All About The Great Dane

The Great Dane, also known as the German Mastiff, Deutsche Dogge, or German Boarhound. The Great Dane descends from boar hunting dogs known from the Middle Ages and is one of the largest breeds in the world. It is thought that Great Danes are a mix of three other breeds- namely the Mastiff, the Greyhound, and the Irish Wolfhound.

Their Greyhound DNA gave them speed. Although they are not built to run long distances as they tire quickly, it is said an adult Great Dane can reach speeds of up to 30mph.

Their Mastiff DNA gave them muscular bulk. At birth, puppies weigh from 1-2lbs; however, at 6 months they can weigh anywhere from 65- 100lbs. The average adult weight (2+ years of age) of a female Great Dane can very from 110-140lbs. Average males can weigh anywhere from 140-175lbs.

Their Irish Wolfhound DNA gives them their great height. An adult female Great Dane can range in height from 28-32” while an average adult male can be 30-34”.

Over time the European Great Dane and the American Great Dane began to diverge due to differences in breeding practices and preference. So, despite the fact that American and European Danes share DNA, there are marked differences between the two. We breed the “American" type- below are the differences you will find within the same breed.

Physical Appearance

The physical differences between the two are striking. The American Dane tends to present with a smaller, more rectangular head,  thinner muzzle, and less prominent lips. They have “tight” eye skin that are deep set and dark, with a lively intelligent expression. The European Danes typically have larger, more squared heads with a blunter muzzle and large hanging lips and loose or dropping skin around their eyes leaning it's physical appearance to a more mastiff type look.

American Great Danes also tend to have thinner necks and bodies with tighter skin and appear to lean more toward their Greyhound roots than their European counterparts. A European Dane will typically have a thicker neck, fuller body type, and have more wrinkles or loose skin folds much like their mastiff roots.

Size and Weight

European Great Danes are massive animals with large chests and full bodies. These giants typically weigh in at over 180 pounds and have been known to obtain weights in excess of 240 pounds.

American Great Danes are smaller in stature with deep, but narrower chests and less muscle weight. American Danes range in weight from 125-140 pounds with some animals weighing in at 160 pounds or more.

Temperament

In addition to their physical differences, American Great Danes and European Great Danes also differ in their temperament. While all Great Danes are generally friendly, affectionate, sensitive, and gentle family dogs the European Dane is typically more laid back. They are notorious for lazily draping their huge bodies all over furniture and taking a midday snooze on their back while their jowls fold over backwards giving them a very goofy appearance.

American Great Danes are great family dogs as well, albeit a little more energetic, especially younger dogs. American Danes are more lithe and active, often appearing more graceful than their European counterparts. They tend to have more drive and do quite well in training and different competitive sports such as Fast Cat, Rally, and Agility.

All in all, they are both loving, devote, and gentle family dogs with big hearts and personalities to match their enormous paws. They make tremendous working dogs in the fields of service work- naturally attune to medical conditions of their owners- they are also large enough and well structured for mobility support.

Great Danes desire to always be near their people. They prefer to keep you in their line of sight, and you can forget about eating alone or cooking a meal by yourself ever again!

Great Danes can sometimes come off as shy, aloof or reserved, but they aren’t naturally aggressive dogs. Socializing your Great Dane puppy at an early age will help them become more comfortable around new people and other dogs. They have a deep, powerful bark to alert you when they sense something is out of the ordinary that will definitely keep intruders at bay.

The Great Dane was originally bred to be a hunting dog, however, today, they mainly fill the role of “lovable family member.” And don’t be surprised if your Great Dane attempts to be a lap dog—the results can be hilarious.

Looking for a new addition to your family?Take a look at our breeding program and litter announcement for AKC Great Dane Puppies.