Great Dane Traits: Embracing the Grace of These Gentle Giants

Discover the Great Dane, a breed celebrated for its friendly, affectionate, and curious nature. Recognized as a large dog, Great Danes have their origins in Germany, where they were initially bred for hunting and guarding starting in the 16th century.

In this post, we share insights from nearly 10,000 Sniffspot users, offering practical advice for new and prospective Great Dane owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a Great Dane or already have one, you’ll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with a friendly Great Dane.

“The most vocal dog I’ve ever had. She will have whole conversations with people!” That's Sniffspot user Stephanie talking about her Great Dane. These gentle giants are known for their big hearts—and sometimes, their big voices! But before you welcome a Great Dane into your life, it's good to do your homework. This guide covers everything you need to know about responsible Great Dane ownership, from understanding Great Dane sex and its impact on development to breed-specific quirks and training tips. We'll even tap into the wisdom of thousands of Sniffspot users, so you can be fully prepared for life with a Dane dog.

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

Great Dane Essentials

• Breed Type: Working
• Size: Large
• Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
• Healthy Weight Range: 110 to 175 lbs
• Height Range: 28 to 34 inches
• Temperament: Friendly, Affectionate, Curious
• Coat Type: Short
• Color: Fawn, Brindle, Black, Blue, Harlequin, Mantle

Key Takeaways

• Great Danes are loving companions: Known for their gentle nature, they are affectionate with families and other pets. While they appreciate a spacious home, they can adapt to apartments with adequate exercise and access to dog-friendly areas.
• Training and health are important: Consistent training using positive reinforcement helps them thrive. Be aware of potential health concerns like digestive and joint issues, and prioritize preventative vet care.
• Sniffspot offers valuable resources: From finding the perfect dog park to connecting with trainers, Sniffspot helps Great Dane owners provide enriching experiences for their dogs. Explore local Sniffspots to offer your Dane safe and stimulating opportunities for exercise and play.

Getting to Know the Great Dane

When living with a Dane, 86% of our owners indicated that a large house with a fenced yard is ideal. Additionally, 38% of owners found that an apartment or condominium with regular walks is also acceptable. This dog is moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer, and owners say that the Great Dane learns best with positive reinforcement, consistent routines, and training aids.

In terms of exercise, 46% of Sniffspot owners say their Great Dane benefits from moderate exercise every day, including 1-2 hours of activity each day, such as walks and active play sessions. The Sniffspot Dane community does not recommend this breed for first-time owners.

History of the Great Dane

In the 19th century, the breed evolved through crossbreeding with Greyhounds, leading to a more refined appearance. American breeders continued to enhance the breed’s structure and temperament, transforming it from a fierce hunter into a gentle giant.

Today, the Great Dane is admired for its strength and elegance, with a smooth, majestic gait and a well-balanced appearance. Although the breed faces health challenges that limit its lifespan, dedicated breeders are working to improve its longevity and address common health issues.

Leonides Ruvalcabar on Unsplash

Great Dane Temperament & Traits

• Temperament: Friendly, Affectionate, Curious
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Trainability: Moderately trainable – Learns commands with consistent training and practice.
• Grooming Needs: Low maintenance – Requires minimal grooming, such as occasional brushing and baths.
• Good with Kids: Very friendly and social with children
• Good with Other Pets: Very friendly with other pets

Great Dane Ownership: What to Expect

Great Dane Grooming Guide

Exercise Tips for Your Great Dane

When large breeds like Danes don’t get sufficient exercise, they are more likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors such as separation anxiety, overexcitement, and stubbornness. They need consistent training, mental stimulation, and regular moderate exercise to avoid excess energy.

Feeding Your Great Dane

Great Dane Health: What to Watch For

Similarly, 52% reported joint problems such as arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma. Additionally, 38% of Great Dane owners claim their dog struggles with skin conditions such as allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis — common health concerns for Danes. If you’re worried about any of these health issues, consult your Dane’s vet.

Are Great Danes Friendly?

With moderate training, you can cultivate your Dane’s natural friendliness and affection. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and consistent daily training routines early on helps them avoid undesirable behaviors such as separation anxiety, overexcitement, and stubbornness. Here’s what our community of Great Dane owners say about their pets’ friendliness:

• He’s a giant friendly doofus who loves being with his people. (Brian)
• Danes are incredibly sweet giants. They just want to be held, and I think it’s the most endearing thing. Our Dane always comes to our face if we’re crying to provide comfort. (Ikea)
• So gentle – this dog will love you more than anything. (Taylor)

Training Your Great Dane

As a working breed, Great Danes benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here’s what our Dane community recommends based on their experience with their own dogs:

• Positive Reinforcement (86%): This includes treats, praise, rewards, and so on for positive behavior.
• Consistent Routines (53%): A consistent training routine allows your pet to become comfortable with expectations.
• Training Aids (47%): Dog training aids like martingale collars, walking harnesses, and no-pull attachments.

