Great Dane
A gentle giant with a commanding presence and affectionate heart, the Great Dane thrives as a loyal family companion. Calm, patient, and friendly, this breed bonds closely with loved ones.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
76–86 cm (male)
71–81 cm (female)
WEIGHT
63–80 kg (male)
50–63 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
The Great Dane is known for its gentle, friendly temperament and patient, dependable nature, making it a suitable companion for families and children.
Key Personality Traits
Gentle and sociable with people and children
Learns commands quickly and understands routines
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Enjoys games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
Strengths
- Gentle and affectionate with family
- Loyal and protective instincts
- Generally good with children
- Calm and laid-back indoors
- Low grooming requirements due to short coat
Challenges
- Prone to hip and joint issues
- Shorter average lifespan than many breeds
- Requires significant space due to size
- Can be costly to feed and care for
- May develop separation anxiety if left alone
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 moderately intelligent and respond well to consistent, positive training methods, though they may display some stubbornness and require early socialization for best results.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has moderate energy levels, needing daily walks and opportunities for play, along with mental stimulation to prevent boredom, but does not require excessive exercise compared to more active 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 large size and needs can overwhelm inexperienced owners
Apartment Living
Great Danes need space and may struggle in small apartments
Active Lifestyle
They enjoy moderate activity but aren’t extremely energetic
Kids
Usually patient and gentle with young children
Multiple Pets
Can adapt to other pets with proper introductions
Being Left Alone
They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop anxiety
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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