Great Dane Dog Breed Guide
The Great Dane dog breed is a German mastiff known as the “Apollo of dogs” and world’s tallest dog breed. Despite their great size, these large dogs are affectionate family dogs with calm personalities, making them beloved companions when proper care requirements are met.
Great Dane Dog Breed Information
Originally bred by German breeders for hunting wild boar, this breed is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. These working dogs originated in Germany despite their name, earning the nickname “Apollo of dogs” for their regal appearance. Adult dogs can reach 32 inches tall and weigh up to 175 pounds, yet they’re known for their calm nature and affectionate personality traits.
Vitals and Life Span
Height
28-32 inches tall
Weight
110-175 pounds
Life Span
8–10 years
AKC Group
Working
Personality Traits
Ratings (out of 5) for coat care, training ease, energy, family compatibility, and friendliness.
History of the Great Dane
This breed originated in Germany where they’re called Deutsche Dogge or German Mastiff. These large breed dogs were developed by crossing English Mastiffs with Irish Wolfhounds to create powerful boar hunting dogs. German nobility used these working dogs to hunt wild boar and guard estates, with the most prized dogs serving as chamber dogs who slept in their master’s bedrooms for protection against assassins.
Medieval Origins & Boar Hunting
German breeders developed these mastiff-type dogs by crossing English Mastiffs with Irish Wolfhounds to create powerful hunters capable of taking down wild boar and bears.
Noble Guardians & Chamber Dogs
The most valuable dogs served as “Kammerhunde” – chamber dogs who slept in nobility’s bedrooms, wearing ornate collars and protecting their masters from assassins.
Name Change & Recognition
In 1878, German breeders officially changed the name from “Englische Dogge” to “Deutsche Dogge.” The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1887.
Modern Family Dogs & World Records
Today’s dogs have transitioned from working dogs to beloved family companions, with many achieving fame as world’s tallest dog record holders in Guinness World Records.
Personality & Family Dog Qualities
Despite their size, this breed is known for calm, affectionate personalities. These family dogs are easy to train and good with children when properly socialized. Many adult dogs have low to moderate activity levels indoors, making them surprisingly suitable for apartment living, though they need regular exercise to maintain their health and well-being.
👨👩👧👦 Gentle Giant Nature with Children
Adult dogs are naturally calm and patient with children, though their large size requires supervision. Pet parents should ensure that your Great Dane learns proper manners around smaller family members to prevent accidental knocking over.
🏠 Indoor Companions
Despite their size, these dogs have a calm nature indoors. Their moderate activity level makes them suitable apartment pets when they receive adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation.
🧠 Easy to Train & Intelligent
This breed is known for being easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Consistent positive reinforcement training helps keep your dog well-behaved and manageable despite their great size.
🛡️ Protective Yet Gentle
Their imposing presence alone is often enough to deter intruders, but they’re rarely aggressive. This gentle giant temperament makes them excellent watchdogs without being overly territorial or dangerous to visitors.
Physical Breed Characteristics
As the tallest dog breed, Great Danes typically stand 32 inches tall or more at the shoulder. The world’s tallest dog ever recorded was Zeus, a Great Dane named after the Greek god, who measured an incredible 44 inches tall. These dogs come in several beautiful colors including fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin (white with black patches), and mantle.
Size Range
Males: 30-32 inches tall
Females: 28-30 inches tall
Weight: 110-175 pounds
Coat Colors
Fawn, Brindle, Blue, Black,
Harlequin (white with black patches),
Mantle
Growth Timeline
Rapid growth until 18 months of age
Full adult size by 2 years
Growth rate: 2-3 pounds/week
Health Conditions & Care
Great Danes are prone to several health conditions common in giant breeds. Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and preventive measures can help ensure that your Great Dane lives a healthy life despite their shorter life span compared to smaller dogs.
Bloat (GDV) – Emergency Condition
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is the most serious health concern. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply. Signs include restlessness, failed vomiting attempts, and abdominal distension.
Prevention: Feed 2-3 smaller meals daily, avoid exercise after eating, use slow feeders.
Hip Dysplasia
A genetic condition where hip joints develop abnormally. Reputable Great Dane breeders should health test breeding dogs. Maintaining proper weight and controlled exercise during growth helps reduce risk.
Cardiomyopathy
Heart muscle disease that affects many giant breeds. Annual cardiac screenings with a veterinarian can help detect early signs. Proper nutrition and weight management are important for heart health.
Joint Supplement
Care Requirements
Weekly brushing with a rubber brush keeps the coat healthy; daily during heavy shedding seasons. Some owners opt to crop ears, though many veterinary bodies advise against it.
