Great Danes: everything you need to know

Last updated on 15 May 2024

The Great Dane: the gentle giant of the dog world, a truly majestic creature and a literal handful. Whether you’re thinking about welcoming this ultimate guard dog home, you're already pet parenting, or you want to find out more about this gargantuan hound, here’s a handy guide on the Great Dane dog breed.

Great Dane breed characteristics 

• Origin: Germany.
• Great Dane height: 71-81cm (28-32 inches).
• Great Dane weight: 50-80 kg (110-175 pounds).
• Character: Affectionate, loyal, and patient.
• Grooming: They’re low-shedding and need weekly brushing.
• Health needs: Regular vet check-ups are necessary as they’re prone to gastric dilation volvulus, dilated cardiomyopathy, and megaesophagus .  
• Energy levels: High!
• Intelligence: Intelligent and eager to please. 
• Great Dane lifespan: 7-10 years.
• Noise levels: Low, but be prepared for a deep bark every now and then.

What does a Great Dane look like?

It’s no surprise the this doggo was nicknamed the “Apollo of dogs”. But aside from their size, the Great Dane colors are another impressive aspect of this breed. The harlequin Great Dane pattern is relatively rare, whereas black Great Danes are more common, alongside fawn, merle, brindle and blue.

Great Dane personality

Described as “gentle giants”, the Great Dane temperament certainly matches up to their nickname. The breed is loyal, friendly, and patient, yet lively with a seriously goofy side.

Great Dane health issues

• Hip dysplasia. This can lead to arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Symptoms include back leg weakness, hopping or limping. Care should be taken to avoid over-exercising Great Dane puppies until they’re over two.
• Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). This condition causes the stomach to bloat and twist and can be fatal. It can be avoided with smaller meals and leaving exercise outside of mealtime. Symptoms include restlessness, a swollen abdomen, retching, and excessive drooling.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This affects the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body, so vet examinations from puppyhood are vital.
• Megaesophagus. An enlarged esophagus causes food and water to get stuck in the throat, causing bad breath, regurgitation and pneumonia. Treatment includes a diet change and upright feeding.
• Wobbler syndrome. Otherwise known as cervical spondylomyelopathy, this disease causes the spinal cord in the neck area to compress and results in pain, trouble walking, and incontinence. It’s managed with rest, medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Other health issues Great Danes are prone to that pet parents and dog sitters should look out for include: 

• Hypothyroidism
• Dental issues and gum disease
• Infection
• Obesity and weight problems
• Allergies 
• Epilepsy
• Cancer

Ideal home and pet parents 

Despite the Great Dane dog’s size, as long as they’re getting enough exercise (around 2 hours per day), the breed can adjust to apartment living. They can live with older children, but not toddlers due to risk of injury. The breed is also prone to separation anxiety, so they’re happiest with their humans at home a lot. 

Great Dane training tips

• Positive reinforcement. They’re eager to please and relatively easy to train, but get control over Great Dane behavior from the off using treats and praise during obedience training.
• Crate training. Finding a Great Dane crate will help to settle separation anxiety and allow pet parents to run errands out of the house.
• Socialization. Great Danes puppy training should include exposure to other dogs, humans and environments.
• Leash training. For such a large dog breed, keep your pooch on a leash unless you’re in a secure area.

Great Dane puppies

Like with any dog, the Great Dane breed needs any expectations set from a young age, as soon as they’re welcomed home. So, while they’re loving, affectionate and even a little reserved, starting that crate training, grooming, positive reinforcement and socialization as soon as possible is a must if your puppy is to grow into a settled, happy dog.

Grooming a Great Dane

Great Dane dogs need weekly brushing generally and daily during shedding season (once or twice a year). From puppyhood, they'll need to get used to face wiping, ear checks, teeth brushing and nail clipping.

Great Dane history 

Known as the Deutsche Dogge, the breed originates from Germany around 400 years ago. Great Danes were hunting dogs for wild boar, working for German nobles before they were recognized by the AKC in 1887. 

Getting a Great Dane

From the exercise and mental stimulation to the play and daily attention they need,  this dog’s energy levels need to be matched by their pet parents.

If you think your (human) pack is ready, consider the cost of Great Dane rescue and adoption, which covers things like vaccinations and microchipping. 

The cost of Great Dane breeders could set you back far more than rescue. And sadly, it’s difficult to tell whether they’re reputable, which is why rescue is often preferred over breeders.