Great Dane
Great Danes are giant working dogs often called “gentle giants” for their affectionate, people-friendly nature. Despite their size, many Danes are calm indoors and prefer short bursts of play paired with relaxed downtime. Because they grow quickly, careful nutrition, controlled exercise, and training are important from puppyhood. With good manners, Great Danes can be wonderful family companions—just be prepared for a big dog that takes up a lot of couch space.
The Great Dane is a giant dog in the Working group, known for Gentle, Friendly, Patient. Adults typically weigh 110-175 lbs and stand 28-34 in, with a lifespan around 7-10 years.
Quick facts
- Group: Working
- Size: giant
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
- Weight: 110-175 lbs
- Height: 28-34 in
- Temperament: Gentle, Friendly, Patient, Dependable
Temperament & day-to-day life
Temperament helps you predict what daily life with this breed may feel like. The Great Dane is often described as Gentle, Friendly, Patient, Dependable. Individual dogs vary, but these traits are a solid starting point when you’re planning training, enrichment, and routines.
If you’re researching this breed because you’re trying to identify your own dog, use temperament as supporting evidence—not the final verdict. Compare size, proportions, and behavior patterns, then confirm with a photo using the AI dog breed identifier.
Training & exercise
Working breeds were developed for jobs like guarding, rescue, pulling, and protection. They’re often powerful, steady, and thrive with structure.
Clear boundaries and predictable routines help. Focus on engagement, impulse control, and rewarding calm behavior as much as high drive.
Most working dogs need both physical exercise and purposeful tasks. Strength and athleticism should be matched with thoughtful training.
History
Great Danes were developed in Europe as powerful boar-hunting dogs, later refined into a more companionable guardian. Modern Great Danes are primarily gentle companions with an imposing presence.
Care tips
Good care is less about perfection and more about consistency. Start with simple routines you can keep up—daily movement, a predictable feeding plan, and regular check-ins for ears, nails, and skin.
- Feed appropriate large-breed puppy nutrition to support slow, steady growth.
- Avoid excessive jumping/running in young dogs to protect joints.
- Train manners early—giant size requires reliable leash behavior.
- Watch for bloat risk; discuss preventive strategies with your vet.
- Provide supportive bedding and keep nails trimmed for traction.
Similar breeds to compare
Many breeds share similar silhouettes and features. If you’re comparing AI results or deciding between breeds, it helps to read a few profiles side by side. Common look-alikes and close cousins to the Great Dane include Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Mastiff, Bullmastiff.
When you compare, focus on structure (muzzle length, ear set, body proportions) as much as coat color. Then confirm by looking at temperament and daily care needs.
FAQ
How big do Great Danes get?
Most adult Great Danes fall around 110-175 lbs and stand 28-34 in. Genetics, diet, and activity level all influence where an individual dog lands within that range.
How long do Great Danes live?
The typical lifespan is 7-10 years. Preventive vet care, healthy weight, and consistent daily exercise are some of the biggest factors that support longevity.
What is the Great Dane temperament like?
Many owners describe this breed as Gentle, Friendly, Patient, Dependable. Early socialization and reward-based training help those traits show up as calm confidence at home and on walks.
How can I identify a Great Dane from a photo?
Upload a clear photo (ideally with the full body visible) to our dog breed identifier. Use the results as a starting point, then compare likely matches in the breed directory.