Origin:
A Great Dane is truly a great dog breed — large and noble, commonly referred to as a gentle giant or as the "Apollo of dogs." Apollo is the Greek god of the sun, the brightest fixture in the sky.

The Great Dane certainly holds stature in the dog world; but though he looks terribly imposing, in reality he's one of the best-natured dogs around. For all of his size, a Great Dane is a sweet, affectionate pet. He loves to play and is gentle with children.

Expected Adult Weight:
100 - 200 lbs.

Expected Adult Height:
28 - 34 inches.

Expected Life Span:
7 - 10 years.

Size notwithstanding, a Great Dane is a sweet, affectionate companion. He loves to play and is gentle with children. He has a peaceful disposition, although he hasn't lost any of the courageousness that helped him hunt wild boar. Although he isn't particularly vocal (despite his killer power bark), he wouldn't hesitate to defend his family.

Even given his inherent gentleness, it's advisable to teach him good manners and attend obedience training classes when he's young. His sheer size alone could make him impossible to control when he's an adult, and — as with any dog — you never know when he might see something he just has to chase.

Exercise for a large dog is always a must to keep your dog happy and healthy!

Surprisingly, the Great Dane typically doesn't eat as much food as you'd think. And while he needs daily exercise, he doesn't need a huge yard to play in (although he certainly would enjoy one).