If you grew up loving Scooby Doo, you probably have a soft spot for the large, gangly, and adorable Great Dane breed. Great Dane owners are fierce advocates for these big, beautiful dogs, which is probably why, despite their size, they rank as number 14 out of 194 dog breeds for popularity according to the AKC.
If you’re wondering what it’s like to own a giant dog breed, here are some things that only Great Dane owners truly understand.
1. Strangers will be surprised by Great Danes
Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds, so you just have to get used to hearing “woah,” “wow,” and “that’s a big dog!” whenever you pass someone on a walk.
2. Great Danes are super sweet
Their size might make them intimidating, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a sweeter, more loving dog. You might call them a gentle giant.
3. Great Danes need exercise, but not too much
Great Dane puppies spend so much time growing that too much exercise when they’re young can put them at risk for bone and joint issues. Even as adults, too much exercise can be dangerous and lead to conditions like bloat. Great Dane owners definitely prefer leisurely strolls with their pets over long runs or hard hikes.
4. Great Danes can be a little clumsy
As puppies, Great Danes grow so fast that they often trip or somersault as they get used to their quickly-changing bodies. As adults, Great Danes often don’t realize just how big they are. Little kids, other dogs, nice vases and open beers have all fallen prey to a Great Dane who didn’t see them along their path. It’s not just their eager faces, either — their tail especially packs a punch.
5. They have a very deep and alarming bark
If you ever wanted a professional house alarm, a Great Dane will do it for you. Deep and loud, their bark is one that definitely grabs your attention.
6. Great Danes are couch potatoes
You might think a giant dog like this one wouldn’t be well-suited to apartments, but because their favorite thing to do is lounge around, they actually make great apartment pets.
7. Great Dane farts are especially stinky
You could try to blame it on diet or a long digestive tract, but whatever it is, Great Danes have particularly smelly flatulence. At least owners always have someone to point a finger at!
8. Car rides can be…interesting
Because Great Danes are so big, fitting them into the backseat of a compact car can be interesting. But they love car rides, so they settle down quickly and appreciate the claustrophobia-inducing effort.
9. Great Danes are convinced they’re lapdogs
Size is nothing but a number when it comes to Great Danes, and they will try to curl up in their favorite human’s lap for a cuddle.
10. Great Danes need a soft place to curl up
When you’re as heavy and large as a Great Dane, it’s even less comfortable to lay on a hard ground. Great Dane owners often have (very large) beds for their pups — since it’s hard for the dog and pet parents to fit on a couch together.
11. They like to rest their butts
Live with a Great Dane long enough and you’ll most certainly capture a photo of them sitting their butt on the couch with their front legs still standing tall. Even better if there’s a lap to sit on!
