Great Dane
The Great Dane is a towering companion known for a calm, people-focused nature and a surprisingly easygoing vibe at home. Their size changes the day-to-day with bigger gear, bigger meals, and a bigger need for polite manners.
For the right household, they offer loyal companionship, a short coat, and moderate exercise needs.
How the Great Dane ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Great Dane
Great Danes tend to be affectionate and social, often happiest when they can follow their people from room to room. Many are gentle with respectful children and friendly with visitors, especially when they are well socialized from an early age.
They usually enjoy a couple of daily walks and some play, then settle into long naps near the family.
Because they are so large, training is less optional and more a kindness to everyone who shares a space with them. Expect a dog that may be sensitive to harsh corrections and responds best to calm consistency, rewards, and clear routines.
They can do well in many living situations, but they need safe footing, room to stretch out, and an owner who is comfortable handling a giant dog.
History of the Great Dane
Despite the name, the Great Dane was developed primarily in Germany from powerful mastiff-type dogs used for hunting and estate work. Early versions were valued for strength, speed, and the ability to face dangerous game.
Hunters and nobles wanted a dog that could track, hold, and protect, while still being manageable around people. Over time, these large hunting dogs began to take on a more consistent look and temperament in the regions where they were most popular.
As the breed became associated with noble households, breeders increasingly favored a more elegant outline and steadier behavior. Large dogs were often kept as guardians for homes and stables, and some were treated as close companions within the household.
Selective breeding emphasized confidence and reliability, since a dog of this size needed self-control as much as power. In many areas, owners also prized a quiet dog that could rest indoors and then respond quickly when something felt off.
This shift helped shape the Great Dane's modern reputation as a gentle giant that still carries an alert, watchful presence.
The breed's various names reflect how widely these big dogs traveled through Europe in art, writing, and trade. In some places they were described as Danish dogs, a label that likely came from popular accounts rather than a true origin story.
German fanciers used the term Deutsche Dogge, while English speakers eventually settled on Great Dane, and the name remained.
Whatever the label, the dogs themselves were prized for their impressive stature and their ability to switch between working duties and calm companionship.
When large-game hunting declined, the Great Dane's role moved steadily toward guarding property and living as a companion. Breeders focused on stable nerves, good house manners, and a dog that could fit into everyday family life.
Formal breeding programs encouraged consistent coat patterns, sound movement, and a temperament that was friendly without being pushy. As city living and travel became more common, a trustworthy companion temperament became just as important as physical presence.
This careful selection helped preserve the breed's distinctive blend of elegance and power while making it better suited to modern homes.
Today's Great Dane is best known as a devoted family dog that bonds closely with its people. Many still show a protective instinct, but most are happiest when included in daily routines rather than kept as outdoor watchdogs.
Their popularity has also made them familiar in community roles such as therapy visits and public events, where calm behavior matters. Owners often describe them as surprisingly sensitive, preferring gentle guidance and a steady household rhythm.
The modern Great Dane remains an eye-catching companion, combining a dignified presence with a typically sweet, steady temperament.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
Great Danes are among the largest companion breeds, with a tall, athletic frame, long legs, and a deep chest that gives them a powerful stride. Their coat is short and close-fitting, which makes basic grooming straightforward, though the breed can still shed noticeably.
Coat colors and patterns vary widely, and their expressive faces often show a soft, thoughtful look. Because they are so tall, everyday life includes simple adjustments like raising breakables and giving them room to turn around without bumping furniture.
Many Great Danes also drool, especially after drinking or when they are excited, so owners usually keep a towel handy.
General care starts with routines that make a big dog easy to live with. A quick brush once or twice a week helps lift loose hair, and occasional baths keep the coat fresh without much fuss.
Nail trims, ear checks, and regular tooth care matter, and it helps to teach cooperative handling from puppyhood. Skin folds are usually minimal, but wiping the face after meals can reduce mess and irritation for dogs that drool.
Because of their size, supportive bedding and good traction on slick floors can make day-to-day comfort easier.
Exercise needs are usually moderate: steady walks, relaxed play in a safe area, and short training sessions often keep them content.
They tend to do best with low-impact activities rather than repetitive jumping, especially while they are still growing, and your veterinarian can help you choose appropriate routines.
Many Great Danes enjoy structured games that use their noses or brains, such as puzzle feeders or simple scent searches, which can be calming on busy days.
Feeding and body condition are important with any giant breed, so many owners work with a veterinarian on a plan that fits the dog's build and lifestyle.
Deep-chested dogs may be at risk for bloat, so ask your veterinarian about practical ways to reduce risk in your day-to-day routine.
Coat & Grooming: A quick brush once or twice a week with a rubber curry or soft bristle brush, plus regular nail trims and ear checks, usually keeps the short coat in good shape.
Shedding: Moderate; expect short hairs on clothing and furniture, and plan on routine brushing and vacuuming to stay ahead of it.
Exercise Needs: Moderate daily walks with a bit of play and training games, such as gentle fetch or scent work, typically fit their needs.
General Health: Like many giant breeds, they can be prone to joint strain and certain heart or digestive concerns; keep up with routine veterinary visits and ask your veterinarian what to watch for.
