Many dog lovers can attest to the fact that size doesn’t necessarily dictate a dog’s desire to be close to its humans. In fact, some of the largest dog breeds are often the most affectionate and, despite their size, have a strong tendency to think of themselves as lap dogs. These gentle giants often seek close contact with their families, curling up on laps, snuggling on couches, or simply leaning in for a cuddle. Their affectionate nature combined with their imposing size creates an amusing yet endearing dynamic, making them beloved members of their households. This article explores eight huge dog breeds that believe they are lap dogs, detailing what makes each breed fit this topic and why they are cherished for their loving, albeit sometimes overwhelming, affection.
8. Great Dane
Great Danes are often called the “Apollo of dogs” due to their majestic appearance and towering height. Despite their impressive size, often standing over 30 inches tall at the shoulder, Great Danes are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. These dogs are incredibly loving and strongly desire closeness to their human families. Great Danes often consider themselves lap dogs, seeking to curl up on couches or snuggle in bed, oblivious to their massive size. Their calm demeanor and affectionate disposition make them excellent companions, providing both physical warmth and emotional comfort. Their gentle giant persona endears them to many, making them a popular choice for families seeking a loving and loyal pet.
7. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are famous for their roles as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, but at home, they are known for their affectionate and gentle nature. These massive dogs, often weighing between 140 and 180 pounds, have a calm and friendly disposition that makes them wonderful companions. Saint Bernards are incredibly loyal and love to be close to their families, often trying to sit on laps or snuggle up for a cuddle. Their thick, fluffy coats make them perfect cuddle buddies, providing warmth and comfort to their owners. Despite their size, Saint Bernards are gentle and patient, making them excellent pets for families with children. Their affectionate nature and tendency to think of themselves as lap dogs make them a beloved breed.
6. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are large, powerful dogs known for their swimming abilities and rescue work. However, at home, they are known as “nanny dogs” for their gentle and loving nature. Newfoundlands often weigh between 100 and 150 pounds, but their size doesn’t deter them from seeking close contact with their human families. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and love to snuggle, often trying to sit on laps or cuddle in bed. Their thick, water-resistant coats make them perfect for cold climates, providing warmth and comfort to their owners. Newfoundlands are also known for their patience and gentle demeanor, making them excellent companions for families with children. Their loving nature and tendency to consider themselves lap dogs make them a cherished breed.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, sturdy dogs known for their friendly and gentle nature. These dogs often weigh between 70 and 115 pounds, but their size doesn’t stop them from seeking close contact with their families. Bernese Mountain Dogs are incredibly affectionate and love to cuddle, often trying to sit on laps or snuggle up for a hug. Their thick, tri-colored coats make them perfect for cold climates, providing warmth and comfort to their owners. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also known for their loyalty and eagerness to please, making them wonderful companions for families. Their loving nature and tendency to think of themselves as lap dogs make them a popular choice for those seeking a large, affectionate pet.
4. Mastiff
Mastiffs are among the largest dog breeds, often weighing between 120 and 230 pounds. Despite their imposing size, Mastiffs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. These dogs are incredibly loyal and love to be close to their human families, often trying to sit on laps or cuddle on the couch. Mastiffs have a calm and laid-back demeanor, making them perfect companions for those seeking a gentle giant. Their short, dense coats make them easy to groom, and their loving nature provides emotional comfort to their owners. Mastiffs are also known for their protective instincts, making them excellent guard dogs. Their affectionate nature and tendency to think of themselves as lap dogs make them a cherished breed.
3. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are large, fluffy dogs known for their protective instincts and gentle nature. These dogs often weigh between 85 and 115 pounds, but their size doesn’t stop them from seeking close contact with their families. Great Pyrenees are incredibly affectionate and love to snuggle, often trying to sit on laps or cuddle in bed. Their thick, white coats make them perfect for cold climates, providing warmth and comfort to their owners. Great Pyrenees are also known for their loyalty and patience, making them excellent companions for families with children. Their loving nature and tendency to think of themselves as lap dogs make them a beloved breed.
2. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are among the tallest dog breeds, often standing over 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 105 and 180 pounds. Despite their impressive size, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. These dogs are incredibly loyal and love to be close to their human families, often trying to sit on laps or cuddle on the couch. Irish Wolfhounds have a calm and laid-back demeanor, making them perfect companions for those seeking a gentle giant. Their shaggy coats and loving nature provide warmth and comfort to their owners. Irish Wolfhounds are also known for their protective instincts, making them excellent guard dogs. Their affectionate nature and tendency to think of themselves as lap dogs make them a cherished breed.
1. Leonberger
Leonbergers are large, majestic dogs known for their gentle and affectionate nature. These dogs often weigh between 90 and 170 pounds, but their size doesn’t stop them from seeking close contact with their families. Leonbergers are incredibly loyal and love to cuddle, often trying to sit on laps or snuggle up for a hug. Their thick, water-resistant coats make them perfect for cold climates, providing warmth and comfort to their owners. Leonbergers are also known for their patience and gentle demeanor, making them excellent companions for families with children. Their loving nature and tendency to think of themselves as lap dogs make them a popular choice for those seeking a large, affectionate pet.
In conclusion, these eight huge dog breeds are particularly well-suited for individuals and families seeking a canine companion with a love for cuddling and a gentle disposition. Each breed offers unique characteristics and traits that make them exceptional pets for those who appreciate warmth and affection. Their playful antics, expressive faces, and endearing quirks ensure that they stand out as some of the most charming and entertaining dogs around. Proper care, regular exercise, and a loving environment are essential to ensure these delightful dogs thrive and continue to bring joy and comfort to their homes.