Great Dane
Known in French as Dogue Allemand or Danois
- Height at the withers
- 72 to 90 cm
- Weight
- 50 to 90 kg
- Life expectancy
- 7 to 10 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Germany
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- intense heat: be careful in summer
- people put off by drool
Overview
A majestic giant breed known as “the Apollo of dogs,” with a powerful, well-muscled body, an elegant coat and a dignified presence, combining nobility and style despite its imposing size.
History and origins
Originally bred by the German nobility from mastiff-type dogs to hunt wild boar and deer, then refined as an estate guardian and companion. Declared the national dog of Germany in 1876.
Health
Life expectancy is 7 to 10 years, and the breed is fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Osteosarcoma
- Wobbler syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Often, 4 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Fragile, 1 out of 5
In our lists
Great Dane FAQ
How big does the Great Dane get?
The Great Dane stands 72 to 90 cm at the withers and weighs 50 to 90 kg. It is a giant dog.
Does the Great Dane shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Great Dane live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Great Dane need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the Great Dane good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Great Dane live?
Life expectancy is 7 to 10 years, and the breed is fragile. The main health problems to watch for are gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) and dilated cardiomyopathy.
