In total, there are 36 different types of Great Danes. Here is a complete list of all Great Dane species in the world:
Attention: A Great Dane is not the same as a Bulldog. However, some bulldogs belong to the group of so-called “mastiff-like dogs”.
1. Great Dane
The Great Dane is among the 16 most popular breeds worldwide. Partly this is due to their friendly, gentle, and trusting nature.
Originally, however, this mastiff species was bred to hunt large wild animals. In addition, their ears used to be cut or “cropped” to a point.
It is also the world’s largest breed of dog. The so-called “Zeus” was a whopping 2.25 meters tall when standing on its hind legs.
There are definitely better breeds to train though. That also explains why confident behemoths are not recommended for first-time owners.
Fun Fact: This breed has made a career for itself as a cartoon character. Because who doesn’t remember “Scooby-Doo”?!
2. Mastin del Pirineo
The Mastín del Pirineo is one of a total of 56 German Shepherd breeds worldwide. With a weight of up to 90 kg, this mastiff is also one of the heaviest breeds.
The four-legged friends originally came from Spain, where they were primarily used as guard dogs. Mostly to protect against wolves, bears, and other predators.
According to excavations, they were also kept as domestic dogs as early as 2500 BC. Because they are particularly loyal and friendly towards the family.
On the other hand, they usually react skeptically to strangers and are rather reserved. They also require very little attention compared to other Great Dane breeds.
Fun Fact: These dogs grow at record speed. However, the characteristic maturation takes about 36 months. So brace yourself for oversized puppies for quite a while.
3. Argentine Mastiff
The Argentine mastiff is also known as the Dogo Argentino, among other names. Sadly, these four-legged friends were originally bred for dog fighting.
In the meantime, this mastiff species is also used as a hunting, guard, and family dog. Sometimes they even serve as police, rescue, and guide dogs.
But they are definitely too energetic and wild for apartment life. They also need a lot of exercises and have a strong hunting instinct.
On the other hand, they shed and bark very little. They also develop a close bond with family. They are also considered to be very cheerful, courageous, athletic, and loyal.
Fun Fact: One in 10 of these dogs’ poor trainability is due to their hearing. Because statistically around 10% of all specimens of this breed are deaf.
#4 Korean Mastiff
The Korean Mastiff is among the most popular mastiff species in Korea. Internationally, however, these four-legged friends are not only very rare but also relatively expensive.
To this day, the animals are primarily used as working dogs to pull wagons. A lot of socialization is necessary for life as a family dog.
This is especially true if they are kept with children. Because their hunting instinct is so strong that even running children can trigger it.
This Great Dane breed also has a lot of facial lines and is known to drool a lot. They also reach up to 84 kg when fully grown.
Fun Fact: This breed is so rare that there isn’t even a Wikipedia article about it.
5. Great Dane
Internationally, the Great Dane is mostly called “Broholmer”. During the Second World War, these four-legged friends almost died out. However, the numbers have since improved.
This Great Dane species is suitable both as a guard dog and as a house dog. Although they are generally easy to train, they can also be stubborn at times.
These four-legged friends are usually very trusting towards the family. They also get along very well with children. On the other hand, they only partially tolerate strange dogs.
With a weight of up to 90 kg and a shoulder height of a whopping 75 cm, they also belong to the largest and heaviest breeds. They usually only live to be 8-9 years old.
Fun Fact: Don’t let the size of these animals fool you. This breed loves to cuddle with family. A large sofa is therefore definitely recommended.
6. Alano Espanol
The Alano Español comes from Spain and was once used primarily as a hunting and guard dog. Sadly, the mastiff species were also used in bullfights.
Because of their strength and courage, shepherds also used them as guard dogs against predators. They can also live up to 14 years.
Nowadays, however, the animals are kept primarily as domestic dogs. And this is despite the fact that they are generally difficult to train, have a strong hunting instinct, and need a lot of exercises.
However, beginners are advised to choose another Great Dane breed. Because without a strict and dominant upbringing, these dogs will happily do whatever comes to mind.
Fun Fact: While most breeds need between 12-14 hours of sleep a day, the Alano Español only needs around 6-8 hours.
7. American Bulldogs
The American Bulldog comes from the USA, where it used to be used primarily as a guard, shepherd, and hunting dog. It is also considered to be versatile and very adaptable.
In the past, these mastiff species were also used in part for blood sports such as bullbaiting. So they were rushed to chained cops. But that is now forbidden.
