¶Table of Contents
¶Quick Facts
The Great Dane (Grand danois) is a very large German breed now kept mainly as a companion. It combines power with an elegant build and, according to the breed standard, should be friendly, affectionate and confident. Its size affects every part of ownership: everyday manners, transport, housing, veterinary visits and costs all require more planning than they would with a smaller dog.
- Country of origin: Germany
- Breed group: FCI Group 2, Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
- Purpose: companion, guard and protection dog in the breed standard; now primarily a companion
- Height at the withers: dogs at least 80 cm and preferably no more than 90 cm; bitches at least 72 cm and preferably no more than 84 cm
- Coat: very short, dense, close-lying and glossy, with no undercoat
- Temperament: friendly, affectionate and devoted; may be reserved with strangers
- Questions for the breeder: ask about hip dysplasia results, heart examinations in the family and any history of gastric dilatation-volvulus
The breed standard does not set a weight range. Figures found in breed guides should therefore be treated as estimates rather than a substitute for assessing an individual dog's body condition, proportions and health.
¶Appearance & Coat
The Great Dane is tall, powerful and almost square in outline, without appearing heavy or clumsy. Dogs should be especially close to square, while bitches may be slightly longer in body. The head is long and clearly defined, the natural ears hang down, and the overall impression should balance strength with elegance.
The current standard divides the colours into three varieties: fawn or brindle; harlequin, merle or black; and blue. Merle is therefore included in the present standard, although older breed descriptions do not always reflect this. Each colour has detailed requirements, but a puppy buyer should place health, temperament and sound construction above a particular marking.
The coat is easy to care for but not maintenance-free. A soft brush or rubber grooming mitt removes loose hair, particularly in spring and autumn when shedding is often more noticeable. Bathe the dog when it actually needs it and use the opportunity to check the skin, nails, feet, teeth and hanging ears. With no insulating undercoat, a Great Dane may need protection in cold, windy or wet weather. Judge this by the individual dog, its activity and the conditions rather than by a fixed temperature.
¶Temperament & Personality
A typical Great Dane should be friendly, affectionate, self-assured and willing to be guided. It may be reserved with strangers but should not be aggressive. Many people are drawn to the breed's close bond with its family, but the label “gentle giant” cannot guarantee how an individual dog will behave.
Size magnifies both good and bad habits. A dog that pulls on the lead, jumps up or charges towards a visitor is difficult to manage even when its intentions are friendly. Early work on calm greetings, loose-lead walking, recall, waiting and cooperative handling is therefore basic safety, not simply polished manners. Consistent, reward-based training suits the breed's intended willingness to cooperate. Harsh methods can create insecurity and do not make up for missing training.
Temperament varies between individuals and family lines. If possible, meet the puppy's mother and other close relatives, ask how they respond to strangers and unfamiliar settings, and request results from official behaviour assessments where available. Previous experience with dogs is useful, especially for anyone who has not trained a dog of this size before.
¶Training & Exercise
A Great Dane needs daily physical activity and mental enrichment, but the amount should reflect age, health, fitness and recovery. There is no well-supported minute-by-minute formula that suits every adult or puppy. Regular walks, time to sniff and move over varied ground, and short training sessions provide a better foundation than occasional strenuous outings.
Puppies grow for a long time and should neither be overloaded nor kept inactive. Let them develop coordination and strength through free but supervised movement and gradually longer walks. While the body is developing, limit repeated jumping, sharp turns, long runs beside a bicycle or runner, and boisterous play on slippery floors. The appropriate rate of progression varies; consult a vet or canine physiotherapist if a puppy is lame, stiff or recovering poorly.
A giant-breed puppy needs a complete food formulated for the growth of large or giant breeds. The aim is steady growth and a lean, healthy body condition, not the fastest possible growth. Do not add calcium or other minerals to a complete diet unless advised by a vet. In giant breeds the skeleton may still be maturing at around 15–16 months, although the timing differs between individuals.
