Just like any other dog breed, large dog breeds are simply amazing! Unfortunately, many people believe that big dog breeds are not right for kids because they can be dangerous due to their size, but this is just a prejudice. If you want to introduce a new furry friend to your family that contributes to the beautiful growth of your child, you should consider big dogs as well!

In fact, according to animal and medical experts, kids who grow up with a pet have a strong and healthy mental and physical wellbeing. So, if you thought that adding a pet to your family is a bad thing because they shed, smell and poop everywhere, you should think again and weigh the benefits that it offers, and we promise you that there are many benefits of owning a pet.

So, here are some reasons your children should grow up with a large dog breed. Read on for more info!

Big dogs don’t suddenly become agitated

Who said that big dogs can’t be patient? These large furry breeds don’t suddenly become agitated unless they have a good reason. Your kids need to be protected, but in a decent manner and big dogs have this quality. 

“Many big dogs tend to feel secure in their own position in the world, literally and figuratively, and they often don’t feel as compelled to prove themselves,” says Denise Flaim, a dog lover, breeder and the author of Little Kids and Their Big Dogs. “If they really wanted to, big dogs could be pretty fearsome bullies. But most abide by the philosophy that just because you can, doesn’t mean you should, and they know you don’t have to throw your weight around to be respected. Oftentimes, quiet dignity does just fine.”

For instance, many people believe that Rottweilers are dangerous around kids because of their strong body and size, but in reality, they have a loving personality and can have more patience than – let’s say – a Chihuahua. 

Large dog breeds can be easily trained

If you want to adopt a dog, you should consider a big one, especially because they are easy to train. According to animal experts, dogs should receive early socialization and training. So, you should start training them at a younger age. 

“Teaching good manners and training are important for any dog, no matter what the size, but they are absolutely crucial for a big dog. It’s one thing if a toy poodle has a housebreaking gaffe, or jumps up on your guests; it’s an altogether different matter if a full-grown Great Dane does it,” says Flaim.

Fortunately, dogs are really intelligent animals, so they will learn your training techniques faster than you think. 

Large dog breeds have a gentle and loving personality

Even though large dog breeds have a strong body, it doesn’t mean that they are dangerous as well. These amazing big dogs actually have a gentle and loving personality, so this is all you need from your children’s companions, right? 

Nevertheless, even if they are gentle animals, it doesn’t mean that you should leave your kids and pets unattended. In addition, you should teach your kids how to interact with an animal and train your dog as well. Don’t forget that – even with a warm personality – animals are still animals and they can be unpredictable sometimes. 

“Large-breed dogs are not as fragile, and they can keep up with human youngsters in the household,” says Flaim. “But that doesn’t mean parents and owners should suspend common sense. Though big dogs aren’t as delicate as some smaller breeds, children should never be permitted to ride them or grab them roughly or treat them with disrespect.”

Large dog breeds are loyal to their families as well

We have to admit that, whether we are talking about dogs and cats, regardless of the size and breed, they are all loyal to their families. It all depends on how they are treated by all family members. Respect is earned, of course, and if you take care of your pet properly, they will love you back enormously. 

For instance, the Mastiff is a large dog breed that has been used to guard families. So, they are very loyal to their people. “Centuries of breeding have made them hard-wired to love women and children,” says Flaim. 

And the same goes for the Leonberger, which has been bred to be “impressively sized yet gentle family companions,” says Flaim.

Large dog breeds don’t need extra exercise

Of course, this aspect differs from breed to breed, but in general, many large dog breeds don’t need extra exercise to be healthy and happy, especially because they were used as guard dogs, so most of the time, this work requires a sitting posture. 

However, one thing is absolutely certain, namely that all dog breeds – regardless of size – need a daily walk to meet their needs. It’s true that some of them don’t need extra exercise, but a regular walk is necessary for all of them. 

“Size doesn’t correlate to energy level. I own and breed Rhodesian Ridgebacks, for example, and as long as they get a nice long walk and some mental stimulation during the day, most adults are happy to lounge around in the house or apartment,” says Flaim. “Other breeds, like many herding or retrieving dogs, are smaller, but require way more exercise to burn off their energy.”

Large dog breeds don’t suddenly become aggressive

Even though they have a strong body and a large size, you won’t see a big dog breed suddenly becoming aggressive without seeing a real threat. So, you can go for a walk in the park with them without barking at everyone or other animals.

“Nineteenth-century books and periodicals are filled with stories of English Mastiffs who encountered a snarly, yappy little dog with a Napoleon complex, and just nobly ignored the raving little fellow, considering such a lopsided contest to be beneath them. That kind of self-control and tolerance is what I admire about many big dogs,” says Flaim.