Great Dane
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Find Great Dane BreedersGet to Know Great Danes
- Size: Great Danes, often referred to as the “Apollo of dogs” due to their majestic stature, have ancient roots tracing back over 400 years. They were originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs to chase down wild boar, a task requiring both strength and courage. Over time, they became popular among European nobility, often seen as symbols of status and power.
- Ancient Origins and Royal Ties: One of the most intriguing facts about Great Danes is their ancient history. The breed dates back more than 400 years and has origins in Germany, where they were bred as boar hunters. Their strength, agility, and courage made them ideal for taking down wild boar, a dangerous and powerful prey. Over time, Great Danes transitioned from hunters to noble companions, often appearing in artwork and sculptures alongside European aristocracy as symbols of status and refinement.
- Record-Breaking Size: Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. Great Danes are one of the most awe-inspiring dog breeds, known for their enormous size and regal appearance. Often referred to as the "Apollo of Dogs," these gentle giants can stand over 30 inches tall at the shoulder, with some individuals reaching over 7 feet when on their hind legs. Despite their imposing stature, Great Danes are famously friendly and affectionate, earning them the nickname "gentle giants." Their sheer size combined with their calm demeanor makes them both striking and lovable companions.
- Short Lifespan: Perhaps one of the most remarkable facts about Great Danes is their relatively short lifespan, averaging 7 to 10 years. Their large size makes them prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart disease. Despite these challenges, their loving and devoted nature makes every moment spent with them truly special. With proper care, nutrition, and regular vet check-ups, these majestic dogs can live full and happy lives, leaving a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know them.
- Affectionate and Loyal: Great Danes are known for their affectionate and sociable personalities. They are often described as "lap dogs in giant bodies," as they love to snuggle and be close to their human family members. Their gentle and calm temperament makes them excellent companions for children, and they tend to get along well with other pets. However, due to their size, early training and socialization are crucial to ensure they are well-behaved and manageable as they grow.
Breed History
The Great Dane, often called the "Apollo of dogs" due to its impressive size and majestic appearance, originated in Germany. Initially bred to hunt large game like boar, these dogs were the result of crossing mastiffs with German hunting dogs. Over time, they became cherished as gentle giants and companions. Their enormous size, dignified demeanor, and calm nature have made them beloved pets worldwide, despite their relatively short lifespan. Though they were originally working dogs, today they are primarily kept as family pets and show dogs.
Personality and Behaviour
- Gentle and Affectionate: Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are known for their sweet and affectionate nature. They are typically friendly and gentle with children, other pets, and even strangers, making them excellent family companions.
- Loyal and Protective: Great Danes are fiercely loyal to their families and protective of their home. While they are not aggressive, their large size and deep bark make them excellent watchdogs who will alert their owners to any potential threat.
- Calm and Easygoing: Known for their calm temperament, Great Danes are generally laid-back and content to relax with their families. They can be surprisingly lazy indoors, despite their size, and enjoy lounging on the couch or sleeping in their favorite spot.
Care
- Exercise: Great Danes are large dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy, though they are not as energetic as some smaller breeds. Moderate daily walks and some playtime in a fenced yard will help keep them fit. Due to their size, it is important not to over-exercise them when they are young to avoid stressing their joints and bones.
- Grooming: Great Danes have short coats that are easy to maintain. Regular brushing once a week will help keep shedding manageable and maintain the shine of their coat. They are generally low-shedding, but due to their size, their grooming requirements can still be significant. Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are essential for their overall hygiene and health.
- Training and Socialization: Early socialization is crucial to ensure that Great Danes grow up to be well-rounded dogs. They are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. However, their large size can make them challenging to manage if they are not properly trained from an early age. Consistency and patience are key when training these gentle giants.
Great Dane Summary
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Lifespan
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Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Great Dane Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation. PennHIP Evaluation. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. |
| Cardiac Evaluation | Advanced Cardiac Exam by board certified veterinary cardiologist, exam must include an echo. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Great Dane Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Great Dane is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Great Dane
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Great Dane puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Great Dane, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Great Dane is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
