Great Dane Breed Characteristics

The Great Dane is a large and regal-looking domesticated dog breed. It is possibly related to dogs that the Assyrians bred for hunting wild animals more than 2,000 years ago. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Germans began breeding Dane-like dogs, which were eventually exported to other countries. In the late 1880s, dog breeders formed the first American breed club, which later became the Great Dane Club of America. Today, people often seek Great Danes for pets or to show.

  1. Appearance

    • Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds; males can reach 30 to 36 inches in height, while females can reach 28 to 32 inches in height. The dogs have an agile, yet imposing, form composed of thick bones and strong muscles. Females can weigh on average 100 to 130 pounds, while males can weigh on average 120 to 160 pounds. Great Danes tend to have darker colored eyes and droopy lower eyelids that give the dogs a small-eyed appearance. In America, Great Danes frequently have their ears surgically cropped for dog shows. Cropped ears stand upright and give the dog an alert appearance. Great Danes have short, thick glossy coats that can come in different colors: fawn (golden yellow with black on the face), brindle (golden yellow with black stripes), black, deep-steel blue and harlequin (white with irregular black patches).

    Temperament

    • Great Danes are generally friendly despite their formidable size. Although the Great Dane was an aggressive boar-hunter in the past, dog breeders have bred modern Great Danes to have non-aggressive temperaments. If you introduce Great Danes to children and other animals when the dogs are young, the dogs will have a greater inclination to tolerate them as they grow older. Great Danes are known for being devoutly loyal to their owners. If they are solely confined outside away from people, they can develop behavioral issues. Although people may perceive the dogs as mellow, they can have rowdy or energetic periods. You should provide regular exercise for a Great Dane.

    Diet and Feeding

    • You should allow Great Dane puppies to nurse for at least six weeks before you wean them from their mother. Until they are 12 to 18 months old, puppies require "growth" diets of well-balanced puppy food in two to three meal servings a day. Overfeeding a puppy can lead to skeletal defects. After they reach 12 to 18 months, Great Danes switch to "adult" dog food that typically contains plant and animal ingredients. They should preferably be fed twice a day. Protein is the most important dietary component for a Great Dane. When choosing which foods to feed your Great Dane, you can see which foods meets the standards set out by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. You can also consult a veterinarian on what to feed a puppy or adult dog.

    Health

    • Great Danes are overall healthy dogs that encounter few health problems during their lifetime. The average lifespan for Great Danes is seven to 10 years and smaller dogs tend to outlive larger dogs. Large, deep-chested Great Danes are susceptible to bloating. Bloating is when the release of gas from food upsets the stomach, and prevents the gas and stomach contents from leaving the dog's digestive system. Bloating can lead to death if immediate veterinary attention is not sought. You can prevent bloating by feeding Great Danes twice a day rather than once and by placing their food and water in an elevated stand so they don't have to crane their necks to eat.