Great Dane
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Great Danes are massive, gentle dogs bred as German boar hunters who now excel at couch companionship. Despite their imposing size, they're affectionate, sweet-natured dogs who think they're lap dogs, though their size creates expense in food and supplies, training challenges when they're young and strong, and heartbreakingly short lifespans of 7-10 years.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Working
Life Expectancy
7-10 years
Height
28-32 in
Weight
110-175 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 5 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #21
Working context: Working breeds were built for jobs like guarding, pulling, and rescue. They are typically powerful and purpose-driven.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Great Dane
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Great Danes are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Great Danes in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Great Danes, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 60 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
High
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Great Danes generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
High
High
~6h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Training & Behavior
Moderate
Moderate
Very High
Moderate
Maintenance & Care
Very Low
Moderate
Moderate
High
Environment & Adaptability
Low
Moderate
Very High
Very High
High
Grooming & Coat
Very Low
Moderate
Moderate
High
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Great Dane originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Great Dane lines were developed for draft, guarding, and utility work. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Working. Working breeds were built for jobs like guarding, pulling, and rescue. They are typically powerful and purpose-driven.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Great Danes weren't originally from Denmark—they were perfected in Germany and are called 'Deutsche Dogge,' but a mismarketing campaign by early breeders stuck them with the Danish name.
Despite being one of the largest dog breeds, Great Danes have the shortest lifespan (7–10 years), largely due to their massive hearts having to work overtime.
Great Danes' ears were traditionally cropped (cut short) not for cosmetic reasons but to prevent injuries when hunting wild boar—a practice now banned in most countries.
The breed has an almost human-like facial expression thanks to their wrinkled brow and droopy eyes, which is why they're often chosen as therapy and emotional support dogs.
A Great Dane mix named Zeus holds the record for tallest dog ever recorded at 44 inches tall (7'4" on hind legs)—taller than many humans when standing up.
Famous Great Dane Dogs
Scooby-Doo
One of the most recognizable cartoon dogs worldwide.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Continue consistent training - patience is key with this breed. Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Great Danes
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Patient, consistent training - this breed needs extra time
Recommended Products
Joint Supplements
Larger and active breeds often benefit from joint support supplements starting early.
Shop Supplements →Training Programs
Structured training helps this breed reach its potential and prevents behavior issues.
Explore Programs →Is Great Dane right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Great Dane compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Great Dane are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/great-dane/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/great-dane/