Great Dane Female Dog: Everything You Need to Know

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Posted Oct 15, 2024

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Adult Tan Great Dane Standing on Top of Mountain Under White Sky
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Great Danes are massive dogs, with females weighing around 100-120 pounds and standing between 30-34 inches tall at the shoulder.

They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

Great Danes are known for their gentle nature, but they can be wary of strangers, so early socialization is key.

Their large size means they need plenty of space to move around, so a spacious home or yard is essential.

Great Danes are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and bloat, so regular veterinary check-ups are crucial.

Despite their size, Great Danes are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, but they still need daily walks and playtime.

A different take: Great Dane Ear Cropping Why

Temperament and Personality

The temperament and personality of a Great Dane female dog are truly special. They're often described as gentle giants, and it's a fitting nickname. Great Danes are generally friendly and affectionate to both family and strangers, making them a great addition to any household.

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Their energy level is fairly low, which means they're not high-maintenance when it comes to exercise. They're happy to play for a little while, but then they're ready to take a break and do something else. This makes them a great choice for families with children or for people who don't have a lot of time to devote to exercise.

Great Danes are also easy to train, but they're not quick responders. They need patience and consistency, but with positive reinforcement, they'll learn quickly. They're natural protectors, too, and they make great watchdogs. However, they're not typically aggressive, and they're usually friendly towards unfamiliar dogs and housemates.

One thing to keep in mind is that Great Danes can be a bit clumsy, especially with small children. They're so big and gentle, but they can accidentally knock over a child just by bumping into them. So, it's essential to supervise interactions between Great Danes and young kids.

Here are some key personality traits of Great Danes:

Overall, Great Dane female dogs make wonderful companions for active families or for people who want a loyal and loving pet. With proper training and socialization, they'll thrive and become a beloved member of your family.

Health and Grooming

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Great Danes have short, thick coats that typically need no more than basic grooming, including weekly brushing. They shed heavily during the spring and fall.

There are six usual colors of Great Danes' coats: fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin, and mantle. Fawn coats feature a golden color with a black mask, while brindle coats have a tiger-stripe pattern of fawn and black.

To keep your Great Dane's coat healthy and clean, use a firm bristle brush and shampoo as needed. Regular brushing can cut down on the number of baths they need, making it easier to maintain their coat.

Here are some additional grooming tips:

  • Trim your dog's nails every couple of weeks to keep them healthy and prevent splitting or tearing.
  • Brush your dog's teeth at least a few times per week to keep gum disease at bay.

Bathing a Great Dane can be a daunting task, but regular ear checks and cleanings can help prevent ear infections. Danes with natural ears should have these routine checks and cleanings to keep their ears healthy.

Health and Grooming

Feeding your Great Dane is crucial for their health and well-being. It's essential to start them on large breed puppy food to prevent rapid growth and potential health problems.

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A Great Dane puppy's diet varies greatly with age and gender. For example, at three to six months, females need three to six cups of food per day, while males need four to eight cups.

You should consult your vet or nutritionist for personalized dietary recommendations. They will help you determine the right amount of food for your dog based on their age, weight, and activity level.

A Great Dane puppy should have three meals per day until they're four to five months old. After that, you can switch to two meals per day for the rest of their life.

Here's a rough guide to the daily food amounts for Great Danes at different stages of their life:

  • Three to six months: females, 3-6 cups; males, 4-8 cups
  • Eight months to one year: females, 5-8 cups; males, 6-10 cups
  • Adolescents: females, 8 cups; males, 9-15 cups
  • Adults: females, 6-8 cups; males, 8-10 cups

Remember, these are just general guidelines, and your vet may recommend a different diet for your dog.

Health

As a Great Dane owner, you want to make sure your furry friend stays healthy and happy. Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards, but some hereditary health problems can still occur.

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Great Danes are prone to bloat, a condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, which can be fatal. Preventive surgery to tack the stomach down can be a lifesaver.

Hip dysplasia is another common issue in large and giant breeds like Great Danes. It's caused by a malformation in your dog's hip joints as they age, which can lead to mobility problems and pain.

Elbow hygroma, a non-cancerous growth on the elbow, can appear due to your dog lying on hard surfaces. It's not a major concern, but regular check-ups with your vet can help monitor its progression.

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, affects the chambers of your dog's heart, leading to congestive heart failure if left untreated. This is why Great Danes are often referred to as the "heartbreak breed."

Here are some common health problems to be aware of in Great Danes:

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV or bloat)
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow hygroma
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
  • Wobbler syndrome (Cervical spondylomyelopathy or Cervical vertebral instability)
  • Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis

To prevent some of these health issues, it's essential to feed your Great Dane puppy large breed puppy food to control their growth rate. Your vet may also recommend feeding several smaller meals per day to prevent bloat. Adult Great Danes require a lot of food, up to 10 cups per day, but be careful not to overfeed to avoid canine obesity.

Grooming

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Grooming is an essential part of Great Dane care, and it's not just about looking good - it's also crucial for their health.

Their short, thick coats require only basic grooming, but they do shed heavily, especially during spring and fall.

Regular brushing is a must, and you should aim for weekly sessions to keep their coat in top condition.

Bathing is also necessary, but be prepared for a challenge - Great Danes can be quite resistant to baths!

To make grooming a positive experience, start getting your puppy used to being brushed and examined from an early age.

