Great Dane
Quick Summary
Gentle giants requiring spacious homes and experienced owners. Ideal for families seeking protective yet loving companions. Consider size-related expenses and health monitoring needs.
Contents
Weight Range
110-175 lbs
♂ Male: 140-175 lbs
♀ Female: 110-140 lbs
Height Range
71-81 inches
♂ Male: 30-32"
♀ Female: 30-32"
Life Expectancy
7-10 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #48
Above Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Working Group
Originally bred for Developed in Germany during the 16th century as boar hunters and estate guardians
Popularity
#16
Very popular breed choice
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 30"-32" |
| Female Height | 30"-32" |
| Male Weight | 140-175 lbs |
| Female Weight | 110-140 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 4/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include $1500-3000 for purchase, plus setup expenses. Monthly costs average $200-300 for food and basic care. Healthcare costs can be significant due to breed-specific issues and size-related expenses.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Characterized by their patient and friendly demeanor, Great Danes combine gentle affection with natural protective instincts. Their energy levels are moderate, requiring regular exercise but not excessive activity. Social and adaptable with proper training.
Social Needs
Great Danes thrive on human companionship and generally get along well with other pets. They can handle moderate alone time but prefer regular interaction. Social nature requires consistent family involvement.
Breed Overview
Majestic and noble, Great Danes stand tall with a powerful yet elegant build. Their smooth coat comes in various colors including fawn, brindle, and harlequin. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and well-defined muscular body, these giants possess a graceful gait despite their imposing size. Their balanced temperament combines dignity with friendliness, making them both impressive guardians and affectionate companions.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Gentle with family
- ✓ Excellent guard dog
- ✓ Minimal grooming needs
- ✓ Adaptable personality
Cons
- ✗ Short lifespan
- ✗ High food costs
- ✗ Space requirements
- ✗ Health issues
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Friendly, Patient, Dependable |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Trainability | Agreeable |
| Grooming Needs | Occasional Bath/Brush |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Great Danes require 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, including moderate walks and gentle play sessions. Despite their size, they adapt well to a moderate exercise routine. Avoid strenuous activity during growth phases to protect developing joints.
Diet & Nutrition
Adult Great Danes need 6-10 cups of high-quality food daily, divided into 2-3 meals. Special attention to calcium levels during growth phases. Prone to bloat, so elevated feeding bowls and post-meal rest are essential.
Requires 6-10 cups of large-breed specific food daily, divided into 2-3 meals. Puppies need special large-breed formulas to support proper growth. Monthly food costs average $100-150. Elevated feeding stations recommended.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Requires substantial indoor space due to their large size. Best suited for homes with spacious rooms and yards. While adaptable to various climates, they need temperature-controlled environments.
Minimum space requirements include large doorways, wide hallways, and roomy living areas. Ideal setting includes a fenced yard. Despite size, they adapt well to indoor living with adequate space.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
German nobility developed these magnificent dogs from ancient mastiff-type breeds, creating powerful hunters capable of taking down wild boar. Their size and strength earned them roles as estate guardians, while their gentle nature made them favored companions.
Historical Purpose
Developed in Germany during the 16th century as boar hunters and estate guardians. Later refined as noble companions, these dogs served both practical and prestigious roles.
Fun Fact
Despite their massive size, Great Danes were historically known as 'Apollo of dogs' for their elegance.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Prone to bloat - requires scheduled feeding and rest periods. Exercise needs careful monitoring during growth. Regular vet checks essential for early health issue detection.