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Great Dane Dog Breed Introduction
Great Dane is a large-sized dog (also referred to as Apollo of Dogs or gentle giant) that originated from Germany. They are one of the largest breeds of dogs that were originally used for hunting deer and wild boar. Currently, they are used as companion dogs as well as home guardians since they are alert. Great Danes have an imposing weight, strength, and size and just the sight of them is enough to make intruders think twice. This breed is also popular for seeking physical affection from its owners earning the name, ‘gentle giant’.
Origin
Originally from Germany, Great Danes were descended from crossbreeds between Irish Wolfhounds and English Mastiff. The progenitors of this breed were imported in the middle of the 16th century by the nobility in many countries of Europe from England. They were long-legged and strong dogs and referred to as Englische Tocke or Englische Docke, later written and spelled as Dogge. In Germany, these crossbreeds were referred to as Englischer Hund. Simply meaning ‘English Dog’. Since the start of the 17th century, these dogs were bred in the courts of German Nobility independent of English methods.
History
In the native German, these dogs were used for hunting deer, boar, and bear at princely courts. The favorites of these dogs spent the night in the chambers of their lords. The chamber dogs assisted to protect the sleeping princes from assassins and were outfitted with ornate collars. While hunting, the Englischer Hund was a catch dog used after the other hunting dogs to seize the boar or bear and hold it in place until the huntsman was able to kill it.
Many dogs of this kind disappeared following the change in hunting customs, particularly the use of firearms. Therefore, Englischer Hund became rare and was kept only as a dog of luxury or hobby. A committee was formed in Berlin in 1878 which changed the name of the Englischer Hund or Englische Dogge to German mastiff( “Deutsche Dogge” ), this being the Great Dane. These changes laid the foundations from which the Great Danes were developed.
This name was taken up by many other European countries after the Deutscher Doggen-Klub of Germany was founded. In English-speaking countries, these dogs are referred to as Great Danes. Initially, they were ferocious and aggressive due to their original role as hunters of wild boar, bear, and deer.
Fortunately, the breeders succeeded in producing more gentle animals that we all know today. Though they are no reports of when the first Great Dane was imported into the United States, the Great Dane Club of America was founded in 1889. Great Danes were the fourth breed allowed to join AKC( American Kennel Club).
Great Dane Lifespan
They are a short-lived breed that has a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. However, some dogs of this breed have lived up to 12 years. Some Great Danes may live up to the age of 6 or 7 years. Taking care of your pet in terms of feeding it a healthy diet, exercise, and regular check-ups by the veterinarian will help in increasing the odds of your dog living longer.
Average Lifespan
The average lifespan of Great Danes is 9 years since they have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, with some living 6 or 7 years. Taking care of your pet may increase its lifespan with some living up to 12 years.
Lifespan Female
Regardless of gender, both female and male Great Danes have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
Great Dane Grooming
Great Danes have a smooth and short coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. However, due to the size of the dog, the amount shed can still amount to a bit of hair. Weekly brushing of the coat using a hound glove, rubber grooming mitt, or a medium bristled brush is recommended. During the seasonal change, the Great Danes experience heavy shedding. Daily brushing will help in confining the hair in the brush rather than around the house.
Occasional baths at least once every one to two months are recommended unless your pet rolls in something stinky. Nail clipping for Great Danes should be done at least once a month if the nails have not naturally worn out. Overly long nails may result to dog pains especially while walking or running.
Getting your pet accustomed to touch prepares for a great professional grooming process. Clean the ears on a weekly basis using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to minimize ear infections. Teeth cleaning should be done at least twice a week and daily if possible. Use a tasty canine toothpaste and a finger toothbrush.
Grooming Brush
Great Danes have a smooth, thick, and short coat that lies close to the body. AKC recommends the use of a hound glove, medium-bristled brush, or a rubber grooming mitt while grooming to keep shedding to a minimum level.
Shedding
This breed sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during the seasonal change once or twice a year during spring and fall. Even though the shedding level is moderate, it may accumulate to a bit of hair since this is a giant sized dog. Weekly brushing of the coat will keep it healthy and shedding to a minimum.
