Great Dane Reproduction: Key Facts for Owners

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

According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their Great Danes, we learned that these dogs are friendly and social. The Great Dane is also known to be very social with children and other pets.

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

The Great Dane, known as the “Apollo of dogs,” has a majestic presence and a gentle temperament. Originating in the 16th century in Germany, it was developed from Mastiff-type dogs for hunting and guarding. Despite its French name, “Grand Danois,” the breed is German and was officially recognized in 1876.

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.

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

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024

Great Dane Grooming Guide

Great Danes require low-maintenance grooming. This means Great Dane owners should expect minimal grooming, such as occasional brushing and baths. Great Danes have a short coat, which is ideal for protection against the elements and is considered to shed moderately. To keep your Great Dane’s coat healthy and up to breed standards, include brushing in their routine and brush weekly to manage shedding and keep the coat shiny. Among common breeds in the working group, the grooming needs for Great Danes are low maintenance.

Exercise Tips for Your Great Dane

Great Danes require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Danes are considered very athletic and high-energy. They thrive with 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Danes report that their dogs especially enjoy tug-of-war, playing with squeaky toys, and hiking.

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

What should you feed your Great Dane to keep them healthy? As a moderate-energy breed, their diet is important. A reported 65% of our community feeds their Dane commercial dry kibble. With moderate exercise, Danes should eat 6 to 10 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 110 to 175 lbs. However, your Great Dane’s ideal weight and food intake will depend on your pet’s sex, activity level, and age.

Great Dane Health: What to Watch For

The Great Dane breed is most prone to digestive issues (e.g., bloating, sensitive stomach) and joint problems (e.g., hip dysplasia, arthritis). A reported 55% of our Great Dane owners have reported digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. The risk for these challenges increases as Danes age.

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?

Another important factor to consider when adopting a Dane is whether they fit with your current family. How friendly are Great Danes compared to other large-sized breeds?

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

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

Whether you’re adopting a Dane puppy or an adult Great Dane, training is a significant part of owning this large-sized breed. Without proper training, your Dane is more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as separation anxiety, overexcitement, and stubbornness. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your 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.

As dogs bred for hunting and guarding, Danes are considered moderately trainable and often benefit from a professional trainer.

Why Do People Love Great Danes?

We asked Sniffspot Dane owners what they love most about their Great Dane pups, and here’s what they had to say:

• 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

Similarly, Dane owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their Great Dane:

• 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?

Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey

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

Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced and knowledgeable Dane owners. These Great Dane breed owners share the most essential tips and advice for prospective or new dog 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

Given their size and energy levels, Great Danes need room to roam and play. A large, fenced yard is ideal, as 86% of Great Dane owners told us, but apartment living is also doable with regular walks and access to open spaces. Finding safe and accommodating dog-friendly areas is key for any Dane owner.

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

The average lifespan of a Great Dane is typically between 7 to 10 years.

Great Dane Size and Growth

An adult Great Dane weighs between 110 to 175 lbs and stands between 28 to 34 inches tall.

Grooming Your Great Dane

Great Danes require low-maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps keep their coat healthy and manageable. Great Danes have a short coat that is well-suited for protection against the elements. They are considered moderate shedders.

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

Great Danes require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Danes are classified as moderately athletic and somewhat high-energy.

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

According to our data, Great Danes are very friendly and social with children.

Great Danes and Other Pets

Our research indicates that Great Danes are very friendly with other pets.

Best Food Choices for Your Great Dane

As a moderate energy breed, the diet of your Dane is crucial. A significant 65% of our community feed their Dane commercial dry kibble.

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

The Great Dane breed is particularly prone to digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite, as well as joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma.

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

Whether you’re a current Great Dane owner or considering adopting a Dane, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for Great Dane owners:

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

Sources:

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

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