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a Great Dane at the sea

Introducing the Great Dane

Find out everything you need to know about the Great Dane: its characteristics, its behavior, its education, its price.

The Great Dane

The Great Dane, the world's tallest, gentle giant

portrait of a Great Dane

Originally bred in Germany for hunting, the Great Dane is now one of the most popular breeds globally. Renowned for their enormous size and elegant build, these dogs are surprisingly gentle and affectionate. Brave and versatile, Great Danes excel as both loyal companions and reliable guard dogs. Despite their towering presence, they are deeply loving, forming strong, affectionate bonds with their families.

GREAT DANE FACT FILE

This section outlines the unique features of the Great Dane breed.

Group

The Great Dane belongs to the Working Group, which includes powerful working dogs like Mastiffs. Known for their strength and loyalty, they are gentle yet protective.

Size

Great Danes stand 28 to 34 inches tall and weigh 100 to 200 pounds, making them one of the largest dog breeds.

Coat length

They have short, sleek coats that lie close to the body, giving them a smooth appearance.

Coat color

Great Danes come in various colors, including fawn, brindle, blue, black, and harlequin.

Living environment

They adapt well to spacious homes with yards for light exercise.

Sociability

Friendly and affectionate, Great Danes are great with children and other pets.

Health

Prone to joint issues and bloat, regular care is important for their health.

Training

Intelligent and responsive, Great Danes are easy to train with gentle, consistent methods.

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Physical characteristics

The Great Dane, the noble guardian giant

Great Danes are massive, well-balanced dogs with sleek coats in colors like fawn, blue, and harlequin. Their square face and alert expression give them a noble appearance.

Size and weight of the Great Dane

a Great Dane sitting in the grass on guard

Females stand 28-30 inches tall, while males can reach 34 inches. Females weigh 100-140 pounds, and males 140-200 pounds. Great Danes grow rapidly and reach full size by 18-24 months.

The coat of the Great Dane

a gray spotted Great Dane lying in the grass

Coat length

Great Danes have a short, smooth coat that lies close to their body.

Coat color

Their coat comes in colors like fawn, brindle, blue, black, and harlequin.

a Great Dane near humans

Coat care

Great Danes shed moderately year-round and need weekly brushing. Occasional baths are sufficient to maintain their coat.

Other characteristics of the Great Dane

a Great Dane being attentive

Physical features

The Great Dane is a balanced, well-proportioned dog with a large, rectangular head and a square muzzle. Its deep-set, dark eyes convey a gentle expression, while its high-set floppy ears fold forward. The body is muscular and athletic, showcasing both strength and elegance.

Temperament & behavior

What is the temperament of the Great Dane?

Great Danes are loyal, gentle, and affectionate, making them protective and loving companions.

Great Dane category

a Great Dane on the beach

There are over 400 dog breeds in 10 groups. The Great Dane is in the Working Group, which includes strong working dogs like Mastiffs. These dogs are known for their strength, intelligence, and protective instincts, making Great Danes excellent family companions and guard dogs.

Behavior of the Great Dane

a Great Dane hugged by a person

A gentle giant

Great Danes are calm and affectionate, thriving on close bonds with their owners. They need a present and attentive owner to provide the emotional support they crave.

a Great Dane jumping on the grass

A sociable companion

Friendly and sociable, Great Danes are great with humans, other animals, and children. Early socialization is key to ensuring they develop good manners and adaptability.

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The Great Dane's living environment

a Great Dane in front of another Great Dane

Adapting to different spaces

Great Danes adapt to various living environments but need plenty of attention. They require at least two daily walks of 30 minutes each.

Space to roam

Great Danes benefit from outdoor space to burn energy and explore. Regular outdoor activity helps keep them happy and healthy.

Training the Great Dane

a Great Dane chasing another Great Dane

Intelligent and gentle learner

Great Danes are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement. Early training is key due to their size, and a GPS collar helps prevent escapes.

a Great Dane lying down

Attentive and loyal

Great Danes are attentive and loyal, requiring patience and consistency in training. Once trained, they are obedient and reliable companions.

Health & nutrition

How to take care of the Great Dane

Great Danes are generally healthy but need daily care to prevent illness. Regular vet check-ups and proactive care help maintain their well-being.

The health of the Great Dane

a Great Dane with a stick in its mouth

Illnesses

Great Danes are generally robust but can be prone to conditions like hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart issues. Symptoms include difficulty walking or lethargy. Their typical lifespan is 7 to 10 years.

a Great Dane tucked in a blanket

Routine care

Regular vet visits, vaccinations, and parasite treatments are essential. At home, weekly brushing, ear cleaning, dental care, and nail trimming are needed. Great Danes are not hypoallergenic.

Feeding the Great Dane

a silver Great Dane lying in its blue basket

Daily requirements

Great Danes need a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins to stay healthy. Premium kibble is ideal for their nutritional needs. If needed, you can add lean white or red meat, but limit fats to prevent weight gain.

Breeding or adoption & cost

What does a Great Dane cost?

The Great Dane is a well-regarded breed with several breeders in the UK. It's important to consider several factors before adopting.

How to choose your Great Dane

a young harlequin Great Dane puppy

Finding the right breeder

Before adopting a Great Dane, there are some important points to consider. First and foremost, you need to check that the breeder is reputable. This means visiting the breeder's premises to assess the living conditions and behavior of the dogs. Responsible breeders will provide transparent information about the puppy's health and any genetic illnesses in its lineage.

Lastly, mandatory electronic identification, like microchipping, is not always mandated at the federal level in the United States for cats and dogs. But microchipping is widely acknowledged as a successful way to permanently identify pets and increase the possibility of reuniting lost pets with their owners, even in the absence of universal regulations. As a pet owner, it is advised to inform yourself about municipal laws to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pet.

a Great Dane on grass

The price of a Great Dane

Great Dane puppies typically cost between

and

. Annual expenses, including vet care and food, range from

to

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Choosing a dog that matches your personality and lifestyle will ensure your well-being and his!