Great Dane

History & Origin

The Great Dane has roots in Germany, where it was developed over 400 years ago by crossing Mastiff-type dogs with sighthounds. Known as the “Deutsche Dogge” in its homeland, the breed was originally used for hunting wild boar and guarding estates.

Over time, selective breeding reduced aggression and refined the breed into the affectionate companion we know today. Despite its German development, the breed has long been called the “Great Dane” in English-speaking countries, a name that persists worldwide.

The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1884.

What Were They Bred to Do?

Great Danes were bred to hunt large game such as boar and deer. Their size, speed, and courage made them ideal for this demanding work. They were also employed as guard dogs for estates. Today, they retain a protective instinct but are primarily companions.

Appearance & Breed Standard

The Great Dane is a giant, elegant, and muscular dog with a noble appearance.

• Head: long, rectangular, with a strong muzzle

• Eyes: medium, dark, and expressive

• Ears: naturally medium-sized and folded (cropping is banned in the UK)

• Body: tall, powerful, yet graceful

• Coat: short and smooth, easy to maintain

• Colours: fawn, brindle, blue, black, mantle, and harlequin

Their movement is long-striding and powerful, suited for covering ground efficiently.

Temperament & Living with a Great Dane

Despite their size, Great Danes are gentle, affectionate, and often described as “lap dogs at heart”. They bond strongly with their families and are good with children, though supervision is necessary due to their sheer size.

They are generally friendly with strangers and other dogs when well-socialised, though they can be protective. Their calm nature indoors makes them adaptable, but they need space and regular interaction.

Exercise & Mental Stimulation

Great Danes require 1-1.5 hours of daily exercise, including steady walks and play. They are not endurance dogs and should avoid excessive running, especially as puppies when their bones are developing.

Mental enrichment through training, puzzle toys, and gentle obedience work helps keep them stimulated. Their size means structured exercise is more important than constant high activity.

Training & Socialisation

Great Danes are intelligent and learn quickly, but their strength requires consistent training from an early age. Positive reinforcement works best.

Socialisation is essential to ensure they are confident and well-mannered in public. Because of their size, teaching good leash manners and reliable recall is especially important.

Grooming & Shedding

Great Danes are low-maintenance:

• Weekly brushing to remove loose hairs

• Occasional baths as needed

• Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care

They shed moderately year-round but are relatively easy to groom.

Health & Longevity 

Great Danes typically live 7-10 years.

Health issues include:

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), a life-threatening condition

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

• Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)

• Hypothyroidism

Responsible breeders screen for hips, hearts, and thyroid health. Owners must be vigilant about diet and exercise to reduce health risks.

Feeding & Care Basics

Great Danes require a high-quality diet formulated for giant breeds. Puppies must be fed carefully to support slow, steady growth and reduce joint stress. Adults do best with two or three smaller meals daily to minimise the risk of bloat.

Raised feeding bowls are sometimes recommended, but veterinary advice should be sought as opinions differ.

Ethical Sourcing & Adoption 

Choose breeders within The Kennel Club Assured Breeders Scheme who carry out health testing. Great Dane rescue organisations in the UK rehome dogs, particularly adults in need of experienced homes.

As a giant breed, owners should be prepared for higher food, vet, and insurance costs.

Legal Note 

Great Danes are not subject to breed-specific restrictions in the UK.

Is the Great Dane Right for You?

Best for:

• Families or individuals wanting a loyal, affectionate giant companion

• Owners with space and time for training and exercise

• Experienced handlers comfortable with large breeds

Think twice if:

• You live in a small flat or lack space

• You want a long-lived, low-maintenance breed

• You cannot manage the costs associated with a giant dog

FAQs

1. Are Great Danes good family dogs?
   Yes, they are affectionate and gentle, making excellent companions for families with older children.

2. How much exercise does a Great Dane need?
   Around 1-1.5 hours daily, with steady walks and moderate play.

3. Do Great Danes shed a lot?
   They shed moderately year-round, but their short coat is easy to manage.

4. Are Great Danes easy to train?
   Yes, they are intelligent and responsive, but require consistent handling due to their size.

5. What health problems affect Great Danes?
   Bloat, hip dysplasia, heart disease, and cancer are common.

6. How long do Great Danes live?
   Typically 7-10 years.