A Great Dane can be summed up as a giant lap-warmer. They love cuddles, walks and playing doggy games.
Happiness for a Great Dane is a warm lap that I can barely fit into. Despite their giant, imposing size, this affectionate and loyal breed is happiest when curled up with you. They are also courageous, dependable and make excellent watchdogs.
In the 15th Century, Great Danes were bred for hunting wild boar. Today, Great Danes make a great companion and family pet. They are gentle and will love everyone, including your two-year old missy, your 92-year-old grandpa, and your two kittens. Socialise them early and well in a firm, calm and confident manner and they will be the heart of any family. If you don’t, you’ll have an aggressive and fearful pet. These world’s largest ‘lapdogs’ are also known to drool, shed and pass a lot of gas. So cuddles might be a little smelly.
Fun fact: Scooby-Doo is perhaps the most famous Great Dane,
apparently chosen because Great Danes were thought to ward
away ghosts and evil spirits. Another famous Great Dane,
Juliana, diffused a bomb in 1941 by urinating on it,
which earned her a Blue Cross medal.
Given their size, Great Danes aren’t suited to apartment living. While indoors they may prefer to live in your lap, but they also need daily walks to be on their best behaviour. However, they don’t do well in the cold. You can buy a dog coat to keep your buddy toasty warm, otherwise you’ll need to keep winter walks to a minimum. Do not overdo the exercise routine in puppyhood. Because they grow very large, very quickly, too much early exercise as a pup could lead to joint and bone problems later on. Postpone any jogs until your Dane is about two.
Great Danes have a smooth short-haired coat which is easy to groom – regular brushing and combing with a dry shampoo every now and then is sufficient. Bathing your large buddy can be quite exhausting, instead groom daily and trim their nails. A Great Dane sheds moderately.
Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. Great Danes are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat and eye problems. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.
Size
A Great Dane is a giant-sized breed weighing between 46-54kgs, with a height between 71-76cms.
Space
Great Danes suit big dwellings with a yard.
Energy Levels
The equivalent of a gym-bunny, they love a vigorous workout and lots of time to relax afterwards. Daily walks and some games are ideal for keeping this breed fit. They are happy to fit in with most family activities.
Difficulty of Training
They are intelligent and easy to train when young.
Family Suitability
They are great family pets, loyal companions and excellent watchdogs.
Compatibility with other Pets
They love to meet new friends.
Need for Company
Great Danes are highly affectionate. You may find your pet snuggling on the couch next to you or whining to go for a run. Just like Velcro, they may not leave your side.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?
No
Coat and Grooming Needs
They are low-maintenance, with a short smooth coat in black, blue, fawn, brindle and harlequin. Wipe their coat down weekly.
Shedding
They shed little hair.
Tendency to Bark
They have a low tendency to bark, so don’t expect frequent conversations.