Great Dane 101: What Every Owner Should KnowGreat Dane Dog

Great Danes are like the giants of the dog world, but despite their size, they’re total softies. You might have heard them called ‘gentle giants’ or the ‘Apollo of dogs.’ This is because they’re really big, but also really friendly and loving. When you see one, it’s like looking at a living, barking statue – they have this noble and elegant look that’s pretty amazing.

The record for the tallest dog ever belongs to a Great Dane named Zeus, who stood at an astounding 44 inches (111.9 cm) from paw to shoulder—nearly four feet tall. Such remarkable size not only showcases the breed’s impressive physical stature but also mirrors its storied history, stretching back centuries.

Just remember, owning a Great Dane is a big responsibility. Like any breed, one needs to do a lot of research before looking for a Great Dane puppy for sale. So, we referred to breed experts like Jennifer Costantinidis of DunRomanDanes, a prestigious member of the Great Dane Club of America and Dr. Morell Mackenzie’s book Great Danes: Past and Present to provide you with a complete dog breed information guide.

Great Dane Key Points

1. Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds, known for their regal appearance and towering height.
2. Despite their size, Great Danes are renowned for their gentle and affectionate temperament, making them excellent family pets.
3. They are susceptible to several health issues, including heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy, bone tumors, and bloat, which require vigilant care.
4. Great Danes have a relatively short lifespan of about 7 to 10 years, often referred to as the “heartbreak breed” due to their quick aging.
5. They require early, consistent training and socialization to manage their size and to nurture their friendly nature effectively.
6. Given their size, Great Danes need ample living space and should not be confined to small areas.

Great Dane Temperament

Celebrity model Jilly Johnson, who shared her home with two Great Danes at her aptly named residence, Danes Lodge, offers a personal glimpse into life with these colossal companions. “Your dogs are amazing; they’re massive, but they’re my baby,” Johnson says, underscoring the deep bond she shares with her pets despite their overwhelming size. 

Despite their daunting physical presence, Great Danes are known for their gentle and loving nature. “Now they have a reputation, don’t they, for being gentle giants,” Johnson remarks, capturing the essence of their kind and easygoing personalities. These dogs are often patient and friendly, making them excellent companions for families with children. They are typically good-natured around other animals and can be trained to behave impeccably in a household setting.

Compatibility with Families & Homelife

Great Danes adapt well to family life, provided they have enough space to move around comfortably. Their calm disposition makes them suitable for homes with children, as they are patient and often protective of their younger family members. 

However, due to their size, interactions with very small children should be supervised to prevent accidental injury. Great Danes are also generally welcoming of other pets, especially when raised with them from puppyhood.

Great Dane Needs

While their adaptability is a strong suit, potential owners should consider the physical and spatial needs of a Great Dane. “What sort of person should they be? You have to be at home absolutely, categorically… they just need companionship,” Johnson advises, suggesting that Great Dane owners should be prepared to dedicate time and space to these immense companions. 

This includes providing adequate indoor space and ensuring they have a comfortable area to rest—a necessity for a breed prone to joint issues due to their rapid growth.

The Great Dane’s temperament is as grand as its stature, embodying both a friendly disposition and a protective nature. This breed is both a gentle giant around your family and a vigilant watchdog when needed.

Is The Great Dane Right For Me? Pros and Cons

Owning a Great Dane comes with a unique set of advantages and challenges that potential owners should carefully consider. Below is a detailed table that outlines the pros and cons of having a Great Dane as part of your family:

Is the Great Dane High Maintenance?

Yes, Great Danes are considered high maintenance due to their size, health needs, and lifestyle requirements. Their large stature necessitates ample living space and specialized diet management to prevent health issues like bloat and joint problems. 

Regular veterinary visits are essential to monitor and manage breed-specific conditions such as cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia. Additionally, their short coat requires minimal grooming, but their size makes tasks like bathing challenging. 

Great Danes also need consistent, gentle training from an early age to ensure they are well-behaved, given their massive size. Overall, while they are loving and gentle companions, the care required to maintain their health and happiness can be considerable.

Why are Great Danes called the “heartbreak breed”?

Great Danes are often referred to as the “heartbreak breed” primarily due to their relatively short lifespan and susceptibility to serious health issues. They typically live only 7 to 10 years, which can be quite brief compared to other breeds. Studies have found their average lifespan is about  8.4 years.

Additionally, they are prone to a variety of health problems such as cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and bloat (gastric torsion), which can lead to sudden and unexpected illnesses. These factors can make the loss of a Great Dane particularly painful and frequent for their owners, hence the moniker “heartbreak breed.”

