Great Dane

Once celebrated for protecting properties and drawing carriages, the Great Dane has transformed into a cherished family pet. Often referred to as gentle giants, these loving dogs flourish with human companionship. Although their forebears were bred for hunting wild boars, modern Danes prefer fun playtimes over chasing game. To truly enjoy having a Great Dane, owners need plenty of space and time to spend with their large buddy. These dogs are not easy to transport and need a living space where they can move freely. Even with their large stature, Great Danes often act like lapdogs, which makes them both charming and a little tricky to handle at times.

Quick Info

Size

Extra large

Colours

Fawn, black, blue, brindle and harlequin

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Height

28 to 30 inches

Type

Working

Hypoallergenic

Weight

100 to 120 pounds

Family

Mastiff

Personality

Great Danes are very loving and extremely faithful. Their instinct to protect makes them good at watching over homes, but it can also cause them to be territorial around strange dogs. To help them grow into well-behaved pets, it’s important to socialize Great Dane puppies early and provide them with obedience training.

History

Despite what their name suggests, Great Danes actually originated in Germany, where they were previously called the German Mastiff or Deutsche Dogge. Their history goes back to ancient eras, showing that their ancestors were much larger and more powerful than the graceful dogs we see today.

Ideal Owner

A Great Dane requires plenty of room, just like its name implies—imagine large vehicles, roomy houses, and big backyards. These dogs have big appetites and stay playful for a long time, making it a serious responsibility to have one. Their large size can make small behavior problems seem bigger, so regular training is essential.

Exercise Needs

These dogs love going for long walks and playing outside, but they are just as content to relax and take it easy.

Space Requirements

In the life of a Great Dane, having more space is ideal. A roomy house will provide them with everything they need to feel comfortable.

Training

Because of their large size, Great Danes need regular training to become good pets. It’s important for them to learn how to walk on a leash and come when called for their safety and the ease of people nearby. Their big stature can be scary to some, so teaching them social skills and obedience is very important.

Grooming

Regular brushing is usually enough to maintain their fur in good condition and shiny.

Suitability for Family Life

Great Danes are wonderful pets for families because they are friendly and loving. However, they are quite large and strong. If you have young kids or older relatives, their size might make them less suitable for your home.

Did You know?

The Great Dane is known as the tallest dog breed globally. These dogs are raised to be gentle and calm. A famous example of a Great Dane is Scooby-Doo!