Why Do Great Danes Bury Their Heads? 8 Vet-Verified Reasons
Great Danes are one of the biggest breeds around that look genuinely threatening and sound fierce when they bark. However, a Great Dane's look and bark usually belie a gentle, caring, and sometimes even timid nature. Many Great Danes are big, furry babies that get scared of silly things and act like children when they don’t get their way.
One fascinating movement many Great Danes like to perform is burying their head in their pet parent’s lap, chest, or under their arms. If that’s what your Great Dane is doing and you’re not sure why, you can examine the eight possible reasons Great Danes bury their heads below.
The 8 Possible Reasons Great Danes Bury Their Heads
1. Your Great Dane May Have Separation Anxiety
Even though they are one of the largest dogs, the average Great Dane is sometimes more like a big scaredy-cat and may not enjoy being alone. If you plan to leave and your Great Dane catches sight of you, they might bury their head in your lap while you're sitting down to put on your socks or shoes. That's the Great Dane's way of letting you know they don't want you to go anywhere. Considering their size, it can be a persuasive tool and one that may require consistent training and reassurance to manage.
2. Your Great Dane is Marking You as Its Territory
We all know dogs like to leave their scent by urinating on objects they consider “theirs.” However, dogs have a very keen sense of smell and can also smell themselves and other animals on your clothes and hands. If a Great Dane smells another dog, cat, or unfamiliar animal on you, they may bury their head against your lap, side, or chest. This behavior may help mix their scent with yours and could be a form of bonding, seeking comfort, or mild scent marking behavior.
3. Your Great Dane Is Afraid of Something
Some dogs, including Great Danes, may fear loud noises from fireworks and celebrations. Because they are often gentle and sensitive by nature, they may become anxious in unfamiliar or overwhelming environments. When scared, your Great Dane may bury their head in your lap to seek comfort and reassurance. The best response is to remain calm and reassuring, allowing your dog to stay close while providing a safe and quiet environment. Over time, gradual desensitization and positive reinforcement can also help reduce and manage anxiety.
4. Your Great Dane Needs Some Comforting
Great Danes are usually very affectionate dogs that love to be around their family and get hugs, pets, and attention. They are often sensitive dogs and may show clear signs when they are stressed, anxious, or uncomfortable. If your Great Dane is feeling blue, for whatever reason, they might bury their head in your lap so that you’ll give them comforting pets, hugs, and words. This behavior is often a form of bonding, attention, and reassurance seeking. Because of their sensitive and expressive nature, Great Danes can appear emotionally responsive, but their behavior is best understood as canine communication rather than human-like mood swings.
5. Your Great Dane Is Trying to Comfort You
Great Danes are highly social and sensitive dogs that often respond to changes in their owner’s tone, body language, and mood. When they sense something is different, or that you are less engaged than usual, they may seek closer contact.
In these moments, your Great Dane might bury their head in your lap or lean against you, sometimes accompanied by gentle nudging or pushing. This behavior is usually a way of seeking reassurance and closeness. Great Danes are known for forming strong bonds with their families.
6. Your Great Dane Wants to Let You Know They Love You
If you’re the lucky owner of a Great Dane, you’ll notice that they bury their head in your lap just because they love you so much. Of all the reasons Great Danes bury their heads, this one is probably the best.
7. Your Great Dane Wants Some Affection
Everybody needs some love and affection, but some Great Danes need a lot more than most dogs. To get it, they will bury their head in your body until you scratch, pet, or otherwise caress them, and they won’t stop until they’re satisfied. If you’re sitting and watching TV or relaxing, a Great Dane's head lying in your lap can be very comforting and good for the soul.
8. Your Great Dane Wants Something Besides Affection
The last reason Great Danes bury their heads is that they want something from you. It might be a snack, it might be dinner, or it might be that they want you to come outside and play. Whatever it is, your Great Dane will bury their head and won’t stop until they get what they want. They can be very persuasive that way.
Is Burying Their Head Bad for Your Great Dane?
In most cases, a Great Dane burying their head in your lap or another part of your body isn’t a cause for alarm. However, you may be concerned if your Great Dane suddenly starts burying their head more than usual.
For example, they might be trying to tell you that they don’t feel well. It might be that their tummy is upset or something worse, so if the burying persists and is accompanied by whining, you should take your pet to the vet.
Most of the time, when your Great Dane buries their head in your lap, it's because of something that’s not inherently negative. Usually, they want attention, affection, or something else that shouldn’t cause any alarms. In short, burying their head is usually normal for your Great Dane.
Seek veterinary advice if you’re concerned about your pet’s well-being.
Should You Stop a Great Dane From Burying Its Head?
If you punish your pet or make them stop, it might cause anxiety or other behavioral problems. Most dog trainers, behaviorists, and vets recommend that as long as it’s not bothering you or becoming pushy or aggressive, there’s no real need to stop your Great Dane from burying their head in your lap or on other parts of your body. Most Great Dane parents love this unusual trait, and some even look forward to it! With time, you’ll know precisely why your grandiose Great Dane is burying their head.
Final Thoughts
Great Danes are exceptional pets, companions, and protectors, and they repay the love and care you give them threefold, if not more. Their large size and commanding bark can be a little scary, it’s true, but the average Great Dane is a big softy with a heart of gold.
When they bury their heads, Great Danes are communicating with you and doing their best to let you know what they need, how they feel, and to make you feel better. If a Great Dane buries their head in your lap, you’re lucky because it means they are bonded with you.
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Featured Image Credit: Victoria Rak, Shutterstock
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Greg Iacono is a self-taught writer and former chiropractor who, ironically, retired early due to back problems. He spends his time writing scintillating content on a wide variety of subjects. Greg is also an accomplished video script writer known for his ability to take a complex subject and make it accessible for the layperson.
Before retiring from chiropractic, Greg had clinics in 3 different countries, including the U.S., Belgium, and Peru. When not writing, Greg spends his time traveling, riding his motorcycle, and doting on his 7-year-old daughter, Valery. He also has a massive Lego city he built with his son, Alex, and is very proud of his daughter, Catherine, an accomplished graphic artist.
