When you fall in love with a Great Dane, your life changes in ways that you could never anticipate. It’s more than just living with a big dog, it’s getting to know a soulmate who speaks to you with a series of woofs, grunts and pitiful stares.
1. They’ll never outgrow their awkward phase.
Some say that the Great Dane’s awkward phase is at about 12 months old, when they’re technically an adolescent. That big head doesn’t seem to match that lanky body. However, a true Great Dane parent knows that a Dane never stops being awkward, even after their body grows into their big feet. They’re known to fill awkward silences with strange squeaky noises, and will always butt into the conversation when they’re not the center of attention. Typical Dane!
2. A Great Dane is a professional photo bomber
A Great Dane always wants to be in your selfie, and will instantly drop their chew bone for a chance to get in on a photo opportunity. If someone is taking a group shot, the Dane will always be around the corner, making sure to get at least an ear or tail in the photo. Uninvited or not, a Great Dane always insists on being photographed. The worst part is, you can take the best selfie of all time, and people will still comment “cute dog!!” instead of noticing your perfectly applied eyeliner.
3. They’re just big babies.
Though most weigh over 100 pounds as an adult, a Great Dane is really just one big baby. They hate being alone and love to snuggle, even if that means suffocating you under their heft. They also tend to be afraid of small dogs, plastic bags and suspicious looking rocks.
4. They always look sad.
It’s impossible to resist the forlorn look of the beautiful Great Dane, with those sad eyes and that droopy pout. A Dane is not for the easily manipulated, because when they have their way, they will get to eat everything you eat, and you’ll never leave the house. Sometimes, you just have to say “no” to that big old mug – no matter how hard it is to resist.
5. Sitting weird is perfectly comfortable for them.
The Great Dane’s unusual size means that they don’t fit easily on most dog beds, even when you order the “X-Large,” as most manufacturers, hilariously, think a rottweiler is “extra large.” Though you may accommodate your Dane with a baby mattress or a bed made for an elephant, they’ll find creative ways to get comfortable, like sitting their butt on your couch with their face resting on the coffee table. If a Dane wants to sit somewhere, they’re going to sit there, even if they have to make themselves fit.
6. They’re always watching you.
Once you bring a Great Dane home, you’ll never be alone again. They enjoy accompanying people to the bathroom, and will scratch on the door if you “accidentally” lock them out. Once they get into a habit of following you around the house, they will observe everything you do. Some learn by copying, and will unexpectedly start to open doors, open the fridge, and retrieve drinks of water from the sink. They’re always watching, listening and learning, so you have to be careful of what you do or say. They quickly learn important words like “bath” and “go out,” and will go crazy when they hear these phrases as they eavesdrop on your conversations.
7. They poop. A lot.
You would reasonably expect a human-sized dog to take human-sized poops. But a Great Dane actually poops like a horse, up to four times per day. The inside-out plastic bag trick really only works for the brave, seasoned Dane owners. For everyone else, there’s the heavy duty utility scooper. On some days, you’ll have to make several trips, possibly with two large pieces of cardboard, a few plastic bags, a garden hose, a hope and a prayer.
8. A Great Dane is basically a just person with a lot of feelings.
Not only is a Great Dane about the size of an average adult person, they’re extremely human in the way they show emotions. They slump when they’re disappointed, and bounce around when they’re happy. Their attitude is infectious. If you ever go home grumpy, your Dane will be sure to change your mood in seconds.
9. Kids love them, it’s the adults you have to worry about.
Most kids actually are not afraid of your huge dog, it’s typically adults that are afraid of them. Though most Great Danes get along well with kids, you actually have to be careful about kids who are too rough, and may be tempted to ride the dog like a horse. Training a Great Dane is actually pretty simple, training children, on the other hand, is extremely difficult. Training adults to make their kids give your dog space? Absolutely impossible.
10. They don’t live long enough.
A Great Dane can live up to 10 years, tops, and many die at a young age due to various health complications. Even a decade is not nearly enough time to spend with these amazing companions. On the plus side, they do teach us to cherish every moment, and forget about the occasional behavior slip-up, as we know we’ll miss them dearly when they’re gone.
Comments
Jim Bopp
I currently have Danes #s 12 & 13. Two is better than one. I got 13 when #11 was 12 yrs old. The pup stayed by her side, went outside thru a dog door with her, & in short, protected her. A year later he did the same with #12, who is 5 yrs his senior. Having a pup makes putting the elder Dane down a little easier when that time comes.
Lorri Denise ?
