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Are you considering welcoming a larger furry companion into your family, but cats aren't your thing? Well, the Great Dane might just be the perfect fit for you!
In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this majestic and gentle giant. From their intriguing history and unique genetic traits to potential health concerns and lovable temperamental quirks, we’ll provide a thorough look at this extraordinary breed.
Whether you're a first-time dog owner or have experience with pups, this post is for you. Get ready to fall head over heels for the lovable Great Dane!
Table of Contents
Great Dane History: Where are Great Danes from?
The Great Dane's history is as impressive as its stature. Originally bred in Germany, despite their misleading name, these majestic dogs were developed to assist in hunting wild boar and bears, a task that required both courage and strength.
Running in packs, Great Danes would work together to bring down and hold their prey, showcasing their power and teamwork.
While the breed's name suggests Danish origins, the true roots of the Great Dane are firmly planted in Germany, where noblemen prized them not just for hunting but also as loyal guardians of their estates and carriages.
The breed earned this name due to increasing geopolitical tensions between Germany, France, and Britain. As a result, the French began referring to the breed as "Grand Danois," which translates to "Great Dane." Despite this, in Germany, the breed has always been called the "Deutsche Dogge,"
The lineage of the Great Dane can be traced back to the 16th century, possibly even earlier, though there is evidence of similar giant breeds as far back as the 11th century.
Early Great Danes were likely quite different in appearance from the breed we know today, but their purpose and temperament were well established. The modern Great Dane was created by crossing English Mastiffs with Irish Wolfhounds, resulting in a dog with the massive size of the Wolfhound and the steadfast nature of the Mastiff. This blend of traits made them ideal protectors, with their sighthound instincts keeping them alert and aware of their surroundings.
Today, the Great Dane remains a symbol of elegance and strength. The British Kennel Club recognizes six standard colours for the breed: black, blue, brindle, fawn, harlequin, and mantle.
However, there are many other colour variations that, while not accepted in the show ring, are cherished by those who love the breed. After all, the true value of a Great Dane lies not in its colour, but in its gentle and loyal nature.
Standing at least 76cm tall at the withers for males and 71cm for females, with weights starting at 54kg and 46kg respectively, Great Danes are truly giants of the canine world.
The record for the tallest Great Dane belongs to Zeus, a dog who reached an astonishing 111cm at the withers and weighed around 70kg, further cementing the breed's reputation as one of the largest in the world.
Great Dane registrations in the UK 2024
233 Great Danes were registered with the UK Kennel Club in Q2 2022. This number is up from last year at the same time. Overall, 865 Great Danes were registered in 2022 less than in 2021. 2023 saw only 661 registrations.
Total 2021 | Total 2022 | Total 2023 | Q1 2024 |
1,203 | 865 | 661 | 184 |
Source: https://kc-media-production.azureedge.net/media/ypampz1t/quarterly-breed-stats-working.pdf updated September 2024
What is the Temperament of the Great Dane?
The first thing to be prepared for is regular drips of drooling drops flying about. Always have a dribble towel with you. Their loose and square muzzles are very much slobber magnets.
Great Danes flourish in a family setting, forming strong bonds with each member. They crave physical affection and rely on it deeply. Due to their sensitive and gentle disposition, they cannot be left alone for extended periods. Cuddle time on the couch is their happiest moment, though be ready for them to occupy much more space than you.
In the comfort of their home, they’re calm and mellow dogs. To own one of those dogs, it’s crucial to be at home most of the time.
Great Danes are incredibly patient, especially with children, making them excellent family dogs. However, it's important to supervise interactions and teach your child how to approach dogs properly.
Their constantly wagging tail can sometimes cause accidents, but it's never intentional. I once saw a post in a Facebook group where someone asked how to stop their Great Dane from wagging its tail to protect a child. It was a clear sign that this dog might not have been the right fit for that family.
If you have delicate items like Ming vases or original Qing dynasty jade figurines, it's best to store them safely out of tail-wagging reach.
Like all dogs, Great Dane puppies go through a challenging phase, especially during puppyhood. However, because they grow faster and stronger than most breeds, their destructive chewing can have a more significant impact on your home's interior—particularly those precious Ming vases we just mentioned.
Training should start as early as possible. A good breeder would have potentially already started the training after four weeks.
