Great Dane Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Great Dane?

With a name like Great Dane, you might be thinking that the breed originated from Denmark, but you would be wrong. They are actually a German dog and a direct descendent of Irish Wolfhounds and English Mastiffs having been bred for hunting in the early 17th century.

They were initially used to hunt wild boar, bears, and deer. They were used to seize and hold prey when hunting wild boar and bears in particular. This gave the hunter enough time to get there and kill the target before shooting grew in popularity.

The name for the dog was initially "Englische Dogge" until it was changed in 1878 to the "Deutsche Dogge" before later being referred to as the Great Dane which was derived from the French "Grand Danois." This is despite it having no link to Denmark, hence some confusion regarding the origin.

Who are Great Dane dogs best for?

Despite their size, their friendly nature and ability to quickly train them from puppies make them an excellent option for first-time dog owners.

They aren't the most energetic dog, but they will still need to be exercised for around two hours a day, but this can be spread across a number of walks.

Though they are friendly and good-natured, Great Danes are probably better for families with older children just because of their size. Due to their nature, low energy, and the fact that they aren't known as barkers, they make great house dogs.

How much grooming does a Great Dane need?

Great Danes have short, coarse hair that would be classed between medium and heavy for the amount they shed. They are not hypoallergenic dogs, so they won't be suitable for households that have people with allergies.

Brushing your dog daily will help minimise the hair on your carpet or furniture. You should wash your Great Dane every six and eight weeks.

They are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming compared with some other dogs.

Do Great Dane bark much?

How much your Great Dane barks will be down to the dog itself and the training you give it. Your dog may bark if it's hungry, something catches its attention, it wants to go out to do the toilet, wants a walk, or sees external stimuli through a window.

Regular walks, feeding and toilet routines, and training your Great Dane puppy from a young age will help you manage this.

Do Great Dane bite?

Great Danes are generally friendly and gentle dogs. However, a Great Dane bite can be very serious due to the size of the dog, so training and seeking professional help if your dog displays aggression is advised.

All dogs should be trained from a young age, and this is how we can instill good behaviours in them. Dogs will still always have their natural instincts, and Great Danes can be territorial, so ensuring this is a big part of its training will minimise the risk of aggression.

What is the temperament & personality of a Great Dane?

Great Danes are mild-mannered, gentle, and easy-going dogs that tend to get on well with people and other animals. It is, however, essential that you train your Great Dane to be obedient and listen to your commands due to their size.

What is the weight & size of a Great Dane?

The weight and size of a Great Dane are vital considerations for anyone thinking about getting one. As one of the largest giant dog breeds available, you will have to have to think about the space it will need, the food it will consume, and whether you and other family members will be strong enough to control it.

Male Great Danes will grow to around 76cm to 86cm in height up to the shoulders and weigh between 63.5kg to 80kg. Females will grow to between 71cm to 81cm and weigh from 50kg to 63.5kg.

It should take around eighteen to twenty-four months for a Great Dane to reach full maturity as it will continue to add muscle mass.

The first nine months will see the most rapid weight and height growth, which is why it is so vital that you provide a healthy and nutritious diet from when they are young.

How much training does a Great Dane need?

Great Danes are of medium intelligence, making them easier to train than highly intelligent dogs requiring constant mental stimulation.

Great Danes are known for being fast learners, obedient, and good at picking up new commands. Training your Great Dane puppy from a young age is a lot easier than trying to train an older dog, so you should start as soon as you receive your puppy.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Great Dane?

Because of the size of Great Danes, like other large dog breeds, there will be some associated health issues. These include;

• Joint and bone diseases

• Hip dysplasia

• Addison's Disease

• Canine dilated cardiomyopathy

• Joint and Bone Disease

• Bloat

• Tricuspid Valve Disease

• Osteosarcoma

• Thyroid problems

What is the lifespan of a Great Dane?

When it comes to the life span of different dog breeds, generally speaking, the smaller the dog, the longer the life expectancy. Because Great Danes are giant breed dogs, their average life span is relatively short at 8-10 years.

The health and life span of your dog will be dependent on a number of factors, and giving it high-quality dog food, regular exercise, and taking it to regular check-ups with your vet is all-important.

How much should you feed a Great Dane?

Large and giant breeds will inevitably go through a lot of dog food. The first two years are so important to the development of your dog's bones and muscles, so it is crucial you get the right food, and your dog is eating the right amount.

Your Great Dane puppy shouldn't eat regular puppy food as giant dog breeds will need the right amount of protein, nutrients, and fat to be able to develop.

Always fully research the brands and types of food you plan to feed your dog and consult with your vet as to how suitable it is, how much, and how often your dog should be eating.

What is the price of a Great Dane in Australia?

All puppy prices will vary, no matter what breed. Factors like the breeder and the dog's pedigree will be important considerations, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $3,000 for a Great Dane puppy.