Are Great Danes Good Guard Dogs | Great Danes Guard Dog Tips

The Great Dane is known as the "Apollo of dogs." It is one of the largest breeds, and its size alone can intimidate intruders. But are these gentle giants good guard dogs?

Great Danes make better watchdogs than guard dogs. AKC says they make excellent watchdogs without retaining less desirable territorial instincts. Their deep bark and huge size can deter burglars. This article explains their strengths and limits, with tips for raising a good watchdog.

Difference Between a Guard Dog and a Watchdog

A watchdog alerts its owner by barking when it notices something unusual. A guard dog goes further and confronts the threat, which takes specialized training.

Both can be good pets with proper socialization and training. Great Danes are typically friendly rather than aggressive, so they suit the watchdog role. Individual dogs vary with temperament, environment and training.

Great Danes as a Guard Dog?

Great Danes are not a natural guard breed. The breed standard says a Great Dane must be always friendly, dependable and never timid or aggressive.

They can be trained to bark at people who enter their area, which is useful. But protection training for a giant dog should only be done with a qualified professional, because a poorly trained guard dog is a serious liability.

Features that Make Great Danes Good Guard Dogs

AKC says the modern Great Dane was developed in Germany in the 1800s as a boar-hunting dog. Today it is mainly a companion. Here are the traits that make it a good watchdog:

Huge Size

AKC says males can stand up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 175 pounds, with females up to 30 inches and 140 pounds. A dog that size will discourage many would-be burglars.

Attentive

Great Danes tend to notice what is happening around the house and will alert their owners to anything unusual.

Do the Job Well

Great Danes are smart and AKC says they are eager to please. A well-trained, well-socialized Dane learns quickly what is normal at home and what deserves a bark.

Loud Bark

Great Danes have a deep, loud bark. It alerts you and can scare off an intruder before anything happens.

That warning is especially helpful in a large house, where you might not otherwise hear someone at the door.

Calm Temperament

A calm dog makes a better watchdog than a nervous one. A settled Dane is less likely to bark at every squirrel, falling leaf or daily mail delivery.

He is also less likely to cause drama with friends and regular visitors.

Friendly But Reserved with Strangers

Most Great Danes are affectionate with their families. Some are reserved with strangers until they get to know them, while others are friendly with everyone.

Are Great Danes good Watchdogs?

Yes, Great Danes are good watchdogs. They can be trained to bark when something seems wrong, and their size alone deters many intruders.

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Great Danes Guard Dog Tips

Here are some things to remember while raising your Great Dane as a watchdog:

Treat Them Nicely

Great Danes are affectionate dogs that rely on you for food, care and companionship. Use reward-based training, never harsh methods, and keep up with regular vet care.

Socialize Early

Socialize your Great Dane in puppyhood. Introduce him gradually to new people, places and surroundings so he learns what is normal and what is not.

Exercise

Give your Dane regular exercise suited to his age. AKC advises waiting until a Great Dane is at least 2 years old before running with him regularly, because strenuous exercise can damage developing bones.

Walks in the park also help with socialization.

Give Attention

Great Danes are affectionate family dogs that want to be with their people. Praise and attention reward good behavior and build trust.

Regular Training

Train your Dane a little every day. Short sessions of basic commands, plus walks and play, keep him engaged and well mannered.

Crate Training

Crate training gives your puppy a safe place to rest and prevents chewing when you can't supervise him. Use a crate big enough for a giant dog to stand, turn and lie down, and keep crate time reasonable.

What makes Great Danes not Good Guard Dogs?

These traits make Great Danes less suited to guard work:

Non-Aggressive

Great Danes are calm and usually not aggressive with strangers. Many simply watch a stranger and mind their own business.

Friendly

Great Danes are excellent companion dogs. Many are friendly with children, other animals and even strangers, so they are not the type to confront a person who comes near their owner.

Not Naturally Territorial

Great Danes do not naturally patrol an area or guard it. They can learn to bark at unusual situations with training.

Not an Attacker

Great Danes do not usually attack others, because they are affectionate dogs. Their strength as a deterrent comes from their size and bark.

Is Great Dane Territorial?

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How strong are a Great Danes Bite?

Great Danes are sweet dogs, but they are very large and strong, so any bite could cause serious injury. Reliable bite-force measurements for the breed are lacking. Early socialization and training are the best way to prevent biting.

What makes a Great Danes Aggressive?

Great Danes are friendly, protective family pets. Aggression is uncommon and usually linked to fear, pain, poor socialization or feeling threatened. Talk to your vet or a qualified behaviorist if your Dane shows aggression.

Is it Better to have Two Great Danes Guard Dogs Than One?

Two dogs may bark more and seem more intimidating, but two giant dogs also mean double the cost, space and training. Get a second Dane only if you can care for both.

Do Male Great Danes make Better Watchdogs than Female Great Danes?

Some owners find males more watchful, but individual temperament and training matter much more than sex. Both males and females can be good watchdogs.

Are Great Danes Good as Urban Guard Dogs?

Great Danes can be good watchdogs in a city home if they get enough exercise and space. They are protective of their families, and their bark and size deter burglars.

Wrapping up

Great Danes are better watchdogs than guard dogs. They are friendly and gentle by nature, while guard work calls for a territorial, confrontational dog.

Still, their huge size and loud bark deter intruders, and good training and socialization make them reliable watchdogs.

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Sources

Is the Great Dane a Good Fit for Your Lifestyle?, American Kennel Club
Official Standard of the Great Dane, American Kennel Club
Facts About the Great Dane That You May Not Know, American Kennel Club