Generally known as “Gentle Giants”, Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds in the world, even measuring up to wolves, but do you wonder if they measure up against their wild cousins?
Wolves are wild with a completely different body structure, strength, and way of life, whereas Danes are robust and playful friendly companions. While both animals are large and powerful, they differ in several aspects, from size and physical abilities to lifestyle, temperament, and care needs.
This article will explore how Great Danes and wolves are similar or different from each other.
Size Comparison: Great Dane vs. Wolf
Here are a few major similarities and differences between the two distant cousins.
1. Height and Weight
Let’s talk about their stature. A Great Dane can stand up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder, and some males even reach up to 36 inches. They can be over 7 feet tall when standing on their hind legs.
Wolves, on the other hand, average around 26 to 32 inches at the shoulder but have a more muscular build than Danes.
In terms of weight, Wolves weigh between 70 and 165 pounds, depending on the species.
Meanwhile, Danes vary from 100 to 175 pounds, with males generally heavier than females.
Remember, wolves with their muscular build and proper head to body ratio enables them to run faster, which Danes may lack significantly.
2. Head and Body Structure
The heads of these canines differ significantly. Great Danes have large, rectangular heads with a long snout, whereas wolves have a narrower, more angular face built for speed and agility.
It is more so because Danes were hybridized to suit a homely environment.
Wolves also have a more compact, muscular body to survive the wild, while Great Danes have a more elegant build with long legs and a deep chest, giving them a regal appearance.
3. Lifespan and Growth
Great Danes typically live 7 to 10 years, while wolves in the wild will survive about 6 to 8 years.
Wolves grow rapidly during their first year to reach a size that allows them to hunt with their pack, whereas the Danes grow only reach their full size within 2 to 3 years.
Strength and Abilities: Great Dane vs. Wolf
1. Speed and Agility
Wolves are designed for endurance, reaching speeds of 36 to 38 miles per hour when sprinting and sustaining a steady pace for hours.
Thanks to their proper head to body ratio, they can pick up speed more quickly.
Great Danes, while capable of running quickly up to 30 miles per hour, do not have the same stamina as wolves due to their large size and build, making them more suited for short bursts of speed.
2. Instincts and Behavior
Wolves are instinct-driven animals. They hunt in packs, communicate through body language and vocalizations, and are territorial.
Great Danes, on the other hand, are known for their friendly and gentle disposition, making them excellent family pets.
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Feature
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Great Dane
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Wolf
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Similarity
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Avg. Height at Shoulder
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30 to 36 inches (76 to 91 centimeters)
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26 to 32 inches (66 to 71 centimeters)
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Similar
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Avg. Weight
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140 to 175 pounds (63 to 79 kilograms)
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70 to 165 pounds (31 to 75 kilograms)
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Similar
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Body Build
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Elegant, tall
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Muscular
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Different
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Body Coat
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Short and Smooth
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Thick, straight, long
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Different
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Head Shape
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Rectangular
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Narrow, angular
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Different
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Speed
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Max. 30 miles/hrs
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Max. 38 miles/hrs
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Different
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Lifespan
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7 to 10 years
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6 to 8 years
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Similar
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Energetic
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Moderately
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Highly
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Different
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Trainability
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Easy
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Negative
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Different
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Temperament
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Mild
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Wild
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Different
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Friendliness
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Protective and great with children
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Unsociable outside pack
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Different
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Origin and History of Great Danes
Many wonder whether Danes are related to Wolves. To begin with, Wolves are Canis Lupus while Danes are Canis Lupus Familiaris.
They are related but by thousands of years apart.
Great Danes are an ancient breed with origins dating back to ancient Egypt and were later developed in Germany.
Originally, they were bred to hunt boars and protect property. The Great Dane we see today was developed in the 19th century, becoming taller and lighter, likely from adding Greyhound or other large hounds to the breed.
Over time, their role evolved from hunters to companions, especially because of their gentle temperament. Today, they are valued for their calm demeanor, loyalty and affection, making them excellent family pets.
Personality and Lifestyle
1. Temperament
Great Danes are known for their overly affectionate and friendly nature. Additionally, they are loyal, people-oriented, and have a strong sense of protection of their families, and love being part of it.
Despite their large size, they are gentle with children and get along really well with children and play together. Plus, these giants cope with other pets smoothly, particularly dogs, if socialized properly from a young age.
2. Lifestyle
Let not think of keeping a Great Dane in an inclusive apartment, unless you have extensive area to run and play with toys.
These massive hounds require ample space to move around and regular exercise to stay healthy. They develop best in environments where they have room to stretch and play, thriving on human companionship and socialization.
Care Guide for Great Danes
If you are considering adopting a Great Dane, it is essential to understand their specific care needs.
1. Diet
Great Danes need a balanced, high-quality diet rich in protein. Due to their large size, they consume large portions, which can add up in cost.
In addition, they are also prone to bloat, so it is recommended to feed them multiple small meals rather than one large meal.
2. Exercise
Great Danes are moderate-energy and highly playful dogs and need daily exercise. A walk or two each day and some playtime usually suffice.
Moreover, they are wonderful competitors in several dog sports such as agility, obedience, tracking, and flyball.
Most importantly, since young puppies are highly energetic and eager, you must avoid over-exercising them, as their bones and joints are still developing and can get hurt easily.
3. Health
Great Danes are prone to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia, heart issues, gastric torsion (bloat), and a variety of bone disorders.
Therefore, regular vet check-ups and monitoring for symptoms of these conditions are essential.
4. Grooming
They have short, sleek, and dense coats that shed moderately. Hence, regular brushing and an occasional bath about every week to 10 days is enough to keep their coat clean and remove loose, dead hairs.
Great Danes are also prone to drooling, so keep a cloth handy!
5. Training and Socialization
Start training and socializing them from a young age. Due to their size, early obedience training is essential to ensure they are manageable as adults.
Similarly, it is equally important for Great Danes to learn to walk well on a leash and have good recall, as their size can easily intimidate other dogs and people.
Do not tense, they respond well to positive reinforcement and thrive on consistent routines.
Cost of Owning a Great Dane
Owning a Great Dane can be more costly than other breeds due to their size and specific needs, such as:
- Initial Adoption Fee: Depending on the breeder, Great Dane puppies can range between $1,000 to $3,000.
- Food: As you have come to know, Great Danes grow large in size, thus, expect to spend around $80 to $150 per month on food.
Vet expenses can be higher for Great Danes, including budget for regular check-ups and emergency savings for unexpected conditions, especially if they develop breed-specific health issues.
- Training and Supplies: They require large beds, crates, and other supplies, which may cost more than supplies for smaller breeds.
While the cost may seem high, Great Danes make wonderful pets and are well worth the investment for those prepared to meet their needs.
Summary
Wolves are wild animals adapted for survival in the wilderness, while Great Danes are gentle giants bred to be friendly companions to humans.
Hence, if you are ready to invest time and resources and can provide dedicated care, space, and training, the Great Dane in return offer loyalty and love in abundance.
For further pet information and dog care services, contact Urban Pet Hospital & Resort, the finest pet store and medical facility in Urbandale.