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Great Dane Dogs

Great Dane Dynamics Based on 3,995 Dogster profiles   Energy   sleepy energetic     Intelligence   silly genius     Friendliness   aggressive affectionate     Playfulness   not playful very playful     Disposition   anxious calm

Possible Health Concerns: Cardiomyopathy Osteosarcoma Hip dysplasia Cervical vertebral instability (CVI) Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) Elbow dysplasia Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD)   Less Common Health Concerns: von Willebrand's disease (vWD) Cataract Entropion Trupanion can give you peace of mind when protecting your pet against these and other health issues. Learn more...

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Weight:	110 - 175 pounds (49.90 - 79.38 kg)
Height:	31 - 36 inches (78.74 - 91.44 cm)

Trademark Traits

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Some Ideal Human Companions

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What They’re Like to Live With

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Great Danes combine robust strength with a refined dignity. In the home and around the yard, you’ll find them uniquely gifted with mental and physical strengths. Truly gentle giants, Great Danes are loving, affectionate and pleasant companions that like nothing better than to hang around the house with the family. In fact, they crave companionship and need to be around people to feel settled and secure.

Brave and loyal, they make great watchdogs in spite of the fact that they don’t bark very much. They will bark, however, if an intruder enters the house, but it’s their size and strength that will be most intimidating.

Great Danes are great with children. Some may need a firm hand—simply because their size can be a little unwieldy around the house—but once trained they can be steady and dependable pets.

Things You Should Know

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When getting a Great Dane, you must consider the obvious: These are enormous creatures. While not particularly aggressive or domineering—they are often quite mellow—Great Danes can cause damage to gardens and furniture. Train them from an early age, and always be sure to remind them who’s in charge. This will help adjust any overly protective or territorial tendencies. Once trained, they need to be periodically reminded of the rules.

Great Danes need regular brushing and grooming. Since their size makes them difficult to bathe, regular inspections of the feet, ears, nose and eyes will also keep them tidy week-to-week.

A healthy Great Dane can live as long as 13 years (the average live around 9 years). Common health issues include: hip dysplasia, bloat and congenital heart disease.

Great Dane History

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In 400 A.D., Asiatic tribes with enormous, mastiff-like dogs invaded Germany. Over the centuries, these dogs proved their mettle and toughness by fighting wild boars, bears and other large beasts. The Great Dane (originally called the Deutsche Dogge), evolved when these dogs were bred with other breeds like Irish Greyhounds. First displayed in Germany in the mid-1800s, the Great Dane was popularized in the U.S. after the Great Dane Club of America was founded in 1889.

The Look of the Great Dane

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Great Danes have tall, powerful yet elegant frames. They have long, narrow heads with large nostrils and erect ears. Their eyes are dark, round and have an alert gaze. They have long necks, straight legs and chiseled bodies, medium-length tails and round feet. Their coats are thick, glossy and close fitting. Great Danes can come in fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin (white with black patches),mantle and merle. Overall, Great Danes look proportioned, dignified and powerful.

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