Prioritise skills that make the adult dog safe and manageable: standing still, stepping onto scales, accepting nail care and examination, giving up objects, and passing people and dogs without lunging. Scent work, practical obedience and problem-solving provide mental stimulation without placing the body under heavy strain.
¶Health
Prospective owners should discuss several important health risks openly with the breeder, particularly gastric dilatation-volvulus, dilated cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia. Great Danes also have a shorter average lifespan than many smaller breeds. Longevity figures, however, describe a particular study population and cannot predict how long an individual dog will live.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus, or GDV, is an acute, life-threatening emergency. Seek veterinary care immediately if the dog repeatedly tries to vomit without bringing anything up, becomes restless, drools, develops a swollen abdomen, grows weak or collapses. Do not wait to see whether the signs pass. GDV is multifactorial and not fully understood, so no feeding routine can promise to prevent it. Ask whether close relatives have been affected and decide in advance which emergency hospital can receive the dog. A prophylactic gastropexy can be discussed with a vet. It reduces the risk of the stomach twisting but does not stop the stomach from dilating.
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, may be present before the dog shows obvious signs. An echocardiogram, ECG or ambulatory ECG, and sometimes blood biomarkers, may form part of a veterinary cardiac investigation. A normal result describes the dog at the time of examination; it is not a lifetime guarantee. Ask which heart examinations the parents and older relatives have had, how old they were when examined, and whether the family has a history of DCM or sudden death.
Swedish hip dysplasia requirements are not the same as the breed club's recommendation. For puppies to be registered with the Swedish Kennel Club, both parents must have an official hip dysplasia result before mating; Great Danes can be officially radiographed from 18 months of age. The Swedish Kennel Club's general rules prohibit breeding from grade E dogs and allow a grade D dog only when paired with an A or B dog. Dogs with clinical signs of hip dysplasia must not be bred from. The Swedish Great Dane Club goes further and recommends that breeding dogs are hip dysplasia-free. Ask to see the actual results rather than accepting the description “health tested”.
The Swedish Kennel Club also notes tonsillitis in the breed. Assessments pay particular attention to loose eyelids, weak feet, the construction of the forequarters and hindquarters, exaggerated breed features and temperament. A responsible breeder should be able to explain both the strengths and the problems in the line, including how older relatives have fared.
¶History & Origins
The Great Dane is a German breed, despite the English name and the French-derived name Grand danois used in Sweden and several other countries. In its country of origin it is called the Deutsche Dogge.
The official breed history describes predecessors including the Bullenbeisser and boar-hunting dogs of a type between the heavy mastiff and the faster sighthound. In Berlin in 1878, judges and breeders agreed to unite the different names under Deutsche Dogge. The first breed standard was established in 1880, and the German breed club was founded in 1888.
Organised breeding began in Sweden in 1908. Older accounts take the story much further back, but claims about Celtic war dogs or an unbroken line from antiquity are considerably harder to substantiate. The documented German milestones give a more reliable account of how the modern breed developed.
¶Living with the Breed
A Great Dane can live in a flat if its needs for exercise, rest and training are met, but the home and daily routine must work for a giant dog. A house with a large garden does not replace walks or company, and a small home is not automatically unsuitable. The practical questions are more useful than a simple house-or-flat rule.
Is there room for a large, supportive bed where the dog can rest undisturbed? Are the floors non-slip? Will the dog fit safely in the car, and could it use a ramp when old or injured? If the lift breaks down, can daily life still work with the stairs? How would two adults take an ill dog to the vet if it could not walk? The answers reveal more than the address alone.
The breed can live in a family with children, but friendly intentions do not remove the physical risk created by its size. A young or excited Great Dane can knock over a small child accidentally. An adult should always supervise dogs with young children, and the dog needs a resting place where children leave it alone. An adult must take responsibility for walks and handling.
The same caution applies to other animals. No one can promise that a particular Great Dane will live safely with a cat or another dog. Make introductions gradually, prevent chasing and overly rough play, and give the cat dog-free spaces and high escape routes. Do not leave the animals alone together until their interactions are reliably calm and safe.
