Great Dane

also known as Gentle Giant, Deutsche Dogge, Apollo of Dogs, Dane, German Mastiff

Pros History


The Great Dane is a majestic and powerful breed with a rich history that dates back centuries. This large and imposing breed has a unique set of characteristics that sets it apart from other breeds, and has earned it a reputation as a gentle giant.

The Great Dane has its origins in Germany, where it was primarily used as a hunting dog for large game such as wild boar and deer. The breed was known as "Boar Hounds" in ancient times, and their size and strength made them ideal for this purpose. They were also employed to hunt bears and bison, making them a versatile and skilled hunting breed.

In the 19th century, Great Danes were bred to be taller and leaner, making them more suited for show rather than working purposes. This change in breeding led to the Great Dane's impressive appearance and earned them the nickname "Apollo of all breeds." They were recognized by major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1887 and later by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1896. The breed's name, "Great Dane," comes from the English translation of the German name "Deutsche Dogge," which literally means "German Mastiff."

In addition to their historical uses, Great Danes are also known for their versatility and trainability. They excel in obedience, agility and therapy work, and also make great family pets and watchdogs due to their loyalty and protective nature. They are known for their even temperament and are often described as "gentle giants."

The Great Dane breed has an interesting connection to the popular fictional character, Scooby-Doo. Scooby-Doo, the iconic Great Dane from the animated series "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" has helped to make the Great Dane breed a household name and a beloved companion around the world. The lovable and easily frightened Scooby-Doo, along with his human companions, has captured the hearts of audiences as they solve mysteries involving supposedly supernatural creatures, since the series first aired in 1969. Not only did Scooby-Doo's character and his relationship to the Great Dane breed make it more recognizable and popular, but also it helped to perpetuate the image of the Great Dane as a lovable and friendly companion, rather than just a hunting or guard dog.

Breed Information


Type

Is Great Dane a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Great Danes originally used for?

Watchdog, Hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Great Danes Live? What is average life expectancy for a Great Dane? How long can Great Danes live?

7-10 years

The average Great Dane lifespan is somewhere between 7-10 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Great Dane Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Great Dane?

What is the average height of a Great Dane? How big is a Purebred Great Dane height? Great Dane dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 30-34 inches (76.2 - 86.4 cm) 26.5 inches (67.3 cm) 29.0 inches (73.7 cm) 32.0 inches (81.3 cm)
Female 28-32 inches (71.1 - 81.3 cm) 24.5 inches (62.2 cm) 27.0 inches (68.6 cm) 30.0 inches (76.2 cm)
What is the average weight of a Great Dane? How much should Great Danes weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 120-175 pounds (54 - 79 kg) 87.5 pounds (40 kg) 107.5 pounds (49 kg) 145.0 pounds (66 kg)
Female 100-140 pounds (45 - 64 kg) 77.5 pounds (35 kg) 92.5 pounds (42 kg) 115.0 pounds (52 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Great Danes get fat easily?

The Great Dane is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Great Danes Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Great Dane is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Great Dane personality? What are Great Dane dogs best known for?

Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Confident
Intelligent
Loving

Shedding Level

Are Great Danes heavy shedders? How Much Does a Great Dane Shed?

Great Dane dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Great Dane. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Great Dane dog?

The Great Dane dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Great Danes come from?

Germany

Ancestry

What are Great Danes descended from?

Wolfhound, Old English Mastiff, Greyhound

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Great Dane breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were Great Danes first bred? How old is the Great Dane breed?

3000 BC

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Great Dane?

Working (AKC:1887)
Guardian Dogs (UKC)

Great Dane Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Great Dane eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Great Dane nose be naturally?

Blue
Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Great Dane coat be naturally?

Brindle
Sable
Blue
Fawn
Black
Brown
Red

Coat Length

How long is a Great Danes coat?

Great Danes are known for their short coat.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Great Dane Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Great Dane?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Great Dane have in a litter? How many puppies can a Great Dane have in her first litter?

7-10 puppies per pregnancy

A Great Dane can have a litter of 7-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Great Dane dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Great Dane Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Great Danes have a lot of health problems?

The Great Dane breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Great Dane?

Entropion
Gastric Torsion
Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Great Danes?

Myotonia

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Great Dane breed?

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Blood
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Great Dane Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Great Danes have a lot of energy?

Great Danes are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Great Danes need socialization? How social are Great Danes?

Great Dane have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Great Danes get?

The Great Danes a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Great Dane have? Do Great Danes sleep a lot?

Great Danes are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Great Dane drool a lot?

The Great Dane is a breed that is known for drooling quite a lot. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds. Great Dane is one of them. If you dislike the presence of drool and the potential for saliva spots on your clothes, it may be best to consider a different dog breed. Drooling is a normal part of their physiology but it's important to consider if it's something you can handle.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Great Dane dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Great Danes exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Great Danes mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Great Dane running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Great Dane dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Great Danes enjoy doing? How do I keep my Great Dane busy?

Walking, Petting, Eating Snacks, Walk, Nap, Sniffing around, Play keep away, Fetch, Chasing Cats, Running, Treats, Play, Smelling, Exploring, Walks, Sniffing, Playing, Kisses, Jumping, Run, Catch treats, Tug-of-war, Wrestling, Dog Parks, Hiking, Waking, Tug of war, Fetching

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Great Dane? How much energy does a Great Dane have?

Medium

Great Danes are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Great Dane walk each week? How many miles should a Great Dane walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Great Dane, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Great Dane should exercise a day? How much activity does a Great Dane need?

60 minutes

In general most Great Danes usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Great Dane?

The Great Dane is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Great Dane?

Weekly

Great Dane should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Great Danes?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Great Dane eat?

3.5 cups

For an average 120-175 pound (54 - 79 kg) Great Dane feed 3.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Great Dane Cost Daily?

$3.90 - $4.20 / day

The average cost of a Great Dane is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Great Dane Cost Per Month?

$116 - $126 / month

The average per month expenses of a Great Dane is between $116 - $126. This makes an average of $1392 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Great Dane Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Great Dane?

The Great Dane breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Great Dane dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Great Dane dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Great Dane do well in apartments? Are Great Danes good indoor dogs?

Great Danes are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Great Danes good with kids? Are Great Danes good around children?

Great Danes are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Great Danes good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Great Danes good with cats? How friendly Great Danes are toward cats?

Great Danes are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Great Dane dogs get along with other dogs? Are Great Danes OK with other dogs?

Great Danes are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Great Dane dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Great Danes friendly with strangers?

Great Danes are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Great Danes like to play? Are Great Danes playful?

Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Great Dane easily trained?

Great Dane dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rarely barks
    This breed may be a good pick for those looking for a more peaceful dog as they are known for being quiet.
  • Temperament
    Great Danes are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are often considered to be "gentle giants" and are great with children and other animals.
  • Apartment Friendly
    Apartment dwellers should consider a Great Dane dog.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    The Great Dane's has a low to the average risk for overweight.
  • Therapy Dog
    This breed is a good fit for therapy dog training and work.
  • Protective
    Great Danes are protective of their family and can make excellent watchdogs.

Cons

  • Health problems
    Great Danes, like other breeds, may have a predisposition to certain health issues such as Entropion, Gastric Torsion, Cardiomyopathy and Hip Dysplasia.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Keeping a Great Dane in an office may not be ideal
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    While beloved by many, Great Danes may not be appropriate for those with allergies due to the possibility of allergic reactions.
  • Lifespan
    Great Danes have a relatively short lifespan of around 7 to 8 years.