Shedding Like Crazy
The level of shedding for Great Danes is moderate throughout the year. However, even though the shedding is moderate, there may be a bit of hair around the house since this is a large-sized dog. Regular brushing will help in managing the shedding since the brush confines the hair that would rather spread around the house. A Great Dane may shed like crazy during the seasonal change may be during Spring or Fall.
Coat
This is a single-coated dog that lacks an undercoat. The coat of a Great Dane is smooth and short lying close to the body. Weekly brushing is key to keep the coat glossy and healthy. Due to the thin coat, Great Danes should be housed indoors during the harsh weather when it is snowy or raining. Getting a jacket, sweater, or fleece coat will keep your pet warm.
Hypoallergenic
Great Danes are single-coated dogs with a short and thick coat that has a smooth glossy appearance. Even though they lack an undercoat, they are not hypoallergenic since they shed moderately throughout the year allowing dander to spread around the house. Shedding is also a bit heavy during spring or fall. Although these dogs cause fewer allergic conditions for people who suffer from dog allergies, they are not considered hypoallergenic.
Great Dane Training
This is a large-sized animal that should undergo mandatory obedience training. Socialization is also key to ensure that your dog grows into a well-adjusted and well-mannered dog. Socialization training starts from the age of 3 weeks while the pup is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after it has already settled in its new home. To socialize a Great Dane, expose it to a wide variety of places, people, situations, sight, smell, experiences, and sounds such as baby crying sounds, sirens, lawn mowers, washing machine, vacuum cleaners, whistles, and door bells.
Enrolling your pet in a training program helps it to socialize with other people and pets of different sizes and breeds. Proper training makes this dog a very loving and gentle animal that is great with children especially when raised with them. Crate training is also recommended for Great Danes. The crate should be a safe place for your pet and should not be used as a form of punishment. A crate is also an invaluable tool when potty training. It allows the pet parent to monitor the dog for signs that it wants to eliminate outside such as circling, sniffing, whining, restlessness, squatting, and lifting a leg against the crate wall.
Training Tips
Make the crate appealing by positioning favorite treats and toys. Effective housetraining is possible through consistency, patience, and the use of positive reinforcement methods such as rewards and praise. Training introduces a Great Dane to life skills that every dog needs in order to thrive. Dog owners should enroll their pets in a Good Canine Citizen program that covers skills such as walking through a crowd, coming when called, and reacting to a distraction. Additionally, the methods used in the Canine Good Citizen program provide proper positive training techniques and tips on how to be an appropriate and respectful owner.
Train basic command words such as sit, stay, recall, down, and drop it one at a time until your Great Dane understands before moving to the next command word. Short training sessions are key since dogs have a short concentration span and get bored easily. Food is also a great tool for motivation while training large dogs like Great Danes. Apart from food, parents may use toys, verbal praise, petting, and playtime as a way of encouraging positive outcomes. Avoid using harsh correction methods such as punching, kicking, shoving, yelling, beating, and use of choke or prong collars. They are counterproductive.
Training Treats
The use of treats is considered the use of positive reinforcement methods for a positive outcome. Treats are recommended for rewarding your Great Dane for good behavior while teaching your dog basic command words. When crate training, puta slow feeder and interactive toy as treats.
Training Collar
While choosing a training collar for your Great Dane, be sure to avoid prong or shock collars as they have the potential of creating fear-induced reactions. A martingale collar is preferred for training this breed as it has dual loops and tightens as needed.
Training Books
- Great Dane Training: Dog Training for your Great Dane puppy.
- The Complete Guide to the Great Dane: Finding, Selecting, Raising, Training, Feeding, and Living with Your New Great Dane Puppy (March 2020), etc.
Exercise
The amount of exercise that Great Danes require is determined by their age. An adult breed of this dog requires at least 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. These dogs may also make good companions on hikes or jogs. However, jogs and hikes should not be exercised on dogs that are below the age of two years old to avoid damage to the growing joints. You should exercise your Great Dane one hour plus after meals to avoid bloat.
Great Danes should also take walks during dusk and dawn since they are not as docile as the Greyhounds. Before taking your dog for a walk, ensure that is stimulated beforehand to help keep your pet calmer while walking on a leash. Great Danes should always walk on a leash since they tend to follow their nose wherever it takes them. This breed also enjoys participating in tracking events, agility, weight pulls, obedience, and sports such as flyball.
Great Dane Temperament
- Alert.