In addition, these four-legged friends shed and bark very little. They are also described as very energetic, athletic, and dominant – so less suitable for beginners.
Compared to other dogs, they also need a lot of attention and don’t get along well with loneliness. They are also very good swimmers.
Fun Fact: If you don’t give this breed enough attention, you are bound to have to put up with chewed furniture.
8. Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish mastiff is also known as Mastín Español. This species of Spanish mastiff was once bred specifically to protect against predators.
With a weight of up to 80 kg, they are even heavier than adult wolves. They are also very strong, courageous, and self-confident.
These animals also have two sides. Indoors, they are often unusually quiet and lazy. Outdoors, on the other hand, they are considered very energetic and wild.
This Great Dane breed is therefore less suitable for city life. Beginners are also advised not to use dogs, which are difficult to train.
Fun Fact: These dogs make almost no sound throughout the day. For this reason, many first-time owners are startled when they suddenly report with a very deep and frightening bark.
9. American Mastiff
The American Mastiff comes from the USA and was only bred about 2 decades ago. This also explains why they are so far very rare internationally.
Their trusting, calm, and good-natured character also makes this Great Dane an excellent watchdog and family dog. Incidentally, they also weigh up to 90 kg.
They are usually very protective and loyal toward the family. They also get along well with children. However, other dogs or pets are rarely tolerated.
Despite being trainable, this breed is discouraged for beginners. They also bark very little, have a strong hunting instinct, and are very territorial.
Fun Fact: In the description of this breed you often read that it has a “strong odor of its own”. Now in good German – Yes, these dogs stink.
10. Canary Mastiff
As the name suggests, the Canary Mastiff comes from the Canary Islands. Originally, this Great Dane served primarily as a guard, working, and shepherd dog.
Some of the Spanish four-legged friends were also used for dog fights. Because they are very muscular, broadly built, and have a strong bite.
The latter explains why these dogs are also classified as potentially dangerous in various countries and have therefore been banned.
This Great Dane breed is only suitable for life as a family dog with a lot of socialization. They also have a very strong hunting instinct and hardly tolerate any other animals.
Fun Fact: This breed is said to symbolize the Canary Islands. Paradoxically, dogs are considered very aggressive and potentially dangerous.
11. Shar Pei
The Shar Pei originated in China. If one translates the name into German, then this breed would be called “Sand-Skin”. They are also available in two different sizes.
Internationally, this mastiff species is also known as the “Chinese Fighting Dog”. Sadly, they used to be primarily used for organized dog fights.
This also explains why these four-legged friends rarely tolerate other dogs or pets by nature. They also have only a weak connection to their families.
These dogs are therefore less suitable for beginners. In addition, these animals also bark a lot, need a little exercise, and are considered calm and independent.
Fun Fact: When you’re walking around town with these dogs in hot weather, you’re in for a lot of looks. Because the tongue of this mastiff is blue-black.
12. Great Dane
Hailing from Spain, the Great Dane was once bred for blood sports like bullbaiting and dog fighting. Today, however, this Great Dane primarily serves as a guard dog.
A lot of socialization is necessary for these four-legged friends to live as family dogs. This is especially true if they are kept in a family with children.
Other pets and dogs rarely tolerate these animals. They are also very skeptical and reserved at first when they meet strangers. But they bark relatively little.
Compared to other dogs, this Great Dane breed also has a strong hunting instinct, sheds very little, and is considered territorial and protective.
Fun Fact: If you google this breed, you will come across a blog where a man has listed the pros and cons of buying this breed – in total he only came up with 3 pros and a whopping 17 cons.
13. Cane Corso Italiano
The Cane Corso Italiano has its origins in Italy, where it used to serve primarily as a guard and protection dog. He was very popular in regions with many predators and thieves.
However, this mastiff species is less suitable for living in apartments. They are too active for that and need too much exercise. This breed is also discouraged for first-time owners.
And yet they are statistically among the 32 most popular breeds worldwide. In addition, they find it difficult to stay alone and reach a weight of up to 50 kg.
In the past, the ears of these dogs were usually cropped (“cropped”). Fortunately, this painful practice is now illegal in most countries.
Fun Fact: With this breed, you can expect puddles in the house. Not because they pee in the house, but rather because they are absolute world champions at drooling.
14. Mastiffs
The Mastiff originated in England. In the past, this mastiff species was primarily used as a guard and war dog. Today, however, they are primarily kept as house dogs.
