When choosing a dog to join your household, size isn’t everything—especially if you already have a small dog. Many people assume large dogs may accidentally hurt or dominate smaller pups, but that’s not always the case. In fact, several large dog breeds are known for their gentle nature, patience, and ability to get along famously with their smaller canine companions. Here are 10 large dog breeds that are great with small dogs.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are famously friendly and adaptable. Their calm demeanor and love for companionship make them excellent housemates for smaller dogs. They’re rarely aggressive and often exhibit a nurturing, protective attitude toward tinier pups.
Labrador Retriever
Much like their Golden cousins, Labradors are outgoing, affectionate, and tolerant. Labs thrive in social environments and usually see smaller dogs as playmates, not threats. Their playful energy is balanced by a gentle nature, making them ideal big buddies for small dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Despite their giant size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are sweet-natured and incredibly gentle. They have a peaceful temperament and a reputation for being patient with children and other animals, including small dogs. Their calm, slow-moving demeanor helps prevent accidental roughness.
Newfoundland
Known as “gentle giants,” Newfoundlands are as calm as they are massive. They tend to be loving, nurturing, and almost nanny-like toward smaller animals. With proper socialization, they will happily share their space and affection with pint-sized dogs.
Standard Poodle
Standard Poodles are intelligent, social, and highly trainable. They often adapt their behavior to match their companion’s needs, which makes them particularly good at interacting with smaller, more delicate dogs. Their refined nature helps them play without overwhelming others.
Irish Setter
Irish Setters are known for their friendliness and high energy, but they’re also incredibly gentle. They tend to be social butterflies, getting along with just about any dog, regardless of size. Their happy-go-lucky attitude helps make introductions easy and positive.
Boxer
Boxers are playful and energetic, yet they’re also protective and affectionate with those they consider family. With early training and socialization, Boxers can be wonderfully patient and tolerant of smaller dogs, especially when raised alongside them.
Great Dane
It may be surprising, but Great Danes are famously gentle with small animals. Their laid-back personalities and soft demeanor often contrast with their massive frames. When properly trained, a Great Dane will treat a small dog more like a little sibling than a toy.
Collie
Collies are smart, nurturing, and alert—traits that make them excellent companions for small dogs. Often described as “sensitive,” they tend to be in tune with the emotional energy of other animals and can be especially gentle with petite pups.
Alaskan Malamute
While Malamutes have strong pack instincts, they can thrive in multi-dog homes with the right structure. When socialized early, they often show a playful but respectful attitude toward smaller dogs and enjoy being part of a canine “family.”
- Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
