The Great Dane

Ummm – What’s this little thing way down here?

Breed Overview

Original function – Guardian and hunting large game. Today, Companion dog. They can drool.

This regal breed combines size with elegance. Colors— Brindle, black-masked fawn, white w/irregular black patches, black w/white collar, chest, tail tip.

The Great Dane is probably the product of the ancient Molossus war dog and maybe the Greyhound. By the fourteenth century, these dogs were proving themselves as able hunters in Germany.

The British referred to the Dane as German Bore Hounds. Exactly when and why the breed was dubbed the Great Dane is not known because, undeniably great, these dogs are not at all Danish. By the late 1800’s, the Great Dane had arrived in America and this dog became somewhat popular here, particularly among the wealthy, mostly as a status symbol.

Trainability

Somewhat. It takes time. They are trainable but lack of socialization and puppy training can cause difficulties. The best way is with clicker training and positive reinforcement. That method works best with difficult dogs and they enjoy the system.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Great Dane puppy? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

Some Great Dane puppies can be a bit difficult to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

Big Dane and friends

Temperament

The Dane is spirited, friendly, courageous, dependable and alert. It is generally good with children. Be careful though, this dog can easily overwhelm a child. It is usually friendly toward other household dogs and pets, but like all large dogs, needs to be supervised closely. With the proper training, the Great Dane makes a pleasant, well-mannered family pet.

If you happen to get a Great Dane with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Gets along fairly well with other dogs. If Danes are socialized properly as puppies, they have a good adult life. However, they will find some dogs not to their liking.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Every Dane is different. Most get along fine with other dogs and cats, some don’t.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Yes, likes people. Bring in the relatives.

Playfulness

A little bit. Great Danes will catch a ball or chew on a toy but not much more.

Very affectionate dog. Stands by his human family and guards them well. The Great Dane is even-tempered and devoted to his family.

Good with children

Yes. The Great Dane is quite tolerant of kids. Due to it’s large size, she can accidentally cause injury to small children so must be supervised closely.

Good with Seniors over 65?

No. Not my first choice!

Living environment

Large house with fenced back yard. Needs lots of room to stretch out in the house and a SOFT bed to do it on. Like the Greyhound and Whippet, the Great Dane has no “cushion” of fat over his skin so needs soft bed cushioning.

Dane playing in the snow

Energy level

Exercise needs, daily

Low. A quiet walk will suffice.

Yes. Good watchdog.

Yes. Has a strong bark and his great size and giant 42 teeth make him quite intimidating to an intruder!

Brush the your dog every other day,. He has a naturally shiny, thick coat that needs constant brushing to stay beautiful.

Want more information?
The site below is owned by a Great Dane owner and expert. Take a look:

Great Dane Dogs Great Dane dogs are one of the largest breeds of dogs. This website is about this Gentle Giant and your life with them.

Great Dane Breeders

In the event you decide to go looking for Great Dane puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training.
Great Dane Breeders with puppies for sale.

Great Dane Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of a Dane and are looking for a Great Dane rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Great Dane Rescue – (Nationwide)
Adopt A Pet You may find Great Dane rescue groups here. They do tend to be a bit scarce and you can keep surfing the web for more possibilities. Check locally for kennels and breed rescue groups.

Health Issues For The Great Dane
Below are the illnesses or medical problems listed for the Great Dane by various vets.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Gastric Torsion—Sometimes called Bloat or “Twisted stomach.” Mainly in larger, deep-cheated dogs. Here’s a brief description of the problem.
Symptoms include excessive drooling, nervous pacing, agitation, weakness, attempt to vomit, bulging stomach area, heavy breathing, retching and gagging, shock or total collapse.