With a shoulder height of a whopping 94 cm, they have also recorded holders when it comes to height when standing. This also explains why they only live an average of 7 years.
According to archaeologists, these animals were already kept as domestic dogs 4,500 years ago. Incidentally, they also get along very well with the cold – but not so much with the heat.
This Great Dane breed also barks very little, is moderately well-trained, and is considered brave and protective. They are also very trusting towards their families.
Fun Fact: These behemoths hold the world record for weight among dogs. Because the “Zorba” weighed a whopping 156 kg when fully grown.
15. American Bully
The American Bully comes from the USA and was only bred around 20 years ago. Compared to the other breeds, these animals served as family dogs from the start
The mastiff species is also available in 4 different sizes. The smallest variant, the so-called “pocket”, is only slightly larger than a Chihuahua.
In addition, these dogs are considered very rare and protective of the family. Her trusting and silly nature also makes her very popular with children.
They are also considered to be very adaptable and muscular. They also shed relatively little, are easy to train, and get along very well with other dogs.
Fun Fact: The rarity of these dogs isn’t due to their personality or appearance—rather, it’s the price. In some cases, specimens of this breed are sold for up to €250,000.
16. Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro has its origins in Brazil. In its homeland, the mastiff species was primarily used as a working and hunting dog. They are also suitable as sniffer dogs.
The latter explains why they are often used for tracking large game animals. However, in some countries, they are banned as they are considered aggressive and dangerous.
This is especially true with strangers. Because they are by nature rather reserved, skeptical, and at the same time fearless. They are rarely kept as family dogs.
This requires early and intensive socialization. Otherwise, the Great Dane breed is simply too independent and distant. They are also relatively difficult to train.
Fun Fact: This breed was also used for hunting escaped slaves in the past. In order to hold them tight, the animals usually bit the buttocks of the refugees.
17. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue De Bordeaux originated in France. In the past, they were mainly used to pull heavy wagons and as watchdogs.
Despite being poorly trainable, this Great Dane species is among the top 70 most popular breeds in the world. They are also considered to be particularly trusting of the family and also tolerate children.
On the other hand, they rarely get along with strange dogs and people. In addition, they are considered to be very strong, muscular, and have a strong hunting instinct.
When fully grown, the giants weigh almost 70 kg. This also explains their particularly short lifespan of just 5-8 years. So they are very short-lived.
Fun Fact: Since many people have difficulties with the pronunciation of this dog breed, the acronym “DDB” has established itself internationally.
18. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel
The Cão Fila de São Miguel comes from Portugal – more precisely from the Portuguese island “São Miguel”. In the past, this Great Dane species was primarily used as a hunting dog.
That also explains her name. Because if you translate it into German, the four-legged friends would be called “Fanghunde aus São Miguel”. They are also very territorial.
This breed also needs a lot of attention compared to other dogs. On the other hand, they are less suitable for apartment life. Because they are very active.
This Great Dane breed can be trained well and is also suitable for first-time owners. They are also considered to be very gentle, and obedient and get along well with children.
Fun Fact: The behavior of dogs within a breed is usually very similar. With these four-legged friends, however, there are such strong individual differences that buying them is like a grab bag.
19. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is also known in Germany as “Do Khyi”. To this day, these four-legged friends are often used as guard dogs.
Because this Great Dane not only has a very frightening appearance but is also considered to be particularly strong, courageous, and muscular. They also reach up to a whopping 130 kg.
Due to the thick coat, these dogs also get along well with the cold. In hot temperatures, on the other hand, they get out of breath very quickly.
In addition, these animals can be very stubborn. So there are definitely more suitable dogs to train. This also explains why beginners are discouraged from this breed.
Fun Fact: These animals take a whopping 5 years to fully mature. That’s more than three times the time of other dogs.
20. German Boxer
The German Boxer originally comes from Germany and is one of the 11 most popular breeds in the world. This Great Dane species can also live up to 15 years.
The popularity of these dogs is partly due to their good trainability and their calm nature. On the other hand, their friendly and cheerful behavior also contributes to this.
They also develop a close bond with their own family and are very loyal. On the other hand, they only partially tolerate strange dogs.
This Great Dane breed also makes excellent family dogs. They get along well with children and are considered to be particularly trusting and playful.