Obedience training is also very important due to their sheer size. You want your Dane to follow your commands with no hesitation. Here, calm and consistent training is the key to success. The biggest challenge will be their sensitivity. Yelling and disciplining them harshly can make Great Danes depressed. Their nature is in such opposition to their size that it’s astonishing.
Great Danes can be stubborn and require consistent training and constant repetitions. You need to put in the time with this breed. Otherwise, you end up with a 60kg heavy disobedient dog which will not be much fun (for you).
Socialisation with other dogs, children and many different people is important. This way, they learn to adapt their body size to different situations. If a Great Dane lacks socialisation, they can become timid and scared. A scared giant dog can lead to challenging situations as you won’t be able to control them.
Considering a Great Dane as your future dog, you must consider its cost. They’re also an expensive breed to house. Feeding is demanding. Good quality food from providers like Butterbox for an adult Dane would set you back around £140.00 per month. Proper nutrition is crucial for this dog breed as certain foods can cause the dog to grow too quickly, which you want to avoid with larger breeds.
Let’s have a look at some common Great Dane questions.
Will a Great Dane protect you?
They’re more reluctant to guard a home than other guarding breeds. However, every dog is an individual, and many more factors can contribute to giving their guarding behaviour a notch. Their sheer size and deep doom bark might be enough to deter an intruder. A stance of proud vigilance might do the trick as well.
Great Danes tend to be vocal dogs, so they should tell you something isn’t right even if they might not confront the intruder. They do have some instinctive courage, but it is a muted attribute. Either way, don’t take their gentleness for weakness. If you’re in true danger and the Dane senses desperation, they could come at someone like a freight train.
How fast can a Great Dane run?
A Great Dane can reach a top speed of 30 mph. Great Danes are not known for being specialists in long-distance runs but can sprint quite quickly in short bursts.
That doesn't make the Great Dane the fastest breed in the dog world. A Greyhound can reach speeds of up to 45 mph. Other fast dog breeds are the Afghan Hound, Hungarian Vizsla, Saluki or Sloughi.
Are Great Danes hypoallergenic?
No, Great Danes are not hypoallergenic. They have short coats, but they still shed and produce dander, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Additionally, like all dogs, Great Danes produce saliva and urine, which can also carry allergens.
If you or someone in your household has allergies, it's important to spend time around Great Danes before bringing one home to see if they trigger any allergic reactions. Regular grooming and cleaning can help reduce the amount of dander and shedding, but it won't eliminate allergens entirely.
When are Great Danes fully grown?
Great Danes grow relatively swiftly compared to other dog breeds. Their legs become long so quickly that at the age of 4-6 months, they can become clumsy whilst adapting motorically to their size. With these giant breeds, it’s important not to over-exercise them in the first 2 years of their lives.
The bones and tendons are soft, and they can do some damage unknowingly. A Great Dane should be considered fully grown at around 18 to 24 months.
Are Great Danes aggressive?
No, Great Danes are not known for being an aggressive dog breed. They’re mellow, even-tempered, and loved because of their exemplary, kind temperament. They’re great family dogs with almost infinite patience. They're the best example of a gentle giant.
If a Dane shows any aggression, look for potential sources that trigger them. It could be a health issue or a territorial instinct. Consult a vet or dog behaviourist immediately, as it’s not a typical breed behaviour.
After reading all the above, we are sure you have fallen in love with them as we did. To discover if the Great Dane is right for you, you must be honest with yourself. Is this dog something you can handle? Can you provide a home for the Great Dane where they will thrive, flourish and be the best version of themselves?
6 Gift Ideas for Great Dane Lovers
Embark on a delightful journey of gift discovery as we unveil six perfect presents that capture Great Dane lovers' hearts and celebrate these mellow companions' unique charm.
Gift ideas for Great Dane Lovers #1: Great Dane Christmas Bauble
The Great Dane Christmas Bauble, with its wooden appearance, adds a lovely touch to your holiday tree.
Gift ideas for Great Dane Lovers #2: Great Dane Sculpture
The Great Dane Sculpture is hand-painted with love, offering a beautiful, detailed keepsake.
Gift ideas for Great Dane Lovers #3: Great Dane Garden Ornament
The Great Dane Garden Ornament adds a touch of charm to any garden, making it a delightful decoration.
