All breeds › Great Dane
Great Dane
One of the tallest dog breeds, originally bred in Germany to hunt boar.
♥ Swipe on the Great DaneQuick facts
- Origin
- Germany
- Size
- Giant
- Energy
- Medium
- Bred for
- Boar hunting
- Lifespan
- 7–10 years
- Temperament
- Gentle, friendly, patient
- Exercise
- 60 min/day
- Grooming
- Low
- Shedding
- Medium
- Training
- Moderate
- With children
- Great
- Apartment
- Maybe
Where the Great Dane comes from
Great Danes descend from German boar hounds. The name is misleading: they are not Danish, and were used to hunt boar for nobility.
Personality and daily life
Gentle, friendly and patient, with a calm manner. Great Danes are affectionate and often think they are lap dogs.
Great Danes are gentle giants who need space, strong training and a bigger food budget. They have shorter lifespans than most breeds.
Exercise, grooming and health
Moderate exercise, but giant puppies must not over-exercise while growing. They need space and bigger food, bedding and vet costs. Bloat is a life-threatening risk. Lifespan is short.
Is a Great Dane right for you?
Homes with space and owners who can handle a giant dog.
- Great with children
- Easy to groom
Similar breeds
Profiles are general guides. Individual dogs vary, so always meet the dog and talk to a breeder, shelter or vet.