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Does a Great Dane Bark a Lot? Vet-Verified Breed Facts & FAQs

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove · Reviewed & fact-checked by Dr. Maja PlatisaVet Approved
Dr. Maja Platisa
Reviewed & Fact-Checked byDr. Maja PlatisaDVM MRCVS (Veterinarian)
Maja joined our team in March 2023 as one of our in-house veterinarians. She is passionate about animals and their health and loves to help the readers with any issues or questions they have regarding their four-legged friends and other animal companions. Her passion is small animal medicine and emergency work, while she also has a great interest in animal welfare.View authorThe information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Read about our vets
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harlequin great dane dog standing outdoors

It’s no wonder that Great Danes are such a popular breed. They are lovable creatures that enjoy snuggling on the couch with popcorn and an old movie. The Apollo of Dogs can certainly look intimidating because of its size, but what about its bark? The bark of a Great Dane can feel threatening, and you can hear it a block away, but does that mean they bark a lot?

The answer is no, Great Danes are not known to be excessive barkers, but they can develop a barking habit that can be corrected.

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The Difference Between Barking and Talking

It is important to realize that Great Danes are a vocal breed. They often grunt, yawn, and “talk,” which is sometimes confused with barking by unknowing Great Dane owners. Yes, the boofing, roo-ing, and making noises are ways that Danes communicate with us, so it’s important to know the difference.

Think of the famous Great Dane “Scooby Doo.” One of the reasons he was so verbal was that his character was based on the traits of the breed.

You certainly will not want to stifle your pet if it wants to have a conversation with you.

Image Credit: velora, Shutterstock

What Makes Great Danes Bark?

While Great Danes are not known to be a barking breed, there are a variety of reasons for your pet to develop a barking habit.

  • Boredom: Boredom is one of the main reasons why a Great Dane will bark. Great Danes were historically working dogs, but have been bred more as companion animals in modern times, having a decent amount of energy that they need to burn off daily.  Not getting the proper exercise will lead to pent-up energy that will be released by barking or being mischievous.

If you incorporate some training exercises to stimulate your pup, it will have less energy and enthusiasm for barking. You may also want to consider occupying the dog with food puzzles, interactive toys, or training games. The mental stimulation will help with boredom.

Great dane dog in beautiful landscape
Image Credit: Al_Er, Shutterstock
  • Stranger danger: Great Danes have a protective nature and will also bark any time they perceive a stranger as a threat. Your pup will continue to bark until you command it to stop or the stranger is gone.
  • Separation anxiety: Great Danes enjoy spending time with their humans and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Even brief absences may cause them to whine or howl until you return. Once you have returned, they may bark for a while because they are excited to see you.
  • Communication: Dogs use barking to communicate, but it should be controlled and appropriate. You don’t want to prevent your Great Dane from barking altogether, but rather teach them to bark only when necessary. A veterinarian can be a great source of advice on how to approach this.
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Final Thoughts

Some say that Danes are barkers, and others disagree. The truth is that dogs will bark for various reasons, and if not corrected, it can become a habit. Great Danes like to be vocal, but they can be taught early on to control the barking and only do so when necessary.

Sources

Featured Image: Al_Er. Shutterstock

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Nicole Cosgrove
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