Facts About Great Danes: Are They the Best Breed for You?

Owning a giant dog can be fun and fulfilling, but it is also a huge responsibility. There may be legal issues like banned breed laws with which to contend, or you could find yourself unable to purchase a homeowner’s insurance policy.

Discover some key facts about Great Dane dogs to help you decide if you want to make the commitment to owning this breed.

The overall appearance of Great Dane dogs is one of massiveness, nobleness, and power. They are well-balanced and graceful animals in spite of their gigantic size.

The enormous head is rectangular-shaped, and the almond-shaped eyes are intelligent and determined.

The ears can be cropped or uncropped, but they must stand erect if cropped. The body is square with a broad, deep chest and slender, thin tail.

• Origin: Germany is considered the probable place of origin.

• Nickname/alternative names: Big Danish, German Mastiff, Deutschedogge, German Boarhound, gentle giants, king of dogs¹

• Ancestors: Irish Wolfhound, English Mastiff, and Tibetan Mastiff

• AKC Group: Great Danes are in the Working group and were first recognized in 1887.

• Early Use: fighting and hunting dogs

• Lifespan: 7 to 10 years

• Height/weight: 33 to 36 inches; 140 to 175 pounds (dogs are typically larger than bitches)

• Colors: Brindle, fawn, blue, black, mantle, and harlequin

• Personality: Easy going and mild mannered

• Grooming: Minimal because of the short, smooth coats

• Need for attention: Extremely high

• Known health problems/heritable diseases: The most common diseases of this breed are bloat, hip arthritis, and hip dysplasia.

• Intelligence: Medium-high

• Social Skills: Great Danes are friendly with family and other pets in the household but wary with strangers and may show aggression toward other animals.

• National Breed Association: Great Dane Club of America

Great Danes are strong-willed and while they are incredibly smart, they can be challenging to train because of their stubborn natures.

Wise owners will enroll puppies in obedience training early in puppyhood and establish themselves as the pack leaders from the very beginning.

Left untrained, Danes become dominant and unmanageable. However, they are also extremely sensitive so take care to train them in a positive manner and avoid shouting or negative reinforcement.

In addition to early obedience training, Danes need early and frequent socialization to balance their strong protective instincts. They may become fearful of strangers or developed unwanted behaviors like aggression or biting if they are not properly socialized.

Danes are people-oriented and need to be with their families, so plan on keeping your dog inside. Furthermore, they detest solitude and may suffer separation anxiety or destructive behaviors if left alone too long.

While they enjoy being outdoors and need moderate daily exercise, their short coats make them unable to tolerate temperature extremes. According to Jeff West, author of Great Danes FAQs , the best crate size for a Dane is approximately 28 inches by 36 inches by 48 inches.²

Most giant dog breeds are short-lived, and the Dane is no exception. Prepare yourself for a short but loving relationship with your Danes, as most live an average of just eight years. If you are looking for a dog that can be a companion to your children and “grow up with them,” this breed might not be the best choice.

Danes are more expensive overall than other dogs because they need more food, their vet bills are higher, and they require more space. They must have many human interactions and enough exercise, but not too much.

However, they give as much as they get (and more!) in terms of love and loyalty. Now that you know some basic factors about the Great Dane, you are in a better position to decide if this is the best breed for you.

1 - Undisclosed, "AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Great Dane," American Kennel Club, http://www.akc.org/breeds/great_dane/index.cfm

2 - West, Jeff, "Great Dane Frequently Asked Questions List 2, " Clemson College of Engineering and Science, http://www.ces.clemson.edu/~jshea/faq2.html#Room

GDCA Health and Welfare Committee, "Before you get a Great Dane," Great Dane Club of America, http://www.gdca.org/before.htm