- Gentle.
- Affectionate.
- Loving.
- People-oriented.
- Patient with kids.
- Good-natured.
- Confident.
- Loyal.
However, these traits are exhibited by properly trained and socialized dogs. With improper socialization, Great Danes may become aggressive or fearful of new environments.
Temperament By Color
The temperament or traits of Great Danes is affected by upbringing, bloodline, and training. Regardless of the coat color, these dogs have a reputation for being gentle, loving, loyal, affectionate, human-oriented, confident, alert, and patient with kids, especially when properly socialized.
Temperament Confident
Originally, Great Danes were bred for hunting deer, bears, and boars and people may tend to think that their confident temperament is inherent. However, this trait is earned through proper socialization by exposing your dog to new people, sounds, places, situations, and experiences.
Barking
These are large-sized dogs that possess a loud bark that comes in handy while scaring intruders. The level of barking in Great Danes varies on the individual dog and how it is raised. Barking may be frequent when your pet is lonely, hungry, bored, alerting their owners of something, or when they want to go for a walk or pee. The barking of this dog may be controlled through training the Quiet command word and the use of positive training methods such as treats.
Growling
Growling in Great Danes may occur if the dog is in pain or has experienced trauma in the past. Dogs are likely to growl when protecting their litter or a valuable resource. A dog may growl after her more subtle cues have been ignored or misunderstood.
Aggressive
They are sociable animals that are loving and gentle if properly trained. However, a poorly socialized dog will likely be fearful or aggressive towards new stimuli such as a new environment and strangers. A Great Dane that is aggressive is impossible to control due to its imposing weight, size, strength, and power posing a great danger to other dogs and people.
Aggressive Towards Other Dogs
Great Danes are well disposed toward other dogs, familiar humans, and other non-canine pets. Generally, this breed doesn’t exhibit extreme aggressiveness or a high prey drive. However, a Great Dane that is not properly socialized may be aggressive to other dogs to mark territory, food aggression, dominance aggression, or fear aggression.
Bite Force
Despite their sweet and gentle demeanor, Great Danes have a bite force of 238 PSI.
Biting
Nipping and biting are very common in Great Dane puppies while playing with their owners and littermates. It may also occur when the puppies are using their mouths to explore textures, new objects, and people. This may seem adorable when they are little but not anymore as they grow older and larger in size.
This habit should not be allowed to avoid raising an adult Great Dane with serious biting issues. Biting may be frequent when the puppies are teething. A puppy that is biting should be trained not to do so through a combination of techniques including redirection and bite inhibition training.
Great Dane Size
Great Danes are large-sized dogs that are taller than most humans when they stand on their hind legs. A male dog of this breed has a height of 30 to 32 inches ( approx. 76 to 81 cm ) and a weight of 140 to 175 pounds ( approx. 64 to 79 kg ) while a female Great Dane has a height of 28 to 30 inches ( approx. 71 to 76 cm ) and a weight of 110 to 140 pounds ( approx. 50 to 64 kg). Furthermore, adult male Great Danes are bigger in size as compared to their female counterparts in terms of height and weight.
Height
An adult Great Dane has a height of 30 to 32 inches ( approx. 76 to 81 cm ) with others having a height of up to 35 inches ( approx. 90cm ) while the female counterpart has a height of 28 to 30 inches ( approx. 71 to 76 cm ) with others having a height of up to 33 inches ( approx. 84 cm). From year to year, the tallest living dog has been a Great Dane. One of the outstanding dogs of this breed that is the current holder is Zeus with a height of 44 inches ( approx. 111.8 cm) prior to his death in 2014.
Average Height
The average Great Dane height for female dogs is 28 to 30 inches ( approx. 71 to 76 cm ) and 30 to 32 inches ( approx. 76 to 81 cm ) for male dogs according to AKC.
Weight
An adult male Great Dane weighs 140 to 175 pounds ( approx. 64 to 79 kg ) while a female counterpart of this breed weighs 110 to 140 pounds( approx. 50 to 64 kg). The minimum weight for a male Great Dane that is 18 months old is 120 pounds( approx. 54 kg) and a female of this age should not weigh less than 100 pounds ( approx. 45 kg).
