7 Facts About Great Danes You Probably Didn’t Know

Great Danes, known for their colossal size and regal demeanor, is one of the most iconic breeds in the dog world. Yet, beneath their imposing stature, there are numerous intriguing facets about these gentle giants that are lesser known. Here are seven surprising facts about Great Danes that will astound even their biggest fans.

1. Great Danes are not Danish

Despite their name, Great Danes did not originate from Denmark. Instead, they trace their roots back to Germany. The breed was developed as a boar hound by German nobles who needed large, powerful dogs for hunting. The moniker “Great Dane” came from a French naturalist who saw a slimmer version of the breed while touring in Denmark and dubbed them “Grand Danois” or Great Danish.

2. They are Record Breakers

Great Danes hold the record for being the tallest dogs in the world. According to the Guinness World Records, a Great Dane named Zeus, who lived in Michigan, USA, stood an astounding 44 inches tall at the shoulder.

3. They are known as the “Apollo of Dogs”

Great Danes are often referred to as the “Apollo of Dogs,” after the Greek god of sun, light, and music, known for his physical beauty. This nickname not only alludes to the breed’s size but also to their grace, elegance, and well-proportioned bodies.

4. Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane

The beloved animated character Scooby-Doo, known for his mystery-solving escapades with his human companions in the series “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”, is a Great Dane. However, Scooby-Doo’s character was deliberately drawn with several non-standard characteristics, such as a double chin and bowed legs, to avoid making him appear too intimidating.

5. Their Lifespan is Shorter than Average

One of the heart-wrenching facts about this breed is its short lifespan. On average, Great Danes live between 7 to 10 years. This is due to their large size, which predisposes them to certain health conditions such as heart disease and bloat.

6. They are not Actual “Great” at Hunting Danes

The name “Great Dane” might suggest prowess in hunting Danes or Danish people, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. This misconception likely arises from a translation error. In German, the breed is known as “Deutsche Dogge,” meaning “German Dog.” Somehow in English, this transformed into “Great Dane,” a misleading name given their German origin and friendly disposition.

7. They are State Dogs

The Great Dane was designated as the official state dog of Pennsylvania in 1965. This is in honor of William Penn, the state’s founder, who owned a Great Dane as a hunting and companion dog. A bronze statue and painting of Penn and his Great Dane can be found in the Governor’s Reception Room at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

Exploring these surprising facts about Great Danes offers a fresh perspective on these gentle giants. From their misunderstood origins to their record-breaking size, and from their representation in popular culture to their official recognition, Great Danes truly stand out. Despite their imposing stature, their friendly, dependable, and gentle nature makes them much-loved companions, proving that they are not just great in size, but great in heart.