The Great Dane (also known as the "German Mastiff") is a working dog. They have floppy ears, multiple coat colors and a giant size. It was in the 14th century the breed is assumed to have first originated and hunting wild boars or guarding houses is the role they were originally used for. They are a popular choice as a companion for confident owners nowadays. They can be identified by their imposing size and appearance plus their gentle nature. They are assumed to have come from Germany and their earlier ancestors are the Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound and Greyhound.

They're classified as a giant sized breed. The official male dimensions are 145-185 pounds and a height of over 32 inches, whereas the female size is 100-135 pounds with a height of over 30 inches. The breed is well-known for their calm and gentle temperament. They're typically friendly towards people they haven't met, but their size makes them somewhat suitable as a guard dog. They are known to be fairly smart, and ranks equal 48th compared to every other breed when being taught new obedience instructions.

They are gentle with kids, which means they are suitable as a family pet. Other pets like other dogs and cats they're raised with do mix well with them. One easy job is grooming them. They require a proper groom every 3 to 4 months, and small brushing of their coat every week. They may be suitable for living in an apartment, but prefer a large backyard to run around in.

They're predominantly short-lived, like a good number of giant sized dog breeds, with a life expectancy of 7-10 years. They are vulnerable to skin allergies, heart conditions, hip dysplasia and "Wobbler's Syndrome", but their most common health concern is bloat. Activities such as running around the park or yard will give them plenty of enjoyment. To avoid the development of bad habits, they demand moderate to long walks each day due to their moderate level of energy.

You should be prepared to be able to cope with their large size if you own the Great Dane. They are very suitable for confident owners or families who can handle a giant dog, but not an ideal choice for less confident owners. One of the reasons why dog owners love this particular breed is seen in that it is a giant sized dog but still has a gentle and loving nature that makes it a great companion.