Average Weight
The average weight for a female dog of this breed is 110 to 140 pounds ( approx. 50 to 64 kg) with a minimum weight of 100 pounds ( approx. 45 kg). On the other hand, a male counterpart has an average weight of 140 to 175 pounds ( approx. 64 to 79 kg ) with a minimum weight of 120 pounds ( approx. 54 kg).
Male Weight
A mature male dog of this breed weighs 140 to 175 pounds ( approx. 64 to 79 kg ). The minimum weight that a male Great Dane should weigh aged 18 months and above is 120 pounds( approx. 54kg).
Weight Chart
Age in Months Female Weight lbs/kg Male Weight lbs/kg
1 5 lbs (2kg) 8 lbs (3.6kg).
2 15 lbs (6.8kg) 20 lbs (9kg).
3 25 lbs (11kg) 35 lbs (16kg).
4 45 lbs (20kg) 55 lbs (25kg).
5 60 lbs (27kg) 70 lbs (32kg).
6 65 lbs (29kg) 80 lbs (36kg).
7 70 lbs ( 32kg) 90 lbs ( 41kg).
8 80 lbs ( 36kg) 100 lbs ( 45kg).
9 85 lbs ( 39kg) 110 lbs (50 kg).
10 90 lbs ( 41kg) 115 lbs (52kg).
11 95 lbs ( 43kg) 120 lbs (54kg).
12 100 lbs (45kg) 125 lbs (57kg).
18 100 lbs (45 kg) 120 lbs (54kg).
24 115 lbs ( 52kg) 140 lbs (64kg).
Female Size
A Female Great Dane is slightly smaller in size as compared to the male counterpart of this breed. It has a weight of 110 to 140 pounds ( approx. 50 to 64 kg) and a height of 28 to 30 inches ( approx. 71 to 76 cm ).
Great Dane Health Issues
This is a breed that is susceptible to bloat or gastric dilatation volvulus that is common in large breeds. This is the greatest killer of the Great Danes. To avoid this condition, a rest period of between 40 to 60 minutes after meals is recommended before engaging your dog in exercise. AKC urges dog owners of this breed to educate themselves in order to recognize the signs of bloat and what to do if it happens.
Many owners and breeders consider prophylactic gastropexy surgery as a preventive tactic for some of the serious aspects of bloat. Other health issues that this breed may suffer from include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism congenital heart diseases, and Dilated cardiomyopathy. This has led to the nickname, the heartbreak breed, in conjunction with its shorter life expectancy. Great Danes may also develop wobbler disease, a disease that affects the vertebral column.
These dogs may also carry the genetic makeup that creates the harlequin coat type. This is an incomplete dominant that needs only one copy of the gene to produce the color. However, two merle genes are associated with certain health issues including blindness, deafness, and excessive white markings.
Eye Infection
Great Danes may suffer from eye infections that may be caused by either bacterial or viral infections. Eye infections may also be a result of viruses, dry eye diseases, and trauma to the eye which provides the perfect opportunity for bacterial invasion and development since the local defenses of the eye have been compromised. Foreign bodies such as debris, dust, plant material, and fur or hair sticking into the eye may sweep the bacteria into the eye causing an eye infection.
The common signs of eye infection exhibited by Great Danes include a clear discharge caused by viral infections, redness, squinting due to rapid blinking or light sensitivity, thick yellowish discharge due to bacterial infection, swelling of the eyelids, and pawing at the eye due to itchiness or pain. Multiple symptoms may be experienced by a Great Dane suffering from this condition such as a red eye that is squinty due to the inflammation of the immune system.
Great Dane Eye Problems
Apart from eye infections, Great Danes are also likely to suffer from various eye problems such as ectropion where the lower eyelids of the dog start to droop and roll outward from the eyeball. This condition exposes the mucus membrane to debris and bacteria from the environment increasing the risk of suffering from eye infections.
This breed may also suffer from entropion which leads to the eyelids of the dog rolling inward. The eyelashes may rub against the eye itself causing irritation to the cornea. Glaucoma is a common eye problem in Great Danes which leads to the improper drainage of the eye fluids resulting in an increase in internal pressure. This may result in a change in structure and the function of the eye. These dogs are also prone to cataracts which cause cloudiness of the eye lens preventing light from getting to the retina hence causing vision loss.
