Breed Profile
Great Danes may seem intimidating, but inside their enormous bodies are even bigger hearts. Their size and loyalty make them good watch dogs, but intruders won’t realize their bark is worse than their bite. Although they appear energetic, Great Danes would rather grab a pillow indoors and relax by your side.
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
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
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.
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.
Characteristics
Space Needs
Activity Needs
Intelligence
Playfulness
Grooming Needs
Trainability
Watch Ability
Dog-friendliness
Child-friendliness
Great Dane Buyer's Guide
Great Danes are the epitome of “gentle giants.” Although they may seem huge and scary, the biggest thing about this breed isn’t their size, but rather, their hearts. They’re surprisingly loving and calm, often enjoying a snooze next to you on the couch (if they can fit). Great Danes can go into guard dog mode and show their loud, deep bark if needed, but most of the time, they’re perfectly content relaxing by your side. These dogs may clear the table with a swipe of their tail or accidentally knock over Dear Aunt Marie’s glass vase, but their sweet expression and warm heart will make it tough to stay mad for long.
Breed information reviewed by the Puppies.com editorial team. Helping families find their perfect puppy since 2003.
Great Dane Quick Facts
406
Available Now
From $100
Starting Price
110–175 lbs
Adult Weight
28–32"
Adult Height
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Danes
How would you describe a Great Dane?
Great Danes may seem intimidating, but inside their enormous bodies are even bigger hearts. Their size and loyalty make them good watch dogs, but intruders won’t realize their bark is worse than their bite. Although they appear energetic, Great Danes would rather grab a pillow indoors and relax by your side. Full-grown, they typically weigh 110-175 pounds and stand 28-32 inches tall.
Are Great Danes a good choice for families with kids?
Great Danes are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. 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. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.
Are Great Danes couch potatoes or do they need a lot of exercise?
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. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.
Is a Great Dane a good choice for someone with allergies?
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. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.
Do Great Danes need a big yard?
Great Danes are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. Great Danes gets along well with children, other dogs, and household pets. Due to their size, apartments and small spaces just aren’t practical for this breed. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.
