Great Danes: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
By: Dylan M. AustinGreat Danes are great breed for those who love large dogs with friendly, affectionate personalities. Figo breaks down what you need to know with our Great Dane breed guide.
Origin
Great Danes are a working breed originating in Germany. They were bred for hunting and later for guarding estates as their average size grew.
The most famous Great Dane of them all is none other than Scooby-Doo. Though these curious copilots can have animated personalities, you shouldn’t expect yours to be a bonafide mystery-solving detective.
A distinctive feature of Great Danes is their massive stature, with males often reaching over 30 inches tall. Guinness World Records confirmed this, naming Zeus, a two-year-old Great Dane, the tallest dog in the world.
With an adult weight that can rival many humans (reaching as much as 140 to 175 pounds) these dogs are better suited for those with lots of space at home and a backyard to run in.
Appearance
Great Danes are the gentle giants of the dog world, standing tall with an air of nobility. Their impressive stature is matched by a well-proportioned build, showcasing their strength and elegance. The breed sports a smooth coat that comes in various colors and patterns, including fawn, brindle, black, blue, and harlequin. These colors range from warm beiges to striking patterns, each adding to the Dane's distinguished look.
Their expressive eyes and large heads give them a look of intelligence and kindness, while their ears, whether cropped or natural, complement their alert demeanor. Great Danes move with a confident gait, their long legs and broad chest highlighting their power and grace. Despite their size, they're known for their gentle temperament, making them not just an impressive sight but also a loving companion.
Similar breeds
If you're looking for other dogs with similar traits to Great Danes, consider the Mastiff, Boxer, or Saint Bernard.
Temperament
Great Danes, the noble titans of the canine world, are nothing short of majestic. With their imposing size, one might expect them to be a bit on the aloof side, but it’s quite the opposite. These dogs are the epitome of a gentle giant, known for their loyal, friendly, and surprisingly intelligent nature. It's not unusual for a Great Dane to greet you with a tail wag that's more like a whole-body experience because of their sheer size.
Their easy-going temperament is complemented by an affectionate and social demeanor. Great Danes thrive on interaction and companionship, making them perfect family pets. They form deep bonds with their humans and often think of themselves as lapdogs, blissfully unaware of their grand stature. However, this love for closeness means they don’t fare well with loneliness. Leaving a Great Dane alone for extended periods can lead to anxiety and sadness, so it’s crucial to envelop them in as much love and attention as possible.
Despite their towering presence, Great Danes are known for their gentle nature. They move with a grace unexpected for their size and often show a keen awareness of their strength, making them wonderfully patient and careful around children and smaller animals. They embody the phrase “gentle giant” in every sense, using their strength only in play or to protect their loved ones.
Exercise is important for these colossal companions, but it doesn't have to be as intensive as one might think. Moderate exercise suffices, especially if it's in wide, open spaces where they can stretch their long legs and run off-leash safely. They revel in the freedom of open areas, displaying an elegant gallop that belies their size. Yet, it’s essential to balance their activity to prevent strain on their large frames, focusing on quality playtime over exhaustive endurance training.
In sum, Great Danes bring a blend of loyalty, intelligence, and gentleness wrapped in a grand package. They ask for little besides companionship, space to roam, and a spot on the couch (or perhaps the entire couch) to cuddle with their favorite humans.
Are Great Danes hypoallergenic?
Great Danes are not hypoallergenic dogs. Those who are sensitive to dog allergies may experience some discomfort when interacting with this breed.
They’re moderate shedders, so it’s best to be consistent with grooming to keep them healthy and your allergies in check.
Looking for an allergy-friendly dog? We've got you covered with our guide to hypoallergenic breeds.
Illness/health concerns
Due to their size, Great Danes can have joint and bone issues that many smaller dogs are less prone to. Otherwise, they require the care any other dog does to stay happy and healthy. Some common health concerns include bloat, orthopedic problems, heart disease, eye problems, and dilated cardiomyopathy.
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Make sure to get regular veterinary checkups to keep your Great Dane in tip-top shape.
How big do Great Danes get?
Great Danes can reach up to 34 inches in height and weigh between 110 and 175 pounds.
The size of a dog in adulthood can be affected by factors such as age, gender, and activity levels, and it can be more difficult to estimate if the dog is a mixed breed.
Life expectancy
The average life expectancy of a Great Dane is on the shorter side, about 7 to 10 years.
Keep up with vet visits and preventative care to help your Great Dane live a long and healthy life.
Expected lifetime cost
The lifetime cost of a Great Dane can vary, but you can expect to spend around $20,000 throughout your dog's life. On average, that’s about $2,300 per year.
As you can imagine, Great Danes will eat much more than your average dog. Expect other expenses like routine vet visits, preventative medications, grooming, and other standard pet care.
Estimated cost to insure
Pet insurance is a great way to manage unexpected medical expenses. The cost of insuring a Great Dane can vary based on age, health, and location. You can expect to pay around $40-$80 per month for their coverage.
The good, the bad, the ugly
Are you considering getting a Great Dane? Here are some traits and health factors to keep in mind:
Health Issues: Great Danes can be prone to joint and bone diseases such as osteoarthritis due to their large size. They also are at higher-than-average risk for bloat and megaesophagus (a condition where the esophagus loses its ability to move food down to the stomach). Regular vet visits can do wonders for preventing any unexpected emergencies.
Gentle Giants: Cliche maybe, but true. Great Danes are generally easygoing and affectionate despite their imposing frame. They make fantastic family pets, especially when well-socialized.
Bull in a china shop: Due to their size and strength, Great Danes may unintentionally knock over small children or other pets while playing. They may also prove challenging when it comes to leash pulling. Training and socializing your Great Dane from an early age is important to ensure they are well-behaved and manageable in these situations.
Social: Great Danes are loyal, extroverted pups and can easily develop anxiety or behavioral issues if left alone for long periods. These dogs need a home that can dedicate enough attention to prevent any attachment issues in order to thrive.
Housing difficulties: Although Great Danes are rarely included in breed-discriminatory housing policies, they certainly don't work in apartments or condos that impose weight restrictions. Looking for tips to secure a pet-friendly rental? We've got you covered.
With these unique traits and characteristics in mind, plus appropriate training and care, a Great Dane can be a great addition to your life.
So you want a Great Dane...
Before bringing one of these gentle giants home, consider their unique needs and any characteristics that may present themselves when raising a Great Dane.
If you're looking for a loyal, friendly, and fun-loving dog, a Great Dane might be the right breed for you and your family.