I’m 5’3 and I weigh 126lbs. With that being said…….My DREAM dog is a Harliquin Great Dane!!! All danes are beautiful BUT the Harliquin is my favorite. I’m SO looking forward to adding this BIG guy into my family?
Jackie Cardello
We got out first Dane last year, he’s 9 months old. I’ve known several and have wanted one my entire life. He is everything we ever hoped for and more! Danes truly are special dogs!!
Mary Ann
I had three Great Danes, a Boston, named Baby who lived ten years. A Harlequin named Valentine {born on Valentines day} who lived for 12 years, and I just lost my Lady, a Merle, almost 8 years old in November. Today was a very sad day for me, still crying over the lost of my Lady. I loved her so much, my best friend.
If your thinking of getting a Great Dane, you’ll never regret your decision if you do get one.
I am looking forward to my next one soon. I can’t live without a gentle giant.
Tammy
I had a great dane. I had to put lacey to sleep she was 14 yrs old. They are wonderful dogs but can have hip and joint problems so consider this before you get one of these dogs. seeing their health decline is very very sad.
Brittany
Love my two big babies. They are the best, most affectionate, emotional fur babies ever. Be careful though, like potato chips, it is hard to have just one.
Kathleen K AmsberryW
We got litter mates, Sampson and Apollo when they were 7 weeks, merle.
Personalities plus! What one can’t think of, the other one will. They bring such joy to everyone who sees them. Gentle giants, with our great grandson, 18 months, he just brushes them aside, crawls on their laps, and they adore him. They are 2 now and doing wonderful, no health problems. Our wonderful, daffy, zoomies, babies.
Mandy Elaine Smith
I recently got a one year old female that wasn’t treated so we’ll. I haven’t even had her two weeks and she has over come so much in such a short time. I wish u could keep her but I simply do not have the space that she needs. She us house broken Hood with kids and other dogs. She lives going for a ride on the truck at least once or twice a day. If you know anyone that would be a good loving home for her she do needs her forever family.
Marsha
What state are you in?
Kim
Great article!! We are currently the mommy and daddy to 3 blue Danes! We’ve had many others in the past plus we rescued, foster and place Danes in appropriate homes! The one correction is like to make to your article is many Danes are now living beyond 10 years!! :). Now that we are really understanding their nutritional needs and physical needs the Dane community is looking out for them more, I believe that’s helping increase their life expectancy!!
Kim
Mandy, where you able to re-home your baby?
Joyce Dyer Kirkpatrick
My new best friend will be ready to come home on July 4th. My son will turn 14 just a month or so later, and while we were there for visiting time with my baby while we wait. He fell head over heels and I signed on the dotted line to bring Blanca’s sister home too! Sooo 2 Danes!
Alan
We had 2 Danes. Ashley lived to be 12.5 and Blue lived to be 14. I wouldn’t say 10 years, tops.
Stephanie
4 years ago we adopted a shelter puppy that we were positive was going to be a basset hound. Nope. Obviously a Great Dane cross. At four he weighs 116 lbs so still a big bundle of long legged wildness. Now that he no longer seems to be destroying furniture he is a big lover and defender of our house and a real Mama’s boy.
Vonne
It makes me crazy when it’s said danes don’t live very long?. I work at a vet hosp and have had 7 danes, most live as long as any other dog, usually 12 or 13 years old.
Jacqueline Smith
We have six Danes in our house at the moment. They are the most beautiful, loving, funny dogs. The eldest dogs are 14 and 12 at the moment and going strong. Then 7yrs, 6yrs and two 2 year olds. Each with their own quirky characters….lovely x
Melissa Rojas
We got our Jade when she was 2 months old. She was bottle fed due to her mom being sick. She is truly a blessing in our life. She has helped our oldest child in so many ways. We could not imagine life without her.
Rick anthony
101danes …. I train the for decide dogs and take them visiting as therapy dogs all over the country. Amazing animals
Brian Rowland
I have a 4 yr. Old male. Most loving dog I’ve ever had. He will not sleep unless he’s in my bed with his arm around me and snoring in my ear. Lol. Ok, Im Concerned because about a month ago he started getting a cluster of pink bumps on his elbow, now is alot, just 1 big pink bumpy cluster that bleeds alot. Has anybody else experienced this with there Dane, or know what it is. If so please email me back @ [email protected]. Thanks
Jade
I love all of my dogs
gideon bronte
Got my first dane in1989 and have had as many as five at a time. The oldest mine ever got to was just shy of 10. My average is 7ish. Long living danes are the exception, BUT a minute with a Dane is the equivalent of 30 months with another type of breed and so it all works out in the end 🙂
Kim
Our Duke is 4.5 months old. He is chocolate and such a good looking puppy. He is 65# of loving goofiness that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I loved your article and will cherish every minute I have with him! Go Great Dane lovers!