Are Great Danes good guard dogs? 

Great Danes can be excellent guard dogs due to their imposing size and deep bark, which alone can be enough to deter intruders. Despite their friendly and gentle nature, they are typically very protective of their home and family. 

Great Danes are known to be alert and vigilant, often instinctively acting as guardians. However, they are not overly aggressive; they tend to use their size and presence as a deterrent rather than resorting to aggression

Great Dane Physical Characteristics

When you first encounter a Great Dane, you are immediately struck by their distinct and dignified appearance. They are a breed of remarkably regal stature boasting a unique blend of elegance and strength.

Coat and Colors

Great Danes have a short coat that is smooth and glossy, reflecting their well-groomed demeanor. Your Great Dane won’t require frequent brushing as they are low shedding, which makes grooming a relatively easy task.

In terms of coat color, you’ll find Great Danes in an array of impressive hues. The recognized colors according to the Great Dane Club of America include fawn, black, brindle, harlequin, and mantle. Mantle Great Danes are particularly striking, wearing their black and white coats with sheer elegance.

Distinctive Traits

A Great Dane’s head is a defining feature, illustrating a rectangular, long, and expressive form that speaks to their noble character. The breed standard calls for a well-proportioned head with dark, almond-shaped eyes and ears that can be either natural or cropped.

How Big Do Great Danes Get?

Great Danes are known for their giant size. Male Great Danes typically stand between 30 to 34 inches (76 to 86 cm) tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, measuring around 28 to 32 inches (71 to 81 cm). 

As for weight, males generally tip the scales at 140 to 175 pounds (64 to 79 kg), and females at 110 to 140 pounds (50 to 63 kg). This makes them one of the largest dog breeds around, often referred to as the “Apollo of dogs.” Their stature is not just for show; it reflects their history of being bred for hunting and estate guarding in Europe, specifically Germany, around the 18th century.

Comparative Size

The Great Dane is tall and lean, often described as being the “Apollo of dogs” for their square body and towering height that can overshadow even their mastiff kin like the English Mastiff or the Irish Wolfhound. The breed’s size reflects its majestic and regal presence, which is in a class all its own.

Great Dane History and Origin

You’ve seen them, the majestic Great Danes, towering over other dogs with their regal presence. But do you know where they come from? Let’s take a quick trip through history.

The Early Days

Believe it or not, Great Danes date back over 2,000 years. Originating from Europe and with a past in Asia, these dogs weren’t always the friendly giants we know today. They started off as fierce hunters in ancient times. Germany claims a significant part of the Great Dane’s history, refining the breed into what you see now.

The 18th century saw Germans take a strong interest in these mighty dogs, then known as Boarhounds, for their remarkable hunting abilities. Art from this period, like Denmark‘s wild boar hunt engravings, captures the breed in its early roles.

Naming the Breed

Fast forward to the 19th century, and you’ll discover the breed earning its spot as a national symbol of Germany. Earlier called the Danish Hound, the Germans embraced the name Deutsche Dogge, which you might find more fitting for this German Mastiff.

It wasn’t until these dogs strutted their stuff in German show rings that they caught global attention. One standout pooch, Opal von Harlekin, set the bar high for Great Danes everywhere.

A New Chapter

As the breed’s reputation grew, so did its footprint. By the late 1800s, Great Danes began to appear across different countries, including America. They made such an impression that the first American breed club popped up, helping to elevate their status even further.

From Ferocious to Friendly

Initially, their key tasks were hunting and fighting. But over time, their roles expanded to other duties, like carting and standing guard. Thanks to careful breeding, the Great Dane mellowed out, becoming a lovable companion.

Your modern-day Great Dane still boasts the impressive build of its ancestors, showcasing their boldness and endurance. But don’t let their size intimidate you; these dogs have evolved into one of the gentlest breeds you can bring into your home.

So there you have it, the journey from a feared hunter to a cherished friend happened over centuries. Europe played a starring role in the development of these “gentle giants”. The next time you see a Great Dane, you’ll know there’s a rich history behind those kind eyes.

Training and Socialization

When it comes to training, Great Danes are easy to train because of their desire to please you. They respond best to positive reinforcement and consistent commands. Socialization is key; introduce them to various scenarios early so they learn how to behave around both humans and other animals. 

Regular leash training is also important due to their size – you want to ensure they’re manageable when out and about. As watchdogs, they’re alert and will guard your home by nature. With the right training, they can distinguish between everyday happenings and potential threats, making them reliable without the need for excessive force.

