Are Great Danes good with children?

Great Danes are excellent with children. Their natural patience, gentle nature, and resilience make them outstanding family dogs. They typically form strong bonds with children and tend to be forgiving of the occasional accidental rough handling that can occur with younger kids. Remember that proper socialization and teaching children appropriate interaction with dogs are always important, regardless of breed.

How much grooming does a Great Dane require?

Great Danes require minimal grooming, typically weekly brushing. The Great Dane's coat naturally repels dirt and typically has minimal odor. Their low-maintenance grooming requirements make them an excellent choice for busy owners or those who prefer dogs that don't need extensive coat care. Regular grooming not only keeps their coat healthy but also provides an opportunity to check for any skin issues or abnormalities.

What makes the Great Dane unique compared to other dog breeds?

The Great Dane stands out from other breeds due to its impressive stature and presence, dignified appearance and bearing, rich heritage from Германиа, exceptional hunting abilities. This unique combination of characteristics makes them special among dog breeds and appeals to owners who appreciate these distinct qualities. Understanding these traits helps provide appropriate care tailored to their specific needs.

What should I know before getting a Great Dane?

Before bringing a Great Dane into your home, potential owners should consider: They have high exercise requirements (4/5) and need an active owner. Their coat is relatively low-maintenance (2/5). They typically excel in family environments with children (5/5 child-friendliness). They're typically highly trainable (4/5) and eager to learn. Their large size requires adequate living space. Additionally, researching reputable breeders or rescue organizations is essential for finding a healthy, well-socialized Great Dane. Understanding these factors will help ensure a good match between the breed and your lifestyle, leading to a happy relationship for both you and your dog.

What were Great Danes originally bred for?

Great Danes were originally bred for hunting & holding boars, guardian. This hunting background explains their natural prey drive, scenting abilities, and often high energy levels. As part of the Working group, they share characteristics with other breeds developed for similar purposes. Understanding your Great Dane's breeding heritage helps explain many of their natural behaviors and instincts, which can be channeled appropriately through training and enrichment activities. Even though modern Great Danes are primarily companions, these inherent traits remain part of their genetic makeup.

How long do Great Danes typically live?

The average lifespan of a Great Dane is 7 - 10 years. With proper care including quality nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, and preventative healthcare, some Great Danes may live beyond this range. Genetics, environment, and healthcare all play important roles in determining longevity.

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Great Dane

Q: What is the temperament of a Great Dane?

Great Danes are known to be friendly, devoted, reserved, gentle, confident, loving, affectionate, playful, curious, shy, loves, loyal, funny, athletic, friendly, gentle, smart, quiet, dignified, brave, cuddly, crate trained, couch, good with cats, good with dogs, good with kids, intelligent, patient, good with children, needs active lifestyle, self entertains, loves stuffed animals and treats, best buddy, no cats, independent, protective. This combination of traits makes them excellent companions for families with children. Their temperament is influenced by both genetics and proper socialization from an early age.

Q: How much exercise does a Great Dane need?

Great Danes need significant daily exercise, typically 60+ minutes per day. As a breed originally developed for hunting, they particularly enjoy activities that engage their natural instincts like fetch, scent work, or hunting-related dog sports. Regular exercise is essential for their physical health, mental stimulation, and overall well-being.

Written by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinary Consultant

Published: January 15, 2024 • Last updated: June 12, 2025

Temperament

Friendly, Devoted, Reserved, Gentle, Confident, Loving, Affectionate, Playful, Curious, Shy, Loves, Loyal, Funny, Athletic, Friendly, Gentle, Smart, Quiet, Dignified, Brave, Cuddly, Crate Trained, Couch, Good with Cats, Good with Dogs, Good with Kids, Intelligent, Patient, Good with Children, Needs Active Lifestyle, Self Entertains, Loves Stuffed Animals And Treats, Best Buddy, No Cats, Independent, Protective

Weight

110 - 190 lbs

Height

28 - 32 inches

Life Span

7 - 10 years

Breed Group

Working

Bred For

Hunting & holding boars, Guardian

Origin

Германиа

Characteristics

Good with Children5/5

Good with Other Dogs5/5

Trainability4/5

Energy Level4/5

Grooming Needs2/5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the temperament of a Great Dane?

How much exercise does a Great Dane need?

They are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation.

How often should I groom my Great Dane?

They need regular but basic grooming such as weekly brushing.

How do I train a Great Dane?

The Great Dane is highly trainable and typically responds well to positive reinforcement methods.

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs4/5

They are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Grooming Requirements2/5

They need regular but basic grooming such as weekly brushing.

Trainability4/5

Highly trainable and quick to learn commands

Good with Children5/5

They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.

Good with Other Dogs5/5

Great Dane

About the Great Dane

The Great Dane is a wonderful dog breed with unique characteristics. завод сабакаў

Breed Purpose

Hunting & holding boars, Guardian

Temperament

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Great Dane

Temperament

Weight

Height

Life Span

Breed Group

Bred For

Origin

Characteristics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the temperament of a Great Dane?

How much exercise does a Great Dane need?

How often should I groom my Great Dane?

How do I train a Great Dane?

Care Requirements

About the Great Dane

Breed Purpose

Temperament

Breeds Similar to Great Dane

How We Find Similar Breeds

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Adoptable Great Danes

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