Great Dane
The Good
- Excellent guard dog instincts
- Love children
- Get along well with other pets
- Strong and resilient
The Real
- Very large size
- Cannot live in outdoor kennels
- Require active walks and physical exercise
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Great Dane truly lives up to its nickname as the "Apollo of Dogs"—a magnificent giant that combines impressive stature with surprising gentleness. Standing as tall as 90 cm at the shoulder and weighing up to 90 kg, these dogs tower over most other breeds, yet they're known for their calm, friendly nature that makes them wonderful family companions.
Originally bred in Germany (not Denmark, despite the name!) for hunting wild boar and guarding estates, today's Great Danes have evolved into gentle giants who'd rather be your shadow than your protector—though their imposing size alone is usually enough to deter any unwanted visitors. Their short, sleek coat comes in several striking colours, with the distinctive black-and-white harlequin pattern being particularly eye-catching.
What makes Great Danes special is their unique combination of size and temperament. Despite their massive frame, they are known for being patient with children, adaptable to family life, and surprisingly sensitive to their owner's moods. They're intelligent dogs who learn quickly and respond well to positive training methods.
However, owning a Great Dane isn't a decision to take lightly. Their size means everything costs more, from food to medication to vet bills. They need space to stretch out comfortably, and their shorter lifespan of 7-10 years means you'll have less time with your gentle giant than you might with smaller breeds. But for families who can accommodate their needs, Great Danes offer unmatched loyalty and an incredibly rewarding companionship.
History
The Great Dane's history stretches back thousands of years, with powerful molossoid-type dogs appearing in ancient civilisations. These dogs were prized by various cultures for their strength and size, forming the foundation for many of today's mastiff-type breeds.
The breed's direct development, however, really took off in 19th-century Germany. Here, nobles required powerful dogs for hunting dangerous wild boar and protecting their vast estates. German breeders meticulously refined these dogs, creating the athletic and imposing animals we recognise today. They are not, despite the name, from Denmark; in Germany, they are proudly known as the "Deutsche Dogge" (German Dog).
The name "Great Dane" is a bit of a mystery. It likely originated with French naturalists who, upon seeing the dogs in Denmark, called them "Grand Danois" (Big Danish), and the name simply stuck in English-speaking countries, much to the Germans' chagrin.
By the late 1800s, German breeders had established the first breed standard. The breed's popularity grew as figures like Germany's Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, championed them, helping establish the Great Dane as Germany's national dog. Over the centuries, breeders focused on softening their temperament, successfully transforming them from a fierce hunter into the gentle, noble family companion we know and love today.
Traits & Characteristics
Great Dane characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Great Danes face several health challenges that potential owners need to understand, particularly given their giant size and shorter lifespan. The most serious concern is gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat, which is the leading cause of death in the breed. This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply and potentially causing death within hours.
Signs of bloat include unsuccessful attempts to vomit, a distended abdomen, restlessness, pacing, and excessive panting. If you notice these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Many owners opt for preventive gastropexy surgery, often performed during spaying or neutering, which tacks the stomach to prevent twisting.
Like many giant breeds, Great Danes are prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for this condition. The breed is also susceptible to Wobbler syndrome, a neurological condition affecting the neck vertebrae that causes an unsteady gait and neck pain.
Heart problems, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), are common in Great Danes. This progressive disease weakens the heart muscle over time. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, blue gums, coughing, fatigue, and decreased appetite.
Australian owners should be particularly mindful of the breed's exercise needs versus joint health. Avoid strenuous exercise in puppies under 18 months, as their bones are still developing. The breed's large size also makes them prone to "happy tail syndrome" - injuries from enthusiastic tail wagging in confined spaces.
Regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and feeding appropriate nutrition are crucial for managing these health risks and maximising your Great Dane's quality of life.
Feeding a Great Dane properly is crucial for their health, and it's quite different from feeding smaller breeds. These giants need high-quality, large-breed specific dog food formulated to support their unique growth patterns. In Australia, this can mean a significant budget commitment, with monthly food bills often ranging from $150 to $250 AUD.
Great Dane puppies should eat large-breed puppy food until they're 18-24 months old. It's vital to avoid formulas that encourage rapid growth, as this can lead to serious developmental problems like hip dysplasia. Stick to the vet's and breeder's feeding guidelines religiously.
To reduce the risk of life-threatening bloat, adult Great Danes must be fed two or more smaller meals daily rather than one large one. Using a slow-feeder bowl is a great idea to prevent them from gulping their food down too fast. It’s also wise to avoid any vigorous exercise for at least an hour before and after meals.
Many Great Dane owners choose to add joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin to support their heavily-loaded frames, but always chat with your vet before starting any new supplement.
Treats should be used sparingly and account for no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. Keep human foods like cooked bones, onions, grapes, and chocolate well away from them. Fresh, clean water should always be available.
Given their size, grooming a Great Dane is surprisingly low-maintenance. Their short, smooth coat doesn't need complicated care, but regular attention will keep them healthy and your house a bit tidier.
A weekly brush with a rubber grooming mitt or a medium-bristle brush is usually enough to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny. While they don't shed excessively, their sheer size means even a 'moderate' amount of shedding leaves a lot of hair about. A good quality vacuum cleaner is a must-have for any Great Dane owner in Australia!
