Great Dane

Oh, baby! A Great Dane is truly a great dog breed–large and noble, commonly referred to as a gentle giant or as the “Apollo of dogs.” Apollo is the Greek god of the sun, the brightest fixture in the sky.

Great Danes have been around for a long time, and depictions of Dane-like dogs on artifacts date back thousands of years. Although this is a pure breed of dog, you may find them in shelters and rescues, so remember to adopt! Don’t shop if you decide this is the dog for you.

Great Danes certainly hold stature in the dog world; but though they look terribly imposing, in reality they’re one of the best-natured dogs around. For all of their size, Great Danes are sweet, affectionate pets. They love to play and are gentle with children.

FunkyPaw recommends a big, spacious crate to give your big Great Dane a place to rest and relax. You should also pick up a dog brush and massager for your short-haired pup!

Breed Characteristics:

Adaptability

Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.

If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!

Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.

Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.

Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.

Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.

All Around Friendliness

Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.

See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family

Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.

**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.

Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.

Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash n public!

Health And Grooming Needs

If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool

Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.

Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.

Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.

If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.

Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.

Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.

Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!

Trainability

Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.

Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.

Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.

Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.

Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.

Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.

Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.

Physical Needs

High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.

Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.

A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.

Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.

Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.

Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.

Vital Stats:

Dog Breed Group:Working DogsHeight:26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulderWeight:100 to 200 poundsLife Span:7 to 10 years

More About This Breed

The Great Dane was originally bred to hunt wild boar, but they probably wouldn’t be very good at it today. The ferociousness necessary to track down such a large, wily animal was eventually bred out of the Great Dane. They’re now a gentle soul who generally gets along well with other dogs, animals, and humans.

However, their size and their power bark will scare the wits out of a burglar. Anyone who owns one of these dogs eventually understands that while you may be used to their awesome size, others usually need a little time to get there.

The Great Dane was developed from Mastiff-type dogs, but they’re more refined than other descendants of this ancient breed. A Great Dane is sleek and elegant. They have an athletic, muscular body. Their massive head–and massive is the right word–is long and narrow. They’ve got a long, graceful neck. Some owners crop their ears, but they’re better left natural. Cropped ears are common in the US, but in other countries, ear-cropping is banned.

Their size can present problems. Eyeballing a dog who weighs as much as you makes some folks nervous. Their tail can knock over a lot of things, particularly in a small space. And given the opportunity, they’re an impressive counter surfer. Luckily, they aren’t rambunctious or highly energetic.

Size notwithstanding, a Great Dane is a sweet, affectionate companion. They love to play and are gentle with children. They have a peaceful disposition, although they haven’t lost any of the courageousness that helped them hunt wild boar. Although they aren’t particularly vocal–despite their killer power bark–they wouldn’t hesitate to defend family.

Even given their inherent gentleness, it’s advisable to teach them good manners and attend obedience training classes when they’re young. Their sheer size alone could make them impossible to control when they’re an adult, and–as with any dog–you never know when they might see something they just have to chase.

They’re eager to please and highly people-oriented, demanding a great deal of attention from those around them. They tends to nudge people with that big old head of theirs when they want to be petted. Sometimes you’ll meet one with lapdog tendencies who sees no reason not to hop onto the sofa and drape themselves on you.

Surprisingly, the Great Dane typically doesn’t eat as much food as you’d think. And while they need daily exercise, they don’t need a huge yard to play in–although they certainly would enjoy one.

Because of their beauty and gentle nature, more and more people are discovering the Great Dane. Just be aware that because of their size, they’ve got a relatively short life span of around eight years. That means they takes up a huge space in your heart for a relatively short amount of time.

Highlights

• The Great Dane is sweet, eager to please, people-oriented, easy to housetrain, and responds well to training using positive reinforcement.
• Like many giant dogs, Great Danes are short-lived.
• Great Danes require a lot of space. Even though they make great house dogs, they need a lot of room just to move around. There’s little that they can’t reach–kitchen counters and dinner tables are no problem–and their tails can easily sweep your coffee table clean.
• Everything costs more when you have a big dog–collars, veterinary care, heartworm preventive, and food. In addition, you’ll need both a crate and a vehicle that are large enough to hold your Great Dane without crumpling them into a pretzel. And let’s face it, you’ll scoop up a lot of poop.
• It takes a while for the bones and joints of large dogs such as Great Danes to stop growing and become stable. Don’t allow your Great Dane puppy to jump, and don’t take them jogging until they’re at least 18 months old; this will reduce stress on the growing bones and joints.
• The Dane’s special giant-breed dietary requirements have to be followed, or else orthopedic issues can develop.
• Great Danes aren’t particularly suited to apartments or small houses, simply because they’re so big. They’re not jumpers, fortunately, so a six-foot fence should contain them.
• Never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for local shelters and rescues if you decide this is the breed for you.

