Great Dane: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

Originating in Germany and one of the largest dog breeds in the world, Great Danes are a type of working dog known for their tall stature with large heads and muzzles, long limbs, narrow bodies, and short fur. These dogs are loved for their joyful spirits and companionable personalities.

Towering over medium breeds, Great Danes fall under the giant dog category. They have a regal, intelligent, and loyal temperament, bonding closely with their owners and making wonderful family dogs. A well-trained Great Dane will thrive in most households. Your home does not need to be extra large to accommodate the dog's commanding size, but you do need some extra space (especially due to that long tail). Unfortunately, like other giant breeds, the lifespan of these dogs tends to be shorter than other canines. However, lovers of these calm, sweet dogs will tell you any amount of time with a Great Dane is worthwhile.

Characteristics of the Great Dane

The Great Dane's temperament is true to its "gentle giant" nickname. These dogs are calm and laid-back both at home and in public when trained well, and their loving nature makes them affectionate members of the family. They are patient and get along easily with children, but as such a large breed, they can knock small children over accidentally simply by bumping into them. They are also not suitable to be handled on a leash by young kids. Great Danes are a good choice for multi-pet households, as they usually have friendly personalities with other animals (especially when raised together).

History of the Great Dane

Great Danes originated in Germany, although some believe the breed has ancient origins. They most likely emerged from the English Mastiff and Irish wolfhound. Despite having "Dane" in its name, the breed was actually developed in Germany as a boar hunter. The powerful boar required a similarly powerful dog for holding the prey until the hunter arrived.

Over time, the breed was no longer considered a hunting dog and became more known as a watchdog and companion. German breeders aimed to make them much less aggressive, which led to the gentle disposition common in most Great Danes today.

Great Danes appeared in the United States in the late 1800s and gradually became more popular over time. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1887.

Great Danes top the Guinness World Records list for the world's tallest dog. A recent record holder is Zeus at 44 inches tall at the shoulder. In popular culture, the cartoon Scooby-Doo and comic-strip character Marmaduke are both Great Danes. The breed has also been cast as the titular character in the film versions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Great Dane Care

Caring for your Great Dane is similar to other short-haired breeds of smaller sizes, but their large stature requires a few extra steps to keep them safe when it comes to exercise. It's also important to train this breed from a young age in basic obedience to raise a well-rounded dog that behaves well at maturity.

Exercise

Great Danes are playful and energetic when young. To keep their growing bones and joints healthy, don't allow them to jump, and don't take them along for activities like running until they are at least 18 months old. As they age, most of these dogs have moderate energy levels. Routine exercise, such as daily walks, can help keep your dog fit and healthy. Since they aren't prone to fence jumping, most Great Danes can safely play in a fenced yard.

Grooming

Great Danes have short, thick coats that typically need no more than basic grooming with weekly brushing. They shed especially heavily during the spring and fall. Great Danes need to bathe routinely, usually once or twice a month.

Danes with natural (floppy) ears should have routine ear checks and cleanings. While some people prefer to surgically crop the ears, this practice is becoming less common and is actually banned in some countries.

You should trim your dog's nails every couple of weeks to keep them healthy and prevent splitting or tearing. In order to maintain good oral hygiene, brush your dog's teeth at least a few times per week. This will help keep gum disease at bay.

Training

Proper obedience training and socialization with others are absolutely essential for the Great Dane. The giant size of this breed makes it very difficult to manage if not properly trained. These dogs do not realize their large size, so careful attention should be placed upon the prevention of jumping, leaning, and leash pulling.

Great Danes are easy to housetrain and prefer to be indoors with the family rather than alone in the yard. Crate training with a crate specified for giant breeds is recommended.

Common Health Problems

Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit genetic conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can still occur in Great Danes. The following are common conditions to be aware of:

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or Bloat): Bloat is a condition in which the stomach fills with gas and twists, which can be fatal. When adopting a Great Dane, speak with your veterinarian about preventive surgery to tack the stomach down.
• Hip Dysplasia: Especially common in large and giant breeds, hip dysplasia is caused by a malformation in your dog's hip joints as they age.
• Elbow Hygroma: This non-cancerous, fluid-filled growth can appear on your dog's elbow. Elbow hygromas are typically caused by your dog laying on hard surfaces over time.
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): DCM is a condition that affects the chambers of your dog's heart, which can lead to congestive heart failure if untreated.
• Wobbler Syndrome (Cervical Spondylomyelopathy or Cervical Vertebral Instability): Caused by a compression on the spine in your dog's neck, Wobbler Syndrome affects your dog's neurological abilities.

Diet and Nutrition

It's important to start Great Dane puppies on large-breed puppy food to ensure they don't grow too fast (which can lead to dysplasia and other health problems down the road). Your veterinarian will likely recommend feeding your dog several smaller meals per day, rather than one to two large portions, to help prevent Bloat. Some Great Dane owners also choose to use slow-feeder bowls for this purpose.

Adult Great Danes require a lot of food—up to 10 cups per day. However, take care not to overfeed this breed. Consult with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate diet and portion schedule based on your dog's age, weight, and activity level to avoid canine obesity.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Great Dane

If you think you'd like to adopt a Great Dane, inquire with local shelters to see if there are any breed-specific rescues in your area. Unfortunately, there are many dogs who need a new home, as their original owners found they were not a good match. When planning to adopt from puppyhood, find a responsible breeder to help ensure your dog comes from a bloodline bred for health and temperament. Puppies typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000, but prices can be upwards of $6,000 depending on availability and pedigree.

Check out resources like the national breed club, rescue organizations, and the AKC to get started:

• Great Dane Club of America
• Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
• AKC Great Dane Breeders

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More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you think the Great Dane is the right dog breed for you, be sure to do plenty of research before adopting one. Talk to other Great Dane owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more. To discover similar breeds, check out:

• Bullmastiff
• Cane Corso
• Doberman Pinscher

There are plenty of dog breeds out there that can join your family. With a little research, you can find your next best friend!