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.
As Sniffspot user Stephanie says, "The most vocal dog I've ever had. She will have whole conversations with people!"
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
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.
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.
Leonides Ruvalcabar on Unsplash
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
As dogs bred for hunting and guarding, Danes are considered moderately trainable and often benefit from a professional trainer.
We asked Sniffspot Dane owners what they love most about their Great Dane pups, and here's what they had to say:
Similarly, Dane owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their Great Dane:
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:
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:
The average lifespan of a Great Dane is typically between 7 to 10 years.
An adult Great Dane weighs between 110 to 175 lbs and stands between 28 to 34 inches tall.
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 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.
According to our data, Great Danes are very friendly and social with children.
Our research indicates that Great Danes are very friendly with other pets.
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.
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.
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:
Sources:
Discover the Jack Russell Terrier, a breed celebrated for its intelligent and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Jack Russell Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fox hunting and vermin control starting in the 19th century.
Discover the Dalmatian, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, trainable, and loyal nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Dalmatians have their origins in Croatia, where they were initially bred for coaching (running along carriages), guarding, and hunting starting in the 16th century.
Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Albuquerque? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in Duke City.
44.5 percent of all American households share life with a canine companion. Pet professionals like dog trainers, veterinarians, and veterinary behaviorists are more important than ever as our modern society becomes increasingly difficult for four-legged friends to navigate—dog reactivity, anxiety, and general stress from lack of proper enrichment are on the rise in domestic dogs.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.