Great Dane Ear Infection
Skin allergies are the common culprit causing chronic ear infections in Great Danes. The ear has a natural balance of bacteria and yeast. If the balance is disrupted, the ear becomes infected due to inflammation caused by allergies. Shaking of the head and obvious discomfort of your dog when you clean the ear will alert you that your pet is suffering from an ear infection.
Some of the common symptoms of ear infection in Great Danes due to allergies include odor, redness of the ear canal, rubbing of the ears on the floor, scratching of the ears, pain, shaking of the head, and discomfort when touched, etc.
Advanced ear infection causes loss of coordination and balance as well as hearing loss. The three types of ear infections that your dog is likely to suffer from include otitis externa is the infection of the outer ear, otitis media infection in the middle ear, and otitis interna which is an infection of the inner canal. Foreign body to the ears such as excess debris, hormonal imbalances in the body, parasites, and trauma to the eye may also cause ear infections in Great Danes.
Ear Infection Home Remedy
If a dog is suffering from an ear infection, it is best to take it to the vet so that he may take a swab of the ear discharge to determine the cause of the ear infection. Some of the common treatments include anti-mite medication, antibiotics, and antifungal medications applied to the skin. The home remedy for ear infections is keeping the ears of your Great Dane clean and dry through regular cleaning at least once a month. You may make your own cleaning solution at home by mixing half hydrogen peroxide and half water to make a cleaning solution.
Seizure
Seizure, convulsions, or fits refer to the disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain that is normally accompanied with uncontrollable muscle activity. Dog seizures are categorized into three according to causes; primary, secondary, and reactive seizures.
Secondary seizures are due to trauma, stroke, or brain tumors. Primary seizures are hereditary although the cause is unknown. For this reason, they are referred to as idiopathic epilepsy. Reactive seizures occur after the brain detects a problem with metabolism due to low blood sugar, reaction to toxins, or even organ failure.
The intensity of seizures are categorized into two; focal and grand mal seizures. The former only affects one part of the brain hence the dog is conscious while experiencing the seizure. On the other hand, a grand mal seizure affects both parts of the brain causing loss of consciousness, foaming mouth, urination or defecation, and stiffening muscles. However, seizures are rare in Great Danes.
Great Dane Allergies
Great Danes are prone to allergies caused by food, environmental, and skin allergens as discussed below:
Environmental allergies – Some of the environmental allergens that may cause inflammation in this breed include dust and dust mites, pollen, grass, house molds, grass pollen, fleas, and ticks. Environmental allergies may exhibit various signs including itchiness in the armpit, ankles, groin, paws, around the eyes, and between the toes. This condition may also result in swollen eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Contact allergies – This allergy affects the skin of a Great Dane once the allergen comes in contact with the skin. Some of the contact allergens that affect Great Danes include plastics, nylon carpet, poison Ivy, carpet grooming products, latex, medication, certain fabrics, and grooming products.
Skin allergies – Great Danes are predisposed to skin allergies due to food, contact, and environmental allergies that manifest on the skin as well as genetic factors.
Food allergies – Although rare, Great Danes may suffer from a true food allergy that causes an immune response. Apart from food allergies, this breed may also suffer from food intolerance or food sensitivities.
Great Dane Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in Great Danes may be caused by environmental, contact, genetic, and food allergens. Contact allergens include latex, carpet cleaners, and medications. Hypothyroidism in this breed may cause secondary skin infections and skin abnormalities that may manifest as food intolerances, atopic dermatitis, and scabies.
The inflammation of the skin on the paw of Great Danes is caused by canine pododermatitis which affects parts of the paw leading to secondary infections and external trauma. Some of the common body parts that skin allergies may result to itch skin and dry flaky skin include ears, muzzle, belly, around the face, feet, and anywhere between the skin folds.
Itchiness in these areas may lead to licking, biting, and intensive scratching that may result in lesions and hot spots. If left untreated, it may lead to bacterial and yeast infections. Skin allergies may also affect the ears and eyes leading to chronic eye infections. Some of the home remedies for skin allergies in Great Danes include using sulfate-free, hypoallergenic, and organic shampoos which are excellent options for calming inflamed skin.
