If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a Great Dane’s affection, you might be surprised that these cuddly dogs were initially bred for hunting. Enormous in size, these gentle giants originated in Germany and were used by European nobility to hunt wild boar and other large animals, earning the nickname “Boar Hounds.”
Later, they were dubbed “German Mastiffs” by dog enthusiasts in other parts of Europe, while Germans themselves referred to them as “Deutsche Dogge,” meaning “German dog.” However, when Great Danes became an official AKC breed in the U.S. around 1887, they were recognised as “Great Danes” due to political tensions with Germany at the time—despite not actually hailing from Denmark.
With the help of Dr. Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel, we review the origins of Great Danes and the different roles they’ve held throughout history, plus their transition to the adored companion dogs of today.
How Were Great Danes Bred?
A Great Dane‘s massive size and incredible strength are no accident. These characteristics were crucial to the origin of the Great Dane as a breed.
In the mid-16th century, German hunters sought a working dog that was powerful enough to handle wild boars and bears. Since these creatures weigh hundreds of pounds, the breed needed to be equally massive and brave. And so the Great Dane was born. To achieve the desired power and athleticism of Great Danes, breeders crossed the English Mastiff with the Irish Wolfhound. (A recent study also shows that Great Danes may share DNA with Boxers as well.)
By the 17th century, the German nobility were regularly breeding the Great Dane for boar and bear hunting.
What Jobs Did the Great Dane Have?
Given their hefty size, it’s no surprise that Great Danes were originally bred for hunting large animals and guarding large estates. Let’s take a closer look at the history of the breed in both roles.
Hunting
Great Danes were bred to be formidable hunters and had the strength and speed to take on large animals, like wild boars. As the tallest dog breed in the world, the Great Dane’s height and strength give them an advantage over other dogs. These characteristics, combined with their mild manner and loyalty toward humans, made the breed the perfect hunting companions for European nobles.
Guarding
As guns became more prevalent for hunting, European hunters no longer needed Great Danes to chase and pin down wild boars or bears. Instead, the breed found a new purpose: serving as guard dogs for wealthy estate owners. Their intimidating size, bravery in the face of danger, and loyalty to their owners made them a natural fit for this role.
Mary Swift via iStock
Becoming Companion Dogs
When boar and bear hunting fell out of fashion, Great Danes began to be bred in Germany as companion dogs. With their friendly nature and calm demeanour, the breed has become a popular choice as a family pet around the world. They’re loving and affectionate with their humans—and their size may also deter any potential intruders or provide a sense of protection to their owners while on walks.
Great Danes have earned the nickname “gentle giants” due to their amicable nature. But considering that these dogs can reach the height and weight of an actual person, they require ample living space to avoid accidents and injuries. “Great Danes’ large dimensions pose difficulties for households that have small children and restricted living areas,” cautions Dr. Warner. She adds, however, that with plenty of space to roam and early socialisation and training, “Great Danes have the potential to become wonderful family pets.”
How Long Do Great Danes Live?
Like many giant breeds, Great Danes have a life expectancy of around 7 to 10 years.
“A Great Dane’s massive size creates excessive stress on the heart and joints and increases the risk of inherited diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and gastric torsion,” says Dr. Warner. “The breed developed its modern health issues because the original breeders valued both their fast growth and large body structure.”
To help a Great Dane live the happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible, Dr. Warner recommends that pet parents do the following:
- Feed a large-breed-specific diet that supports a Great Dane’s joint health.
- Slow down meals by using a puzzle toy or slow feeder to help prevent bloat.
- Give your Great Dane daily, low-impact exercise to keep them lean and minimise orthopaedic issues.
- Take your Great Dane to the vet for regular heart checkups and seek immediate care if you see any symptoms like fatigue, abdominal swelling, or difficulty walking
With thoughtful care, a Great Dane can make a wonderful pet and will reward your family with unmatched years of loyalty and affection.