Here are some specific grooming tasks to keep in mind:

  • Nail trimming: every couple of weeks to keep them healthy and prevent splitting or tearing.
  • Ear checks and cleanings: for Danes with natural (floppy) ears.
  • Tooth brushing: at least a few times per week to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent gum disease.

By following these simple grooming tips, you'll be able to keep your Great Dane looking and feeling their best.

Exercise

Great Danes are playful and energetic when young, so it's essential to keep their growing bones and joints healthy by not allowing them to jump or take them on activities like running until they are at least 18 months old.

Daily walks can help keep your Great Dane fit and healthy as they age, with moderate energy levels. Let your dog exercise for one to two hours total every day.

Since Great Danes aren't prone to fence jumping, they can safely play in a fenced yard.

Explore further: Great Danes

Size and History

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The Great Dane is an ancient breed with a rich history that spans thousands of years. Drawings of dogs resembling Great Danes have been found on Egyptian artifacts dating back to 3000 B.C.

Their German name is Deutsche Dog, which translates to German Dog, and they originated in Germany as a boar hunter. Despite having "Dane" in its name, the breed was actually developed in Germany.

Great Danes were bred to be powerful dogs, capable of holding prey until the hunter arrived. The powerful boar required a similarly powerful dog for this task.

Adopt/Buy

If you're considering bringing a Great Dane into your life, there are two main options to explore: adoption and buying from a breeder.

First, let's talk about adoption. If you think you'd like to adopt a Great Dane, you can start by inquiring with local shelters to see if there are any breed-specific rescues in your area.

Unfortunately, there are many dogs who need a new home, as their original families found they were not a good match.

To find a responsible breeder, you should check out resources like the national breed club, rescue organizations, and the AKC.

Here are some resources to get you started:

  • Great Dane Club of America
  • Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
  • AKC Great Dane Breeders

Size

Monochrome Photograph of a Great Dane
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Great Danes are quite the majestic breed, and their size is a big part of what makes them so impressive. Male Great Danes can grow up to 34 inches tall and weigh between 120 to 200 pounds.

Their female counterparts are slightly smaller, reaching heights of 28 to 32 inches and weighing between 100 to 130 pounds. Some dogs can be smaller or larger than average, but these are the typical sizes you can expect.

History of the Great Dane Female Dog

The History of the Great Dane Female Dog is a fascinating topic that spans thousands of years. The origins of the breed can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with drawings of dogs resembling Great Danes found on Egyptian artifacts dating back to 3000 B.C.

These early dogs were bred to hunt wild boar, a ferocious beast that required a powerful and fearless companion. In fact, the original name of the breed was Boar Hounds, reflecting their primary purpose.

For more insights, see: Straight Back German Shepherds

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As the breed evolved over time, it became a favorite among German nobles, who kept them as Chamber Dogs and pampered them with gilded collars lined with velvet. This marked a significant shift in the breed's purpose, from hunting to companionship.

Despite their gentle nature today, Great Danes were once bred to be aggressive and ferocious, reflecting their original purpose as boar hunters. It wasn't until German breeders refined the breed in the late 1800s that they succeeded in producing more gentle animals.

The Great Dane Club of America was formed in 1889, making it one of the oldest breed clubs in the country. This marked a significant milestone in the breed's history, as it paved the way for the breed's recognition and popularity in the United States.

Great Danes are not only known for their gentle nature but also for their impressive size. In fact, they hold the Guinness World Records list for the world's tallest dog, with a recent record holder standing at 3 feet 5.18 inches tall.

Children and Pets

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Great Danes are generally gentle with children, especially when raised with them from puppyhood. However, it's essential to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling.

A Great Dane's size can be a concern, as they may accidentally knock kids over quite easily. They have no idea how big they are compared to a small child.

Teach your child not to approach any dog while they're eating or sleeping, or to try to take the dog's food away. This will help prevent any conflicts between the dog and the child.

Common Issues

As a Great Dane owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your female dog. Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, is a condition that can be fatal if left untreated.

You should speak with your veterinarian about preventive surgery to tack the stomach down when adopting a Great Dane. This can help prevent bloat from occurring.

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Hip dysplasia is a common issue in large and giant breeds like Great Danes. It's caused by a malformation in your dog's hip joints as they age.

Elbow hygroma is a non-cancerous, fluid-filled growth that can appear on your dog's elbow. It's typically caused by your dog lying on hard surfaces.

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a condition that affects the chambers of your dog's heart. If left untreated, it can lead to congestive heart failure.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Great Danes:

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow hygroma
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
  • Wobbler syndrome (Cervical spondylomyelopathy or Cervical vertebral instability)
  • Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis

Frequently Asked Questions

Are female Great Danes cuddly?

Yes, Great Danes are known to be affectionate and love human interaction, often seeking out cuddle time with their owners. However, their size can make for a comically awkward lap situation.

Which is better, female or male Great Dane?

Female Great Danes tend to mature faster and are generally easier to train, while males require more patience and consistent training. If you're looking for a more focused and trainable companion, a female Great Dane might be the better choice.

Terry Williamson

Junior Writer

Terry Williamson is a rising star in the world of writing, bringing a fresh perspective to the topics she covers. With a passion for animal welfare and education, Terry has established herself as a go-to expert on canine companions. Her articles on the standard poodle and poodle breeds have been widely read and appreciated for their engaging style and informative content.