# Great Dane (*Canis lupus familiaris*) A Great Dane is a gentle giant—very tall with a kind heart. Even though it’s huge, it often thinks it’s a lap dog! - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate - **Habitat:** Homes with big spaces and comfy beds; roomy parks - **Also known as:** Dane ![Great Dane](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426732/objects/4413.jpg) ## Appearance The Great Dane is a giant dog breed known for its impressive size and regal appearance. They possess a short, smooth coat that comes in various colors, including fawn, brindle, black, blue, and the distinctive black and white harlequin pattern, setting them apart from most other large dogs. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - A Great Dane once held the world record for the tallest dog ever, standing over 44 inches tall! - Despite their huge size, Great Danes are known for being very affectionate 'lap dogs'! - Great Danes grow incredibly fast, reaching their adult height by just one year old! - They are sometimes called the 'Apollo of Dogs' because of their majestic and noble look. ## Special abilities - **Powerful Strides:** Great Dane has powerful long legs that help them cover ground quickly with impressive, flowing strides. - **Intimidating Presence:** Great Dane can appear intimidating because of their massive size and deep bark that helps them act as a natural deterrent. - **Gentle Giant Nature:** Great Dane has a patient and gentle nature that helps them be a calm companion for families despite their intimidating size. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 71-86 cm - **Weight:** 45-90 kg - **Lifespan:** 7-10 years - **Speed:** 48 km/h - **Litter Size:** 6-10 - **Gestation:** 58-68 days ## Diet & Feeding Mostly eat special dog food, but also enjoy small amounts of meat, veggies, and fruit. - **Age differences:** Puppies require specific large-breed formulas to support their rapid bone and joint development. - **Primary Foods:** commercial dog food, cooked lean meats, vegetables, dog-safe fruits ## Ecological connections - **Depends on:** [human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Relies on humans for food, shelter, and care. - **Parasitizes:** cat flea (*Ctenocephalides felis*) — Fleas feed on their blood, causing itching. - **Parasitizes:** [American dog tick](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-dog-tick) (*Dermacentor variabilis*) — Ticks attach to skin and feed on blood. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Giant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/giant): Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate Stand to the side and pet the shoulder; big wags can bump small kids. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Great Dane? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Great Dane? 71-86 cm ### How much does Great Dane weigh? 45-90 kg ### How long does Great Dane live? 7-10 years ### How fast can Great Dane move? 48 km/h ### What does Great Dane eat? Mostly eat special dog food, but also enjoy small amounts of meat, veggies, and fruit. ### Where is Great Dane usually found? Homes with big spaces and comfy beds; roomy parks ### How many babies does Great Dane usually have? 6-10 ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Great Dane: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-dane)