Dawn
We adopted our first Great Dane from a rescue and got him at 8 weeks. My first experience with a puppy and a GD. We had a very sweet golden lab previously that we had to put down in December due to failing health (he was 13 years old). Our GD puppy has been trying. He bites ALL the time. I have tried everything but he continues to bite. He will drop a chew toy and bite our hands for no reason. I’m told this is normal puppy / teething but I’m worried. He starts obedience classes Monday. I thought Danes were suppose to be so loving and want to cuddle. I have a very smart stubborn biter. ?
Shayla
Our Dane is 7 and 4 months and he is the best friend you could ever hope for. He’s our first one and we’ve been fortunate that he still is able to run and play like a pup. We did just find out that he has an aggressive and painful form of bone cancer but with the help of some Pain meds and anti-inflammatory he is still having a great time. We are hoping to keep him around a little longer, as long as he will have us! Any Dane owner can agree that anything less than a hundred years is too short a life for a Dane. Wonderful dogs.
ann goodykoontz
I have 2 puppy Great Danes. They just turned 1 year old. They were litter mates. My heart swells with love for my Beau and Daisy. They make my life wonderf.
J.l.
I have a laberdane, but I’d say he is more dane than lab. He is 8 weeks old and constantly bites us. I am hoping this will pass. We love him. His odd sleeping positions worried me at first, but now I’m used to it!
Karen gordon
I have a Great Dane her name is Theia Maria Gordon age 9. Who is daddys girl. She weights in at 111lbs and she likes to eat. She loves her ice cream and her morning cheese from her mommy. Theia loves both sets of grandparents and many others.
Blujeans
This is one of the most accurate “about Great Danes” I’ve read – most seem to be written by someone who’s owned just one. I’m on #6 – and like most realize, once you have one you can guarantee more will be on the way! This is the first time I’ve owned 2 at the same time, and all I can say is “look what I’ve been missing!!” – so, as long as I’m strong enough to handle them (I’m a senior citizen), there will always be at least two on the couch. @Dawn – #4 was a hand biter and, generally, difficult to train – went through hundreds of dollars in training for her with minimal success. With her, it was ‘my way or the highway’. Fortunately, this was an exception, not the rule – none of my previous Danes were this way and none since – so not all are the same. It will be a challenge, but maybe after he is nuetered and matures he’ll settle down. Some of my Danes benefited from plenty of off-leash recreation. Good luck!
Danielle Halterman
Can a gd live in an apt
Ally
Diesel is my blue Scooby. Amazing animals. Very interactive soulmates.
Cindy
I’m on number 5 Great Dane. 3 males were all rescues and 2 we got as puppies. I would never have another breed. 2 of my males lived to be almost 12. I loved them all with all my heart. Each one has their own personality. Josephine, my current dane, is the most stubborn one I’ve had. If she doesn’t get her way she talks and talks until you give her what she wants. Love, love, love them.
Judith Jones
We have had 5 gds. the last one was a blue and his name was Thor he loved to go for rides and walk on the beach. But no water. He didn’t like the water once in a while l as able to get him wet. Not to often. He was all blue but had a white cross on his chest. The next thing he loved was going for chicken nuggets or do.when he would see where we were going he would get excited. Couldn’t fool him. When we had to move back up north we had to put him up for adoption and that broke our heats. No one would rent to us. He was 13 going on 14. If I wasn’t in my 70’s I would get another one. We bought him from a breeder in Florida he was one of the best Danes we ever had. Miss him so much. I did all the training and loved it. I envy anyone who has a gd be good to them and they will love you unconditionally. Thanks
Gene
I would never consider another breed. 4 of my Danes have gone over the rainbow bridge. I rescued 2 Danes New Years day 2019 after i had to put my Strudel down Dec 27, 2019. due to osteoscarnoma. She was a merlequin tall girl 33″. I’m still having a hard time getting over her absence in my life. The two i rescued are happy girls they are goofy and loveable. DJ is black and very vocal. Moans and groans alot. Maggie is solid blue. Both carry stuffed toys in their mouths even bark with them in their mouths.
Chrissy Gordon
I’ve had Danes for 25 yrs. They are eye catchers for sure. Very loving and protective of their family. Not like a german shepherd but their size is enough to scare anyone. And yes they can bite if you let them but most are not that way. They are couch potatoes but Absoutly love their family. They are very good with other dogs as always introducing is important but they love it. I won’t have any other breed except a German Shepherd. So I’ve had them together and they got along great. Best breed for dating too. Lol
Torry
10 years?? Psssh mine just turned 12 ?
