The clue is in the name: a Great Dane is truly a great dog. Not just in their (considerable!) size, but in their personality. Great Danes are known to have beautiful temperaments: gentle, patient, friendly and oh so affectionate to their humans. People pleasers, Danes make friends wherever they go. Sure, they might look elegant and regal, but these dogs are utter goofballs and will wriggle their way into your heart (and whatever you’re doing - a Great Dane truly believes they’re a lapdog and will try to nap on your lap whenever possible). Look out for their signature move: a lean that lets you know that to them, you’re always top dog.
Great Dane Facts
One of the largest dog breeds, Great Danes stand up to 81cm tall and can weigh up to 80kg. Owning one of these gentle giants is a real commitment but it’s worth it as they make affectionate, loyal and friendly family members.
- Breed Group: Working
- Height: Female: 71-76cm, Male: 76-81cm
- Weight: Female: 50-64kg, Male: 64-80kg
- Life Span: 7-10 years
- Coat: Smooth, short
- Colour: Various including black, blue, white and fawn
What Does a Great Dane Look Like?
The Great Dane is the tallest dog in the American Kennel Club’s books and one of the largest dog breeds to currently exist. Towering over most other dogs, a Great Dane standing on their hind legs is normally taller than most humans. Although their size (and gigantic paws!) might be the first thing you notice, there are other tell-tale signs of a Great Dane.
Like those long, floppy ears and droopy jowls that give them a somewhat grumpy-old-man appearance. Droolly dogs, it’s important to always have a towel handy with a Great Dane. Their other distinguishing feature is their smooth, short coat which comes in a range of colours and patterns. The most iconic is the harlequin coat - white with black patches.
Powerfully built and muscular dogs, Great Danes are surprisingly elegant and regal - right up until the moment they become their goofiest best (like when they try to curl up on your lap because they simply don’t understand how big and heavy they are!).
Great Dane
Great Dane Temperament: Great Big Softie
Great Danes make naturally wonderful protectors, because most humans look at them (and their size!) and assume they’re intimidating, aggressive dogs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Great Danes are friendly, patient, loyal and happy dogs. So friendly and patient in fact that they’re great with kids. However, thanks to their large size and tail that can wag powerfully when they’re happy and excited (which happens a lot!), they’re best with older kids who won’t get knocked over so easily.
These easy going dogs are a joy to share your home with - Great Danes are true people pleasers. They love nothing more than being with their people. Once you’ve got a Great Dane in your home, ‘alone time’ is not a concept you’ll be familiar with. Whether you’re cooking dinner or trying to read in peace, expect your Great Dane to be as close as possible.
Keeping Great Danes Healthy: 3 Issues to Watch Out For
As such a large dog, Great Danes have a fairly short lifespan: 7-10 years. But during that time they’re not prone to many health issues so you can enjoy a healthy, happy life together.
Bloat
Bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is the number one killer of Danes, so it’s important to understand what it is and the signs. Bloat most commonly affects dogs with a deep chest, like a Great Dane. Like the name tells you, bloat causes a bloated, twisted stomach. It’s life-threatening and a dog with bloat requires immediate medical attention.
Signs of bloat include pacing, a swollen or hard belly that might be painful to touch, restlessness, retching but not being able to vomit, excessive drooling and panting.
You can help keep your Great Dane safe from bloat by not exercising them for at least 1 hour before and after mealtimes. You might also consider surgery called prophylactic gastropexy (or preventative tack). This can help prevent some of the more serious consequences of bloat.
Hip Dysplasia
Large dog breeds, including the Great Dane, are at risk of joint problems, particularly hip dysplasia. It happens when the hip joint slips out of its usual alignment, resulting in pain, limping and lameness. A progressive problem, it can be treated in many ways, including weight management and surgery. It’s an inherited condition meaning responsible breeders should screen for it.
Heart Problems
Compared to other breeds, the Great Dane is more at risk of heart disease. Again, as a hereditary condition, breeders should screen their breeding dogs to lower the chances of the issue being inherited by future puppies.
Caring for Your Great Dane Dog
With their short, smooth coat, you’re going to spend less time grooming your Great Dane and more time training and socialising them which will also strengthen your bond. More quality time together? Sign your Great Dane up!
Grooming:
Although Great Danes are low-shedding dogs, they’re still an awful lot of dog - so even a little bit of shedded fur might be a lot! Weekly brushing will keep their coat shiny and healthy. Expect a Great Dane to experience 2 shedding seasons a year (spring and autumn) when you’ll need to give them a daily brush. You’ll also need to regularly brush their teeth (at least a few times a week, working up to daily) to ward off any plaque and tartar.
During your weekly brushing sessions, check their eyes and ears for any sign of infection. Think redness, swelling or discharge. Their long floppy ears can be breeding grounds for infection. Gently clean their ears with wipes to help stop dirt and debris building up.
Every 4-6 weeks you’ll need to trim their nails. As you’d expect, they’re large and strong so you’ll need some heavy duty nail clippers.
Baths can be kept to a minimum, which is a bit of a relief - finding a bathtub big enough for a Great Dane can be a challenge! Aim for a bath every few months, unless they’ve been playing in the mud. In between baths, towel downs or wipes can keep them fresh. Oh and keep a towel handy: Great Danes drool so you’ll need to wipe their faces to keep them drool-free.
Nutrition:
One downside of owning this giant softie? Food costs can add up! Great Danes do well on top quality commercial dog food, especially dog food that’s tailored for large-breed dogs. This will meet their higher energy needs. Their food should be suitable for their life stage: puppy, adult or senior.
Aim for a mix of dry kibble and wet food, as well as providing a balanced diet, it gives their teeth a clean too.
Exercise:
Laidback and easygoing they might be, but Great Danes still need exercise to keep them healthy and happy. It’s fairly low-key exercise though: a brisk walk 2 or 3 times a day plus some outdoor playtime, for a total of about 30-60 minutes. A Great Dane can be a good jogging or tramping buddy, but they’ll need to be trained to get to your activity level. They’ll also have to be at least 2 years old. Vigorous exercise while they’re still growing can damage their joints.
Used long ago as hunting dogs, Danes can still be guided by their nose. If they smell a tempting scent, expect them to follow it! It’s best to keep them on a leash at all times and only let them off in secure areas with a tall fence. The dog park is a great way to keep them physically and mentally engaged, as are interactive toys and puzzles.
Once their (somewhat low) exercise needs are met, expect a Dane to happily while away the rest of the day snoozing at home.
Training
As a large and powerful dog, obedience training is a must for Great Danes. As social, friendly, people-pleasing dogs, Danes are straightforward to train. They pick up basic obedience commands, like sit, stay, down and come, quickly. Starting when they’re a puppy, and far easier to physically manage, is essential. Early socialisation is key too, helping your Great Dane become a confident, well-adjusted adult.
Danes respond best to firm, consistent training methods that involve human contact, plenty of affection and socialisation with other humans and animals. A Great Dane is a smart and somewhat stubborn pup, so they can do best with experienced, patient pet parents.
It’s normal for Great Danes to experience a short stage of fearfulness when they’re in their late teens. Help them through this by providing them positive experiences with people and animals. You could give them delicious treats when they meet and interact with new people, like on your daily neighbourhood strolls or in the pet shop.