How tall is a Great Dane?

An adult Great Dane stands about 31 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Great Dane considered a giant dog?

Yes — at 31" / 158 lb, the Great Dane falls into the giant-breed size class (shoulder height 28" and up). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #3 tallest.

How does a Great Dane compare to a person?

At 31" tall, a Great Dane stands about 48% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Great Dane Size Compared to a Person

A Great Dane stands 31″ at the shoulder and weighs about 158 lb — that puts it at 48% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #3 by shoulder height and falls into the giant-breed size class (Giant breeds, 28" and up).

Great Dane next to a person at scale — 31-inch shoulder height, 158 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Great Dane at 31″ / 158 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Great Dane compares

	Great Dane	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	31″	64″	-33″
Weight	158 lb	135 lb	+23 lb

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About the Great Dane

The Great Dane is one of the most majestic and recognizable dog breeds in the world, often called the "Apollo of dogs" for their regal bearing and extraordinary size. Despite being one of the tallest breeds, Great Danes are famously gentle, affectionate, and eager to be lap dogs — if only they could fit. Originally bred in Germany for hunting wild boar, today's Great Danes are beloved family companions known for their patience, elegance, and endearing personalities.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Giant size class with shoulder height closest to the Great Dane.

Scottish Deerhound — 31″ / 98 lb (same height)
Great Pyrenees — 30″ / 100 lb (−1″ vs Great Dane)
Irish Wolfhound — 32″ / 120 lb (+1″ vs Great Dane)
Komondor — 30″ / 100 lb (−1″ vs Great Dane)
Leonberger — 30″ / 140 lb (−1″ vs Great Dane)
Mastiff — 30″ / 195 lb (−1″ vs Great Dane)
Spanish Mastiff — 32″ / 170 lb (+1″ vs Great Dane)
Anatolian Shepherd — 29″ / 130 lb (−2″ vs Great Dane)

Compare a Great Dane with another breed

Frequently asked

How tall is a Great Dane?: An adult Great Dane stands about 31 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Great Dane considered a giant dog?: Yes — at 31" / 158 lb, the Great Dane falls into the giant-breed size class (shoulder height 28" and up). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #3 tallest.
How does a Great Dane compare to a person?: At 31" tall, a Great Dane stands about 48% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Great Dane

Great Dane dog names & full breed page · All giant-size breeds · Visual atlas (Giant section) · Size comparison home