Grooming Tool
Grooming Needs
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Brushing: Weekly brush with rubber brush to remove loose fur and distribute natural oils
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Bathing: Monthly or as needed – their size makes this a significant undertaking
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Ear Care: Weekly cleaning, especially if ears are cropped (though many veterinary experts oppose ear cropping)
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Nail Trimming: Every 2-3 weeks to keep your dog comfortable and prevent scratching
Exercise & Activity Level
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Daily Walks: 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise
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Puppy Exercise: Limit high-impact activities until 18 months old to protect developing joints
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Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys and training sessions to keep their intelligent minds engaged
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Dog Sports: Some enjoy gentle activities like therapy work or conformation showing
Nutrition & Feeding
Use large-breed puppy food until 18 months to moderate growth and prevent GDV. Adult dogs need 2–3 small meals daily to reduce bloat risk. See our dog food guide.
Nutrition & Feeding
Proper nutrition is critical for Great Danes, especially during their rapid growth phase. Use high-quality large breed puppy food until 18 months of age to ensure proper development and reduce risk of various health problems.
Feeding Guidelines by Age
Puppies (8 weeks – 18 months of age)
- • High-quality large breed puppy food
- • 3-4 meals per day
- • Controlled calcium/phosphorus ratios
- • Monitor growth rate – not too fast!
Adult Great Danes (18+ months)
- • Large breed adult formula
- • 2-3 meals per day (bloat prevention)
- • 6-12 cups daily depending on size/activity
- • Maintain ideal body weight
Special Feeding Considerations
Bloat Prevention Protocol
- • Use slow-feeder bowls to prevent gulping
- • Avoid elevated food bowls
- • No exercise 1-2 hours after meals
- • Multiple smaller meals vs. one large meal
Supplements to Consider
- • Glucosamine/chondroitin for joint health
- • Probiotics for digestive health
- • Omega-3 fatty acids for coat and heart
- • Always consult your veterinarian first
Great Dane Breeders vs Rescue Options
Whether you choose to adopt a Great Dane from rescue or work with reputable Great Dane breeders, ensure that your Great Dane comes from a responsible source. Many adult Great Danes in rescue need loving homes and can make wonderful family pets.
Rescue/Adoption
Consider rescue first – you can save a life!
Benefits:
- Adult Great Danes often available
- Many are already house-trained
- Lower cost than breeder puppies
- Helping dogs in need
- Rescue groups often provide support
Resources:
- Great Dane rescue organizations
- Petfinder.com
- Local animal shelters
- American Kennel Club rescue network
Reputable Breeders
Research thoroughly – avoid puppy mills!
What to Look For:
- Health testing of parent dogs (hips, heart, eyes)
- American Kennel Club registration
- Meet the mother dog
- Clean, home-based environment
- Breeder interviews YOU too
- Provides health guarantee
Red Flags:
- Multiple litters available
- Won’t show breeding facilities
- No health testing documentation
- Delivery to parking lots
Famous Great Danes & World Records
Great Danes have captured hearts in popular culture and hold multiple Guinness World Records as the tallest dogs. From cartoon characters to record holders, these gentle giants have made their mark on history.
Zeus (2012-2014)
The tallest dog ever recorded at 44 inches tall (3 feet 8 inches). A Great Dane named Zeus from Michigan held this Guinness World Records title.
Scooby-Doo
Perhaps the most famous Great Dane in popular culture, this beloved cartoon character has entertained families for generations since 1969.
Current Record Holder
Kevin, another Great Dane, currently holds the world’s tallest dog title, measuring just over 3 feet tall at the shoulder.
Did You Know?
Many Great Danes that achieve record holder status for being the tallest dog ever tend to have shorter lifespans due to the extreme stress their size places on their bodies. The average Great Dane typically lives longer than these exceptionally large individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the world’s tallest dog breed?
Great Danes are the tallest dog breed, typically reaching 28-32 inches tall at the shoulder. The world’s tallest dog ever was Zeus, a Great Dane who measured 44 inches tall and over 7 feet when standing on his hind legs.
Are Great Danes really gentle giants?
Yes! Despite their size, Great Danes are known for their gentle giant personalities. They’re typically calm, affectionate, and good with children when properly socialized, earning their reputation as gentle giants.
What does the American Kennel Club say about Great Danes?
The AKC classifies Great Danes in the Working Group and describes them as friendly, patient, and dependable. The American Kennel Club emphasizes their gentle nature despite their imposing size.
Why are they called “Apollo of dogs”?
The nickname “Apollo of dogs” refers to their regal, god-like appearance and noble bearing, much like the Greek god Apollo. This title emphasizes their elegant stature and dignified presence.
Should I crop my Great Dane’s ears?
Ear cropping is optional and controversial. Many veterinary organizations oppose the practice. Whether to crop is a personal decision that should be discussed with your veterinarian, considering both aesthetics and your dog’s comfort.
How can I keep your dog healthy as they age?
To keep your dog healthy: provide regular veterinary care, maintain proper weight, feed appropriate nutrition for their age, ensure moderate exercise, and watch for signs of health conditions common in giant breeds like bloat and heart disease.
