21 of the best Large Dog Breeds for first-time owners

Embarking on the journey of dog ownership is a thrilling and life-enriching experience, but it comes with its fair share of choices and responsibilities. For first-time dog owners, selecting the right breed is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact their overall enjoyment and success in raising a furry companion. While all dogs are lovable in their own way, the needs, temperament, and size of a dog breed can vary widely. For those seeking a larger-than-life canine companion, we’ve compiled a list of the 21 best large dog breeds that are perfect for first-time owners. From gentle giants to energetic playmates, this guide will help you find the ideal four-legged friend to fit seamlessly into your life. So, whether you’re looking for a loyal protector, an affectionate buddy, or a playful partner, read on to discover the perfect large breed for you

Remember that each dog is an individual, so consider factors like exercise needs, grooming requirements, and temperament when choosing the best large dog breed for your lifestyle and preferences. Proper training and socialization are key to a happy and well-adjusted pet, regardless of the breed.

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21 Best Large Dog Breeds that are perfect for first-time owners

Loyal and Protective Breeds

German Shepherd: Highly intelligent and loyal, German Shepherds excel in various roles, from family pets to working dogs.
Doberman Pinscher: Protective and loyal, Dobermans can be great companions with proper training.
Rottweiler: Rottweilers are confident and protective, making them excellent watchdogs.
Akita: Loyal and protective, Akitas can be excellent family dogs with proper socialization.

Gentle Giants

Bernese Mountain Dog: Known for their friendly nature, Bernese Mountain Dogs are great with families.
Newfoundland: Gentle giants, Newfoundlands are sweet and good swimmers.
Great Dane: Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are gentle giants and often called “gentle giants.”
Saint Bernard: These dogs are known for their affectionate and easygoing nature.
Irish Wolfhound: Gentle and friendly, Irish Wolfhounds are one of the tallest breeds.
Mastiff: Mastiffs are calm, gentle giants, making them great for families.

Friendly and Unique Breeds

Bloodhound: These dogs are excellent trackers and have a friendly disposition.
Airedale Terrier: Known as the “King of Terriers,” Airedales are intelligent and friendly.
Scottish Deerhound: Gentle and dignified, Scottish Deerhounds are great with children.

Active Breeds

Weimaraner: Weimaraners are highly energetic and loyal, making them great companions for active owners.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: These dogs are known for their loyalty and hunting abilities.
Vizsla: Vizslas are affectionate and energetic, requiring regular exercise.
Portuguese Water Dog: These dogs are excellent swimmers and highly trainable.

In the sections below you will find more information about each dog breed. It will include the reason why they are great for first-time dog owners, the average cost for the pup, grooming requirements for your furry friend, whether they are good with kiddos, and their positive and negative personality traits. Keep in mind that each dog, regardless of their breed, has their own unique personality. It’s important you continue to do your research and make sure you find the right for for you! Be sure to read the blog post on picking the right puppy from the litter that will also help you choose your furry best friend.

Most Popular Breeds for First Time owners

These larger dog breeds are known to almost all humans. They are friendly dogs and make great family members for all. That’s not to say they don’t require exercise, patience, and training but they tend to be a good choice for a novice owner.

images of different dog breeds that are most popular such as a Golden Retriever, Poodle, Lab and Boxer

Labrador Retriever

A great choice because Labradors are friendly, easy to train, and great with families.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Moderate shedding; regular brushing needed.
Excellent with children and social with other dogs.
Pros: Friendly, & outgoing. Perfect for an owner who already goes for daily walks and wants to bring a friend.
Cons: May be overly excitable and will need to train not to jump! High energy level as a puppy and be mindful of the chewing!

Golden Retriever

One of the most popular dog breeds because of their friendliness, and intelligence and they are easy to train.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Moderate shedding; regular brushing needed.
Excellent with children and other dogs. Best fit for families with multiple children or who have another dog.
Pros: Positive – Gentle & affectionate
Cons: May be prone to separation anxiety.

Boxer

Great pick for first-time dog owners with young children. Boxers are energetic, playful, and loyal.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Short coat; minimal grooming.
Excellent with children; early socialization is crucial with other dogs.
Pros: Fun-loving & protective
Cons: Can be boisterous. If you are a first-time dog owner, expect to provide daily exercise and affection to your new boxer.

Standard Poodle

A great breed if you are allergic to dogs and can withstand a hypoallergenic dog. They are also highly intelligent, I hear they love water and they are versatile in size. So even though you are considered a large breed, you could also get a medium or small poodle.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,500 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: High grooming needs (regular haircuts); minimal shedding.
Good with children and other dogs.
Pros: Intelligent & alert
Con: High grooming needs so be prepared to shell out some cash each month at the groomer!

Loyal and Protective large dog breeds

These breeds are great for first time owners who have the patience and time to train their new pup. These larger dogs are highly intelligent and would be a great choice for a young couple or single person who might be looking for a guard dog. These dogs can also make great family dogs with the right training. Be mindful of their energy level with smaller children around, sometimes they can’t help but jump!

German Shepherd

A large dog breed perfect for an on-the-go owner. German Shepherds require quite a bit of mental stimulation. They are one of the most intelligent, loyal, and versatile dog breeds out there.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Moderate shedding; regular brushing needed.
Good with children but needs early socialization with other dogs. This is a dominant breed so you will want to expose them to small children and dogs early.
Pros: Intelligent & protective
Cons: They may require strong leadership due to their dominant and strong personalities.

Doberman Pinscher

With the proper training, these dogs can be incredibly loyal and protective

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Minimal grooming; short coat.
Good with children but needs early socialization with other dogs.
Pros: Loyal & alert
Cons: May be reserved with strangers. Socialization early is very important.

