The Great Dane is a paradox wrapped in a giant, silky coat. He is one of the largest dog breeds in the world—a towering figure that can stand on his hind legs and look a six-foot man in the eye. Yet, he is widely known as the “Gentle Giant,” a sweet, affectionate, and sensitive soul who firmly believes he is a lap dog.

He is often called the “Apollo of Dogs” because of his regal appearance, combining the majesty of a lion with the elegance of a greyhound. But don’t let the noble looks fool you; he is also a goofball who will lean his entire body weight against your legs, sit on your feet, and clear your coffee table with one wag of his tail. Owning a Great Dane is a lifestyle choice—one that involves big food bills, big beds, and even bigger love.

History and Origin: The Boar Hunter

Despite his name, the Great Dane is German, not Danish. In Germany, the breed is known as the Deutsche Dogge. The breed’s ancestors were fierce war dogs and hunting dogs used by the nobility. In the Middle Ages, German nobles used these massive dogs to hunt wild boar—a dangerous adversary that required a dog of immense size, strength, and courage to hold down until the hunter arrived.

• From Warrior to Companion: Over centuries, as hunting styles changed and firearms were invented, the need for such ferocity diminished. German breeders began to refine the breed, selecting for a gentler temperament while maintaining the giant size. By the late 1800s, the “Boar Hound” had transformed into the gentle family companion we know today.

Physical Characteristics: The Apollo of Dogs

Everything about a Great Dane is big. He is not just tall; he is substantial.

• Height: Males 30–32+ inches (76–81+ cm); Females 28–30+ inches (71–76 cm).
• Weight: Males 140–175 pounds (64–79 kg); Females 110–140 pounds (50–64 kg).

Colors and Patterns

The breed standard recognizes specific color patterns:

1. Fawn: Golden yellow with a back mask. This is the classic “Scooby-Doo” look.
2. Brindle: Golden yellow with strong black cross-stripes (tiger stripes).
3. Blue: A pure, steely blue-grey.
4. Black: Glossy black.
5. Harlequin: Pure white base with torn black patches irregularly distributed.
6. Mantle: Black with white trim (white collar, chest, and feet), looking like a tuxedo.
7. Merle: Pale grey with black torn patches (now recognized for showing in some kennel clubs, but formerly a disqualification).

Temperament and Personality

Danes are lovers, not fighters. They are “people dogs” who need to be part of the family action.

The Gentle Soul

They are incredibly patient with children. A Great Dane will often stand still like a statue while a toddler hugs his leg. However, their sheer size can be a hazard; a happy tail wag can knock a small child over like a bowling pin. Supervision is always required, not because of aggression, but because of physics.

The “Leaner”

A Great Dane shows affection by leaning. He will press his shoulder against your thigh and essentially rest his weight on you. This is a sign of trust and love (and sometimes a request for a treat).

The Watchdog

He is generally friendly with strangers, but his size alone is a deterrent. Few burglars are brave enough to enter a house occupied by a dog the size of a pony. If he does bark, it is a deep, thunderous sound that shakes the walls.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise: The Couch Potato Myth

Adult Great Danes are often couch potatoes indoors, capable of sleeping 18 hours a day. However, they are not lazy.

• Daily Needs: They need a few brisk walks daily to stay fit and mentally stimulated.
• Puppy Caution: This is critical. You must not over-exercise a growing Great Dane puppy. Their massive bones grow quickly, and high-impact exercise (jolting, jumping, long runs) can cause permanent joint damage. No forced running until they are at least 18-24 months old.

Training: Essential for Giants

Training is not optional for a giant breed. You cannot physically control a 160-pound dog if he decides to pull on the leash.

• Leash Manners: Loose-leash walking must be taught from day one.
• Socialization: A fearful 150-pound dog is dangerous. He must be socialized early and often to people, other dogs, and new environments so he grows up confident and calm.
• No Jumping: You must teach him never to jump up. A jumping Dane can knock down a grown man.

Health and Lifespan

The tragedy of the Great Dane is his short lifespan. They typically live only 7 to 10 years. Loving a Dane means accepting that your time together will be intense but fleeting.

• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): This is the #1 killer of Great Danes. Their deep chest makes them highly susceptible. The stomach twists, trapping gas and cutting off blood supply. It is a medical emergency that kills in hours.
  • Prevention: Many owners opt for a preventative surgery called gastropexy (tacking the stomach to the abdominal wall) to prevent the twisting.
  • Management: Feed multiple small meals, use raised bowls (consult your vet, as advice varies), and avoid vigorous exercise for an hour after eating.
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): A heart condition often called “Giant Breed Heart.”
• Hip Dysplasia: Joint issues are common.
• Osteosarcoma: Bone cancer is more common in giant breeds.

Grooming and Care

• Coat: The short coat is easy to groom. A weekly brushing with a rubber mitt or hound glove is sufficient.
• Shedding: He sheds an average amount, but because he has so much body surface area, “average” means a lot of hair.
• Drool: Let’s be honest—many Danes drool. Slingers (drool flying from shaking heads) can end up on walls and ceilings. Keep “drool rags” handy.
• Nails: Keep them short. Hearing the “click-click” on the floor means they are too long and can affect his posture.

Is a Great Dane Right for You?

The Great Dane is a noble friend, but he is expensive and demanding.

Yes, if:

• You want a huge dog with a calm demeanor. You want a “mat” dog who stays in one place.
• You have the space. You have a large vehicle and a house where a giant can turn around without knocking over a vase.
• You can afford it. Everything costs more: food, flea prevention, heartworm meds, and vet bills.
• You don’t mind a lack of personal space. He will be on your feet, on your lap, and in your bed.

No, if:

• You want a dog that lives 15 years. The heartbreak comes too soon.
• You are a neat freak. Drool and size can be messy.
• You want a marathon running partner. He is a sprayer, not a distance runner.
• You live in a tiny apartment with no elevator. Carrying a sick 150-pound dog down stairs is impossible.

For those who open their hearts and homes to this gentle giant, the Great Dane offers a love that is as massive as his stature. He is a noble, goofy, affectionate friend who will literally lean on you for support and leave a paw print on your heart forever.