Are Great Danes Good Family Dogs? What to Know About This Gentle Giant Breed

When it comes to big dogs, they don‘t get much bigger than the Great Dane. These colossal canines can stand over 30 inches tall and weigh up to 175 pounds, making them a whole lot of dog to handle. But does a Great Dane‘s substantial size mean they‘re too much for a family home?

As it turns out, this giant breed is often an excellent fit for families, even those with small children. Properly socialized Great Danes are famous for being gentle, patient, and dependable with kids. While their massive stature can seem imposing, they tend to be big softies on the inside.

"Great Danes are often called the world‘s biggest lapdogs for a reason," says Sarah Smith, a longtime Great Dane owner and president of a regional Great Dane rescue. "They may not physically fit in your lap, but they sure will try! They just want to be with their people."

A History of Companionship

To understand the modern Great Dane‘s endearing personality, it helps to look back at the breed‘s origins. Developed in Germany as far back as the 1600s, these dogs were used for hunting large game like boar and deer. Their immense size and strength made them valued protectors and estate guardians too.

Over the centuries, as large game hunting declined in popularity, Great Danes transitioned from their working roots to become beloved companion animals. They gained a reputation as "gentle giants" thanks to their sweet, affectionate natures. By the late 1800s, the breed standard focused as much on temperament as physical prowess.

Today‘s Great Danes still boast the courageousness of their ancestors, making them excellent watchdogs, but they are cherished primarily for their devoted, people-oriented personalities. In a 2021 survey by the American Kennel Club, Great Danes ranked 17th out of 197 AKC-recognized breeds in popularity.

Living with a Great Dane

Despite their daunting dimensions, Great Danes can adapt well to a variety of living situations, including suburban homes and spacious apartments. The key is to provide them with plenty of companionship, moderate exercise, and regular training.

As puppies, Danes grow at a tremendous rate, often gaining 2-3 pounds per week. This rapid development makes them prone to bone and joint issues later in life. To protect their health, it‘s crucial to feed a high-quality, nutritionally balanced large breed puppy food and limit strenuous exercise.

"One of the biggest mistakes new Dane owners make is over-exercising their puppies," says Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon and consultant for FiveBarks. "Those long walks might seem like a good idea, but too much repetitive motion on growing bones can lead to orthopedic problems. Short play sessions and training practice are better options."

Enrolling in positive reinforcement obedience classes is an excellent way to bond with your Great Dane while teaching them crucial impulse control skills. These XXL puppies don‘t always realize their own strength and size! Socialization is equally important to help your Dane feel comfortable and confident in all sorts of situations.

As adults, Great Danes still need daily walks and playtime, but they are usually content with 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. Mental stimulation is important to prevent boredom too. Food puzzles, scent games, and interactive toys can all help keep your Dane‘s giant brain engaged.

While Great Danes may be mellow compared to high-energy breeds, living with one is still a big commitment. These dogs are simply too large to be ignored! Here are a few more things to consider:

• Space Requirements: Crates, beds, and even food and water bowls all need to be supersized to accommodate a Great Dane‘s bulk. Access to a safely fenced yard is ideal.

• Grooming: Great Danes shed moderately year-round and heavily during seasonal changes. Regular brushing and vacuuming are essential, as is cleaning up drool.

• Diet: High-quality nutrition is critical for Great Danes to support their immense growth and unique physiology. Expect to go through 40-50 pounds of food per month.

• Lifespan: Like many giant breeds, Great Danes have relatively short lifespans averaging 6-8 years. Some may live 10+ years with excellent care.

• Health Issues: Great Danes are prone to serious (and often expensive) health concerns like hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, and gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV or bloat). Choosing a responsible breeder who health tests their stock is critical.

Choosing the Right Great Dane

With their striking looks and gentle demeanor, it‘s no surprise that Great Danes are in high demand. Sadly, this popularity has led to some irresponsible breeding practices that prioritize profit over health and temperament.

"The number one thing I tell potential Dane owners is to do their homework on breeders," says Smith. "Look for someone who does comprehensive health testing, provides proof of clear results, and stands behind their puppies. They should be invested in the breed and care about where their dogs end up."

Reputable breeders will likely have a waitlist and ask you extensive questions to ensure their puppies are going to suitable homes. Avoid anyone offering deals that seem too good to be true or who always has puppies available. And steer clear of "rare" colors like white, merle, and brindle, as these can come with additional health risks.

Another option is to adopt an adult Great Dane from a rescue organization. Many wonderful dogs find themselves in need of new homes due to lifestyle changes, financial hardship, or owner surrenders. Opting for a rescue can be immensely rewarding, as long as you are open to potential unknowns in the dog‘s background.

Great Danes vs. Other Giant Breeds

Not sure if a Great Dane is the right fit? Other giant breeds like Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, and Irish Wolfhounds share many of the same needs and considerations when it comes to space, budget, and commitment level. However, there are some key differences:

Data sourced from AKC breed profiles.

Compared to these other giants, Great Danes tend to be the most outgoing and people-oriented. They are also one of the tallest breeds, with long, lean legs that give them a regal appearance. Newfoundlands and Mastiffs are stockier in build, while Irish Wolfhounds have a rough, wiry coat.

Ultimately, the right breed for you will depend on your individual preferences and lifestyle. Meeting adult dogs of each breed can give you valuable insight into their unique personalities and quirks before making a commitment.

Big Dog, Big Love

Living with a Great Dane is an extraordinary experience full of laughter, love, and more than a little drool. For the right family, these gentle giants make wonderful companions who enrich every aspect of daily life.

"Great Danes have a presence and sensitivity unlike any other breed I‘ve known," says Smith. "They truly want to be with you and share in everything you do. The bond is incredible."

If you are ready for the responsibility and have the space in your heart and home, a Great Dane might just be your perfect match. With proper care, training, and socialization, these majestic dogs can bring joy to your family for years to come.

Sources

• American Kennel Club. (2021). Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2021.
• Interview with Dr. Linda Simon, veterinary surgeon and consultant at FiveBarks
• Interview with Sarah Smith, Great Dane owner and rescue president
• National Library of Medicine. (2021). Lifespan of 151 dog breeds in Japan.
• American Kennel Club. (2022). Great Dane Breed Profile.
• American Kennel Club. (2022). Mastiff Breed Profile.
• American Kennel Club. (2022). Newfoundland Breed Profile.
• American Kennel Club. (2022). Irish Wolfhound Breed Profile.