoni]

Labrador Mastiff cross. My granddad has one, and he's soft as anything. Just like a giant black labrador.

 

[Megalodon]

Rhodesian Ridgeback, big dog, short hair, all round awesome, but might be hard to find.
My one.

Spoiler

 

[Wintermoot]

a golden retriever

 

[natural20]

Newfoundlands! Sure, they shed like crazy, but they're adorable!

 

[The Rookie Gamer]

Well, as other people have said, a Mastiff might be good. I have one who is 15 years old right now, and she never snaps.