Meet The Breeds: Great Danes, The Gentle Giants of the Canine World | Pupford

When it comes to majestic, towering, and incredibly lovable dogs, few breeds can rival the Great Dane. Often referred to as the "Apollo of Dogs," these gentle giants are known for their immense size and heartwarming loyalty. Their calm demeanor, affectionate nature, and regal stature make them one of the most unique and cherished breeds in the world.

In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Great Danes, from their fascinating origins and roles in society to tips on how to care for them, health concerns to watch for, and some fun facts that highlight just how special they truly are.

Table of Contents:

1. History of Great Danes
2. Breed Development
3. Roles in Society
4. Life Expectancy and Health
5. Comprehensive Care
6. Fun Facts About Great Danes

History of Great Danes

The history of Great Danes is both rich and surprising. Despite their name, Great Danes are not originally from Denmark. Their roots trace back to Germany, where they were bred for their strength and hunting prowess. Initially, they were known as "Boar Hounds" because of their ability to track and take down wild boars. These powerful, muscular dogs were prized for their bravery and endurance in the hunt, often taking on dangerous prey that other dogs couldn’t handle.

The breed’s ancestors are believed to have descended from the Mastiff-type dogs used by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. By the 16th century, the Great Dane began to take the form we recognize today, blending the fierce hunting ability of the Mastiff with the elegance and size of the Greyhound, which was introduced to improve speed and agility.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, German nobles favored the breed as protectors of estates and companions in the home. They became known as "Kammerhunde," or "Chamber Dogs," as they were often seen in the homes of royalty, providing both protection and companionship.

The name "Great Dane" came about when a French naturalist visited Denmark and saw these large, elegant dogs. Mistakenly attributing their origin to Denmark, he named them "Grand Danois," or Great Danish Dog. Despite the misnomer, the name stuck, and today they’re known worldwide as Great Danes.

Breed Development

Over the centuries, Great Danes evolved from their original role as hunting dogs into the gentle giants we know today. Breeders focused on tempering their aggressive nature to create a more companionable, family-friendly breed.

By the late 19th century, formal breed standards were developed in Germany to establish the modern Great Dane. The goal was to maintain the dog’s impressive size while refining their temperament to create a calm, loyal, and dependable family dog. This process took years of selective breeding, and eventually, the Great Dane we recognize today—massive, graceful, and incredibly friendly—was born.

The Great Dane was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1887, and since then, they’ve been a beloved breed, not only in Germany but also around the world.

Today, Great Danes continue to be valued for their companionship, loyalty, and beauty. Though their hunting days are long behind them, they remain a symbol of strength and grace.

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Large Breed Dogs!

Roles in Society

Although Great Danes were initially bred as boar hunters and estate guardians, their roles in society have evolved dramatically over the years. Due to their gentle nature and calm demeanor, Great Danes have taken on various modern roles that leverage their unique size and temperament.

Companionship

First and foremost, Great Danes are adored as family companions. Their affectionate nature and patient demeanor make them excellent pets for families, including those with children. Despite their imposing size, they are incredibly gentle, making them great cuddle buddies and protectors. They form strong bonds with their humans and are known to be particularly sensitive to their owners' emotions.

Therapy and Service Dogs

The breed’s calm and intuitive nature has also made them ideal candidates for therapy and service work. Their large size can be intimidating to some, but for those in need of support, Great Danes provide a calming presence. Whether it’s visiting hospitals or providing mobility assistance, Great Danes excel in these roles due to their intelligence and trainability.

Learn more about what therapy dog ACTUALLy do!

Watchdogs and Guardians

Though they’re generally not aggressive, Great Danes still make excellent watchdogs. Their sheer size and deep bark are often enough to deter intruders. Their protective instincts, combined with their loyalty to their family, make them excellent home guardians, even though they’re unlikely to resort to aggression unless provoked.

Show Dogs

Thanks to their regal appearance and elegant movement, Great Danes are popular participants in dog shows around the world. Their grace and power are a sight to behold in the ring, and their natural beauty often leads them to win Best in Show awards.

Life Expectancy and Health

Great Danes, despite their many wonderful qualities, have a relatively short life expectancy compared to smaller breeds. On average, they live between 7 to 10 years, though some may live longer with proper care and attention to their health.

The breed is prone to certain health issues, which are important to be aware of if you’re considering adopting a Great Dane:

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

One of the most common and dangerous health concerns for Great Danes is bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow and trapping air inside. Bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding exercise immediately after eating can help reduce the risk of bloat.

Hip Dysplasia

Due to their size, Great Danes are also prone to hip dysplasia, a condition in which the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and joint supplements can help manage or prevent the condition.

Cardiomyopathy

Another concern is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and weakened. Regular veterinary check-ups, a heart-healthy diet, and early detection are key in managing this condition.

Check out our comprehensive heart health guide!

Bone Cancer

Great Danes, like many large breeds, are at a higher risk for developing osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. While the cause is not entirely understood, early detection and treatment can improve a dog’s quality of life.

Learn more about signs of cancer in dogs

Regular vet visits, a balanced diet, and proper exercise are crucial to extending the lifespan of a Great Dane and ensuring they live a healthy, happy life.

Comprehensive Care

Caring for a Great Dane requires a commitment to their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Given their size and unique needs, here are a few key areas to focus on:

Diet

Great Danes grow rapidly during their first two years of life, so it’s important to provide them with a diet that supports healthy bone and joint development. A high-quality, large-breed dog food with the right balance of protein, fat, and essential vitamins is critical. It’s also essential to monitor their portions, as overfeeding can lead to obesity and exacerbate health issues like hip dysplasia.

Exercise

Despite their large size, Great Danes are not high-energy dogs. However, they do need regular exercise to maintain their muscle tone and prevent boredom. Daily walks and moderate playtime are typically enough to keep them happy and healthy. Be mindful not to over-exercise puppies, as their growing bones and joints are delicate.

Related Reading: Puppy Exercise Guidelines - How Much Is Right?

Grooming

Great Danes have short coats that are relatively easy to maintain. Weekly brushing will keep their coat looking sleek and minimize shedding. They also benefit from regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care to maintain overall hygiene.

Shop our Dry Shampoo! The perfect way to keep your pup smelling fresh in between baths. 

Training and Socialization

Early socialization and training are essential for Great Danes. Due to their size, it’s crucial to ensure they’re well-behaved and responsive to cues. We recommend using all positive reinforcement based training techniques to help you build a strong relationship with your pup!

Fun Facts About Great Danes

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some fun and fascinating facts about Great Danes that might surprise you:

• World’s Tallest Dog: The Guinness World Record for the tallest dog ever is held by a Great Dane named Zeus, who stood 44 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Scooby-Doo’s Inspiration: The famous cartoon dog Scooby-Doo was inspired by the Great Dane breed, though Scooby’s personality is far goofier than the real breed’s calm demeanor.
• Gentle Giants: Despite their size, Great Danes are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They’re often referred to as "lap dogs" because they love to lean on or sit close to their owners.
• A Symbol of Nobility: In the past, owning a Great Dane was considered a sign of wealth and status, especially among European nobility.
• Color Variety: Great Danes come in several beautiful colors, including fawn, brindle, blue, black, and harlequin (white with black patches).

Recap of Great Danes, The Gentle Giants of the Canine World

Great Danes are truly one of a kind. With their towering presence and gentle hearts, they bring a unique combination of strength and affection to any home. While their size may seem intimidating, their loving nature and calm demeanor make them ideal family companions.

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