Great Dane
Complete Breed Guide
"Don’t be scared. Deep down, I’m a softie!"
Quick Facts About Great Danes
Working
110–175 lbs
28–32"
No
Based on current listing prices on Puppies.com. Results may vary.
Overview
Great Danes are impressive, powerful dogs with a naturally calm and affectionate temperament that makes them wonderful family companions. Their size and quiet confidence give them a natural watchful presence, while their gentle, easygoing nature makes them equally at home relaxing by your side.
Great Danes are one of the most beloved large breeds in the world — combining striking physical presence with a genuinely warm and loving temperament. They are calm, affectionate dogs who form deep bonds with their families and are happiest when they are close to the people they love. Great Danes carry a natural alertness and will make their presence known when needed, but their default setting is relaxed and content. They thrive indoors and adapt well to family life, preferring companionship over activity. As with any large breed, their size is something to plan around — a Great Dane needs space to move comfortably and benefits from a home where their stature is accommodated rather than an afterthought.
Temperament and Behavior
Great Danes are surprisingly calm and affectionate for their size. After interacting with them, it will be clear that their presence is definitely more ominous than their personality. This breed has earned the nickname “gentle giant” because of their quiet, loving nature. Don’t let their warmth fool you, though. Their stature, intelligence, loyalty, and deep, loud bark make Great Danes excellent watch dogs. Little do the intruders know that they probably won’t do much damage.
Coat & Grooming
The Great Dane has a short, smooth coat that comes in several colors. Most dogs are fawn (gold with a black mask, ears, and tail tip), brindle (gold with a black stripe pattern), steel blue, glossy black, “Harlequin” (white with black patches), or “Mantle”/”Boston” (black with white muzzle, chest, and tail tip). This breed isn’t high maintenance when it comes to grooming. They don’t shed much, and when they do, all they need is a good brushing with a rubber brush to remove dead hair.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Great Danes gets along well with children, other dogs, and household pets. Some Great Danes are dominant with other dogs of the same sex or have a high prey drive with small cats. Socializing them from a young age helps make their interactions with others positive. Still, your Great Dane may be wary around strangers but will most likely welcome family and friends. Due to their size, apartments and small spaces just aren’t practical for this breed.
Exercise & Activity
This breed is fairly calm when young and needs a moderate amount of exercise when fully grown. Great Danes should be taken on a daily walk or allowed to play in a large, fenced yard where they can run and explore. They may seem like outdoor dogs, but their favorite spot is actually indoors where they can relax and be by your side. However, if they get bored or are left unsupervised for too long, they may begin barking, digging, and being destructive.
Health Considerations
Because of their size, Great Danes have a shorter average lifespan than many other dog breeds, at just 7 to 10 years. But for pet parents seeking a calm and gentle companion, bringing home a Great Dane puppy can be a great choice. Great Dane health issues can include: Bloat and Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), Hip Dysplasia, Wobbler Syndrome, Happy Tail Syndrome, and Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
Medical References
- Dr. Anne McClanahan and PetMD
Breed descriptions and health information are provided for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian. Individual dogs may vary in temperament and health.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Great Dane FAQs
Common questions about the Great Dane breed, answered by our editorial team.
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