Great Dane: Do You Really Want One?

The Great in the Great Dane’s name suggests this is a giant dog breed. It is not the tallest breed on average, that is, the Irish Wolfhound, but the 2013 Guinness Book of World Records listed a Great Dane named [wiki]Zeus (dog)[/wiki] as the tallest dog in the world. Unfortunately, large dogs usually have short lifespans, and Zeus died in 2014 when he was just under six years old.

Zeus was also a heavy dog weighing 155 pounds. But that is only about half the weight of [wiki]Zorba (dog)[/wiki], who was an English Mastiff that once weighed in at an astonishing 330 pounds.

Even though they are not the tallest or heaviest dogs in the world, Great Danes are still enormous animals. Before sharing your bed with such a large dog, you will want to upgrade to a least a California King size mattress. You also need some extra money in your budget for dog food. The Great Danes may eat about 6 cups of food daily, 12 times more than a small dog such as a Yorkshire Terrier.

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Where Do Great Danes Come From?

Danes come from Denmark, but Great Dane dogs come from Germany. No one knows why or how these dogs are called Great Danes. However, the name may have evolved because of political tensions between Germany and other European countries in the late 1800s.

The ancestry of the modern Great Dane is uncertain. It may descend from hunting dogs known for a long time, perhaps over 500 years. Imported dogs from England crossbred with English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound were shipped into Germany during the 16th century. In Germany, breeders breed them with local dogs. These large dogs hunted wild boar, deer, and bear.

The [wiki]American Kennel Club[/wiki] (AKC) the Great Dane in 1887. It was the 34th dog breed recognized by the AKC.

How Big Is A Great Dane?

Depending on sex, the Great Dane stands 28 to 32 inches tall and weighs 110 to 175 pounds. Standing on their long hind legs, they are taller than most humans. Zeus, mentioned above, was 7 ft 5 in tall, which is 3 inches taller than the great NBA (and UCLA) basketball player, [wiki]Kareem Abdul-Jabbar[/wiki].

Danes have a top speed of nearly 30 miles per hour. Their long legs also help make the Great Dane a fast runner. The [wiki]Weimaraner[/wiki] may have more endurance, but the Great Dane will probably run faster and further than most human joggers. If you need a running buddy, a Great Dane will do nicely.

Are Great Danes Aggressive?

The phrase may be cliche, but the Great Dane is a “gentle giant.” They make friends quickly and want to please people. However, they are protective of their family. If their size does not scare off a foolish intruder, the dog will do whatever is necessary to guard its loved ones.

Great Danes usually get along well with other dogs, animals, and kids. Of course, like all dogs, they need proper socialization. All dogs should meet and interact with other dogs, animals, and humans before they are 12 weeks old.

Danes are great with children if raised with them. However, they are such big dogs that they could accidentally knock over small children.

Are Great Danes Good Guard Dogs?

A problem for German nobles was their fear of being assassinated while sleeping. So, the German nobility used Great Danes as guard dogs. Nothing slows down a would-be assassin faster than seeing a giant dog staring at them from eyeball to eyeball. When necessary, the Great Dane’s loud, deep bark will carry further than most other dogs and will likely deter most bad guys.

What Colors Are Great Danes?

The most popular coat color for the Great Dane is fawn, a light tan. You may also see a brindle great dane. Other acceptable colors (for show dogs) include brindle, blue, black, harlequin, mantle, and merle. In addition to the primary coat color, some dogs will also have markings of black or white. The coat should be short, thick, and somewhat glossy.

Fawn Color Female Great Dane (uncropped ears)

Should A Great Dane Have Cropped Ears?

Many dogs suffered torn and damaged ears when the Great Dane hunted wild boar. Wild boars do not go quietly into that good night. They fight back. Consequently, the Great Dane’s ears were cropped (cut short) to reduce ear damage.

You might still have your dog’s ears cropped just because of how it looks. The only reason for cropping is cosmetic reasons. Cropping is controversial in some countries. Many countries have banned cutting altogether.

If you want to have your dog’s ears cropped, do it early in the dog’s life, between 7 to 10 weeks of age. It is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian under a general anesthetic. A dog’s ears will take six weeks or longer to heal.

Is The Great Danes Healthy?

Unfortunately, most large dog breeds have relatively short lifespans. The average Great Dane will only live for 8 to 10 years. Some only reach 6 to 8 years. Very rarely will a Great Dane survive to 12 years? Why big dogs do not live longer is not fully understood.

The Great Dane does have health issues that could shorten their life. One relatively common issue is [wiki]gastric dilatation volvulus[/wiki], more commonly known as bloat. Bloating is a life-threatening event and requires immediate medical treatment. Dogs with deep, narrow chests, such as the Great Dane, are 5 to 8 times more likely to have an attack of bloat than dogs with wider chests. You can reduce the bloat risk by ensuring your dog does not engage in strenuous exercise for an hour or so after eating.

Great Danes are also at risk for cardiomyopathy (heart disease), joint and bone disease, and thyroid problems.

You can reduce the risk of your Great Dane’s medical problems by getting one from a reputable breeder and feeding your dog a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Where Can I Get A Great Dane?

If possible, get a dog from a Great Dane Rescue organization. If you want to buy a Great Dane, visit a reputable breeder. If you need help, you can find a breeder here. For more information on the Great Dane, visit the Great Dane Club of America website.