Great Dane Food Allergies
Great Danes may suffer from food allergies although in rare cases. A true food allergy is accompanied with a wide range of symptoms ranging from skin issues to gastrointestinal stress. Some of the signs of skin issues include facial swelling, pruritus, itchiness, dermatitis, hives, crusting lesions, and hot spots. On the other hand, gastrointestinal stress include acute vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Apart from food allergies, Great Danes may also suffer from food intolerance. This occurs as a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet of a Great Dane including beef, chicken, dairy products, corn, eggs, fillers, soy, wheat, chemicals, preservatives, flavors, fish, turkey, pork, etc. Signs of food intolerance include poor skin and coat, foot infections, itchiness, ear infections, vomiting and diarrhea. Food allergies are managed better if a dog owner works with the veterinarian to determine the cause behind this condition.
Some of the other breeds of dogs include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Pug.
Eyes
Great Danes have medium-sized dark brown eyes with a lively expression. The eyes are deeply set. However, Harlequin Great Danes may have blue eyes throughout their lives. Puppies of this breed are born with blue eyes that later transform into dark brown eyes. The eyelids of Great Danes are almond-shaped with well-developed brows.
Eyes Red
Redness of the eyes in Great Danes may be a result of ectropion which causes the lower eyelids to droop while exposing the mucus membrane below the eyeball.
Ears
According to American Kennel Club, the natural ears of Great Danes should be medium in size, have a moderate thickness, and should be set high. Natural ears of this breed are floppy-shaped with the top line of the folded ear being level with the skull.
Ears Cropped
Great Danes were originally bred for hunting wild boars, bears, and deer. Therefore, ear cropping was developed to prevent tearing and ripping when confronting the prey. Some parents still have their Great Danes’ ears cropped for cosmetic reasons. According to AKC, a pooch of this breed that has cropped ears should have an ear length that is proportional to the size of the head and the ears should be uniformly erect. Although, ear cropping is a practice that has been widely illegalized in some of the commonwealth countries.
Tail
Naturally, Great Danes have a long tail that is super strong and when wagged very hard can clean the coffee table. The tail of a Great Dane should be broad at the base and thinner uniformly down to the hock joint. When this dog is at rest, the tail should fall straight.
If the Great Dane is running or excited, the tail may curve slightly, although never at the level of the back. A docked tail is a disqualification for Great Danes participating in AKC conformation shows. Tail docking is a selective option decided by the owners to have their puppies’ or adult dogs’ tails docked for cosmetic purposes or a tail injury caused by a happy tail syndrome. This procedure is performed by a vet.
Head
The head of the Great Danes is long, rectangular, expressive, distinguished, and finely chiseled. When viewed from the side, the forehead of a Great Dane should be sharply set off from the bridge of the nose.
Head Tremors
Head tremors refer to the involuntary vertical or lateral movement of the head that lasts typically for 1 to 3 minutes. Although this condition is not common in Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, Dobermans, Dalmatians, Pitbulls, Bulldogs, Chow Chows, and Spanish Hounds are susceptible to this condition.
Teeth
An adult Great Dane has a total of 42 sets of permanent teeth that are strong and well-developed. A pup of this breed has 28 deciduous sets of teeth. An overshot and undershot bites are considered serious faults in this breed.
Teeth Cleaning
Clean the teeth of a great Dane ta least twice a week if not daily using a dog formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. However, there are wipes, gels, sprays, and enzymatic cleaning solutions available for teeth cleaning. Regular teeth cleaning minimizes the risk of your pooch developing teeth problems such as gum inflammation and periodontal disease.
Hair Loss
Like Dobermans, Great Danes are also prone to hypothyroidism which occurs when the thyroid glands are not producing enough thyroid hormone. Some of the common symptoms of this condition include hair loss, dry skin, and coat, weight gain, aggression, etc. Apart from hypothyroidism, other causes of hair loss include hormonal changes, stress, mange, Cushing’s disease, and allergies.
Speed
Although Great Danes are heavier than most breeds, they may run up to a speed of 48km/h ( approx. 30 miles per hour).
Neck Size
An adult Great Dane has a neck size of 20 to 26 inches ( approx. 51 to 66 cm).
Mating
Before mating your Great Dane, make sure both the female and male Danes have undergone genetic testing to clear most of the genetic health concerns. Mating is recommended when the dog is at least two years old to allow the genetically linked faults to express themselves.
