1. Key Characteristics
- AKC Group: Working
- Height: 28–36 inches
- Weight: 140–175 pounds for males; 110–140 pounds for females
- Life Expectancy: 7–10 years
Great Danes are among the world’s tallest breeds. Their short, thick coats can be brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin (irregular black or merle patches) or mantle.
2. Where They Came From
While some claim that Great Danes were drawn in Egyptian times as far back as 3000 B.C., written descriptions surfaced in Chinese writings around 1121 B.C.
3. How Friendly Are They?
Great Danes can be intimidating, with their large, confident stature, but this giant breed is gentle and affectionate, generally getting along with other animals and people.
They do not have a high desire for chasing prey and are very protective of their families, but they don’t intentionally try to cause harm — they really are the gentle giants they are proclaimed to be. Almost 80% of Danes given the American Temperament Test have passed.
4. Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
MEDIUM: Great Danes grow quickly and for longer periods of time than other breeds; this puts them at risk for problems with joints and bones. Because of this, you’ll want to limit the amount of exercise given to puppies during their growth.
Great Danes need regular walks to keep them on the path to a healthy lifestyle, but excessive running can cause potentially fatal bloating. Consistent and equivalent daily exercise is best for these gentle giants.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: Ear cropping used to be done to protect the Great Dane’s ears from the boar they hunted. Today, some people still crop the ears for cosmetic purposes, but the practice is banned in several countries.
Regular bathing for these friendly dogs is not required; in fact, excessive bathing could strip the coat of essential oils. Shedding is comparable to other short-haired breeds, and a daily brushing will minimize the effects of excessive hair on carpets and furniture.
Health Problems
MEDIUM: According to the Great Dane Club of America, the most common health problems associated with this dog breed are:
- Bloat
- Cancer
- Heart problems
- Various joint issues
Feeding the dogs at an elevated height and minimizing activity around feeding times can reduce the possibility of bloat. Spaying or neutering is usually recommended to alleviate the likelihood of prostate cancer in males and false pregnancies and uterine infections in females.
5. Where to Adopt One
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