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Great Dane
Working breed from Germany
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Great Dane
The Great Dane is a giant working breed from Germany, known for its friendly, gentle, confident, loyal, and affectionate temperament. Its coat is short and smooth, requiring minimal grooming (grooming score 1 out of 5), with moderate shedding (score 2). Energy level is moderate (score 3 out of 5), and trainability is also moderate (score 3). The breed is generally well-suited to children (score 4 out of 5) but may be less compatible with other dogs (score 3) and is not ideal for apartment living (score 2). Adult weight is estimated between 64 and 79 kg for both sexes, height between 76 and 81 cm, and lifespan estimated at 7 to 10 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Great Dane at a glance
Sizegiant
Breed groupWorking
OriginGermany
Lifespan7–10 years
Male weight64–79 kilogram
Female weight64–79 kilogram
Male height76–81 centimetre
Female height76–81 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Great Dane originated in Germany, where it was historically bred by German nobility from Mastiff-type dogs. Its original purpose was to hunt wild boar and deer, and it was later refined as an estate guardian and companion. The breed is sometimes called the 'Apollo of Dogs' due to its regal, powerful, and dignified appearance. In 1876, it was declared the national dog of Germany and standardized under the name 'Deutsche Dogge'. However, the exact timeline of its development and the specific registries that recognize it are not fully detailed in the available facts.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
64–79 kilogramAdult weight76–81 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShort, SmoothCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlygentleconfidentloyalaffectionate
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Great Dane-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Great Dane puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight64–79 kilogramAdult female weight64–79 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Great Dane?
Great Danes are a giant breed. Estimated adult weight ranges from 64 to 79 kg for both males and females, and height from 76 to 81 cm. Their estimated lifespan is 7 to 10 years.
What is the temperament of a Great Dane?
The breed is described as friendly, gentle, confident, loyal, and affectionate. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every Great Dane will exhibit all these traits.
How much exercise does a Great Dane need?
Great Danes have a moderate energy level (score 3 out of 5). They require regular exercise but are not excessively high-energy. Specific exercise needs are not detailed in the facts.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming needs are minimal (score 1 out of 5) due to the short, smooth coat. Shedding is moderate (score 2). Regular brushing can help manage loose hair.
Is a Great Dane suitable for families with children?
The breed scores 4 out of 5 for child suitability, indicating it is generally good with children. However, individual temperament and supervision are important.
Can a Great Dane live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is low (score 2 out of 5) due to their large size. They are better suited to homes with space.
Where does the Great Dane originate from?
The Great Dane originates from Germany. It was bred by German nobility from Mastiff-type dogs, originally for hunting wild boar and deer, and later as estate guardians and companions.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.