Dog breed · Working
Great Dane
An enormous, mild-mannered companion often described as a gentle giant, with a sadly short lifespan.
Giant7–10 yearsGermanyNeeds more space
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Working
- Origin
- Germany
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 50–90 kg (110–200 lb)
- Height
- 71–86 cm
- Lifespan
- 7–10 years
- Coat
- Short and sleek
- Temperament
- GentleDignifiedFriendlySensitive
History
Bred in Germany as a boar hound and estate guardian, then refined into a stately companion.
Appearance
Towering and elegant, in fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin or mantle.
Exercise and activity
Two moderate walks daily; restrict strenuous exercise until growth completes at around eighteen months.
Care and grooming
Feed a large-breed growth diet, provide orthopaedic bedding and discuss bloat risk and prophylactic gastropexy with your vet.
Health considerations
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Osteosarcoma
- Hip dysplasia
- Wobbler syndrome