Great Dane

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Size: Extra-Large
Other Names: German Mastiff, Danish Hound, Grand Danois, Dogue Allemand, Deutsche Dogge, Dänischer Hund, Dane, Gentle Giant, Apollo of all breeds
Country of Origin: Germany
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Working
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Guardian Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Non-Sporting
The Kennel Club (KC): Working Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Working Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Non-Sporting

The Great Dane is known for its giant size, and gentle personality, and is considered one of the tallest dog breeds. He is a very large, short-coated dog, with smooth, well-defined musculature. His head is long, rectangular, and finely chiseled, with high-set, medium-sized drop ears, black nose, and dark brown, medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes.

A giant, short-coated house dog; little grooming, a deep quiet voice, and size that needs room — a kind household, not a tiny flat.

Great Danes ancestry includes the English Mastiff and, possibly, wolfhounds. Despite his name, the Great Dane is a German breed. There were developed as hunting dogs, and were carefully bred to improve size, power, and endurance. They were a favorite with German aristocrats.

Height: Male: at least 30 inches; Female: at least 28 inches
Weight: Male: 120–175 pounds; Female: 100–140 pounds
Color: Brindle (strong black stripes in a chevron pattern on a yellow-gold background); fawn (yellow gold with a black mask); blue (pure steel blue); black (glossy black); harlequin (black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over a white background); or boston (solid black blanket extending over the body and skull with white markings on the muzzle, collar, chest, part or whole of the fore and hind legs, tip of the tail)
Coat: Short, close, thick; smooth, glossy appearance
Lifespan: 7–10 years
Litter size: 5–10 puppies

Temperament

The Great Dane's large and imposing appearance belies its friendly nature; the breed is often referred to as a gentle giant. He is spirited, courageous, friendly, and dependable. He is easy-going, affectionate with family members, and self-confident with strangers. He is good with children, but due to his great size, is better suited for older children and teenagers. Great Danes are generally well-disposed toward other dogs, other non-canine pets, and wild animals.

Training

Great Danes are easily trained, but need consistency.

Care and grooming

Although Great Danes have a fairly slow metabolism, they need a moderate amount of daily exercise. Great Danes, like most giant dogs, have a fairly slow metabolism, resulting in less energy, and less food consumption per pound of dog than in small breeds. As in other larger breeds of dogs, drinking large amounts of fluid in a short period of time can provoke bloating in Great Danes. Elevated food dishes are often believed to help prevent bloat by regulating the amount of air that is inhaled while eating, although one study suggests that elevated food dishes may increase the risk. Refraining from exercise or activity immediately before and after meals may also reduce the risk of bloat, although this has not been validated with research.

Shedding

Low to moderate.

Health

Great Danes are at high risk for bloat and may develop cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia. This giant breed has a relatively short life and should not be run hard after eating.

Crosses that include the Great Dane

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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