Believes it is a lap dog. We agree.

Great Dane

Also called Deutsche Dogge, German Mastiff, German Boarhound, Dogue Allemand, Grand Danois

Recognised breedFCI group 2Deep profile

From Germany (despite the English name, the breed has no link to Denmark)1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Weight (males)45 to 54 kg4 3 5

Height, male76 to 90 cm5 6 3

Height, female71 to 84 cm5 6 3

Lifespan6 to 10 years4 7

Sizegiant

FCI, AKC and UKC standards set no weight. Hill's gives about 100-120 lb (45-54 kg) for males with females similar. UK/NZ standards (per Wikipedia) give minimum weights over 18 months of 54 kg for males and 45 kg for females.

Gentle giant, affectionate and devoted to its family

Calm, easygoing and dependable indoors

Confident, natural watchdog with an impressive presence

5 2 4 7

Coat and looks how to spot one

Very short, dense, smooth, close-lying glossy coat

A giant dog that is tall and strong yet still graceful, often described as the Apollo of the dog world. The body is large and well put together with a proud, upright bearing, and males and females look clearly different. The head is long and noble, and the dog moves with an easy, powerful stride. The coat is very short, thick and sleek, lying flat with a natural shine.5 6 2

Coloursfawn (with black mask)brindleblackblueharlequin (white with black patches)merle (grey with black patches)mantle (AKC/UKC; black with white)1 5 6 2

Personality what they are like

A loving, loyal companion that is warm with its own people and a little reserved with strangers. Danes are self-assured and brave but should always be friendly, patient and hard to provoke. At home they tend to be relaxed and happy to lounge near their family, while still keeping an eye on the house. They are generally good with children, though their sheer size suits them better to families with older kids, and early socialisation helps them get on well with other animals.5 6 2 4

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Sources differ: Hill's suggests 20-40 minutes of activity a day, while the Royal Kennel Club lists more than two hours. In practice daily walks and room to stretch out are a must; a mature Dane is often calm at home between outings.4 7

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy coat care: a weekly brush or rub-down keeps the short coat shiny. Danes shed a light to average amount. Nail trimming and routine care take a little more effort simply because of the dog's size.7 4

Home where they are happiest

Needs a large house with room to move and stretch out, ideally with a big garden. Plan for a car, bed and furniture that fit a giant dog. Danes like to live indoors close to their people.7 4

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Eats considerably more than smaller breeds. A complete food suited to giant breeds, split into several smaller meals across the day rather than one big one, is the usual advice.4

Company who they like around

Very attached to its family and happiest sharing the home with them. Early and ongoing socialisation with people and other animals helps a Dane grow into the relaxed, friendly giant the breed is known for. Generally easy to train, with the odd stubborn streak.2 4

The story where it all began

The Great Dane's roots lie in powerful hunting dogs used to chase and hold wild boar. From the 16th century, European nobles brought in big, long-legged dogs from England and Ireland, bred from mastiff and wolfhound types, and in Germany these were known as the Englische Dogge. German courts kept breeding them through the 17th century, and several regional types appeared, such as the Ulmer Dogge. In 1878 a committee of breeders in Berlin brought these types together under the name Deutsche Dogge, and the FCI dates the first standard to 1880 (a UC Davis report gives 1888 for the German breed club's standard). The English name comes from the French 'Grand Danois', a label used by the naturalist Buffon, even though the breed has no Danish connection. Danes appeared at the first German dog show in 1863, were soon exported to the United States, and the AKC recognised them in 1887. Over time the breed was shaped into the taller, more elegant companion and guardian of today.5 8 2 7 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The tallest dog ever recorded by Guinness World Records was Zeus, a Great Dane from Otsego, Michigan, who measured 111.8 cm (44 in) at the shoulder on 4 October 2011.9
2
The Guinness record for tallest living male dog belongs to Reggie, a Great Dane from Idaho Falls, Idaho, measured at 1.007 m on 27 January 2025.10
3
The Great Dane has been Pennsylvania's official state dog since 1965; the vote was nicknamed the 'Barking Dog Vote' after lawmakers barked and growled their approval.11
4
A painting of Pennsylvania's founder William Penn with his Great Dane hangs in the state Governor's reception room.11
5
Otto von Bismarck kept several Great Danes, which were nicknamed 'Reichshunde', dogs of the Empire.8
6
The FCI breed standard calls the Great Dane 'the Apollo amongst all breeds'.5
7
Before 1878 German breeders called the dog the 'Englische Dogge', meaning English dog.3

Name ideas for your new friend

GretaHansBrunhildeWolfgangLotteKlausElkeDieterAstridRainerTrudiSiegfried

A day in the life told by a Great Dane

I rose early and gently nudged my human's hand for a scratch. After a short stroll around the block, I settled on the rug while the house woke up. The kids offered me a squeaky toy, I carried it carefully in my big mouth. Midday, I followed my human to the kitchen and lay down nearby, keeping an eye on things. In the afternoon, we had a quiet cuddle on the couch. Now I'm dozing, a gentle giant at peace.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 235 (Deutsche Dogge), Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs, Section 2.1 Molossian type, Mastiff type; definitive acceptance 18 Nov 1961; current standard published 21 Aug 2024; CACIB awarded in six colour varieties.1
The Royal Kennel Club: Working group, extra-large size category.7
AKC: Working Group; recognised in 1887 (per UC Davis breed report); current standard approved 9 Jul 2018, effective 1 Jan 2019.6
UKC: Recognised in 1923, Guardian Dog Group.2
Great Dane Club of America: Parent breed club in the USA, founded in 1899 (per UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory).8

Popularity Ranked 22nd of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Great Dane. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Great Dane tip

For treats, choose low-fat, single-ingredient options and keep them to no more than 10% of your Dane's daily calories. Better yet, use a few kibbles from their daily meal allowance as rewards to avoid extra weight and tummy upsets.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Great Dane, and at what times?

Feed your Great Dane a complete food for giant breeds, split into several smaller meals across the day rather than one big one. Adult dogs should have at least two meals daily, and puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4 13

What should a Great Dane eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A complete food made for giant breeds is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid alcohol, caffeine, and raw bones too.4 14

How often should I bathe a Great Dane?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath about every eight weeks, or at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Dane gets very dirty or has skin issues, but always use a gentle dog shampoo.15 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Great Dane need brushing?

Brush your Great Dane weekly with a soft brush or grooming mitt to keep the short coat shiny and reduce shedding. This also helps spread natural oils and is a nice bonding time.7 4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Great Dane's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.15 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Great Dane need?

Aim for about 60 minutes of daily activity, such as walks and free play in a secure garden. A mature Dane is often calm at home between outings, but regular exercise keeps them healthy and happy.4 7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Great Dane's teeth and ears?

Brush your Dane's teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently dry the ears if needed, and never push anything into the ear canal.15 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Great Dane live?

Great Danes typically live between 6 and 10 years. Senior care usually starts around age 6, so regular vet check-ups become extra important then.4 7 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Great Dane good with children and other pets?

Yes, Great Danes are generally good with children and other pets, especially with early socialisation. Their large size suits families with older kids better, and they are friendly, patient, and hard to provoke.5 6 2 4

Can a Great Dane be left alone?

Great Danes are very attached to their family and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. They are happiest sharing the home with you, so plan for company or a dog sitter if you are away often.2 4

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.