Great Dane

Thinking About Getting a Great Dane? Here's What You Should Know

The Great Dane—often called the “gentle giant” of the dog world—is an elegant, powerful, and surprisingly affectionate breed. With their towering height and majestic presence, they’re impossible to ignore. But beneath that imposing exterior lies a sweet, loyal companion who loves nothing more than being close to their family.

While they can be calm and loving, Great Danes come with unique needs due to their size, temperament, and health considerations. Let’s explore what owning a Dane really means.

---

Purpose of the Breed

Originally bred in Germany as boar-hunting dogs and estate guardians, Great Danes were developed to be strong, brave, and capable protectors. Over time, they were selectively bred for a gentler disposition, making them ideal companions and watchful family dogs.

Today, they’re beloved for their calm nature and devotion to their people.

---

Personality Traits

Gentle and Sweet-Natured – Despite their size, most Danes are loving and affectionate lap dogs at heart.

Devoted and Loyal – They bond closely with their humans and often follow them from room to room.

Calm but Alert – While generally relaxed, they’ll stand tall when something feels off.

Sensitive – Great Danes are emotionally intuitive and respond best to gentle, patient training.

---

General Needs

A large living space—they can adapt to smaller homes, but space makes a big difference for comfort.

Soft bedding and furniture access—their joints need protection due to their size and weight.

Early training and socialization to build confidence and manners

Quality food and vet care to support their health and rapid growth

Daily companionship—they don’t cope well with long periods of isolation

---

Exercise Needs

Great Danes aren’t as hyperactive as smaller breeds, but they still require daily moderate exercise—around 45–60 minutes a day. Walks, play sessions, and gentle enrichment activities help keep them healthy and content.

Too much high-impact activity (especially as puppies) can harm developing joints, so it’s important to keep exercise structured and age-appropriate.

---

Potential Behaviour Problems if Needs Aren’t Met

Destructive behavior from boredom or loneliness

Separation anxiety—they bond deeply and hate being alone

Pulling on the lead or poor impulse control due to lack of training

Fearfulness or reactivity if under-socialized during key developmental stages

Their size makes even small behavior problems hard to ignore, so early training and consistency are key.

---

Who Should Own a Great Dane?

Great Danes are best suited for:

Families or individuals with time and space to accommodate a giant dog

People who want a calm but affectionate companion

Owners committed to training, socialization, and health care for a large breed

They may not be the best fit for:

Very busy households where the dog is often left alone

People who aren’t prepared for the financial and physical demands of a giant breed

First-time dog owners without support—though manageable, they do best with guidance

---

Before You Get a Great Dane: Know This

Their lifespan is shorter than most breeds (typically 7–10 years), and health issues can arise

Vet bills, food costs, and general care are significantly higher than average

You’ll need to train and socialize them from the start—a poorly trained Great Dane is a real challenge due to their sheer size

They are extremely loving and thrive when treated as true family members

---

Need Help with Your Great Dane?

Whether you're preparing for a Great Dane puppy or navigating behavioral challenges with an adult, I can help. I offer virtual behavior consultations tailored to the unique needs of large and giant breeds like the Great Dane.

Great Dane