Rottweiler

A very loyal breed. With the right-first-time owner who has time to help this breed socialize, it will be a match for everyone!

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Minimal grooming; short coat.
Good with children but needs early socialization with other dogs.
Pros: Loyal & protective
Con: Can be stubborn.

Akita

Loyal and protective with proper socialization.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Minimal grooming; thick double coat.
Good with Children and Other Dogs: Good with children but needs early socialization with other dogs.
Personality Traits: Positive – Loyal, dignified; Negative – Independent-minded.

Gentle Giants

Best Large Dog Breeds for first time owners are of course the Gentle Giants. Perfect match for an older but able person. These breeds are great companion dogs because they are so gentle. They have a calm demeanor and are a good fit for any home.

Image of Gentle Giant Dogs such as the Great Dane, St Bernard, Bernese Mt Dog and Newfoundland

Bernese Mountain Dog

These dogs look like little bears and are so friendly and good with families.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Moderate shedding; regular brushing needed.
Excellent with children and other dogs. Perfect dog a family with small children.
Pros: Gentle & affectionate
Cons: Prone to health issues.

Newfoundland

Gentle giants, friendly with families.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: High grooming needs; thick coat.
Good with Children and Other Dogs: Excellent with children; good with other dogs.
Pros: Gentle & sweet
Cons: High grooming needs.

Great Dane

Gentle giants, friendly with families.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Minimal grooming; short coat.
Usually good with children and other dogs.
Personality Traits: Positive – Gentle, friendly; Negative – Prone to health issues.

Saint Bernard

Affectionate and gentle with families.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Moderate grooming; thick coat.
Excellent with children and other dogs.
Pros: Gentle & Friendly
Cons: Prone to drooling, making a pretty big mess in the home

Irish Wolfhound

Gentle and friendly, good with families.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Minimal grooming; short coat.
Good with children and other dogs.
Pros: Gentle & Dignified
Cons: Shorter lifespan

Mastiff

Calm and gentle giants, good with families.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Minimal grooming; short coat.
Excellent with children; early socialization is needed with other dogs.
Pros: Calm & Loyal
Cons: Prone to health issues

Gentle Giant Breeds such as the Irish Wolffound and Mastiff

Friendly and Unique Breeds

These giant breeds are not as common as your Labrador or Golden but are great family pets. Read below as some may have some jealousy issues with another dog in the home, but still great additions for a family and new dog owner.

Bloodhound

Excellent tracking abilities; friendly disposition.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Minimal grooming; moderate shedding.
Good with children; typically gets along with other dogs.
Pros: Affectiione & Determined
Cons: Can be pretty slobbery

Airedale Terrier

Intelligent and friendly.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Regular grooming; wiry coat.
Good with children but may need early socialization with other dogs.
Pros: Confident, loyal
Cons: May be independent.

Scottish Deerhound

Gentle and dignified, suitable for families.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Minimal grooming; wiry coat.
Good with children; usually gets along with other dogs.
Pros: Gentle & patient
Con: May be reserved with strangers. Should be the only dog in the house.

Active Breeds

Best large dog breeds for first time owners that are big on the outdoors. If you enjoy outdoor activities, long walks, and daily exercise you might find your match in the list below. These breeds would be perfect companions for a first-time owner who is active and ready to bring a friend to all their activities too.

Weimaraner

Energetic and loyal, best for active owners.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Minimal grooming; short coat.
Good with children; early socialization is crucial with other dogs.
Pros: Energetic and affectionate
Cons: May be prone to separation anxiety.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Loyal and protective; needs early socialization.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Minimal grooming; short coat.
Good with Children and Other Dogs: Good with children but needs early socialization with other dogs.
Pros: Loyal, confident;
Cons: Can be independent.

Vizsla

Affectionate and energetic, best for active owners.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: Minimal grooming; short coat.
Good with children; usually gets along with other dogs.
Pros: Energetic & affectionate
Cons: May be prone to separation anxiety.

Portuguese Water Dog

Intelligent and excellent swimmers.

Average Yearly Cost: $1,000 – $2,500.
Grooming Requirements: High grooming needs (regular haircuts); minimal shedding.
Good with children and other dogs.
Pros: Energetic, loyal
Cons: High grooming needs.

Tips for New Dog Owners for Large Dog Breeds

Large Breeds for first time dog owners require work. Bigger can mean better but it also means bigger messes, more training, more food, etc. But also more love!
They cost money. They are big, they eat more and their health problems might pop up earlier than a small dog.
They are big, so they make bigger messes. They tend to be chewers as puppies and regular walks will help keep their energy from being destructible.
They will become your best friends! Beware, these large breed dogs will love you unconditionally and take over your heart.

Summary

In our blog post, we’ve explored a diverse range of 21 large dog breeds that are exceptionally well-suited for first-time dog owners. We’ve provided insights into each breed’s suitability for first-time owners, offering information on their temperament, grooming requirements, compatibility with children and other dogs, as well as the average yearly cost of ownership, which includes expenses like food and veterinary care. From the friendly and trainable Labrador Retriever to the gentle giants like the Great Dane and Saint Bernard, we’ve covered a wide spectrum of large breeds to cater to different preferences and lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a loyal protector, an affectionate family companion, or an energetic playmate, this blog post has you covered.

Remember, each dog is an individual, and while breed characteristics can provide guidance, personal compatibility, and proper training play a significant role in ensuring a happy and harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can embark on your journey as a first-time dog owner with confidence and excitement, ready to create lasting memories with your new canine companion.

Comment below with what breed you chose as a first-time owner or which one you are thinking of choosing.

21 of the best Large Dog Breeds for first-time owners

21 Best Large Dog Breeds that are perfect for first-time owners