Best Behaved Large Dog Breeds for Families and Owners
When choosing a dog, especially a larger breed, behavior and temperament play a crucial role. Large dogs can be powerful and demanding, but some breeds are known for their exceptional behavior and ease of training. Understanding the traits of the best behaved large dogs helps ensure the right fit for a household.
Top Traits of Well-Behaved Large Dogs
Large breed dogs that are considered well-behaved often display the following traits:
- Friendly demeanor – They get along well with people and other animals.
- Calm temperament – Less likely to be reactive or aggressive in new environments.
- Trainability – Intelligent and eager to learn, making them easier to train.
- Loyalty – Form strong bonds with owners and are dependable companions.
- Gentle nature – Especially important in families with children.
Bernese Mountain Dog: A Prime Example
The
Bernese Mountain Dog is often listed among the best behaved large breeds. Known for their loyalty and gentle disposition, Bernese make wonderful pets for families, singles, and the elderly alike.
Key characteristics include:
- Weighing between 70–115 pounds, but remarkably gentle.
- Extremely patient, making them excellent with children.
- Calm and placid indoors but enjoy outdoor activity.
- Highly trainable and eager to please.
- Low aggression levels toward people and other animals.
Their easygoing temperament makes Bernese Mountain Dogs ideal for first-time large breed owners.
Other Well-Behaved Large Dog Breeds
While the Bernese Mountain Dog is a standout, several other large breed dogs are also known for their excellent manners and trainability:
- Labrador Retriever: America’s favorite dog breed is smart, obedient, and friendly.
- Labs are eager to please and respond well to training.
- They thrive on human interaction and exercise.
- Golden Retriever: Similar to the Lab, but often calmer and gentler.
- Great with kids and other pets.
- Easygoing and trainable.
- Newfoundland: Known as the “gentle giant.”
- Extremely gentle and protective of children.
- Very relaxed temperament.
- Standard Poodle: Highly intelligent and versatile.
- Despite their elegance, they're fantastic family dogs.
- Less prone to shedding, hypoallergenic coat.
- Great Dane: Might look intimidating, but incredibly mild-mannered.
- Excellent with kids and families.
- Affectionate and friendly.
How to Raise a Well-Behaved Large Dog
Breed traits provide a guideline, but behavior also strongly depends on upbringing. Here are tips for ensuring your large dog is well-mannered:
- Early socialization – Exposing your dog to various people, animals, and environments early on reduces fear responses.
- Consistent training – Use positive reinforcement techniques and avoid harsh punishments.
- Routine and structure – Dogs thrive in predictable environments with clear expectations.
- Regular exercise – Keep your large dog physically and mentally challenged.
- Professional help – Don’t hesitate to seek a certified trainer if issues arise.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Large Dog
While behavior is critical, consider the following aspects:
- Space: Do you have enough space at home and a yard?
- Grooming needs: Some large breeds shed heavily or require frequent grooming.
- Diet and health: Larger dogs often have specific dietary and health needs.
- Lifespan: Sadly, large dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds.
Conclusion
While many large dogs can make great companions with proper care, training, and love, the
Bernese Mountain Dog stands out as one of the best behaved. Their calm demeanor, loyalty, and kind nature make them perfect for a variety of households. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or looking for a new family member, considering behavior is essential in making the right choice.
