The Great Dane, also known as the “Deutsche Dogge,” is a stunning and loyal breed, cherished for its gentle nature and affectionate demeanor. Despite its imposing size, this “Gentle Giant” is a sweet and friendly companion that fits well into family life.
Are you considering bringing a Great Dane into your home? This article explores the breed’s origins, appearance, personality, and care needs to help you decide if this magnificent breed is the right fit for you.
Great Dane at a Glance
Here’s a snapshot of the key characteristics of a Great Dane to help you quickly get a feel for the breed:
| Breed Summary | Great Dane Quick Facts |
| Breed Purpose | Guarding dog, watchdog, companion dog |
| Breed Size | Giant |
| Height | 28-32 inches (71-81 cm) |
| Weight | 110-175 lbs (49-79 kg) |
| Coat Type | Short, smooth coat |
| Shedding | Moderate to high, seasonal |
| Common Coat Colors | Fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin, and mantle |
| Lifespan | 7-10 years |
| Temperament | Gentle, affectionate, friendly |
| Energy Level | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | 30-60 minutes daily |
| Average Price | $600 to $3,000 |
| Best For | Families |
The Origins of the Great Dane: A German Mastiff, Not Danish
Contrary to its name, the Great Dane didn’t originate in Denmark. The breed was developed in Germany, where it was known as the Deutsche Dogge or German Mastiff. The name “Great Dane” originated from a French naturalist who encountered the breed in Denmark and mistakenly labeled it the “Great Danish Dog.”
Historically, Great Danes were bred as boar-hunting dogs due to their strength, courage, and agility. They descended from ancient Mastiff-type dogs, with likely influences from the English Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound. By the 18th century, the breed had been refined to create the large, muscular dog we know today.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Great Dane in 1887, categorizing it in the Working Group due to its impressive physique and protective instincts.
Appearance: What Does a Great Dane Look Like?
The Great Dane is instantly recognizable for its massive, elegant frame. Standing on their hind legs, these giants can tower over most adults, and their powerful, well-proportioned build exudes strength and grace. According to breed standards, a Great Dane has a rectangular, muscular body, a long neck, and a broad, deep chest.
Their heads are rectangular with a long muzzle, medium-sized, soulful eyes, and ears set high on the head. While ear cropping was historically common to protect the breed from wild boars, it’s now mostly banned outside the United States.
One of their signature features is a long, muscular neck and a tail that rests low but rises when they’re active. Great Danes’ paws are round with well-arched toes, adding to their overall elegance.
Size: How Big Do Great Danes Get?
Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds in the world. Males typically stand between 30-32 inches (76-81 cm) and weigh 140-175 pounds (63-79 kg), while females are slightly smaller, standing 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) and weighing 110-140 pounds (49-63 kg). They reach their full height around 18 months, but may continue to fill out and gain muscle until they’re two years old. To monitor their development, you can refer to the Great Dane Growth Chart.
While a mini Great Dane isn’t an official breed, there are occasional “runt” puppies or smaller-than-average Danes, sometimes called “miniature Great Danes.” These can result from specific breeding choices, such as pairing two smaller Danes or crossbreeding with another breed.
One famous Great Dane, Zeus, holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest dog, measuring a staggering 44 inches (112 cm) at the shoulder. Great Danes of this size require plenty of space to move around comfortably, making them less suited to apartment living.
Coat and Colors: What Type of Hair Do Great Danes Have?
Great Danes have a short, smooth, and dense coat that comes in a range of colors, including:
- Standard Colors: Fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin, and mantle.
- Non-Standard Colors: Silver, chocolate, and merlequin.
To explore these variations in detail, you can check our comprehensive guide on Great Dane Colors. In addition to these colors, German Mastiffs may have distinct markings, such as a black mask or white markings. While their short coat is easy to groom, it sheds heavily year-round, making regular brushing a necessity.
Temperament: Is a Great Dane a Good Family Dog?
Great Danes are famously gentle and loving, making them excellent family dogs. Despite their size, they’re often quite docile and affectionate, eager to snuggle up with their family members. Known as “gentle giants,” they are friendly, rarely aggressive, and have a natural inclination to protect their loved ones.
Because of their gentle nature, Great Danes are wonderful with children. However, it’s essential to supervise interactions, as their large size can inadvertently cause accidents. Early socialization and training are recommended to help them adapt to family life, especially with other pets.
Are Great Danes Aggressive or Dangerous?
While Great Danes are typically calm and friendly, they can show protective behaviors if they sense a threat. With early training, Great Danes can learn to be well-mannered, and aggression is rarely an issue. In fact, many owners find female Great Danes to be slightly calmer than males, making them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.
