Great Dane Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

63.5-80 kg

Height

76-86 cm

Lifespan

8-10 years

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About the Great Dane

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

If you’re on the lookout for a big dog, why not go as big as you can with a friendly giant like the Great Dane?

Despite their prodigious size, they are great pets and very loyal. If you’re struggling to picture one, there are a few famous Great Danes, and probably the most famous is none other than Scooby-Doo!

Read our ultimate Great Dane breed guide below for more information on this giant breed, including potential health issues, training, feeding, and size.

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.

What is a Great Dane breed?

Great Danes are as large a dog as you will find, but they are also a very friendly breed that is dependable and loyal. They are notable by their square block-like, almost rectangular heads and short coats.

Great Danes are typically known for being a golden brown colour. However, you also find black, brindle, blue-grey, harlequin, and mantle colours.

Learn more about: Great Dane Colours

Who is a Great Dane 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.

Great Dane Grooming & Shedding

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.

Learn more about: Great Dane Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Great Danes bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Great Dane dog?

The weight and size of a Great Dane is a vital consideration 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.

Learn more about: Great Dane Size & Weight Chart

Are Great Danes easy to train?

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.

Learn more about: Great Dane Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Great Danes behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Learn more about: Great Dane Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Great Dane have any common health issues?

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: Common due to their size, these can lead to pain and mobility issues.
Hip Dysplasia: Malformation of the hip joint can result in arthritis and discomfort.
Addison’s Disease: This adrenal gland disorder can cause fatigue, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalances.
Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy: This heart condition leads to weakened heart muscles and reduced pumping efficiency, resulting in lethargy and breathing difficulties.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus): A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, causing severe pain and shock if not treated immediately.
Tricuspid Valve Disease: A heart condition that can lead to heart murmurs and congestive heart failure.
Osteosarcoma: A common bone cancer in large breeds, often requiring amputation and aggressive treatment.
Thyroid Problems: Hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. Regular vet check-ups are essential for early detection and management.

Learn more about: Common Great Dane Health Issues

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 does a Great Dane need to be fed?

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.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Great Dane? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Learn more about: Great Dane Prices In Australia

Great Dane FAQs

I’ve heard that Great Danes are gentle giants, is this true?

Great Danes are very much gentle giants that can make very loving and loyal pets. The behaviour of your Great Dane dog will be influenced by the training and boundaries you set from an early age.

Are Great Danes responsive to obedience training?

Great Danes are great to train and very receptive to it, and obedience is a significant part of a Great Dane’s training. Having a dog of this size comes with specific responsibilities, the main of which is having good control of the dog.

Great Danes are such good learners that they are even recommended to first time owners with no previous experience. If you notice any behaviours that are concerning though, it is vital that you rectify this or seek guidance from a professional because a disobedient Great Dane could lead to serious consequences.

Do Great Dane puppies require more than two walks a day?

Great Danes should be exercised for around two hours a day, but you will get to know your dog and how long it needs to burn off excess energy. Walks can be broken up through the day, which can also help with toilet training and keeping your dog occupied.

Where can I find a Great Dane puppy breeder?

Finding a good and ethical puppy breeder is essential. You wouldn’t want to support puppy farming as this is not only unethical, but it can also produce dogs with poor health.

To make sure you get a healthy puppy from a reliable source, you should do your homework before committing. Contacting the Great Dane Club and National Breed Club as well as asking for all relevant documentation from the breeder should be standard.

You might be tempted with lower prices, but this can sometimes mean that the dog you receive is not purebred and could have hereditary health issues.