Large dogs often carry an unfair reputation for being intimidating, especially around young children. In reality, many big breeds are known for their calm nature and heightened awareness when interacting with little ones. That contrast is beautifully shown in a heartwarming video shared online, where a giant dog gently enjoys a quiet moment with a little girl.
Video shows giant dog sharing sweet playtime with little girl
The video was shared on Instagram by the account @teddythenewfie_swe_, featuring their Newfoundland dog named Teddy. Filmed outdoors on a patio, the clip shows a toddler slowly walking up to the towering dog with curiosity and confidence. Despite his size, Teddy remains completely calm, watching the little girl closely as she reaches out to him.
Rather than reacting with excitement or sudden movement, Teddy allows the toddler to explore at her own pace. At one point, he lowers himself slightly to sniff the girl’s toy, clearly aware of how small his playmate is. His body language reflects patience and restraint, traits that quickly earned praise from viewers.
In the caption, Teddy’s owner humorously writes from the dog’s perspective, saying, “Today I got to play with my 1 year old friend,” and affectionately refers to him as a “gentle giant.” The simple description matched what viewers saw on screen: a dog who seems to understand that this interaction requires extra care.
Many users praised Teddy’s manners, calling him “polite and incredibly patient” with children. Others joked that at first glance, they thought the toddler was approaching a bear due to Teddy’s sheer size. One commenter wrote that the child looked like she believed her “stuffed animal” had come to life. Meanwhile, another compared Teddy to a “Peter Pan–style nanny,” referencing the classic image of a dog watching over children.
That comparison isn’t far off when it comes to Newfoundlands. Originally bred in Canada to assist fishermen, Newfoundlands are strong working dogs known for swimming, water rescues, and hauling heavy loads. Despite their size, they are widely recognized for their calm demeanor, loyalty, and natural gentleness. Over time, they earned the nickname “nanny dogs” because of their protective instincts and patience with children.