Great Danes generally get along with other pets, including cats and other dogs. They’re also social with strangers if introduced properly. With the right training, a Great Dane can be a loyal, affectionate, and well-behaved member of any family.
Do Great Danes Bark a Lot?
Great Danes aren’t typically vocal dogs. While they have a deep, powerful bark, they usually reserve it for when they feel threatened or lonely. However, due to their strong attachment to their family, Great Danes are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
Training your Great Dane to enjoy time alone and crate training can help reduce barking and other destructive behaviors. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train, though they require a patient and consistent approach.
Exercise Needs: Keeping Your Great Dane Active
Great Danes have moderate energy levels and benefit from regular exercise. A daily walk or some time playing in a fenced yard will usually suffice. As puppies, Great Danes are full of energy, but they settle into a calmer routine around two years old.
Because of their size, it’s essential not to over-exercise young Great Danes. Long walks or excessive running can strain their developing joints and bones. When they reach adulthood, they’ll enjoy short runs or walks, but be mindful not to overexert them.
Grooming: Do Great Danes Shed?
Despite their short coat, Great Danes shed a fair amount, especially during seasonal changes. Weekly brushing with a de-shedding tool helps manage shedding and keeps their coat shiny. Bathing every month or two will keep their coat clean, while regular ear cleaning and teeth brushing are also recommended.
Their nails should be trimmed regularly, and it’s essential to introduce nail trimming at an early age to get them used to it. Great Danes may drool and tend to be a bit gassy, so be prepared for some of these quirks.
Feeding Your Great Dane: A Balanced Diet for a Big Dog
Great Danes have specific dietary needs due to their size. Feeding a Great Dane puppy involves a specially formulated large-breed puppy food, typically split into three meals a day. Once they reach adulthood, two meals per day should be sufficient.
Portion control is essential, as overeating can lead to obesity and worsen health issues like bloat, a condition to which Great Danes are particularly susceptible. Bloat, or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Consulting with a veterinarian will help you determine the best feeding plan based on your dog’s individual needs, size, and activity level.
Health Concerns: What Health Problems Do Great Danes Have?
Unfortunately, Great Danes have a shorter lifespan than smaller breeds, typically living between 7 and 10 years. This is mainly due to their size, as larger breeds often have more health concerns. Common health issues in Great Danes include:
- Joint Problems: Hip dysplasia and arthritis are common in large breeds like the Great Dane.
- Bloat (GDV): A life-threatening condition that causes the stomach to twist and fill with gas.
- Heart Disease: Great Danes can be prone to heart issues like dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Bone Cancer: This breed has a higher risk of osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.
- Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism can affect Great Danes, causing weight gain and lethargy.
Routine health screenings and regular veterinary checkups are essential for early detection and treatment of these conditions. With the right care, your Great Dane can lead a fulfilling life despite their relatively short lifespan.
Cost of Owning a Great Dane: What to Expect
Great Dane puppies can cost between $600 to $3,000, depending on factors like coat color, pedigree, and breeder reputation. For a detailed breakdown, review our article on Great Dane Price. The expenses don’t stop with the initial purchase, however; expect to spend about $1,500 in the first year on essentials like food, veterinary care, and accessories.
Great Danes are a costly breed to own due to their high food intake and potential medical expenses. Bloat surgery alone can cost up to $5,000. Investing in pet insurance can help offset some of these expenses and provide peace of mind.
Finding a Reputable Great Dane Breeder or Rescue
When searching for a Great Dane, finding a reputable breeder is crucial. A good breeder will provide health clearances, let you meet the puppy’s parents, and ensure that puppies are well-socialized. The Great Dane Club of America and AKC Marketplace offer breeder directories to help you find reputable options.
Alternatively, you may consider adopting a Great Dane from a rescue. Many breed-specific rescues specialize in Great Danes and can match you with a dog that fits your home and lifestyle. Rescuing offers a loving home to a dog in need and is often a more affordable option.
Great Dane Mixes and Similar Breeds
Great Danes have also been crossbred with other dogs to create unique hybrids, such as the Great Dane Lab Mix(Great Dane + Labrador) and the Great Danebull (Great Dane + Pitbull). If you’re curious about other hybrid options, explore our section on Great Dane Mixes. Additionally, other breeds like the Irish Wolfhound, Mastiff, and Saint Bernard share similar traits with the Great Dane. The Great Dane Chihuahua Mix is another intriguing hybrid, showing how versatile this breed’s genetics can be.
Conclusion: Is a Great Dane Right for You?
Great Danes are affectionate, loyal, and gentle giants, making them a wonderful choice for families who have the space and resources to care for them. They require a commitment to training, regular grooming, and attention to health. But with the right care, a Great Dane can be a loyal and loving companion.
Are you ready to bring a Great Dane into your life? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below!