Susanne
I use to teach with a couple that bred show quality GDs. I loved being around them. I’ve had dobermans my adult life; however, when Boone T Pickens passes pover the rainbow bridge, I’m getting a GD. I need a change for my senior years. Moore love, less alpha dog! I always wanted a dog that was bigger than I am. I’m 4 feet 11 and weigh 110. If I can handle a head strong Dobie I can handle a GD. They are goofy and loving.
Ron
I’m looking to rehome my almost 9 month old gd. I recently took at new position at work that requires me to travel often. Any suggestions of rescues in northern Illinois? Not something we are happy about but something we need to do for her. She deserves a great family that can give her their full attention.
Alex
Ron, will your travels bring you to NC, I ll be happy to take her off your hands. I have a 5.5 months Blue right now. Looking to get her a playmate…
Marc
Ron,
Have you found a home yet? I live in N IL and have been wanting to adopt for some time now. Hate to see her go to a rescue and bounce around if there’s no need to.
Amy
Our Gracie was 16 years young when we asked our Vet to help her cross the Rainbow Bridge. Yes, 16.
CeeCee
On December 07, 2019 we will welcome Great Dane #2 and #3 into our lives. We are doing the crazy littermate purchase and could not listen to all the nuts that say littermates are bad news. I have the pleasure of hosting our pup’s dad at the moment and can’t wait to see if the work we are doing will stay with him when he returns home (male dog reactive). I am currently working on the Certification of Applied Canine Ethology (Glorified trainer Certification). Dane #1 I trained for Service as a Seizure Alert Dog. I welcome working with my daughter as we train our new pups for psychological and seizure alert service. All 10 characteristics above are indeed true. I would make a suggestion for an eleventh being – Expect to be startled awake in the middle-of-the-night due to incessantly loud snoring. As for the most annoying things to expect: Everyone assumes you have no clue about raising a Dane and will hold you up for hours with needless advice you don’t ask for. It is like having mom over to tell you all the ways you should raise your kid, annoying as heck.
Keith
I am missing my big boy Otis like no other dog in my life. He was my first Great Dane and we got him out of rescue 3 years ago. He was almost 4.5 years old when we got him. We had to put him down on 11/5/2019. Around a week or so before this he just quit eating altogether and had not interest in food. His energy level dropped and then he started vomiting. We got him into the vet after we saw him vomit again 2 days later and then he did it again while in with the vet. The vet did a physical, took x-rays, and we decided to treat his symptoms to see if he would improve. He also was given an anti nausea shot and two pill for the next two days. The vomiting stopped but he still wouldn’t eat. We took him back for a follow up and had blood work done. The blood work came back and the markers were pointing at pancreatic cancer. I also forgot to mention that he had lost 15 pounds over the course of 5 months. I didn’t really notice it as he didn’t really look any thinner. As much as it sucked and as much as feel like I let him down my wife and I decided to put him to sleep. The vet said the only thing we could do was try steroid treatment to see if it would boost his appetite but even then IF he started eating he might only have a month or two to live. We didn’t want to see him waste away nor have a good quality of life. As weak as he was he still wanted to go for walks with us and we gave him walks right up until the day he quit eating. This is the hardest thing I have ever done. He was my buddy, my shadow, and a friend. He was a pain in the butt sometimes but his love for us was constant. My wife always said he loved us both but when he looked at me she said he adores you…I miss giving him hugs and his Darth Vader breathing when I would give him ear rubs. Okay…I am done rambling…I just miss my buddy….Love you buddy and I will be looking for you at Rainbow Bridge….
Wanda
I am now with my 3rd Dane ,and could not imagine my life without this amazing breed in my life. My first was a blue harlequin, my second a harlequin, my current baby girl is a brindle. I miss my first 2 more than words can describe my domino keeps me in hugs and cuddles on a daily basis. I will ALWAYS have a great dane by my side, they are an amazing life partner.
David paul
You really did a great job. Cowboy is 9 and I worry all the time now my dog has been by my side every second he has stated in two films and when he passes on I will do his life story he is the most photographed dog in the world and he will tell his story about what he thinks of man kind.
