Great Dane

With a reputation for being good watchdogs and dependable home guardians, Great Danes usually have a pleasant, easy-going nature.

They aim to please, enjoy receiving attention, and have no trouble making friends wherever they go, thanks to their confidence. Great Danes are often known for their characteristic lean on people they like, and their ability to sit like humans on couches and large furniture.

Great Danes form strong bonds with their families and are patient, playful, and gentle with children. When properly socialized, Danes are outgoing toward strangers and generally good with other pets in the household.

It's best to feed your Great Dane a high-quality dog food appropriate for their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior). Great Danes may benefit from diets formulated specifically for large-breed dogs. In particular, large-breed puppy diets prevent young Danes from growing too fast, which may decrease the incidence or severity of hip dysplasia as they age.

Great Danes are prone to bloat (also known as twisted stomach). To help prevent bloat, break up their daily feedings into several meals, and use a food bowl designed to slow their rate of eating. When timing meals, avoid feeding them immediately before or after vigorous activity.

These are just a few ways you can help prevent this life-threatening condition. Your veterinarian is the best resource for other recommendations—including surgical options—for preventing bloat.

Great Danes generally don't shed much due to their short, smooth coat.

But during shedding season (happens once or twice a year), they may leave behind quite a lot of hair. You can keep shedding to a minimum by brushing your pup weekly with a medium-bristle brush, rubber grooming mitt or tool, or hound glove.

Great Danes only need occasional baths unless they get into something that makes them particularly dirty—which isn't unheard of for these goofs! As with all breeds, regular nail trimming is a must. Overly long nails can cause the dog pain and problems walking or running.

Despite its large size, the Great Dane needs daily exercise. Regular walks with their favorite person (or people) often do the trick. Danes make good jogging or hiking partners. But keep in mind that they should be at least two years old before engaging in these activities to prevent damage to their growing joints.

Great Danes also seem to enjoy dog sports—such as agility, tracking, weight pull, flyball, musical freestyle, and both rally and competitive obedience.

Obedience training, including early socialization and puppy training classes, is a must for the large and powerful Great Dane.

This breed responds to firm and consistent training methods and learns quickly. But Danes can be stubborn, so keep plenty of treats and favorite toys on hand to use as rewards during training sessions.