Great Dane
Great Dane Overview
Height: 28 – 32 inches (females), 30 – 34 inches (males)
Weight: 110 – 140 lbs (females), 140 – 175 lbs (males)
Lifespan: 7 – 10 years
Group: Working
Temperament: Gentle, Friendly, Patient
The Great Dane is a true giant among dogs, often referred to as the 'Apollo of Dogs' for its majestic appearance and noble bearing. Despite the name, this breed was developed in Germany, not Denmark, where it was bred to hunt wild boar and later served as an estate guardian and companion to nobility. Standing among the tallest of all dog breeds, Great Danes possess a powerful yet elegant build, with males often reaching 32 inches at the shoulder and weighing over 175 pounds. Their short, sleek coat comes in several recognized colors including fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin, and mantle.
What makes the Great Dane truly remarkable is the gentle giant personality housed within their imposing frame. Despite their size and guardian heritage, Great Danes are known for being friendly, patient, and affectionate family companions who often think of themselves as lap dogs. They are typically excellent with children, showing remarkable patience and gentleness, though their massive size requires supervision around small children who could be accidentally knocked over. Great Danes are generally sociable with other dogs and pets when properly socialized, and they crave human companionship, often developing strong bonds with all family members. This breed does not do well when left alone for extended periods and thrives on being part of family activities.
Prospective owners must be prepared for the unique challenges of giant breed ownership. Great Danes require space to move comfortably and significant financial resources for food, veterinary care, and supplies sized for giant dogs. While not highly energetic, they need moderate daily exercise and benefit from leash training early, as an untrained adult Great Dane can be difficult to control. Their short lifespan is one of the breed's greatest heartbreaks, with most living only 7-10 years. Early training and socialization are essential, as managing an untrained 150-pound dog is impractical and dangerous. For those prepared for the commitment, the Great Dane offers unmatched devotion, gentle companionship, and a truly regal presence.
The Great Dane's temperament combines gentle, friendly, patient qualities that make them appealing companions for appropriate owners. These dogs form strong bonds with their families, demonstrating loyalty and affection that endears them to household members. Their personality reflects breed-typical characteristics including energy levels suited to their size and original purpose, playfulness that provides entertainment and engagement, and behavioral patterns consistent with their breed heritage. With family members, Great Danes typically display affectionate behavior while maintaining individual personality variations that make each dog unique. Their interaction with strangers ranges from friendly acceptance to reserved caution, depending on individual temperament and socialization experiences. The breed's intelligence level influences their trainability and ability to learn commands, tasks, and appropriate household behaviors. Energy levels require consideration when matching this breed to potential owners, as daily activity needs must align with owner lifestyle and capabilities. These dogs may display independence or attachment tendencies that affect their behavior when separated from family members. Behavioral characteristics include vocalizations appropriate to their breed type, territorial awareness that may manifest in protective behaviors, and play styles that reflect their size and temperament. Understanding these temperamental qualities helps potential owners determine compatibility between their lifestyle expectations and the breed's typical behavioral patterns, ensuring successful long-term relationships between dogs and their human families.
Training a Great Dane requires understanding their learning style, motivation, and typical breed characteristics that influence training success. These dogs respond to positive reinforcement methods emphasizing reward-based techniques that encourage desired behaviors while building strong human-canine bonds. Early socialization during the critical developmental period between 8-16 weeks of age establishes foundational experiences with various people, animals, environments, and situations that shape adult temperament and behavior. Basic obedience training should begin early, establishing household rules, appropriate behaviors, and communication systems between dogs and owners. Training challenges may include breed-specific tendencies toward independence, stubbornness, or distractibility that require patient, consistent approaches. Consistency among all family members ensures clear communication and prevents confusion that undermines training efforts. Housetraining success depends on regular schedules, appropriate management, and positive reinforcement for eliminating in designated areas. Mental stimulation through training exercises, puzzle toys, and interactive games prevents boredom-related behavioral problems while strengthening cognitive abilities. Professional training classes provide structured learning environments and expert guidance particularly valuable for novice owners or dogs presenting training challenges. Realistic expectations based on breed characteristics, individual temperament, and owner commitment determine training outcomes and long-term success.
The Great Dane's exercise requirements reflect their size, energy level, and original purpose, requiring daily physical activity to maintain health and behavioral balance. Adult dogs typically need 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, adjustable based on individual energy levels and age considerations. Appropriate activities include leashed walks providing physical exercise and mental stimulation through environmental exploration, play sessions in securely fenced areas allowing safe off-leash activity, and interactive games strengthening human-canine bonds while meeting exercise needs. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys, scent work, training exercises, and problem-solving activities prevents boredom and provides cognitive enrichment essential for intelligent breeds. Without adequate physical and mental exercise, dogs may develop problematic behaviors including destructive chewing, excessive barking, restless pacing, or attention-seeking activities. Exercise intensity and duration should adjust for puppies, senior dogs, and individuals with health conditions requiring modified activity levels. Weather considerations may necessitate indoor exercise alternatives during extreme temperatures or inclement conditions. Meeting these exercise requirements ensures physical fitness, mental well-being, and appropriate behavior management.