Gift ideas for Great Dane Lovers #4: Great Dane Mug
This Great Dane Mug can be personalised with your names, making it a thoughtful and unique gift.
Gift ideas for Great Dane Lovers #5: Great Dane Glass Sculpture
The Great Dane Glass Ornament captures the majestic beauty of this breed, perfect for display.
Gift ideas for Great Dane Lovers #6: Great Dane Candle
The Great Dane Candle is a handmade tribute to your gentle giant, crafted with love.
Great Dane Temperament in a Nutshell
Great Danes are real cuddle addicts. They love a cuddle
Due to their sensitive nature, they require gentle and positive reinforcement training
Due to their size, early socialisation is an absolute must, so they learn how to approach people
Great Danes are patient and superb with even small children if socialised well
Feeding and taking care of this large breed is expensive
Top 10 Female Great Dane Names
Top 10 Male Great Dane Names
Potential health issues in the Great Dane breed
As a new owner, you should be prepared to pay medical expenses associated with the breed. The sheer size of this dog will make medical treatment expensive. Thus, always opt for comprehensive insurance. Medicines are dosed based on body weight, so a Great Dane can set you back massively.
Hereditary diseases are genetically predisposed. For this reason, it’s important always to choose a reputable breeder who has screened their dog’s DNA and knows from which family they come. Good pre-work and research can help minimise the below upsetting conditions.
All deep-chested breeds are susceptible to it when it comes to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Syndrome or simply bloat. Great Danes are repeatedly named the most endangered breed with this life-threatening condition. It is recommended not to exercise Great Danes 1 hour before they eat and at least 1 hour afterwards. Please consult your vet for more details as it also depends on the size of your Great Dane.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a heart disease that can lead to congestive heart failure and sudden death. It’s a genetic issue.
Hip dysplasia is an inherited skeletal condition but can be exacerbated by quick growth and obesity.
Hypothyroidism: Lack of thyroid hormones can lead to fur and skin diseases, weight management issues or hair loss.
The Great Dane is also prone to bone cancer.
Due to their size, the Great Dane has a short life span. On average, it’s around 7-10 years.
Many of these conditions can be treated if caught early, but working with a reliable veterinarian familiar with this breed is important to ensure your dog receives proper care.
The more aware you are of these diseases, the higher the chances you can prolong your dog’s life if problems arise. Like your child, be mindful of all required vaccinations and risks outside your home. This blog post, for example, outlines all toxic spring plants that can be harmful to your dog.
Many dog owners underestimate the danger in some pet toys and accessories that can worsen health issues when they innocently buy cheap products from the Far East. Avoid synthetic rubber playthings like chew bones or tug o' war ropes from polyester; polyester collars could cause skin irritation and are not breathable like natural materials. Swap out those harmful materials with eco-friendly pet products from hemp here at Hooman’s Friend. Breathable, eco-friendly and sustainable!
Great Dane Fun facts
Scooby Doo, where are you? Although it’s not apparent initially, Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane. The long legs are the clearest indicator, whilst all other features have been purposefully altered not to make him look like one. According to some sources, Great Danes were believed to ward off evil spirits and ghosts. If that is true, we can’t say. But their size and vigilant stance might be helpful for that purpose. Despite their average life span of 7-10 years, we know that Scooby-Doo will at least outlive us all.
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Is the Great Dane the right dog breed for me?
The Great Dane is a gentle giant with a sweet temperament, sure to capture your heart. If you have the space in your home and the budget to satisfy their substantial appetite, a Great Dane could be an ideal companion.
They thrive on human interaction and love nothing more than cuddling on the couch, often right on top of you! Outdoors, they come to life, enjoying playtime and exercise. Their high need for attention stems from their love for human companionship rather than excessive energy. If you can provide the space, time, and affection they crave, the Great Dane will undoubtedly become a beloved member of your family.
Great Dane Summary Info box
Size | Giant |
|---|---|
Dog Size | 76cm - 110cm |
Dog Weight | 54kg - 70kg |
Bitch Size | 71cm - 100cm |
Bitch Weight | 46kg -63kg |
Grooming | Simple |
Feeding Need | Demanding |
Tendency to drool | High |
Energy level | Medium |
Tendency to bark | Medium |
Tendency to dig | Low |
Attention need | High |
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