Expected Lifespan: Typically shorter-lived than smaller breeds, with longevity influenced by genetics, overall conditioning, and consistent preventive care.
First-Time Owner Tips
A Great Dane puppy grows into a very large adult, so start with a home setup that supports good habits from day one. Choose a sturdy leash and collar or harness, a well-sized crate or gated area, and a bed that cushions big joints.
Clear walkways, protect breakables at tail height, and plan where your dog will rest so they are not always underfoot. If you travel by car, test how your dog will get in and out comfortably before it becomes a daily challenge.
It also helps to practice calm door manners early, since a friendly greeting can feel overwhelming when it comes from a giant dog.
Training and socialization are your best tools for raising a polite giant. Focus early on leash manners, calm greetings, and simple cues that help your dog settle in busy environments.
Great Danes often respond well to positive reinforcement and short, upbeat sessions rather than repetition. Invite gentle exposure to sounds, surfaces, and friendly strangers so confidence grows alongside size.
A beginner training class can also give you structure and help your dog practice skills around distractions. Budget for quality food and routine care, and remember that even basic supplies cost more at this size, so planning ahead reduces surprises.
- Teach loose-leash walking and calm greetings early, since adult strength arrives faster than you expect.
- Make handling normal: practice gentle touches to paws, ears, and mouth so care routines are stress-free later.
- Use gates and a defined resting spot to prevent crowding in kitchens, hallways, and doorways.
- Keep drool towels and a washable blanket nearby, especially around water bowls and after outdoor play.
- Choose low-impact enrichment like scent games and short training puzzles to tire the brain without pounding joints.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required costs: Food, routine preventatives, and basic supplies make up most monthly essentials. Great Danes eat more than most breeds, so your monthly food budget will depend on the formula you choose and how many extras you offer in treats and chews.
Ongoing essentials often include parasite prevention, waste bags, replacement toys, and periodic supplies like shampoo or dental chews. You may replace big items like beds and crates less often, but when you do, the price tag is higher than average.
Routine veterinary care is typically predictable, but costs vary by region and by the specific plan you and your veterinarian choose.
Optional/Variable costs: These are the areas where budgets can spread out based on lifestyle. Some owners keep grooming fully at home, while others book occasional baths or nail trims for convenience.
Training classes, private lessons, dog walking, and enrichment toys can be adjusted based on your schedule and your dog's needs.
Many families also choose pet insurance or set aside a monthly savings cushion, and large-breed coverage can price differently by provider and location.
Big-dog gear upgrades like orthopedic beds, heavy-duty crates, sturdy harnesses, or boarding can add to the total depending on lifestyle and local pricing.
Food & Treats: Required: $120 to $260 per month, depending on food quality, treat habits, and your dog's size and activity level.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: $15 to $120 per month, depending on DIY brushing and baths versus occasional professional services.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: $30 to $90 per month for routine parasite prevention and basic wellness items, varying by region and your veterinarian's recommendations.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: $0 to $140 per month for pet insurance, or a similar amount set aside monthly as a dedicated savings cushion.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: $20 to $180 per month for group classes, private sessions, and enrichment toys, depending on goals and local pricing.
Great Dane FAQs
Are Great Danes good family dogs?
They are often affectionate and gentle with their people, and many do well with respectful children. Because of their size, supervision and calm manners matter, especially during excited greetings.
Early socialization helps them feel comfortable with visitors and everyday activity.
Do Great Danes need a lot of exercise?
Most Great Danes do best with moderate daily activity like steady walks and relaxed play. They usually enjoy mental enrichment too, such as short training sessions or scent games. It's wise to build exercise gradually and keep it low-impact, especially for growing dogs.
Can a Great Dane live in an apartment?
It can work if you have enough indoor space for a giant dog to turn, stretch, and rest comfortably. What matters most is a consistent routine of walks, training, and bathroom breaks.
Consider stairs, elevators, and building rules, since everyday logistics are different with a dog this large.
Do Great Danes drool and shed?
Many Great Danes drool, and it is most noticeable after drinking or when they are excited. Shedding is usually moderate, even with a short coat, so expect some hair on floors and furniture. A quick weekly brush and a towel near the water bowl go a long way.
Are Great Danes easy to train?
They are often eager to please, but they can be independent and sensitive to harsh handling. Positive reinforcement, clear rules, and short sessions tend to work best. Prioritize leash skills and polite greetings, since good manners make life easier for everyone.
What should I know about feeding a Great Dane?
Their size means nutrition and portions should be chosen thoughtfully, so it helps to partner with your veterinarian. Many owners use measured meals, limit rich extras, and watch body condition rather than relying on the bowl alone.
Ask your veterinarian about practical feeding routines and timing around exercise, especially for deep-chested dogs.
What health concerns are common in Great Danes?
As with many giant breeds, owners commonly watch for joint wear and certain heart or digestive issues. Good breeding practices, a healthy body condition, and regular veterinary checkups can make a difference.
If you notice unusual fatigue, appetite changes, or abdominal discomfort, contact your veterinarian promptly.