Great Dane
The Great Dane, often referred to as the "Apollo of Dogs," is a giant breed known for its imposing size and gentle temperament. Originating in Germany, the Great Dane was originally bred for hunting wild boar, but over time, it became more refined and developed into a companion dog. Despite their large size, Great Danes are known for their affectionate and calm nature, making them beloved family pets. They have earned a reputation as gentle giants and are often used as therapy dogs due to their patient, friendly disposition.
Fun Fact!
Despite their size, Great Danes think they are lap dogs and will often try to sit on their owners' laps for attention and affection!
Overall
Great Danes are gentle, affectionate giants that make excellent companions for families or individuals with enough space and resources to care for a large dog. They thrive on human interaction and are best suited to homes where they can be active participants in daily life. With proper care, they are loyal, loving pets that bring joy to any household.
Essential information
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Qualities
Gentle and Affectionate
Great Danes are known for their friendly and loving nature, making them wonderful companions for families and individuals.
Protective Yet Calm
They are naturally protective but not aggressive, often acting as gentle guardians of the home.
Loyal and Devoted
Great Danes form strong bonds with their families and are incredibly loyal, often following their owners around the house.
Minimal Grooming Needs
Despite their large size, Great Danes have a short coat that requires minimal grooming.
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Considerations
Short Lifespan
Great Danes have a relatively short lifespan of 7-10 years, which can be emotionally challenging for owners.
High Veterinary Costs
Due to their size and predisposition to health issues like hip dysplasia and bloat, Great Danes can incur high veterinary costs over their lifetime.
Space Requirements
Their large size requires ample living space, and they are not well-suited to small apartments without regular access to outdoor exercise.
Prone to Joint Issues
Their large frame puts extra stress on their joints, and they can be prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis as they age.
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Exercise & Training
Exercise Needs
Great Danes are moderate-energy dogs that require regular, but not excessive, exercise. They enjoy daily walks and playtime but are not as energetic as smaller working or herding breeds. Too much strenuous activity, particularly during their growth period, can put stress on their joints.
Walks
One to two moderate walks per day, combined with some playtime, are sufficient to meet their exercise needs. It's important to avoid high-impact exercise, especially in young dogs, to prevent joint damage.
Training
Great Danes are intelligent and willing to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, due to their size, early obedience training is essential to ensure good behaviour. Positive reinforcement works best, and consistency is key. They respond well to gentle, patient training methods.
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Cost
Purchase Price
$3,000 - $6,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage.
Initial Setup
Around $600 - $1,000 AUD, as they require larger and more durable items. (crate, bed, toys, etc.)
Food
Approximately $1,500 - $2,500 AUD per year, given their large size and dietary needs.
Grooming
Minimal grooming costs, typically around $100 - $300 AUD per year, as their short coat requires only basic maintenance.
Vet Bills
Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $600 - $1,200 AUD. Due to their predisposition to health issues such as hip dysplasia and bloat, ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care could cost $500 - $1,500 AUD per year.
Total Lifetime Cost
Over a 7-10 year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $25,000 - $50,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors.
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Characteristics
Size and Weight
Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds, typically standing 71-86 cm (28-34 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighing between 50-90 kg (110-200 lbs), with males generally being larger than females.
Coat
They have a short, smooth coat that is easy to maintain. While they shed year-round, their grooming needs are minimal and can be managed with weekly brushing.
Colour Options
Great Danes come in a variety of colours, including fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin (white with black patches), and mantle (black and white).
Temperament
Great Danes are known for their gentle, affectionate, and calm demeanour. They are friendly, social dogs that enjoy being close to their families and are usually good-natured around strangers, children, and other animals.
Good with Children
Great Danes are generally excellent with children due to their gentle nature. However, due to their large size, supervision is recommended, especially around smaller children, to prevent accidental injury.
Socialisation
Early socialisation is important for Great Danes to ensure they are comfortable around different people, pets, and environments. They are naturally friendly but benefit from exposure to new situations to prevent timidness or overprotectiveness.
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Living Environment Suitability
Indoors vs. Outdoors
Great Danes are best suited to living indoors with their families. Despite their size, they are calm and well-mannered indoors but require regular outdoor exercise. They should not be left outside for long periods due to their need for human interaction and sensitivity to weather extremes.
Apartment Living
While Great Danes can adapt to apartment living, their size and energy levels mean they are better suited to homes with access to outdoor space. They need regular walks and space to stretch out, but they are generally calm indoors.
Time Alone
Great Danes do not do well when left alone for long periods. They are social dogs that thrive on companionship and may develop separation anxiety if isolated for extended periods.
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Healthcare
Common Health Issues
Great Danes are prone to several health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and bloat (gastric torsion), which is a life-threatening condition that can occur suddenly. Regular vet check-ups, a proper diet, and avoiding over-exercising during growth stages are crucial to maintaining their health.
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Additional info
Guarding Ability
Great Danes are naturally protective and can make good watchdogs, alerting their owners to strangers. However, they are typically friendly and not aggressive unless provoked or trained to guard.
Affectionate Nature
Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are affectionate dogs that enjoy being close to their families. They often seek out attention and love being involved in family activities.
Suitability for Dog Parks
Great Danes can be social with other dogs if properly socialised, but supervision is recommended due to their size. They generally get along well with other dogs but may inadvertently intimidate smaller breeds.
Climate Adaptability
Great Danes are sensitive to extreme temperatures due to their short coat. In hot weather, it’s important to provide them with plenty of water and shade, and in cold weather, they may need a dog coat to stay warm during outdoor activities.
Ethical Breeding Considerations
Due to the breed’s predisposition to health issues like bloat and hip dysplasia, it is important to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings. Ethical breeding practices help reduce the risk of hereditary conditions and ensure the overall well-being of the puppies.
