The Great Dane is a giant working breed which originated in Germany, despite its misleading name. Known for their towering stature, elegant appearance, and gentle temperament, Great Danes have a fascinating history as estate guardians and boar hunters.

As the tallest dogs in the world, Great Danes are muscular, sleek, and undeniably majestic. Standing up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder, they tower over most other breeds and, when on their hind legs, even over most people. Their short, glossy coats come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and blue.

Often called the “gentle giant,” Great Danes are loyal, affectionate, and lively companions. They make excellent family pets but require dedicated training and plenty of space to accommodate their size and energy levels. Great Danes are currently ranked 15th on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds.

This breed can trace its ancestry to mastiff-like dogs bred by German nobility in the 16th century. These powerful dogs were originally developed to protect country estates and assist in hunting wild boar. By the 18th century, Great Danes had become prestigious symbols of the upper class, valued for their strength, courage, and ability to take down large game.

Today, Great Danes are excellent home guardians, with their imposing size serving as a natural deterrent to intruders. However, their gentle and friendly nature means they mostly just want to be happy and loved by their families.

General Characteristics:

• Origin: Germany
• Size: Giant
• Height: 30-32 inches
• Weight: 100-120lbs
• Lifespan: 8-10 years

Appearance:

• Coat: Short, sleek and smooth
• Colors: Black, brown, gray
• Build: Tall, muscular, and elegant 

Great Dane Temperament: 

• Gentle and Loving: Known as “gentle giants,” Great Danes are affectionate dogs who adore their families and enjoy close companionship.
• Calm and Friendly: Despite their size, they have a calm and friendly nature, making them excellent family pets and great with children.
• Intelligent: They are intelligent and patient but require consistent and positive reinforcement during training due to their size and strength.

Training and Exercising: 

• Training: Great Danes are intelligent and trainable, but their size makes early training essential to prevent unwanted behaviors. Consistent, positive reinforcement is key to managing their strength and energy.
• Exercise: Great Danes require 1-2 hours of moderate exercise daily.

Grooming: 

• Shedding: Light shedders and relatively low maintenance grooming required

Interesting Facts:  

• Scooby-Doo was chosen to be a Great Dane because Great Danes were historically thought to ward off evil spirits and ghosts.
• Great Danes are one of the two largest dog breeds in the world, along with the Irish Wolfhound.
• Its name was derived from the French Grand Danois (“Big Danish”), although there is no known reason to associate Denmark with the history or origin of the breed.
• William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, owned a Great Dane, making it the official state dog of Pennsylvania

Great Dane Price:

The average cost of a Great Dane in the U.S. varies depending on the dog’s pedigree, the breeder’s reputation, location, and whether the dog is intended for show, breeding, or as a pet. Here’s a general guide:

Show Quality or Breeding Quality Great Dane

Price Range:  $3,000–$5,000

If buying a Great Dane puppy or specific breeds of Great Dane, the price will be towards the more expensive end of the spectrum.

Rescue or Adoption:

Adoption Fee: Around $400

A Great Dane adopted from a rescue organization or shelter generally costs less. This fee often includes initial veterinary care and spaying/neutering.

The Best Food for Great Danes:

The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Beef Clusters

This food is ideal for Great Danes because it provides high-quality, human-grade beef with balanced nutrients to support their large breed needs, including muscle maintenance and joint health. The grain-free recipe, with added probiotics and omega fatty acids, promotes easy digestion and a healthy coat, making it perfect for their sensitive stomachs.

For more choices: See our Best Food for Great Danes page.