Great Dane Nutritional Needs

When selecting the best dog food for Great Danes, especially puppies, it’s crucial to focus on nutritional balance that supports their unique growth requirements. Great Danes grow rapidly and require a diet that promotes steady, healthy development to prevent bone and joint issues.

Balanced Calcium and Phosphorus Levels 

For Great Danes, the balance of calcium and phosphorus in their diet is pivotal. An imbalance can lead to skeletal abnormalities, as highlighted in studies, which notes that excessive calcium in Great Dane puppies can cause bone abnormalities. 

The ideal calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio for giant breeds like Great Danes should be between 1.1:1 and 1.3:1. Specifically, calcium should constitute 0.8-1.4% of the dry matter in their food, while phosphorus should range from 0.7% to 1.2%.

Appropriate Food Formulation 

It’s essential to choose dog food specifically formulated for giant or large breed puppies rather than food labeled for all life stages or adult dogs. Foods tailored for giant breeds are designed to have the correct Ca:P ratio and nutrient levels suited to their growth patterns. These formulations help in preventing rapid growth, which is crucial as accelerated growth can lead to conditions like panosteitis and other bone abnormalities.

Restricted Diet Benefits

 A controlled growth diet is recommended for Great Dane puppies. This approach involves feeding a diet that supports gradual growth, avoiding the spikes that can strain the developing skeletal system. Such a diet helps mitigate the risk of developmental orthopedic diseases, which are more prevalent in rapidly growing large and giant breed dogs.

Best Food For Great Dane Puppies

Here’s a list of recommended dog food brands that are well-suited for Great Danes:

Royal Canin Giant Puppy

Specifically formulated for puppies expected to reach an adult weight of over 100 pounds, this food helps support the rapid growth period with controlled energy and mineral content.

Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food

This food offers balanced levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, along with appropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus, crucial for large breed puppies like Great Danes.

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Formula

This formula includes high-quality protein from chicken as the first ingredient and includes guaranteed levels of DHA for brain and vision development, with nutrients balanced specifically for large breeds.

Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy

Hill’s Science Diet offers precise nutrition for growing large breed puppies, with optimal levels of calcium for controlled bone growth.

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy

This holistic dog food is crafted with a trio of proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon, and is specifically designed to support the nutritional needs of large breed puppies.

Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health

This food contains probiotics, healthy fiber, and digestive enzymes, which are beneficial for Great Danes with sensitive stomachs. It also ensures the right mineral balance and energy levels for large breed puppies.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Chicken Recipe

Inspired by the diet of wolves, this high-protein food is made with chicken and has the right balance of calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins to help support the unique needs of large breed puppies.

Great Dane Health Problems

Great Danes, while known for their gentle nature and imposing stature, are prone to several health issues that potential owners should be aware of. Dr. Alex Gough’s comprehensive guide on dog health, provides an extensive look into these conditions. 

As Jilly Johnson noted, “Great Danes are prone to this condition [bloat]… I’m always absolutely vigilant so that they don’t have any exercise an hour before they feed and at least an hour afterwards.”

Cardiovascular Conditions

• Atrial Fibrillation (AF) –  Great Danes are at increased risk, with a significant number showing no other heart disease, complicating their prognosis.
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) – Affecting over a third of the breed in studies, with males being particularly predisposed. This condition often leads to an early death, sometimes within weeks of diagnosis.
• Mitral Valve Dysplasia – Though rare, this condition is significant in the breed, affecting heart function.

Dermatological Conditions

• Demodicosis –  Common in juveniles, this mite infection can lead to severe skin issues if not managed properly.
• Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita –  An immune-mediated condition that leads to skin blistering, particularly prevalent in young Great Danes.
• Ichthyosis – A severe genetic skin disorder that causes scaling and discomfort.

Endocrine Conditions

• Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s Disease) – Great Danes show a higher predisposition, especially females, with critical impacts on their adrenal system.
• Hypothyroidism – Linked to thyroid autoantibodies, it’s common and can severely affect metabolism and heart function.

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat/GDV) –  Extremely common in Great Danes, this life-threatening condition requires immediate veterinary attention.
• Chronic Hepatitis – Females are particularly at risk, leading to long-term liver issues.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Hip Dysplasia and Other Joint Issues – Due to rapid growth, Great Danes often suffer from joint and bone problems, which can significantly impact their mobility and quality of life.
• Metaphyseal Osteopathy (Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy) – This painful condition affects young dogs, causing swelling and pain in the limbs.