Why Do People Love Great Danes?

• Danes are incredibly sweet giants. They just want to be held, and I think it’s the most endearing thing. Our Dane always comes to our face if we’re crying to provide comfort. (Ikea)
• Their easygoing disposition. Though I believe all dogs are individuals and their personalities are unique to them, not necessarily due to their breed. (Andrea)
• I love how loyal they are, their goofy personalities, and their size. I love big dogs. (TF)

Challenges of Great Dane Ownership

• Stomach bloat and they aren’t very coordinated for their size. (Stephanie)
• He is just a large dog, and his environment needs to accommodate his size. (Lisa)
• Medical issues. That’s the exact reason I don’t recommend them for first-time owners. Unless you have both the financial and mental capacity to visit the vet frequently, Danes may not be the right choice for you. (Ikea)

Great Danes for First-Time Owners?

According to 60% of our Sniffspot community, Great Danes are not ideal for first-time dog owners. This is due to their friendly nature and moderate exercise needs. Great Dane owners say it best:

• I love how loyal they are, their goofy personalities, and their size. I love big dogs. (TF)
• Great Danes are so sweet and loving, truly a gentle giant! They are happy just being near their people. (Kendall)
• They are big but will adjust to any kind of living situation, and they are very loyal. (IP)

Tips for Great Dane Owners

Training Your Great Dane: Patience is Key

• Lots of patience is needed, as they are pretty much puppies until they are 4 years old. (Stephanie)
• Make sure you’re prepared for one of the largest dog breeds. (Taylor)

Living with a Large Breed Dog

• Start training early, as they will grow very big. Establish good habits while they are small. Socialize with similarly sized dogs until they are appropriately trained. Small dogs can be fearful, which can cause distress for your Dane. (Joe)
• Anything you wouldn’t want a 130-160 lb dog to do, don’t let them do it as puppies. (Jennifer)

Preventative Health Care for Great Danes

• Be prepared to make your house adaptable as they age due to joint problems, such as using a raised feeder and providing steps for vehicles or beds. (Emily)
• Research both the breed itself and personal experiences from Dane owners. Ensure you are financially prepared to support the breed’s health needs. (JH)

Finding Dog-Friendly Spaces with Sniffspot

That's where Sniffspot comes in. We connect dog owners with private, off-leash dog parks and spaces where their pups can truly stretch their legs and socialize without the restrictions and potential dangers of public dog parks. With Sniffspot, you can discover dog parks near you that cater to various needs, including water parks for a refreshing dip and secure, fenced areas perfect for energetic play sessions and practicing recall.

For Great Danes, who benefit from 1-2 hours of activity per day, a Sniffspot can become a valuable resource. It provides a safe and controlled environment for them to burn off energy, engage in training exercises with a certified dog trainer, and socialize with other dogs in a less chaotic setting than a typical dog park. Plus, with the variety of Sniffspots available, you can find locations that suit your Dane's specific needs and preferences, whether they love to run, swim, or simply explore new smells.

Navigating Public Spaces with Your Great Dane

• Their size is often intimidating to other dogs and people. (Bri)
• Be ready for people to stop and ask many questions about their food intake, lifespan, and poop size. Just remember that they are worth it. I believe in providing a quality life and focusing on their well-being. (Jordan)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Great Dane

Great Dane Lifespan

Great Dane Size and Growth

Grooming Your Great Dane

To maintain your Great Dane’s coat, it’s important to brush them weekly to manage shedding and keep the coat shiny. Among working breeds, Great Dane grooming is categorized as relatively easy.

Great Dane Exercise Requirements

Danes are excellent companions and thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Danes note that their dogs particularly enjoy tug-of-war, playing with squeaky toys, and hiking.

If large breeds like Danes don’t receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.

Great Danes and Children

Great Danes and Other Pets

Best Food Choices for Your Great Dane

For optimal health, Danes should consume 6 to 10 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight around 110 to 175 lbs. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your Great Dane’s sex, activity level, and age.

Common Great Dane Health Issues

Our data shows that 55% of Great Dane owners reported digestive issues, while 52% reported joint problems. Additionally, 38% of Great Dane owners indicated their dog struggles with skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your Dane’s veterinarian.

Helpful Resources for Great Dane Owners

• Most Popular Great Dane Names
• Great Dane Animal Rescues
• Great Dane Club of America

• Great Dane History. (American Kennel Club)
• Great Dane Dog Breed – Facts and Personality Traits. (Hills Pet Nutrition)

Related Articles

• Explore the Great Dane: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
• Great Dane: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners | Sniffspot
• Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Your Dog Needs
• Puppy Socialization Guide | How to Socialize Your Dog
• How to Socialize a Dog: The Ultimate Guide

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