History

Drawings of dogs who look like Great Danes have been found on Egyptian artifacts dating back to 3000 B.C. and in Babylonian temples that were built around 2000 B.C. There’s evidence that similar dogs originated in Tibet, with written reports of such dogs appearing in Chinese literature in 1121 B.C.

The breed is thought to have been taken into various parts of the world by the Assyrians, who traded their dogs to the Greeks and Romans. The Greeks and Romans then bred these dogs with other breeds. Ancestors of the English Mastiff were probably involved in the breed development, and some folks believe that the Irish Wolfhound or Irish Greyhound also may have played a role.

Great Danes originally were called Boar Hounds, because boars were what they were bred to hunt. Their ears were cropped to prevent boar tusks from tearing them. In the 16th century, the name of the breed was changed to “English Dogges.”

Late in the 1600s, however, many German nobles began keeping the largest and most handsome of their dogs in their homes, calling them Kammerhunde (Chamber Dogs). These dogs were pampered and wore gilded collars lined with velvet. Talk about a sweet life.

The name Great Dane arose in the 1700s, when a French naturalist traveled to Denmark and saw a version of the Boar Hound who was slimmer and more like a Greyhound in appearance. He called this dog Grand Danois, which eventually became Great Danish Dog, with the more massive examples of the breed called Danish Mastiffs. The name stuck, even though Denmark did not develop the breed.

Most breed historians give credit to German breeders for refining the breed to be the well-balanced, elegant dog we love today. In 1880, breeders and judges held a meeting in Berlin and agreed that since the dogs they were breeding were distinctly different from the English Mastiff, they would give it its own name–Deutsche Dogge (German Dog).

They founded the Deutscher Doggen-Klub of Germany, and many other European countries took up the name as well. The Italians and English-speaking countries didn’t accept this name, however. Even today, the Italians call the breed Alano, meaning Mastiff; and in English-speaking countries, of course, they’re called Great Danes.

Throughout the late 1800s, wealthy German breeders continued to refine the breed. They turned their attention to the dog’s temperament, because Great Danes had aggressive, ferocious temperaments due to the fact that they were originally bred to hunt wild boar, a particularly ferocious beast. These breeders tried to produce more gentle animals, and–luckily for us today–they succeeded.

We don’t know when the first Great Danes were brought to the US, or even where they came from, but the Great Dane Club of America was formed in 1889. It was the fourth breed club allowed to join the American Kennel Club.

Size

Male Great Danes are 30 to 34 inches tall and weigh 120 to 200 pounds.

Females are 28 to 32 inches tall and weigh 100 to 130 pounds. Some dogs can be smaller or larger than average.

Personality

A well-bred Dane is one of the best-natured dogs around. They’re gentle, sweet, affectionate pets who love to play and are relaxed with children. They have a great desire to please, which makes them easy to train.

The Great Dane wants to be where the family is. They like people a lot, including strangers and children, and will welcome visitors happily, unless they think you need defending. Then they can be fiercely protective.

Some Danes wish they were–or truly believe they are–lapdogs, and they’ll keep trying to get there even if you and your lap mysteriously keep moving.

Good-natured as they are, Great Danes definitely need early socialization–exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences–when they’re young. Socialization helps ensure that your Great Dane puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, as well as taking your dog to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills.

Health

Great Danes are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Not all Danes will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.

Here are a few conditions to watch out for:

• Development Issues: Growing problems can develop in puppies and young adults. These are sometimes associated with an improper diet–often a diet too high in protein, calcium, or supplements.
• Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but others don’t display outward signs of discomfort. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred.
• Gastric Torsion: Also called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs such as Great Danes. This is especially true if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat is more common among older dogs. It occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists (torsion). The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. They also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid heart rate. It’s important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you see these signs.
• Bone Cancer: Sometimes known as osteosarcoma, this is the most common bone tumor found in dogs. It’s usually seen in middle-aged or elderly dogs, but larger breeds such as the Great Dane tend to develop tumors at younger ages. Generally affecting large and giant breeds, osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer. The first sign is lameness, but the dog will need X-rays to determine if the cause is cancer. Osteosarcoma is treated aggressively, usually with the amputation of the limb and chemotherapy. With treatment, dogs can live nine months to two years or more. Luckily, dogs adapt well to life on three legs.
• Heart Disease: Heart diseases affect Great Danes; varieties include dilated cardiomyopathy, mitral valve defects, tricuspid valve dysplasia, subaortic stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus, and persistent right aortic arch. Prognosis and treatment vary depending on the specific disorder and the dog’s age and general health.

