Great Dane
Also called Deutsche Dogge.
Among the tallest breeds, and among the shortest-lived — a median around eight years, which is the honest thing to say to anyone considering one.
- Group
- Working
- Weight
- 50–82 kg
- Coat
- short
- Ears
- drop
- Muzzle
- long
- Build
- Square
- Origin
- Germany
What it looks like
Enormous and square with a long rectangular head, a deep muzzle, a short sleek coat and a long tapering tail carried level.
The characters that confirm it
- Great size with a square outline — height and body length roughly equal.
- A long rectangular head with a pronounced stop and a deep square muzzle.
- A short sleek coat, in fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin or mantle.
- Ears naturally drop; cropped ears are cosmetic surgery and illegal in many countries.
Temperament
Gentle and low-key indoors despite the size. Needs moderate rather than heavy exercise, especially while growing.
Health
Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a leading cause of death and a genuine emergency — prophylactic gastropexy is worth discussing. Dilated cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma and wobbler syndrome all occur. Median lifespan is around eight years. Breeding two harlequins or two merles produces double-merle puppies with high rates of deafness and blindness.
Confused with
Heavier and lower, with a much broader shorter muzzle and a loose-skinned head.
Taller still, with a rough wiry coat and a much lighter sighthound frame.
Questions about this breed
How do you recognise a Great Dane?
Great size with a square outline — height and body length roughly equal. A long rectangular head with a pronounced stop and a deep square muzzle.
What is a Great Dane like to live with?
Gentle and low-key indoors despite the size. Needs moderate rather than heavy exercise, especially while growing.
What health problems do Great Danes have?
Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a leading cause of death and a genuine emergency — prophylactic gastropexy is worth discussing. Dilated cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma and wobbler syndrome all occur. Median lifespan is around eight years. Breeding two harlequins or two merles produces double-merle puppies with high rates of deafness and blindness.