Brandi
We recently aquired a male, merle dane! He is 9 months old! We also have a doberman,2 and a lab, 7. They all get along great. The dane is a rescue, came from a not so loving, neglectful person. So sad! He is now velcro dog #3, follows mama everywhere and has to be touching mama all the time. My question is…due to having a 7 y/o female lab, we want to get him fixed but not quite sure if it will calm his hormones or not. Any info would be great
Mads
I have a baby great dane 7 months and he is a big baby and a pain in the butt, but we love him soooooooooooo much
no u
i love my great dane soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much if you are trying to find a dog for you i reccomend a great dane
Dave
10 years is not tops. Not by a long shot.
Bobby Newman
I have the good fortune to have are second great dane. We adopted are first named Dana
when she was 3 years old. So sweet and beautiful. We only had her till she was 8 1/2 years old. I have never gotten over losing her. I always wanted another one. We lost Dana 18 years ago. 2 and one half years ago we adopted a beautiful Great Blue Great Dane named Bambi.
She will be five next month. She has had health issues, but she is doing much better. We love her like are grandchildren. She is the love of are life. Great Danes are just wonderful, all
they want is to be loved. We are able to give her all the love in the world.
Miles
We love and breed Great Dane Puppies
Greatdanepuppieshome.com
Heidi
I just love my 2 years old Harlequin boy Junior. He is so kind and give us so much happiness
Mary Jo McElroy
I have a 11 month female Great Dane (Wonder) she is amazing the love of my life never leaves my side for a second I’m thinking about getting another one
Lauren
We just got our first Great Dane and we LOVE him! I’m not particularly an animal person, but our Zeus got me. He is actually for our 11year old son, but he went to visit my mom out of state for a few weeks so I ended up dog sitting….and ended up falling in love with Zeus! I hope I want to let my son have him back when he gets home lol.
The thing I’ve noticed with ours is that he almost panics over narrow spaces. He will not go into our hall bathroom, which is long and more narrow. It is very cold here and one day we had to put him on our porch while we ran errands so my husband hung tarps from the ceiling to create walls around a kennel to keep him warm but he refused to go between the “walls”. Not sure if this is just a thing Zeus has or are all Danes claustrophobic?
Jana
I have a black female dane with a white polka dot chest. She is 15 months old and THE best dog (er human) I’ve ever had. She’s a definite velcro dog. I have a pic of her sitting on my lap while I’m going to the bathroom. I’ve done nothing alone in 13 months (got her at 7 weeks) and I love every second of it. I like the potato chip analogy, (can’t just have one) pretty sure we’ll be getting another in the VERY near future. She didn’t even know that she had a job when she got here (as we had experienced back-to-back tragic losses) and she is absolutely everything we needed her to be. I literally googled whether or not you could love your dog too much the other day, lol. Can’t wait to find her sister ❤️
Jana K.
My Athena is 15 months old. We’ve had her since she was 7 weeks old and she is by far the best thing that has happened to our family. She is our first GD and I absolutely know without a shadow of a doubt that she will not be the last. Somebody said they are like potato chips you can’t just have one and I agree with that 100%. She is her mama’s girl and velcro beyond velcro. I literally have a picture of her sitting on my lap while I’m goin to the bathroom, lol lol. she too, was a biter until she lost all of her baby teeth at about 6 months old and then it’s never been a problem since then. She can be a little stubborn at times but she has me so wrapped that it’s just one more thing that I think is beyond cute. I really have had the bug the last couple of months about getting a new baby and I’m pretty sure within the next couple of months we will most likely have another one. Tbh the biggest issue I’ve had to deal with is not living in the moment and already being worried and at times emotional about the possibility of her life span being so short. I keep my fingers crossed every day that we’re going to be an exception and we will get a good 14 years or so out of her. Besides the constant anal gland expressing (by the vet) she has no health issues. I literally looked up last week if you could love your dog too much, lol. She truly is everything ❤️
chloe
hi everyone i have a great dane puppy
Jessica
So we just got a GREAT Dane about 2 months ago and he is the most vocal, silly, uncoordinated puppy ever. Everyday he makes me laugh . Only issue is he likes to bite hands and chew furniture. He just realized he is able to get food off counters by getting on his hind legs so yeah, that’s fun to deal with. I don’t mind disciplining him it just hurts my heart to see the look on his face when he realizes that he made mommy upset so then I have to pry him off me cuz all he wants to do is say sorry by licking my face. You just can’t stay mad with a great Dane. I have 4 dogs (a Chinese crested, a pug, a boxer, and him) he is attached to my boxer and has to be everywhere she is. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen and she loves him. After getting my gd we have discussed getting more and have even started looking for houses with enough yard for multiples… they really are 1 of the best breeds I have ever had my boxer is the other…love love ❤ 😍 💖 ❣ 💕 my babies!
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