Why Do Great Danes Bury Their Heads? (6 reasons)

Do you ever wonder why your Great Dane buries his head into you? Most of the time it is a sign of affection or a bid for your attention. Some Danes also do it when they feel scared or anxious and want comfort from you.

Your Dane is trying to tell you something. Let’s look at the common reasons and when, if ever, this behavior is something to worry about.

Is it Common for Great Danes to Bury their Heads in People?

Yes, it’s common, especially with the person a Dane trusts most.

Pay attention to when it started, though. A dog that has done this since puppyhood is different from one that suddenly starts doing it a lot.

Head-pressing vs. Burying their Head

Head burying is different from head pressing.

Head pressing is when a dog pushes its head hard against a wall or other object and holds it there, often for a long time. It can be a sign of serious problems such as liver disease affecting the brain or brain inflammation from distemper. See a vet right away if your dog does this.

When a Great Dane nudges or tucks its head into your arm, leg or lap, that is head burying, and it is normal.

Reasons Why Great Danes Bury Their Head into You

Here are the common reasons Great Danes bury their heads into you:

Affection: Many Danes bury their heads into you when they feel happy and close to you. It is a way of being near you and sharing your scent.
Responding to your mood: Dogs pay close attention to our body language and tone. Some Danes seem to come closer and lean in when their owner is upset.
Anxiety: Some Danes bury their heads into you when they feel anxious, for example when they sense you’re about to leave. If your Dane shows signs of separation anxiety, such as destructive behavior or constant barking when alone, talk to your vet or a qualified behavior professional.
Seeking Comfort: Your scent is familiar and calming to your dog. Pressing close to you can help a Dane feel safe.
Fearfulness: Many dogs hide their heads against their owners during fireworks, thunderstorms or other scary events. A rescued Dane may also react to sounds or actions that remind it of a bad past experience. Stay calm and try to remove the trigger.
Seeking Attention: Sometimes your Dane simply wants you to pet it, play or notice that it’s dinnertime.

Ultimately, your Great Dane is trying to communicate with you. Watch the rest of its body language to understand what it wants.

Is Head Burying a Bad Thing?

No, head burying is not a bad thing on its own. When it comes from affection or a wish to be close, it can strengthen your bond.

Pay closer attention if your Dane does it constantly or seems stressed when it does. Look for other signs, such as shivering, panting, pacing or hiding.

These may point to fear, anxiety, pain or feeling cold. If you can’t find the cause, or the behavior is new, check with your veterinarian.

Do I need to correct this Behavior of my Great Dane?

Usually not. If your Dane buries its head out of affection, there’s no need to stop it.

If it seems to come from stress or anxiety, work on the cause rather than punishing the behavior. Your vet or a qualified behaviorist can help.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does it mean when my Great Dane Buries his head on me?

Usually it is a sign of affection or a bid for attention. It can also mean your Dane wants comfort because it feels worried or scared, or that it is responding to your own mood.

Why does my Great Dane Hide his Head between my legs?

Your legs feel like a safe, familiar spot. A Dane may do this when it is nervous, for example around strangers or loud noises, or simply when it wants to be close to you.

Why does my Great Dane Hide its face while sleeping?

Many dogs curl up and tuck their nose under a paw or tail when they sleep. This helps keep them warm and may make them feel more secure. It is normal.

Why do Great Danes like to Bury their Heads?

The most common reasons are affection, seeking attention and seeking comfort when anxious. Pressing the head hard against a wall or object is different and needs a vet.

Wrapping Up

In most cases, you don’t need to worry when your Great Dane buries its head in you. It is usually a sign of love and trust.

Sometimes it points to fear or anxiety, so pay attention to what your Dane is trying to tell you. And if your dog presses its head against walls or objects, see a vet right away.

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Sources

Disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder in Dogs, Merck Veterinary Manual
Canine Distemper (Hardpad Disease), Merck Veterinary Manual