Breeders and owners should spay their dogs if they have no intention of breeding. This is because dogs experience an estrus cycle throughout their lives hence it is possible for dogs to get pregnant in their senior years. It is highly advisable to mate your Great Dane when it is experiencing the heat cycle.
The heat cycle may last between one week to three weeks. This breed experiences its first heat cycle between the age of 6 to 24 months, with most Great Danes having their first heat cycle at the age of 12 months. Signs exhibited by a Great Dane while on a heat cycle include a bloody discharge, changes in eating habits, tail flagging, increased urination, swollen vulva, mood swings, and increased nesting behavior.
Litter Size
A Great Dane may have an average litter size of 8 puppies with the majority having a litter size of between 10 to 15 puppies. However, in 2014, a Great Dane, Snowy in Pennsylvania gave birth to a litter size of 19 puppies.
Pregnancy Length
Most Great Dane dams have a gestation period of 63 days. Although, the pregnancy length in this breed may vary by a few days. The puppies of this breed are large in size and with the large litter size it may require a caesarian section to prevent complications of the birth for the mother.
Names
After purchasing Great Dane pup or getting a dog from a rescue center, the dog owner participates in an essential exercise of getting a name for their pet. A dog owner should get a name that he or she is comfortable calling it out loud even in parks and public places where the dogs are allowed without being embarrassed. Furthermore, when naming the dog, the dog owner should consider giving it a name that has vowels since they are easy to master and remember. Remember not to give your pet a name that is used by household members or people that frequent your household to avoid confusion.
Names Girl
- Stella.
- Harley.
- Willow.
- Snowy.
- Lily.
- Zoe.
- Ruby.
- Lola.
- Mia.
- Nala.
- Pixie.
- Sasha.
- Minnie.
- Kendra, etc.
Names Male
- Duke.
- Charlie.
- Max.
- Buddy.
- Buster.
- Gus.
- Sebastian.
- Butch.
- Kai.
- Ryder.
- Tyler.
- Carlo.
- Preston, etc.
Harness Or Collar
According to Russell Hartstein founder of Fun Paw Cares, dog owners that prefer using a harness should look out for front attaching harnesses that form the letter ‘H’ over the dog so that it doesn’t affect the gait. A flat buckle or free martingale is preferred for Great Danes tags. Shock or prong collars are highly discouraged as they create fear-induced reactions. Dog owners have preferences when it comes to using a harness or collar.
Some argue that harnesses are better for Great Danes because they are powerful and muscular dogs that are prone to pulling. A harness also gives the dog owner more control over the dog while protecting the dog against neck and trachea injury. However, other dog owners prefer a collar since it discourages pulling due to how uncomfortable it gets when this dog pulls.
Muzzle
A Great Dane may be muzzled when the dog owner is not sure of how it will react to a new situation or environment especially when the dog is not used to professional grooming.
A muzzle is also recommended when the dog is in pain as it is prone to biting when a dog owner tries to transport them or when attending to their wounds. However, it should not be used as a form of correcting behavioral problems such as chewing and barking.
Dog owners should get their dogs accustomed to a muzzle. For instance, putting a treat such as a peanut butter for the dog to lick on the muzzle. This will make the dog have positive associations with the muzzle which will be helpful in a situation where the muzzle is needed.
Muzzle Size
The muzzle length of a Great Dane is 5.5 inches ( approx. 14cm) while the muzzle circumference is 17.7 inches ( approx. 45 cm).
Great Dane Food
This breed is prone to a lot of joint conditions, so it is advisable that the diet of Great Danes should have chondroitin and glucosamine to provide the dog with the needed support. When purchasing food for this breed, choose a diet designed for giant-sized dogs that will ensure they get enough nutrients.
A senior Great Dane, from the age of 7 years should start feeding on formula-aimed diets that have reduced amounts of fats making weight management much easier. Great Danes are also prone to bloating. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid feeding your dog semi-moist foods due to the amount of salt, sugar, and additives in semi-moist foods only increase the likelihood of gastric stress.
Great Dane Feeding
Great Danes are large-sized dogs that have a faster metabolism. Therefore, this results in more energy and food consumption per pound of food than in small breeds. The following is the feeding guideline for Great Danes depending on their age.
- Puppies aged two months should feed three times a total of 2-3 cups.
