Also called the “Apollo of Dogs”, the Great Dane can be quite intimidating because of their massive size and serious expressions. Great Danes are larger than most other dogs and when they stand on their hind legs, Danes are taller than most humans.
Great Danes come in various colors and patterns, but the most common is the patchwork of black and white, which is known as harlequin. These regal giants are the epitome of balance, elegance and have the bearing and smooth stride of royalty.
However, the more time you spend around this gentle giant, you’ll realize that Great Danes are sillier than scary. However, despite their goofy personality, Great Danes are amazing dogs, apart from being extremely intelligent and courageous. While these dogs have a very sweet and pleasant temperament, they protect your home fiercely and just the sight of these massive dogs will stop an intruder from entering your home.
But, despite their large size, Great Danes have become quite popular among dog owners. So, if you’re thinking of bringing home a Great Dane puppy, then you should be prepared for how big this breed will grow up to be. So, read on to know more about how big do Great Danes get.
Origin
The Great Dane breed originated in Germany; however, most people think that they have their origins in Denmark. Great Danes are called “Deutsche Dog” in Germany, which means “German Dog”; however, the rest of the world calls them Danes. These dogs were bred by Germans for hunting, but over the years, Danes have become domesticated and are now found in homes.
The Great Dane is actually a very old breed, which has been around for over 400 years. The earliest descriptions of the existence of dogs that resemble the Great Danes of today very closely date back to 1121 B.C. to China.
Appearance and Temperament
The appearance of the Great Dane combines its huge size and well-formed, powerful and well-muscled body with elegance, dignity, and strength. This working dog is unique in its appearance and has a courageous and spirited disposition that is always friendly and reliable. The physical, as well as mental combination, gives the breed majesty that no other dog breed possesses.
Great Danes are playful, yet gentle and show a lot of patience around kids, making them excellent family pets. These dogs love to please people and make friends very easily. These dogs are brave, fearless and quite unflappable. They are very calm and quiet and don’t bark often.
The only thing about the Great Dane is his size and you must be willing to handle this giant with loads of energy. Also, because of their size, Great Danes can be quite clumsy and can knock things and kids over, which means that need to be supervised constantly and require socialization and training. Not to mention that when you have a Great Dane, you need plenty of room.
Related: Can Great Danes Swim?
Size
The thing that you notice first about Great Danes is that these dogs are really huge. In fact, they are among the largest dog breeds in the world. Adult Great Dane males are around 30 to 32 inches tall and weigh around 140 to 175 lbs, while the adult females are around 28 to 30 inches tall and weigh around 110 to 140 lbs. On his hind legs, the male Great Dane can be more than 6 feet tall and some dogs can even grow to 7 feet.
Size of the Great Dane Over Time
Typically, Great Danes grow quite a lot and very rapidly in their first year and if your Great Dane pup is growing very quickly, then it is a good sign. In this section, we have discussed the growth of a Great Dane puppy in the 1st year and this will give you a general idea of how your pup will look like when he’s fully grown.
Great Dane Size
- 1 Month: Height – n/a, Weight – 5 to 8 lbs
- 3 Months: Height – 17 to 23 inches, Weight – 25 to 45 lbs
- 6 Months: Height – 26 to 33 inches, Weight – 65 to 100 lbs
- 9 Months: Height – 28 to 34 inches, Weight – 85 to 125 lbs
- 12 Months: Height – 29 to 36 inches, Weight – 95 to 140 lbs
- Full Grown: Height – 30 to 36 inches, Weight – 110 to 170 lbs
A puppy who is smaller in size during the growth period most likely will be a smaller dog as an adult and similarly, a larger puppy will grow up to be a large-sized dog as an adult.
Are Smaller Great Danes Healthy?
You may find that your Great Dane is smaller than the sizes we have discussed above. If your dog is marginally smaller, then there is not much cause to worry. However, small Great Danes, as well as mini Great Danes do exist. Mini Great Danes are generally mixed breeds, the runt of the litter or may be a dog that has dwarfism.
Generally, it is recommended that you don’t get a Mini Great Dane because these dogs suffer from several health problems. If you’re looking for a Great Dane that is smaller than 30 inches, look for a mixed pup. These dogs generally are healthier and do not have as many health problems.
Training and Socializing Your Great Dane Pup
Because your Great Dane is a big dog, it is a good idea to train him when he’s young. Usually, Great Dane pups respond well to reward-based, positive training. This will help him to grow to be a well-behaved adult. You must teach your puppy not to jump on people, especially because your cute lil’ pup will grow to 100 pounds at least. And, you don’t want your Great Dane to jump on people for fun as an adult. By his sheer size, he could injure someone seriously without meaning to.
Often, Great Dane owners worry that the size of the breed will translate into aggression. But you don’t have to worry that your Great Dane will be ill mannered or aggressive. They have a mild temperament and are not aggravated easily. They protect both their owners and their home but are not a risk to humans and other dogs, especially if they have been introduced to them properly.
Nevertheless, it is recommended that you socialize your Great Dane puppy and introduce him to new experiences from a young age. This will help to reduce his nervousness, fear-filled responses and separation anxiety.
The Pros and Cons of Having a Great Dane
Great Danes are amazing dogs and great pets. However, because of their size, they may present some challenges. Let’s look at some of the breed’s advantages and drawbacks.
Pros
- These dogs have an excellent temperament and so, they make great service partners or family pets. Despite their huge size, these gentle giants are extremely friendly and have a very sweet disposition.
- Great Danes are quite low on energy, which can be a huge advantage when it comes to exercising or training your pet. A Great Dane is an excellent choice that does not require loads of exercise. However, your Great Dane will still need a walk or a quick jog a day.
- Great Danes have a coat that is thin and short and so they do not shed a lot. This means that your dog will not require a lot of maintenance and occasional grooming to remove all the dead hair is enough.
- Great Danes are excellent watchdogs and will protect your home fiercely. And, their huge size is guaranteed to scare away intruders.
Cons
- The size of the Great Dane can create challenges, especially when it comes to space. This big dog needs a lot more room in your home compared to a smaller breed.
- The size of the Great Dane goes hand-in-hand with his strength. These dogs are so tall that they can often eat off the countertops in your kitchen. So, you will have to keep all your food away from your pet’s reach. Also, often, Great Danes are not aware of their size and can accidentally knock your child over accidentally.
- Great Danes drool quite a bit and so, you’ll have to be around him with a towel in hand to keep him drool-free.
- Because of the size, usually, Great Danes are susceptible to various health issues such as bloat, hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, enlarged heart and osteoarthritis that can shorten their lifespan.
- Great Danes need high-quality food formulated for large-breed dogs, especially because the breed is prone to have stomach problems. And, because of their size, these dogs can eat quite a lot, which means that you will have to spend quite a bit on your pet’s food.
- Great Dane pups are quite pricey and a purebred puppy can easily cost between $1,200 to $2,000.
The Great Dane is a giant of a dog, with an even larger heart. While the size of the breed can pose many challenges, he will be your loyal devoted companion and love you unconditionally forever. And, if you’re ready for a Great Dane despite his size, then this one is an incredible pet to have.