Great Dane
Gentle, loyal, and impressively large, this breed brings a calm presence to any home. Known for loving companionship and patience with children, it thrives as a devoted family member.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
76–86 cm (male)
71–81 cm (female)
WEIGHT
54–90 kg (male)
45–59 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
7–10 years
Great Dane: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Great Dane isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Great Dane's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Great Danes are gentle, affectionate, and known for their friendly, patient nature with family and children. They generally get along well with other pets and are calm indoors.
Key Personality Traits
Gentle and affectionate with family and strangers
Learns commands quickly and responds well
Moderate activity needs, enjoys regular walks
Enjoys games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to various home environments
Strengths
- Gentle with children and families
- Loyal and protective with owners
- Generally calm and easygoing indoors
- Minimal grooming needs for short coat
- Responds well to positive training methods
Challenges
- Short lifespan compared to other breeds
- Prone to hip dysplasia and heart issues
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures
- Requires large living space and exercise
- High food and veterinary care costs
Protect your Great Dane
Great Dane can develop hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Great Danes are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Great Danes are intelligent and can learn commands quickly, but they may be stubborn at times. Consistent, positive training methods work best for this responsive yet sometimes independent breed.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Great Danes need daily moderate exercise, such as walks and playtime, to stay healthy. They benefit from mental stimulation but are not considered highly energetic compared to some other large breeds.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Great Danes are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Great Dane would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Their size and needs can overwhelm inexperienced owners
Apartment Living
Large size makes small apartments uncomfortable for them
Active Lifestyle
They enjoy activity but require moderate, not intense, exercise
Kids
Gentle and patient with children when properly supervised
Multiple Pets
Usually tolerant but require careful introductions to other pets
Being Left Alone
Prone to anxiety and destructive behavior when left alone long hours
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Great Danes compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Dane
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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