An adult dog that has been trained to be alone can often manage a few hours, but individuals differ greatly and a young puppy cannot be left alone. Begin once the puppy feels secure in its new home, increase the time gradually, and arrange a dog sitter or another solution if the working day is longer than the dog can manage. Distress in a giant dog can quickly affect the whole home, so time alone must be taught and monitored rather than assumed to come naturally to the breed.
¶Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Aggressiveness | 2/5 |
| Child Friendly | 5/5 |
| Energy | 3/5 |
| Hair Shedding | 3/5 |
| Health | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 3/5 |
| Learning Ability | 3/5 |
| Barking Level | 2/5 |
| Height | 71 – 86 cm |
| Weight | 49 – 95 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 8 – 10 years |
¶Frequently Asked Questions
Are Great Danes good family dogs and safe with children?
They are typically gentle, patient and people oriented, which can make them good family companions. Their size and power mean they can accidentally knock over small children, so close supervision and basic training are essential. Early socialization helps ensure calm, reliable behavior around kids and visitors.
How much space does a Great Dane really need in a home?
Despite their size, they do not require a huge house, but they do need enough room to move comfortably without constantly bumping into furniture. Stairs and slippery floors can be hard on their joints. They are usually calm indoors if their exercise needs are met, but cramped apartments with no elevator or outdoor access are rarely ideal.
How much exercise does a Great Dane need, and can they jog with me?
Adults generally need one to two hours of moderate daily exercise, split into walks and gentle play. Long-distance running or intense jumping can stress their joints and should be avoided, especially before physical maturity at about 18 to 24 months. Many enjoy short, steady jogs as adults, but any high impact routine should be discussed with a veterinarian.
What are the most common health problems in Great Danes?
They are prone to bloat and gastric torsion, cardiomyopathy, hip and elbow dysplasia, and certain bone cancers. Their rapid growth can also lead to orthopedic issues in young dogs. Regular veterinary checkups, appropriate diet and careful monitoring for subtle changes in breathing, appetite or energy are particularly important for this breed.
How can I reduce the risk of bloat in a Great Dane?
Feeding several smaller meals per day, avoiding vigorous exercise around feeding times and using a slow feeder can help lower risk. Some owners choose a preventive gastropexy surgery, which tacks the stomach in place to reduce the chance of torsion. You should learn the early signs of bloat and treat it as an immediate emergency.
What is the typical lifespan of a Great Dane, and why is it shorter than many other breeds?
Most live around 7 to 9 years, which is shorter than many medium sized dogs. Very large breeds age more quickly and have higher rates of certain heart, bone and joint diseases. Responsible breeding, good weight management and prompt treatment of health issues can support quality of life, but the natural lifespan remains relatively limited.
How much do Great Danes eat, and how expensive are they to feed?
They require a substantial amount of high quality food, especially during growth, and monthly feeding costs are significantly higher than for average sized dogs. Growing puppies need carefully controlled, large breed formulas to avoid overly rapid growth and joint stress. Maintaining a lean body condition is more important than simply feeding to size.
Do Great Danes need a lot of grooming and do they shed heavily?
They have a short coat that is relatively easy to maintain, but they shed a moderate amount year round. A weekly brushing and occasional bath usually keep the coat in good condition. Regular nail trimming is especially important because overgrown nails can further strain their already heavy joints.
Can a Great Dane live comfortably in an apartment?
It can be possible if the dog is well trained, calm indoors and receives sufficient daily exercise outside. Elevators are preferable to many flights of stairs, which can be hard on joints over time. Noise from barking is usually less of an issue than the logistics of space, movement and outdoor access.
How quickly do Great Dane puppies grow, and are there special considerations for their joints?
Puppies grow extremely fast during the first year and can reach near adult height in a matter of months. Because of this rapid growth, they should avoid forced exercise such as long runs, frequent stairs or jumping, and they need a controlled diet designed for large breed puppies. Careful management during this period helps reduce the risk of developmental joint diseases.¶Comparisons with other breeds
Compare Great Dane (Grand danois) with other breeds and see the differences in temperament, activity level, and care to make a confident choice. Show all comparisons
