Great Dane | Dog Breed

Last updated May 29, 2024

Size

Varies

Popularity

Not that Common

Typical Lifespan

About 7 years

Exercise

Great Danes enjoy daily long walks and regular play sessions to stay healthy and happy.

Grooming Needs

Great Danes have minimal grooming needs, requiring weekly brushing to manage shedding and maintain coat health. Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming are also essential.

Country of Origin

Germany

Adaptability

Great Danes can adapt to both apartment living and larger homes, provided they get sufficient exercise and attention.

Shedding Level

Great Danes experience moderate shedding year-round, with more noticeable shedding during seasonal changes.

Energiness

Great Danes have a moderate energy level; they enjoy regular exercise but also appreciate plenty of downtime.

Vocality

Great Danes are generally quiet dogs, barking only when necessary or to alert their owners.

Trainability

Great Danes are generally trainable and respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement, though their size requires early training and socialization.

Dietary Needs

Great Danes need a balanced diet rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients to support their large size and prevent joint issues.

Weight Range

110-175 lbs

Child Friendliness

Child-Friendly

Social Needs

For Whom?

The Great Dane, a gentle giant, primarily needs space in its home—both physically and emotionally. The ideal home for this breed is one with plenty of room to move around and, preferably, a large yard where it can freely romp about. Although the Dane is calm indoors, it greatly enjoys being outdoors and leading an active lifestyle, so urban apartment living might not be the best option for this dog.

A family that welcomes a Great Dane into their home should be ready to commit to training and socializing the dog from an early age. Danes are intelligent and learn quickly, but given their size, training needs to be consistent and positive. It’s good for the family to be active and social, as the Dane loves being surrounded by people and participating in family activities.

While the Great Dane is friendly and gentle, its size can be a challenge around smaller children, so one should always be vigilant with the youngest family members. The Great Dane is a loyal and loving family member that brings a lot of joy and warmth, but it also needs a lot of love, attention, and understanding from its people. In this regard, the Great Dane is not just a dog, but a full-fledged family member.

Character

Affectionate

Loyal

Gentle

Dignified

The Great Dane is a giant in the dog world, known for its gentle nature and dignified presence, which disguise the true gentle giant within. This majestic breed is like royalty, exuding calmness and confidence with every step, yet it retains a soft heart.

The Great Dane is a lovable companion that forms deep attachments to its family, showing its loyalty with every bark and wag of its tail. It is accustomed to being the center of attention in its family and enjoys being involved in all activities – whether it's a joyful family picnic or a quiet moment by the fireplace. Its heart is as big as its stature, and it shares its love with everyone around.

Despite its size, which might seem intimidating, the Great Dane is actually one of the calmest and most patient breeds. It gets along well with children and other pets, setting an example with its gentleness and soothing nature. The Great Dane is known for its ability to sense the emotions of family members and offer support without words, just by being present.

While the Great Dane loves outdoor activities and playing in spacious environments, it also appreciates the art of lounging. It can be happiest just lying in its favorite spot, watching the daily life of the family, and participating with its calm acceptance.

In terms of intelligence, the Great Dane is insightful and quick to learn new commands and tricks, if taught through positive reinforcement and patience. It enjoys cooperating with humans and aims to please, but it also values independent moments when it can just be and breathe.

The Great Dane is a loyal friend, whose impressive appearance and heartfelt nature make it a unique companion. It is a family dog that brings a sense of security and deep belonging, sharing both the significant and the minor moments of life by your side. The Dane is like a gentle giant, providing protection and love, with a heart that beats strongly for those it considers its own.

History

The Great Dane, originally known as the Danish Mastiff, has a history that seems lifted straight from a fairy tale. Its roots stretch back to ancient times when large mastiff-type dogs fought alongside the Roman legions. During the Middle Ages, these imposing dogs guarded European noble homes, hunted big game, and played a crucial role as war dogs. Their strength, courage, and loyalty made them both respected and feared.

In 18th century Germany, these dogs were known as "Kammerhunde" (chamber dogs) because they enjoyed the protection of noblemen and even lived in their bedrooms to protect them at night. In Germany, breeding efforts focused on creating gentler and more tranquil dogs that were better suited as companions. Interestingly, the name "Great Dane" is actually misleading, as the breed did not originate in Denmark but in Germany, where it is known as the "Deutsche Dogge."

By the late 19th century, breeding efforts increasingly focused on the breed's appearance and temperament. The goal was to create a majestic and elegant dog that was also gentle and friendly. This effort was successful, and the Great Dane became known for its impressive stature and good-natured behavior.

In the 20th century, the Great Dane cemented its status as a beloved family pet. Its gentle and patient nature made it an ideal companion for children, and its noble demeanor drew admiration wherever it went. Known as the "gentle giant," this moniker reflects its large size and soft nature.

Today, the Great Dane is popular worldwide, known not only for its striking appearance but also for its deep attachment to its family. Although it no longer serves as a guard dog or hunter, it remains a loyal and loving companion that brings joy and dignity to every home it graces. The history of the Great Dane is rich and nuanced, continuing to win the hearts of people both at home and in the show ring.