Great Dane
Working Group · #17 Most Popular in the US · The Gentle Giant of the Dog World
110–175 lbsWeight
28–32"Height
7–10 yrsLifespan
Fawn, Brindle, HarlequinColors
★★★★★Family Dog
Working Group · #17 Most Popular in the US · The Gentle Giant of the Dog World
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Great Dane — the world's tallest dog breed and one of the gentlest souls in the dog world.
Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 175 pounds, the Great Dane holds the record for world's tallest dog. On their hind legs, they can reach 7 feet. Despite this imposing size, Great Danes are famously gentle, patient, and affectionate — earning them the nickname "Gentle Giants" that is applied to no other breed more appropriately.
Great Danes were developed in Germany (not Denmark, despite the name) to hunt wild boar. That powerful hunting heritage is largely invisible in the modern Dane, who is far more interested in leaning against your leg and getting belly rubs than chasing anything. They are calm, dignified dogs who move through the world with a quiet confidence that matches their size.
Real Great Danes — showing their remarkable height, elegant build, and the gentle expression that defines the breed.
Great Danes are patient, friendly, and devoted. They are exceptionally gentle with children — many Dane owners report their dogs being almost supernaturally careful around toddlers, as if they understand their own size. They are typically calm indoors and don't require the same level of intense exercise as many working breeds.
Danes are known as "lean dogs" — they love to lean their full weight against people, which is either adorable or alarming depending on your relationship with 150-pound animals pressing against your legs. They are social and do not like being left alone for extended periods.
Despite their size, Great Danes are not extremely high-energy dogs. Two moderate walks daily plus some playtime in a yard is generally sufficient for adults. Puppies and adolescents need careful exercise management — too much high-impact activity before 18 months can cause lasting joint damage in this fast-growing giant breed.
The Great Dane's short, smooth coat is one of the easiest to maintain of any breed. They shed moderately year-round, but their coat requires minimal active care. The main grooming challenge is simply their size — bathing a Great Dane requires a large tub, a hose, or a professional groomer.
Great Danes are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. Training is not optional — a 175-pound dog that jumps on people or pulls on the leash is genuinely dangerous. Starting obedience training as a puppy, while they're still manageable, is essential. Basic commands (sit, stay, down, leave it) are non-negotiable for giant breed owners.
Great Danes have a short lifespan for a dog breed — 7–10 years is typical. Their biggest health threat is bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, or GDV), which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgery. All Great Dane owners should know the signs of bloat. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and bone cancer are also serious concerns in the breed.
A Great Dane is perfect for someone who wants a calm, gentle, family-oriented companion and has the space and budget for a giant breed. They are surprisingly manageable for their size, but everything costs more — food, vet bills, equipment, and boarding. Their short lifespan is an emotional reality that every Dane owner must accept going in.
Getting portions right is one of the most important things you can do for your Great Dane's long-term health. Use these as starting guidelines and adjust based on your dog's body condition.
Based on a standard quality dry kibble (~350 kcal/cup). Always check the feeding chart on your specific brand and adjust for your dog's activity level and metabolism.
Look for foods where the first ingredient is a named animal protein. The best diets for this breed also address their specific health tendencies:
These common human foods can be toxic — even life-threatening — for your Great Dane. Keep them well out of reach.
Bloat (GDV) kills more Great Danes than any other condition. The three most important rules: never feed one large meal, never exercise within 60 minutes of eating, and learn the signs of bloat (distended belly, unproductive retching, restlessness). This is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.
The purchase price is just the beginning. Here's a realistic breakdown of what it costs to buy and own a Great Dane over their lifetime.
Beyond the purchase price, owning a Great Dane typically costs $250 – $500 per month. Here's where the money goes:
Over their full lifespan, a Great Dane typically costs $18,000 – $36,000 total — depending on health, lifestyle, and the services you use.
Many Great Dane owners opt for prophylactic gastropexy — a preventive surgery ($400–$800) that tacks the stomach to the body wall so it can't twist. Done during spay/neuter, it dramatically reduces bloat risk and is often worth every penny.
Great Danes are mixed with other large breeds to create imposing but friendly companions. Here are the most notable Great Dane crosses.
A giant, low-shedding companion that combines the Great Dane's gentle giant personality with the Poodle's intelligence and hypoallergenic coat. Great Danoodles are affectionate, calm, and surprisingly trainable.
One of the largest dog mixes in existence — combining two of the world's biggest breeds. Daniffs are gentle, loyal, and surprisingly docile despite their enormous size. Not for small homes.
A loyal, intelligent, and imposing mix. Great Shepherds are protective family dogs who combine the GSD's work ethic with the Great Dane's calm confidence. They need early socialization and consistent training.
A friendly, gentle giant — the Lab's outgoing personality in a much larger package. Great Labradanes are affectionate, easy-going, and excellent family dogs that adapt well to homes with children.
Called the "Apollo of Dogs" — the Great Dane is a breed of extraordinary size, grace, and surprisingly gentle spirit.