Great Dane Puppies for Sale & Breed Guide

About Great Dane Puppies, Breeders & DogFacts

The Great Dane, originating in Germany as a boar hunting and estate guardian breed, is a Working Group “gentle giant” known for its calm, friendly, and patient temperament. Towering and muscular with a short, smooth coat, it typically reaches 28-34 inches at the shoulder and very large weights, yet needs only low maintenance grooming and tends to shed lightly. Energy needs are moderate: daily walks and play plus ample space and soft bedding keep them comfortable, while early training and socialization help manage their size; avoid high impact exercise during growth and consider multiple smaller meals to reduce bloat risk. Not hypoallergenic and sometimes drooly, they thrive on close companionship. Common health concerns include gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat), hip and elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, Wobbler syndrome, thyroid issues, and a shorter than average lifespan for large breeds.

Breed Characteristics

Temperament

Great Dane dogs are known for: Patient, Dependable, Gentle Giant, Spirited, Stately.

• Patient
• Dependable
• Gentle Giant
• Spirited
• Stately

Family & Household Compatibility

• Good with children, this breed is generally compatible with kids.
• Good with other dogs, typically sociable with other dogs.
• Good with cats, generally tolerant of cats when properly introduced.

Known Health Considerations

When researching Great Dane breeders, ask for documentation of health screening on both parents. Ethical breeders test for breed appropriate conditions through OFA, PennHIP, or breed club specified DNA panels before breeding.

Before You Choose a Great Dane Puppy

Screened Great Dane breeders on PuppyReports have submitted documentation, responded to the platform, and maintain an active PuppyReports™ Card. Research any breeder before you make a commitment.

About these recommendations. PuppyReports surfaces the basic health screening recommendations for each breed in accordance with the principles established by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program. The OFA, working with each breed’s primary US parent club, sets the recommended testing list per breed. Recommendations may vary by country and region (US OFA CHIC, European FCI, UK Kennel Club, Australian National Kennel Council, etc.). Always review current requirements with your breed’s parent club for your jurisdiction. Last reviewed: 2026-05-02.

Sources & further reading: American Kennel Club breed information; Orthopedic Foundation for Animals CHIC program (ofa.org/chic programs). Breed data sourced from PuppyReports™ breeds database. Last reviewed: 2026-04-24.