Neoplastic Conditions

• Osteosarcoma –  A common bone tumor in Great Danes, with a higher occurrence rate compared to many other breeds, reflecting their vulnerability to cancer as they age.

Neurological and Ocular Conditions:

• Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler Syndrome) –  Affects the neck vertebrae, leading to pain and neurological issues.
• Multiple Ocular Defects – Including glaucoma and other eye problems, especially in dogs with specific coat color genetics, like those homozygous for the merle gene.

Understanding these conditions can help prospective and current Great Dane owners prepare for the specific care requirements of this breed. Regular veterinary check-ups and a proactive approach to health management are crucial in mitigating the impact of these potential health issues.

Great Dane Cost

When you’re looking into getting a Great Dane puppy, the price tag might surprise you – in a good way or a not-so-good way, depending on your budget. Puppy Costs can range anywhere from $600 to $3,000. That’s quite the spread, right? The price often reflects the dog’s lineage, breeder’s reputation, and whether the pup comes with registration papers.

But hey, the upfront cost is just the beginning. Think about ongoing expenses like food, and we’re talking about a big dog with an appetite to match! You might spend around $60 to $100 per month just to keep your Great Dane’s belly full.

• Vet Visits: Regular check-ups and the occasional oopsie (Great Danes can be a little clumsy) mean you should tuck away some cash for medical expenses too.
• Preventive Measures: Some Great Danes may need a surgery called prophylactic gastropexy to prevent serious tummy troubles, and that could be an extra cost.

Don’t forget about the day-to-day stuff like:

• Toys: (which they may go through faster than you’d like),
• Beds: (giant size means giant prices), and
• Grooming supplies: (because even short hair sheds).

Training classes are also smart, especially since you’ll want your giant buddy to know their manners. Your Great Dane won’t stay a little pup for long, so plan your budget for a dog that can easily outweigh you once they’re all grown up!

Great Dane Care & Maintenance

Caring for a Great Dane involves understanding their unique exercise needs and being aware of common health issues. You’ll want to keep up with regular grooming and know what to expect with their life expectancy. With the right care tips, you can help your Great Dane thrive.

Exercise Needs

Your Great Dane needs regular exercise to maintain a healthy energy level. They’re quite active as puppies and will require a secure fence to keep them safe during play. Aim for consistent daily walks and a space where they can romp freely.

However, it’s vital that young Great Danes don’t exercise too much and avoid excessive running and jumping to protect their joints.

Grooming and Shedding

Their coat requires minimal grooming; however, routine brushing will help manage shedding. Great Danes don’t shed excessively, but brushing helps distribute oils and remove loose fur. They also tend to drool, so you’ll need to wipe their face occasionally.

Care Tips

Regular veterinary care is crucial to managing health risks. A balanced diet appropriate for their size and energy level will support their well-being. It’s essential to be proactive about their health, especially if you have a Great Dane puppy, as early intervention can prevent more serious conditions.

Ideal Home For A Great Dane

If you’re considering adopting a Gentle Giant, like a Great Dane, your home environment plays a crucial role in their health and happiness. An ideal home provides plenty of space for your Dane’s large size and gentle soul.

Space to Move

Imagine sharing your space with a friendly giant. Great Danes are enormous, so you’ll need a home with enough room for them to stretch out without bumping into furniture. A securely fenced yard is ideal for them to roam and play, but remember, they do well indoors and don’t require excessive exercise.

Time and Attention

These sweet-tempered dogs thrive on companionship. They need your time and attention, not just for play and exercise but also for training and socialization. If your lifestyle allows for a furry best friend to join in most of your activities, a Great Dane would love to be by your side.

Financial Commitment

Expenses go beyond adoption fees. From nutritious food that sustains their large frame to potential vet bills – ensure you can financially support a Great Dane’s needs.

When it comes to finding a Great Dane, consider reaching out to a rescue organization for adoption. They can pair you with a Dane in need of a forever home. If you prefer starting the journey with a puppy, locate an ethical breeder who can provide you with health-clearance documents and allow you to meet the puppy’s parents.

Here’s a quick checklist for your reference:

Remember, a Great Dane can be both a noble companion and a loving family member, bringing joy and a sense of protection to your home. Be ready for the commitment, and you’ll add not just a pet, but a new family member to your household.

Final Thoughts

When you bring a Great Dane into your life, you’re gaining a gentle giant with a loving heart. They tend to be affectionate, strong, and playful which makes them fantastic companions. Remember, these dogs are a big commitment – literally! They need plenty of space just to stretch out.

References

• Mackenzie, M., 2013. Great danes: past and present. Read Books Ltd.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.