Grooming requirements for the Great Dane depend on coat type, length, and texture, requiring regular maintenance to preserve health and appearance. Brushing frequency ranges from weekly for short-coated varieties to daily for long-haired dogs prone to matting and tangling. Bathing should occur every 4-8 weeks or as needed, using quality dog shampoo appropriate for their coat type and skin sensitivity. Professional grooming may be necessary for breeds requiring specialized clipping, stripping, or styling to maintain breed-appropriate appearance. Nail trimming every 2-4 weeks prevents overgrowth causing discomfort and gait problems. Dental care including regular brushing with canine toothpaste prevents periodontal disease and associated health complications. Ear cleaning removes debris and prevents infection, particularly important for dogs with pendant ears or those prone to ear problems. Skin care includes checking for parasites, irritations, or abnormalities during grooming sessions. Seasonal considerations may affect grooming needs, with heavier shedding during coat changes requiring increased brushing frequency. Establishing grooming routines from puppyhood creates positive associations and cooperation during grooming procedures. Proper grooming maintains physical health, prevents discomfort, and strengthens human-canine bonds through regular handling and care.
The Great Dane typically enjoys a lifespan of 7 – 10 years, though individual longevity depends on genetics, care quality, and health management throughout life. Like all breeds, they may be predisposed to certain health conditions including genetic disorders, structural problems, or age-related diseases requiring awareness and preventive care. Responsible breeders conduct health testing on breeding stock to minimize hereditary condition transmission and improve overall breed health. Regular veterinary examinations including annual checkups and age-appropriate screening tests enable early disease detection and intervention. Preventive care including vaccinations, parasite control, and dental prophylaxis protects against preventable diseases and health problems. Nutrition plays a crucial role in health maintenance, with quality diet appropriate to age, activity level, and individual needs supporting optimal physical condition. Weight management prevents obesity-related complications including joint stress, diabetes, and reduced lifespan. Exercise appropriate to age and health status maintains cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and joint mobility. Prompt attention to health changes including behavioral shifts, appetite changes, or physical symptoms enables timely veterinary intervention. Genetic testing may identify predispositions to hereditary conditions, informing preventive care strategies and breeding decisions.
The ideal home for a Great Dane provides appropriate space, activity opportunities, and family dynamics matching breed characteristics and needs. These dogs adapt to various living situations including apartments or houses, provided exercise and mental stimulation requirements are consistently met. Family suitability depends on household composition, with considerations for children's ages, other pets, and household activity levels affecting compatibility. The breed's tolerance for children varies, with some dogs excellent family companions while others better suited to adult households or families with older, respectful children. Compatibility with other pets depends on individual temperament, socialization experiences, and prey drive intensity that may affect relationships with smaller animals. Climate tolerance influences comfort in different geographic regions, with some breeds adapting to various conditions while others prefer specific temperature ranges. First-time dog owners should carefully consider whether breed characteristics, training requirements, and care needs align with their experience level and lifestyle capabilities. The commitment required for grooming, exercise, training, and healthcare must align with owner resources and willingness to meet these responsibilities throughout the dog's lifetime. Successful matches between dogs and families result from honest assessment of breed requirements and family capabilities, ensuring positive long-term relationships benefiting both dogs and their human companions.
Breed Highlights
Listings
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3 female purebred Great Dane puppies
Great Dane Antigo (Wisconsin) April 8, 2025 $ 500.00Purebred Great Dane puppies available for adoption. Puppies have been dewormed and their dew claws have been removed. There are three females to choose from, all of whom are ready to go to new homes. I'm in Antigo, WI, but we can meet somewhere else.
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Beautiful Great Dane puppies for sale
Great Dane Trinity (North Carolina) April 5, 2025 $ 1500.00Beautiful Great Dane puppies were born on December 20, 2023. They will be ready for their new homes on February 14, 2024. There are 7 females and 4 males available. The mother and father are present on-site. Each puppy is priced at $1500, but there i...
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1 male 6 female Great Dane puppies looking for homes
Great Dane Hazard (Kentucky) April 4, 2025 $ 500.00We have seven Great Dane puppies looking for homes. 1 male and 6 females. They are full stock and can show you pictures of the mother and father. They do not have a registration papers. I took my dog to the vet for a checkup and shots. They are ready...
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Great Dane Puppies with lifetime breeder support
Great Dane Atlanta (Georgia) April 3, 2025 $ 700.00These Great Dane Puppies will set you back 700 except the fawn that's 1000. They come with a 2 year genetic health guarantee and lifelong breeder support. They may be ready for their new homes before Christmas!!
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4 month old male Black Great Dane Puppy up for new home
Great Dane Bridgeton (New Jersey) April 3, 2025 $ 1300.00I have 4 month old male Black Great Dane Puppy up for new home. Hate to give up this puppy, but I found it difficult to be at home recently. The rehoming fee is $1,300. I paid $1,600 and $450 for the ear crop. Vaccines are up-to - date. Please call o...
