Originally bred to hunt ferocious boar in Germany, this colossal canine evolved into an utterly sweet-tempered dog deserving of its ‘Gentle Giant’ nickname. Great Danes will charm just about anyone with their noble carriage and affectionate natures, even those at first intimidated by their size. They love taking walks and playing off-leash in open, fenced-in backyards. Great Danes are courageous and dependable, but they also have some lap dog traits, like a desire to be near you whenever you are home. Because of their sheer magnitude, they require a close eye to prevent accidents, such as knocking over home decorations or pint-sized family members.
Other Names
Great Danes are also known as the Gentle Giant and the Apollo of Dogs.
Great Dane Mixes
Great Dane mixes are a commonly available mixed breed in shelters and rescues, possibly because their size turns out to be more than their original owner could handle. Great Dane mixes will have personality and physical traits of the other breeds in their family tree, but chances are good they’ll be big. Most shelters do not perform DNA testing on their rescues, so ancestry is generally determined by observed physical and personality traits, as well as information given at the dog’s surrender.
If you are sure you want a Great Dane or a Great Dane mix, locate a local shelter that does genetic testing on mixed breeds, and let them know you are interested in AKC-registered Great Dane surrenders.
Common Great Dane mixes include Labrador Retriever, Saint Bernard, Akita, Poodle, Mastiff, Doberman, Rottweiler, and American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the Pit Bull.