- At the age of three months, a Great Dane puppy feeds three times a day a total of 3 to 5 cups.
- A puppy aged four months should feed a total of 4 to 6 cups a day in three servings.
- At the age of 5 to 6 months, a puppy now feeds twice a day a total of 5 to 8 cups.
- Between the age of 7 to 8 months, a dog feeds a total of 6 to 9 cups a day in two servings.
- A dog aged 9 to 10 months feeds a total of 7 to 10 cups twice a day.
- Between the age of 10 to 12 months, a dog feeds 7 to 10 cups a day in two meals.
- Female adolescents of this breed feed a total of eight cups twice a day while a teenage male feeds 9 to 15 cups twice a day.
- An adult female Great Dane feeds 6 to 8 cups a day while an adult male counterpart feeds twice a day a total of 8 to 10 cups.
Colors
This breed has a single coat that is smooth and short. The coat may have different colors ranging from brindle, fawn, Blue, Harlequin, Black, Fawn, Mantle, and Grey merle. Therefore, Great Danes are often categorized into different types depending on the coat color that they possess. Other colors may also occur in this breed, however, they are not allowed to participate in conformation shows including blue fawn, white, chocolate, piebald, merlequin, smokey fawn, blue harlequin, various merge including blue merle, chocolate merle, mantled merle, tri-colored merle, etc, fawnequin, and brindlequin.
Merle
A Great Dane with merle color is acceptable in conformation shows of both AKC and FCI. A dog with this coat has a base color that is pale gray to dark gray with black torn patches within. The acceptable markings in this type of Great Dane is solid Merle that is also permissible with white on toes and chest or a Merle with a Mantle pattern, that is, it has a solid merle blanket extending over the body, whole or white partial neck, a merle skull with a white muzzle, white on the chest, and white on whole or part of the hind legs and forelegs as well as a white tipped merle tail.
Harlequin
A Harlequin coat Great Dane has a white base color with black torn patches. Merle patches are also common in this type of dog. The patterns of a Harlequin-colored Great Dane is black torn patches that are well distributed over the body. A pure white neck is preferred. The black patches on a Harlequin should never be large enough to give the appearance of a blanket nor too small to give a dappled effect.
Blue
A Blue colored Great Dane has a pure steel blue coat that is permissible but not desirable with white markings on the feet and chest.
Fawn
This kind of dog has a yellow gold-colored coat with a black mask. A fawn-colored Great Dane should also have black on the eyebrows, eye rims, and may also appear on the ears and tail tip.
Why Is My Great Dane Shedding So Much
Great Danes shed in moderate levels throughout the year and excessively during the seasonal change once or twice a year. However, even though the shedding levels are moderate throughout the year, this may still result in a bit of hair since this is a large breed of dog.
Are Great Dane Hypoallergenic
No. Even though the Great Danes lack an undercoat shedding, allows dander to spread around the house. Dander is the allergen that causes allergic reactions in people suffering from dog allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Great Dane Aggressive
Yes, a Great Dane that is not well socialized is fearful or aggressive toward new stimuli such as other dogs and strangers. However, this is not the case with a properly trained and socialized dog.
Are Great Dane Hypoallergenic
No. They have a single-coat that molts at moderate levels throughout the year and heavily in Spring and/or Fall allowing the protein allergen to spread around the house aggravating dog allergies in people who suffer from them.
What Is The Average Lifespan of A Great Dane
They have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Therefore, the average life expectancy of a Great Dane is 9 years.
How To Measure Great Dane Height
The height of a Great Dane is measured from the withers to the bottom of the paws. The withers is the point where the neck base and the shoulder intersect.
How Long Is A Great Dane Heat Cycle
A female Great Dane is likely to have a heat cycle for a period of 3 weeks.
How Much Does A Great Dane Weight
According to AKC, a female Great Dane weighs 110 to 140 pounds ( approx. 50 to 64 kg while a male counterpart of this breed weighs 140 to 175 pounds ( approx. 64 to 79 kg ).
Quick Great Dane Facts
- The current record holder of the tallest living dog was Zeus, a black Great Dane that died in September 2014.
- They are good-natured which is often belied due to their imposing size, appearance, and strength.
- Great Danes are susceptible to bloating and should not be exercised before resting for 40 to 60 minutes after meals.
