Great Dane Great Dane

Great Dane

28
Friendly Patient Dependable Gentle

About the Great Dane

The Great Dane — known as the "Apollo of Dogs" — traces its lineage to ancient Assyrian war dogs, though the modern breed was refined in Germany to hunt wild boar and later serve as estate guardians. Standing a towering 28–32 inches at the shoulder and weighing 110–175 pounds, Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds in the world — the record holder stood 44 inches tall. Their short, sleek coat comes in six recognized colors: fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin (white with irregular black patches), and mantle.

Temperament & Personality

Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are famously gentle and affectionate — earning them the nickname "the world's biggest lap dog." They are patient with children and remarkably calm indoors, often preferring to lean against their owner's legs or drape across the couch rather than engage in rough play. Their friendly, confident demeanor means they greet most people warmly, though their sheer size alone is an effective deterrent to unwelcome visitors.

Pros

  • Surprisingly calm and gentle indoors — moderate exercise needs despite their enormous size
  • Naturally imposing presence deters intruders without aggressive behavior
  • Short coat requires minimal grooming — just weekly brushing and occasional baths
  • Patient and tolerant with children — gentle giants who rarely show aggression

Cons

  • Short lifespan of 7–10 years — one of the shortest of any breed due to their giant size
  • Extremely high risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) — a life-threatening emergency
  • Expensive to maintain — food, veterinary care, medications, and supplies all cost more at giant-breed scale
  • Prone to heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy), hip dysplasia, and osteosarcoma

Ready to share your home with a gentle giant? Explore Great Danes available for adoption on Puplister.

Great Dane Quick Facts

Size
110–175 lbs, 28–32 in
Lifespan
7–10 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

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Available Great Danes

Everest
Adult
Everest
XL

Great Dane / Pointer

Save Rocky The Great Dane Rescue And Rehab · Bullard, TX
Zoey
Adult
Zoey
M

Great Dane

Heidi's Legacy Dog Rescue · Tampa, FL
Golden
Adult
Golden
M

Great Dane

Dallas Animal Services · Dallas, TX
Jasper
Adult
Jasper
L

Great Dane

Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter · Sprakers, NY
Turk
Adult
Turk
XL

Great Dane / Labrador Retriever

Save Rocky The Great Dane Rescue And Rehab · Bullard, TX
Jackie
Baby
Jackie
L

Great Dane / Labrador Retriever

Paws Across Pittsburgh · Springdale, PA
Gumbo
Young
Gumbo
L

Great Dane

The Animal Foundation · Las Vegas, NV
Dutch
Adult
Dutch
L

Mastiff / Great Dane

Humane Society Of Missouri · St Louis, MO

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About the West Highland White Terrier The West Highland White Terrier — universally known as the "Westie" — was developed in Scotland's western highlands during the 19th century, selectively bred from Cairn Terrier stock for its white coat to be more visible against the dark highland terrain while hunting foxes, badgers, and rats. These sturdy little dogs stand 10 to 11 inches tall and weigh 15 to 20 pounds, with a compact, balanced build and surprisingly strong legs for their size. Their double coat features a hard, straight white outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat — always pure white without exception. Temperament & Personality Westies are confident, entertaining, and surprisingly tough — carrying the classic terrier self-assurance in a friendly, less aggressive package than many of their terrier relatives. They are affectionate with their families, generally good with older children, and possess an independent, adventurous spirit that keeps life interesting. Westies are social dogs that enjoy meeting people, though they can be assertive with other dogs and retain a strong instinct to chase anything that moves. Pros Sturdy and adaptable — thrives in apartments, suburbs, and country settingsFriendly and sociable without the extreme aggression of some terrier breedsPortable size with a big, confident personalityAlert watchdog that will reliably announce visitors Cons Prone to atopic dermatitis and skin allergies — one of the most affected breedsCoat requires regular professional grooming or hand-stripping every 6 to 8 weeksCan be stubborn and willful during training — responds best to positive methodsTendency to dig and bark, especially when bored or left in the yard Westies bring Scottish charm and terrier spirit into every home — find your white-coated companion on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Great Dane?
The Great Dane is known for being friendly, patient, dependable and gentle.
How many Great Danes are available for adoption?
There are currently 88 Great Danes available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Great Dane from Puplister?
To adopt a Great Dane, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.