Big dogs often come with big hearts—and big, awkward paws. While many large dog breeds are graceful and athletic, some are famously clumsy, especially during their puppy and adolescent stages. Their playful personalities and rapid growth spurts can lead to amusing stumbles and goofy antics that endear them even more to their families. Here are 10 large dog breeds known for their lovable clumsiness.
Great Dane
Nicknamed the “gentle giant,” Great Danes are known for their enormous size and affectionate personalities. Their long legs and rapid growth can make them look awkward, especially when running or navigating tight spaces. Don’t be surprised if your Great Dane knocks over a lamp—or a person—by accident!
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are massive, fluffy dogs with a reputation for being sweet and easygoing. However, their size and slightly slower reflexes can result in clumsy movements. They often don’t realize how big they are, which can lead to plenty of bumped furniture and spilled water bowls.
Irish Wolfhound
As one of the tallest dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound’s sheer height can make them seem uncoordinated. They may appear lanky and awkward, especially when young. Despite their noble heritage, these dogs often have a goofy, klutzy side.
Newfoundland
These gentle giants are built for strength and swimming, but on dry land, they can be a bit bumbling. Their large paws, shaggy coats, and calm demeanor don’t always translate to agility. They’re sweet-natured and tend to move at a lumbering pace.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are friendly and eager to please, but they often lack spatial awareness. Their clumsiness is usually harmless and part of their charm—especially when they sit on your feet without realizing it or bump into furniture with their fluffy rumps.
Bloodhound
Famous for their noses, Bloodhounds tend to follow scents more than their surroundings. This can lead to clumsy behavior as they trip over their own ears or stumble into walls while on a scent trail. Their droopy skin and heavy jowls only add to their goofy appearance.
Labrador Retriever
Labs are energetic and playful, but they can be all over the place—literally. Their enthusiasm often outpaces their coordination, especially as puppies. Many Lab owners will tell you about the times their dog skidded across the floor chasing a ball or toppled over in excitement.
English Mastiff
Mastiffs are massive and mellow, but their size alone can make them accidentally clumsy. They tend to be slow-moving but can misjudge distances and knock things over just by turning around or wagging their tail too hard.
Leonberger
These large, fluffy dogs have a puppy-like personality well into adulthood. They’re friendly and cheerful, but not always aware of their size or strength, leading to plenty of unintentional chaos in the home. Their eagerness to greet everyone and be involved in family activities often results in knocked-over chairs, spilled drinks, and lots of laughter.
Golden Retriever
While Golden Retrievers aren’t the biggest breed on this list, large males can be surprisingly clumsy. Their joyful, exuberant personalities sometimes lead to over-the-top antics and awkward spills. Whether they’re crashing into furniture during a game of fetch or slipping on smooth floors in their excitement, their clumsiness is often as endearing as it is entertaining.
- Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
