Great Dane Great Dane

Great Dane

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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

Bruno
Senior 1
Bruno
XL

Great Dane

Save Rocky the Great Dane Rescue and Rehab · Bullard, TX
Sir Lancelot
Baby

Labrador Retriever / Great Dane

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue · Washington, DC
Athena
Adult
Athena
L

Great Dane

Hearty Paws Great Dane Rescue · Arlington, TX
Windsor
Adult 1
Windsor
XL

Great Dane

Save Rocky the Great Dane Rescue and Rehab · Bullard, TX
Zero
Young
Zero
L

Great Dane

Hearty Paws Great Dane Rescue · Arlington, TX
Scooby
Young 1
Scooby
XL

Great Dane

Great Dane Rescue Of South Florida · Palm Beach, FL
Ares
Adult
Ares
XL

Great Dane

Great Dane Rescue Of South Florida · Palm Beach, FL
Nala
Young 1
Nala
XL

American Pit Bull Terrier / Great Dane

Pawfect Match Rescue · Holly Springs, NC

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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 27 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.