Blue Great Dane: Info, Pictures, Origin & History
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View 6 More +The Blue Great Dane might look intimidating, but they're gentle and friendly when properly trained. They make excellent pets for singles, families, and multi-pet households. But where did they come from, and what makes this breed such a good family pet? We have the answers to all of those questions and more below.
| Height: | 28–32 inches |
| Weight: | 110–175 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 7–12 years |
| Colors: | Black, black & white, blue, brindle, fawn, harlequin, mantle, merle, white |
| Suitable for: | Families with older children, people looking for a watchdog, active individuals |
| Temperament: | Loyal, patient, affectionate, protective, adaptable |
Blue Great Dane Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Blue Great Danes in History
The Great Dane has been around for about 400 years, and they’re descended from mastiff-like dogs. Despite the name, Great Danes originated in Germany and were bred to be boar hunters. German breeders concentrated then on making the breed less aggressive, and it’s thought they wouldn’t be very good at hunting boar now because they’re so gentle.
In the 1700s, the dog was named “Grand Danois,” but in the 1800s, the Germans banned the name and called the breed “Deutsche Dogge,” which means German Mastiff. However, the name “Great Dane” is still used in English-speaking countries.
Great Danes first appeared in the United States in the late 1800s and gradually became more popular, but we don't have an exact date for their arrival.
How Blue Great Danes Gained Popularity
German nobility once used Great Danes to protect country estates and hunt wild boar. In the 18th century, they were prestigious guardians of carriages and estates, and their ferocious nature was bred out of them.
Great Danes have become gentle giants that get along with families and other animals. In 2024, they were ranked the 19th most popular breed in the United States by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
While Blue Great Danes aren’t rare, they can be challenging to breed. To create a blue puppy, both parents must carry the recessive blue gene that turns the black coat blue. Breeding two blue Great Danes doesn’t necessarily guarantee a litter of blue puppies.
Formal Recognition of Blue Great Danes
The Great Dane was officially recognized by the AKC in 1887, and they recognize 10 color variations, including blue. The United Kennel Club (UKC), the Dog Registry of America (DRA), and the North American Purebred Registry (NAPR) all recognize the Blue Great Dane, too. Any “faults” with the color that would disqualify a Great Dane include white markings on the chest and toes.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Blue Great Danes
1. They Have Big Hearts and Short Lives
The Great Dane is considered a gentle breed. Big dogs notoriously don't live long lives, which is true for the Great Dane. They live 7–10 years, and they will leave a massive hole in your life when they’re gone, but you’re guaranteed a lot of love in those short few years together.
2. They’re Film Stars
Great Danes have been used to portray the killer hellhound in every film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles” despite the author never actually specifying the breed. It just shows how scary they can look. While the Great Dane is gentle, they’re very loyal and won't hesitate to protect their families.
3. Great Danes Are Tall and Heavy
Females can grow to 30 inches at the shoulder and weigh 140 pounds, while males can reach 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh 175 pounds. If they stand on their hind legs, they tower over most humans.
Does a Blue Great Dane Make a Good Pet?
Great Danes need room to exercise and move around, and you need a house big enough to accommodate them. They’re not inexpensive to own because of how much they need to eat, so that is also something you will have to factor in if you’re thinking of getting a Great Dane. Everything costs more if you’re getting it in a bigger size, including dog beds and crates.
Plus, Great Danes are hard on their belongings and can chew through toys faster than you can replace them; you might go through a few doggy beds, especially when they’re young and a little unruly. Because of their size, you need to ensure you have the time for obedience training so that they are manageable when they’re fully grown. You cannot physically restrain this dog if they're trying to get away from you.
They’re a wonderfully loving and tolerant breed and make great family pets if you socialize them early on. They get along with other animals, but you must supervise them around children. Of course, you shouldn't leave your small children around dogs unattended anyway, but these dogs are so big that they might send a small child flying with a happy leap or a wagging tail. Your Blue Great Dane will also shed a lot, and you’ll need to brush their coat regularly.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Great Dane is large, loyal, and shares a long history with humans. The dog started as a hunter, working alongside humans, but was transformed into a remarkable family dog. They might not be ferocious anymore, but when it comes to their family, they’re reliable protectors. They’re expensive to keep and take up a lot of space, but they’re definitely worth it.
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Featured Image Credit: ElenVik, Shutterstock
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Kerry-Ann lives in Scotland and wishes her garden was bigger so she could have her very own Highland cow but thinks her dogs probably wouldn’t like that idea very much. She has a La Chon called Harry who was poorly with a liver shunt when he was a puppy. It wasn't likely he would make it into adulthood, which was difficult to comprehend, but he beat the odds and is a healthy old man now. She also has a Pug called Maddie who is a big foodie. She’s small, sassy, and every day she finds a new way to wind her brother up.
When she isn’t writing you can find Kerry-Ann going for long walks when it isn't raining, reading, or watching cartoons when she should be tidying her house. She would one day like to be a tourist in her own country and travel through the Highlands with her family.
