Great Dane
About the Great Dane
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Giant (100+ lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 28-32" |
| Weight | 110-175 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
45 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$3,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $2,000/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Great Danes may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- Long Work Hours Away
Guides for your Great Dane
The story behind the Great Dane
Large boarhounds of mastiff and sighthound descent were kept across Europe for centuries, and German nobility used them to hunt wild boar and to guard estates, favouring speed and courage alongside power. English travellers described these dogs as Great Danes despite their German development, and the name stuck in English-speaking countries, while Germany settled on Deutsche Dogge. Standardisation took place in Germany during the later nineteenth century, when breeders consolidated regional boarhound and mastiff types into a single elegant breed and declared it a national dog. As boar hunting declined, selection shifted toward temperament and appearance, producing the calmer companion known today. The breed spread widely through the twentieth century and remains popular internationally, kept almost entirely as a family dog and show dog rather than for its original work.
Originally bred for: Boar hunting, Estate guardian, Noble companion. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Great Dane
Giant-breed formulations matter more here than in most dogs, particularly through the long growth phase, where slow, steady development protects joints. Adults do best on several smaller servings rather than one large one, with calm time either side and raised bowls avoided unless a vet advises them.
Watch for: No specific ingredient intolerance is tied to the breed, though giant dogs generally do poorly on abrupt changes and very rich foods. Because deep-chested breeds face particular feeding considerations, discuss meal routines and any dietary adjustment with a veterinarian rather than experimenting.
Start with the Great Dane feeding guide, then compare our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Great Dane
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.