Surgical issues are a bit different for Great Danes than for smaller dogs. For any needed surgery, find a surgeon who is experienced with giant-breed dogs. Ask for a presurgical blood test and ask them to include a clotting profile (this is not part of typical presurgical blood work).

Care

Despite their giant size, a Great Dane is mellow enough to be a good house dog, though they’re not well suited to a tiny apartment because they’ll knock into everything.

They can get cold in the winter, so they shouldn’t be left outside in colder climates–but then no dog should. In fact, they would enjoy having a sweater or fleece coat to keep them toasty warm when you go for a walk in a winter climate.

They’re relatively quiet indoors, but they need a long walk at least once a day, or a large yard to play in. An adult Great Dane needs 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, depending on their age and activity level. Puppies and adolescents need about 90 minutes of exercise a day.

If you plan on keeping them in a yard occasionally, they’ll need a six-foot fence, though they’re not a jumper. If you’re a gardening fan, understand that they really enjoy destroying the landscaping–just a little safety tip in hopes of preventing human heart attacks.

While you may want a running partner, wait to take your Great Dane jogging until they’re at least 18 months old. Before then, their bones are still growing, and they’re just not up to the task. In fact, your dog may not be ready to go jogging until they’re two years old.

Crate training benefits every dog and is a kind way to ensure that your Great Dane doesn’t have accidents in the house or get into things they shouldn’t. A crate–a really big one–is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Dane accept confinement if they ever need to be boarded or hospitalized.

Never stick your Dane in a crate all day long, however. It’s not a jail, and they shouldn’t spend more than a few hours at a time in it except when they’re sleeping at night. Great Danes are people dogs, and they aren’t meant to spend their lives locked up in a crate or kennel.

Brush your Dane’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Trim their nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn’t wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding–and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. So, if you’re not experienced trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers.

Their ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. When you check your dog’s ears, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Don’t insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear.

As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.

Feeding

Diet is important for a rapidly growing giant-breed puppy like a Great Dane, more so than for most breeds. A Great Dane puppy shouldn’t eat regular puppy food because it’s usually too rich for them; they need the puppy food designed for large breeds. It’s best not to supplement with anything, especially not with calcium.

Assuming a high-quality food, the amount to give your Great Dane varies greatly with age and gender. You must consult your vet or nutritionist for dietary recommendations to suit your individual dog. However, generalized daily amounts are:

• Three to six months: females, three to six cups; males, four to eight cups
• Eight months to one year: females, five to eight cups; males, six to ten cups
• Adolescents: females, eight cups; males, nine to 15 cups
• Adults: females, six to eight cups; males eight to ten cups

Until the age of four to five months, a Great Dane puppy should have three meals per day. After that, give them two meals per day for life. They should never have only one meal per day.

For more on feeding your Great Dane, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.

Coat Color And Grooming

The six usual colors of Great Danes’ smooth, short coats are:

• Fawn (a golden color with a black mask)
• Brindle (fawn and black intermixed all over the body in a tiger-stripe pattern)
• Blue (steel blue, which is really a sort of gray)
• Black
• Harlequin (white with irregular black patches over the entire body)
• Mantle (black and white with a solid black blanket over the body)

They shed a lot, but their coat is easy to keep in top condition with regular brushing. Use a firm bristle brush and shampoo as needed. Regular brushing keeps your Great Dane’s coat healthy and clean, and it cuts down on the number of baths they need.

As you might imagine, bathing a Great Dane is a daunting task, particularly if they’re not looking forward to it. Hard to imagine them hiding under the kitchen table while trying to escape a bath, but it happens.

Begin getting your Dane used to being brushed and examined when they’re a puppy. Handle their paws frequently–dogs are touchy about their feet–and look inside their mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you’ll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when they’re an adult.

Children And Other Pets

A Great Dane loves children and is gentle with them, especially when raised with them from puppyhood. Keep in mind they don’t have any idea how big they are compared to a small child, so they can accidentally knock kids over quite easily.

As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child not to approach any dog while they’re eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog’s food away.

Generally speaking, a Great Dane will get along with other pets in the household, but occasionally some can be aggressive with livestock, or they just may not care for the other pets. It’s an individual taste: some won’t tolerate another animal in the house, while others will snooze with the cats and other dogs.

Rescue Groups

Great Danes are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Danes in need of adoption and or fostering and a number of rescues that we have not listed. If you don’t see a rescue listed for your area, contact the national breed club or a local breed club and they can point you toward a great Dane rescue.

• Great Dane Club of America Rescue
• Great Dane Rescue, Inc.
• Great Dane Rescue of Ohio
• Great Dane Rescue of North Texas
• Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue
• Great Dane Rescue of South Carolina

Breed Organizations

• Great Dane Club of America, Inc.