The Great Dane is a gentle giant originally bred in the 1800s for hunting wild boar and guarding estates in Germany. It remains a mystery how they came to be named Great Danes, as the breed has no roots in Denmark.
Despite the impressive Great Dane size and guardian history, they are kind and enjoy family life. Nicknamed the “Apollo of dogs,” Great Danes are the tallest in the working class of dog breeds and one of the biggest breeds in existence.
Caring for a Great Dane
Danes are known for their size. A Great Dane’s height falls between 28 and 32 inches tall. The record-holder for the world’s tallest Great Dane, Zeus, stood 41 inches tall (and over 7 feet when standing on his hind legs).
They’re also heavy—the average Great Dane weight is somewhere between 110 and 175 pounds. This growth happens quickly, too, so don’t expect your new Great Dane puppy to stay little for long. According to the Great Dane Club of America, “your puppy will grow as much in his first year as a child grows in fourteen years.”
A Great Dane’s colors include white, black, harlequin, blue, merle, and fawn, among other hues. While colors and patterns vary, all Great Dane dogs have a short coat that, despite not shedding much, needs a weekly brush-through.
Because of their size, the average Great Dane lifespan is shorter than many other dog breeds, at just seven to 10 years. But for pet parents seeking a calm and gentle companion, bringing home a Great Dane puppy can be a great choice—if you’ve got the space for a dog of this size.