Great Dane

Characteristics

About the Great Dane

Despite the name, the Great Dane was developed in Germany, not Denmark, from mastiff-type dogs crossed with Irish Wolfhounds for boar hunting.. As of 2026, they hold the #19 position in the American Kennel Club's popularity rankings.

Standing 28 to 32 inches tall and weighing 110 to 175 pounds, the Great Dane is a giant-sized dog. Holds the record for the tallest dog breed in the world, with some individuals standing over 44 inches at the shoulder and over 7 feet on hind legs. They are well-suited to owners who can provide the exercise, training, and companionship this breed thrives on.

Primarily a family companion today, also used as therapy dogs in hospitals and nursing homes where their gentle presence brings comfort to patients..

History

Despite the name, the Great Dane was developed in Germany, not Denmark, from mastiff-type dogs crossed with Irish Wolfhounds for boar hunting.. German nobility prized these dogs so highly that the finest specimens slept in gilded beds, wore velvet-lined collars, and were considered status symbols..

Primarily a family companion today, also used as therapy dogs in hospitals and nursing homes where their gentle presence brings comfort to patients..

Common Health Issues

Complete health guide →

Similar Breeds

Compare Great Dane

Is the Great Dane Right for You?

Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Great Dane is a giant-sized breed belonging to the Working group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.

Energy and exercise: The Great Dane has moderate energy levels, needing around 30–45 minutes of daily exercise. A combination of walks and play sessions will keep this breed content. They adapt reasonably well to different activity levels without becoming hyperactive or overly lethargic.

Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 2/5, the Great Dane is not well-suited for small living spaces. This breed does best in a home with a securely fenced yard and ample room to move. Apartment living may lead to behavioral problems unless the owner is extremely committed to daily outdoor exercise.

Children and family: Scoring 4/5 with children, the Great Dane is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.

Grooming commitment: The Great Dane is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 1/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $58–81/month.

Ownership Cost Summary

Before bringing a Great Dane home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 7–10 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $1000–$2500 is only the beginning.

The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $5,867. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.

Ongoing monthly costs average $291, broken down as follows: food ($117–172/mo), grooming ($58–81/mo), insurance ($60–75/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($361–701/yr) and supplies ($280–526/yr). As a giant breed, the Great Dane costs more for food, medication dosing, and larger equipment than smaller dogs.

Over a full 7–10 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $60–75/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.

Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Great Dane owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Great Dane fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.

Breed Traits Explained

The Great Dane belongs to the Working group, which historically means these dogs were bred for tasks such as guarding property, pulling sleds, or performing rescues. Working breeds are strong, intelligent, and confident. They require firm, consistent training and an experienced owner who can provide clear leadership and appropriate outlets for their strength.

With a family friendliness score of 5/5, intelligence at 3/5, and shedding rated 3/5, the Great Dane presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (3/5) and barking tendency (3/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.

Intelligence and engagement: With moderate intelligence (3/5), the Great Dane learns at a reasonable pace and responds well to consistent training without requiring constant mental stimulation. They benefit from regular training sessions but are less likely to get into trouble from boredom compared to highly intelligent breeds.

Shedding and home cleanliness: Moderate shedding (3/5) means some hair around the home but nothing unmanageable. Weekly brushing keeps the coat healthy and minimizes excess shedding. Seasonal increases in shedding are normal and can be managed with more frequent grooming during transition periods.

Great Dane Quick Decision Guide

Making an informed decision about the Great Dane requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.

You will love the Great Dane if: You maintain moderate daily routines with regular walks and occasional adventures, have children or plan to start a family, have adequate space with outdoor access, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Great Dane's working heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.

Consider a different breed if: You need a dog for extreme athletic activities, , or if your living situation cannot accommodate a giant breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.

Next steps: If the Great Dane seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Great Dane owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Great Danes before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.