Breed Name: Great Dane
Lifespan: 6-8 years on average
Coat Length: Short to medium coat
Alias(es): The “Apollo of Dogs” or “German Mastiff”
Height: Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm); Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm)
Place of Origin: Germany
Body Size: Large; one of the tallest dog breeds
Shedding Level: Moderate shedders
Trainability: Highly trainable with patience and consistency
Temperament: Gentle giants known for their loyalty, intelligence, and calm demeanor
Health Issues: May be prone to heart issues, bone disorders, and bloating
Exercise Needs: Require regular exercise due to their large size
Grooming Requirements: Weekly brushing is generally sufficient to keep the short coat healthy and free from loose hair. Regular grooming can help manage shedding as well.
Kid Friendliness: Good with children if raised together
Pet Friendliness: Can get along with other pets if socialized properly
Energy Level: Moderately active
Special Skills: Excellent at activities that utilize their size such as carting or agility
Talents: They have natural guarding instincts but are typically not aggressive
Origin Story: Originally bred for hunting boar and deer, they later became popular companions and show dogs.
The Great Dane is a majestic breed known for its imposing stature and gentle nature. Despite their large size, these dogs are often referred to as ‘gentle giants’ because of their calm temperaments. They require moderate maintenance regarding grooming needs and shed moderately. With proper training and socialization, Great Danes make excellent family pets, especially when introduced to children early on. However, it’s important to note that they may not do well with smaller pets without careful supervision due to their instinct to chase prey animals.