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Sweet Great Dane merle puppy looking for good home
Great Dane San Antonio (Texas) April 2, 2025 $ 600.00Sweet Great Dane merle puppy. She is a 2-month-old girl, utd on her shots and dewormed. We live in an apartment and have been struggling with another year's lease so incapable of finding it and giving her the room she wants... I would like her to ide...
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Pure Bred Great Dane puppies for sale
Great Dane (Arizona) April 2, 2025 $ 1500.00Pure Bred Great Dane puppies for sale. Seeking loving families to provide them a forever home. The price varies based on gender and color, with an additional cost for blue pups. The puppies are currently 3 days old and will be ready just in time for ...
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Full-blooded Great Dane puppies
Great Dane Jacksonville FL (Florida) March 29, 2025 $ 1000.00I've got some lovely full-blooded Great Dane puppies that I'm rehoming for a fee to make sure they're going to a loving home I've males and females to choose from, they'll be ready for home forever on March 9th every puppy will come with its first sh...
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AKC great Dane puppies for sale
Great Dane Atlanta (Georgia) March 28, 2025 $ 900.00AKC great Dane puppies males and females are available. They are up-to-date vaccinations and dewormed, puppies will be ready to go 12/15 or at seven weeks old asking 900 rehoming fee.
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4 Great Dane Puppies to a loving home
Great Dane Albuquerque (New Mexico) March 28, 2025 $ 800.00Rehoming my Great Dane pups to a loving home. There are two females and two males still available. They are 8 week old and vaccinated, they also have health checked by a Vet. These puppies are fullblooded of Great Dane without papers. I'm asking $800...
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Great Dane Puppies will be ready the beginning of April 2017
Great Dane Oakley (Idaho) March 28, 2025 $ 1200.00They've had their dew claws removed. The dad is AKC registered with 33 percent European along with the mom is often a purebred American standard Great Dane. All puppies are $1200. To hold your puppy we're asking a $100 non-refundable deposit.
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6 Great Dane puppies looking for forever homes
Great Dane Hominy (Oklahoma) March 27, 2025 $ 500.00We have 6 Great Dane puppies that are 10 weeks old and are looking for a loving home. They have had their initial vaccinations and have been dewormed. There will be a rehoming fee to make sure they go to a good home. They are very loving and playful ...
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8 Great Dane Puppies available
Great Dane Oklahoma City (Oklahoma) March 26, 2025 $ 500.008 Great Dane Puppies available for rehoming. There are 2 merle females, 1 harl male, 2 black females, and 3 black males are looking for their forever home. Puppies will be available on 26 January. In their pedigrees, lots of int champions. This is a ...
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AKC Registered Black Great Dane puppies
Great Dane Dallas (Texas) March 26, 2025 $ 500.00AKC Registered Black Great Dane puppies, 1 Female available. Puppies will come with all age appropriate vaccinations and wormer medication. Shipping can be acquired inside US on a case-by-case cause for an additional fee. Is going to be ready round t...
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4 Great Dane puppies for adoption
Great Dane Oklahoma City (Oklahoma) March 26, 2025 $ 250.00We currently have four Great Dane puppies, aged ten weeks, two males and two females. These adorable puppies are now ready to find a caring and affectionate home. They have already been dewormed for their well-being. To ensure they are placed in a su...
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Fabulous Great Dane puppies available for adoption
Great Dane Indian Trail (North Carolina) March 24, 2025 $ 1000.00Fabulous Great Dane puppies available for adoption! They 're two weeks old and ready to make deposits! The Sire is an AKC registered 200 ~ 220lbs Full Blooded European Great Dane. The Dam is a stunning 175 lb American Great Dane with an awesome dispo...
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Great Dane puppies for adoption
Great Dane Phoenix (Arizona) March 24, 2025 $ 500.00These adorable babies will be available for adoption on October 8th. Puppies of purebred Great Danes. There are three males and four females available. They all have lovely markings. There are no papers. Deposits are being accepted. For rehoming fees...
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3 gorgeous and healthy Great Dane puppies
Great Dane Santa Fe Springs (California) March 24, 2025 $ 1000.00Greetings, We are proud to offer 3 gorgeous and healthy Great Dane puppies for rehoming. All of them are female, and all have their first and second sets of shots, along with a vaccine booklet. These delightful pups have been learning how to be potty...
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Great Dane puppies looking for forever homes
Great Dane Knoxville (Tennessee) March 24, 2025 $ 800.00We have four Great Dane puppies looking for forever homes. They were born on the 1st of December. There is one boy and three girls. They've all been wormed and have all of their shots up to date. The mother is an AKC registered dog, but the father is...
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3 Great Dane puppies available to be rehomed
Great Dane Chattanooga (Tennessee) March 23, 2025 $ 1500.00I've got three Great Dane puppies available to be rehomed. 2 are female, and 1 is male. They're six weeks old. They're coming with full Akc papers. NO Vaccines. They're 1500 each. For more information, you can text me, thanks for looking.