Baths are an occasional affair, needed only when they get properly grimy. Given their size, many Aussie owners find it easier to use a professional grooming service ($90-$150 AUD for a giant breed wash and dry) or set up an outdoor wash bay for summer. When washing at home, use a dog-specific shampoo.
Nail trimming is essential. Overgrown nails are uncomfortable and can affect their gait, putting extra strain on their joints. You'll need sturdy, large-breed clippers, or you can have your vet or groomer handle it.
Check and clean their floppy ears weekly with a vet-approved solution to prevent infections. Also, get ready for some drool. Wiping their jowls after they drink or eat becomes a normal part of life with a Dane.
Finally, regular teeth brushing with dog-safe toothpaste will help keep dental disease at bay, which can be costly to treat in a dog of this size.
Great Danes are intelligent, eager-to-please dogs that respond beautifully to positive training, but their size makes it non-negotiable. An untrained 90 kg dog isn't just inconvenient—it's a potential hazard. Start training and socialisation the day you bring your puppy home to ensure your gentle giant becomes a well-mannered family member.
These dogs are surprisingly sensitive and don't respond well to harsh methods. Use positive reinforcement with praise and treats to teach basics like 'sit', 'stay', and 'come'. Teaching a solid 'heel' or loose-leash walking is top priority; you don't want to be pulled down the street by an enthusiastic Dane.
Socialisation is crucial for preventing fearfulness. Puppy preschool is fantastic for this, and many Australian dog training schools offer classes that understand the needs of giant breeds. Expose your pup safely to various people, sounds, and environments.
Their exercise needs are moderate. Adult Great Danes need a couple of brisk walks daily, totalling about 30-60 minutes. It's critical to avoid strenuous, high-impact exercise until they're at least 18-24 months old to protect their developing joints. In Australia's climate, this means exercising in the cool of the day. In places like Perth or Adelaide where summer days can soar past 35°C, walks must be done in the early morning or late evening to prevent heatstroke.
Mental stimulation is just as important as a walk around the block. Food puzzles and simple training games will keep their clever minds busy and prevent boredom-related mischief.
Who is an ideal owner?
The ideal owner for a Great Dane is someone who understands and can accommodate their unique needs. You'll need to be prepared for daily walks and provide consistent leadership, even though they often look like couch potatoes around the house.
Space is a big one. While a Dane might technically survive in an apartment, they are much better suited to a home with a securely fenced yard where they can stretch their long legs. In Australian cities, be aware that many body corporate by-laws have weight restrictions that may rule out a giant breed like a Great Dane.
Financially, you must be ready for higher costs. Everything is bigger: food bills, bedding, vet fees, and medication doses. Pet insurance is highly recommended, as treating health issues like bloat can run into thousands of dollars. Budgeting for their needs is a serious consideration for any potential Australian owner.
Great Danes are wonderful with families and are known for their patience with children. However, they aren't a great fit for elderly owners who might struggle with their strength, or for people who travel constantly. These dogs form deep bonds and want to be a part of the family's daily life.
You must be committed to training and socialisation from day one. A firm but gentle hand is key. Most importantly, you need to be ready for the heartbreak of their shorter lifespan. The years you get with these gentle giants are precious, and they deserve a home that will cherish every moment.
Interesting facts about the Great Dane
Holder of the World Record
The Great Dane holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest dog. A male named Zeus stood an incredible 1.12 metres tall at the shoulder.
Not Actually Danish
Despite their name, Great Danes are a German breed. In their homeland, they are known as the 'Deutsche Dogge' or German Dog.
The Real Scooby-Doo
The famous and much-loved cartoon character Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane, which helped skyrocket the breed's popularity around the world.
Fierce Boar Hunters
Their ancestors were developed in Germany as courageous and powerful hunters, used by nobles to take down formidable wild boar.
FAQ
Great Danes have a shorter lifespan than many breeds, typically living 7-10 years. Their giant size contributes to this shorter life expectancy, which is something potential owners need to consider when choosing this breed.
Great Danes do shed, but not as profusely as many other breeds. However, because of their large size, even moderate shedding can result in noticeable hair around your home. Weekly brushing helps manage this.
Great Danes typically reach 72-90 cm in height, making them one of the tallest dog breeds. Males are generally larger than females, and some exceptional individuals can grow even taller.
While possible with a very dedicated owner, Great Danes are generally not suited to apartments. They need ample space to stretch out, and their size can make small-space living challenging. If you are in an apartment, you must commit to multiple daily walks and outdoor time, and check your building's by-laws for weight restrictions.
Yes, Great Danes are famously good with children and are often called 'gentle giants' for their patient and loving nature. As with any dog, supervision is essential, mainly because their sheer size means they can accidentally knock over a small child during play.
Adult Great Danes require moderate daily exercise, typically 30-60 minutes split into two walks. In Australia's warmer regions, exercise must be done during cooler morning and evening hours. It's crucial to avoid over-exercising puppies to protect their developing joints.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV) is the number one killer of Great Danes. Owners must learn to recognise the signs (like a swollen abdomen and unproductive retching) and know where their nearest 24/7 emergency vet is, as the condition requires immediate surgical intervention.