Fun Fact: This breed holds the record for tongue length. At a whopping 43 cm, a boxer’s tongue is around 4 times longer than the longest human tongue.
21. English Bulldog
According to statistics, the English bulldog is one of the 5 most popular breeds in the world. And this is despite the fact that these animals were originally bred primarily for bullbaiting.
The purpose of the numerous wrinkles on the face was to keep the blood away from the eyes. In addition, they are built very short and have a broad physiques.
In general, however, this type of Great Dane is rather lazy. Many dogs of this breed hardly want to leave the house. They are also very sensitive to cold and heat.
In addition, they need a relatively little exercise, bark a lot, and are considered friendly and gentle. Her face also serves as a logo for numerous clubs.
Fun Fact: The bulldog named “Otto” holds the world record for navigating the longest tunnel on a skateboard.
22. Cimarron Uruguayo
The Cimarrón Uruguayo comes from Uruguay. The Great Dane was once used primarily as a guard and hunting dog. Rarely, they also served as rescue and shepherd dogs.
The courage of this breed is also considered a national symbol for the local population. However, this breed needs a lot of socialization to live as a family dog.
They are also considered to be very trusting in their families and get along well with children, other dogs, and pets. However, they rarely bark.
But the Great Dane breed is too active for apartments. They are also difficult to train and have a strong hunting instinct. They are therefore less suitable for beginners.
Fun Fact: Some dogs are naturally fierce looking. Others always have a smile on their cheeks. Again, the neutral facial expression of this breed tends to be sad by nature.
23. Serrano Bulldog
The Serrano Bulldog comes from Brazil and was once used primarily as a guard dog for shepherds and herd animals. Sometimes they also helped in slaughterhouses.
This Great Dane species is also considered to be very brave, loyal, and muscular. They are only aggressive when provoked. As puppies, they are also often very clumsy.
These dogs usually develop a close bond with their master and are very obedient. They also get along well with children and other pets.
Because of their adaptability, they are also suitable as house dogs. They also shed relatively little and often tend to be overweight.
Fun Fact: This breed is naturally very prone to gas. So be prepared to open the windows regularly.
24. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff hails from the UK where it has built a reputation as an excellent watchdog. Because this mastiff species is considered to be particularly alert and protective
However, the four-legged friends only became really well-known through the film “Rocky”, in which Sylvester Stallone gave his own Bullmastiff a role.
These dogs are currently among the 50 most popular breeds internationally. They also shed and bark very little and train moderately well.
In addition, they are considered very loving, courageous, and trusting. However, first-time owners are still advised against this Great Dane breed. Because they need a strict master.
Fun Fact: Compared to other breeds, these dogs tend to have gas and bloat a lot. So be prepared for some embarrassing moments in public.
25. Guatemalan Mastiff
The Guatemalan Mastiff is native to Guatemala. Until recently, they were considered relatively rare internationally. They are also easy to train.
Compared to other Great Dane species, these four-legged friends are also sometimes used for bullfights. Because without socialization, they are often naturally aggressive.
When kept as a house dog, it often happens that these dogs only establish a connection with their master – but not with the other family members.
However, this characteristic makes them all the better protection dogs. They are also very strong, protective, and territorial. They do a lot with their hair.
Fun Fact: These dogs often become obsessed with one person. They are therefore happy to mute orders or commands from others.
26. Rottweilers
The Rottweiler or Rottie comes from southern Germany. When fully grown, this species of Great Dane can weigh up to 60 kg.
In addition, they are very muscular and are known for their powerful bite. However, they often react aggressively toward strange dogs.
They also need to be socialized appropriately for life as family dogs. And yet they are the 8th most popular dog breed in the world.
According to studies, this Great Dane breed is also among the 10 most intelligent dogs. They are also suitable as shepherds, guards, and police dogs.
Fun Fact: Having the dog bed in the bedroom is not a good idea with these four-legged friends. Because they are absolute world champions in snoring.
27. Great Dane
The Japanese Mastiff was bred specifically for dog fighting. Sadly, these can still be held legally in Japan today.
Internationally, however, the mastiff species is rare. Because in magazines dogs have been described several times as the most dangerous breed in the world.
In addition, they are difficult to train, have a strong hunting instinct, and are banned in more than 15 countries. They also have 8 recognized names, by the way.
Internationally they are mostly known as “Tosa Inu”. In addition, they rarely bark and are naturally very courageous and aggressive. And yet they need a lot of attention.
Fun Fact: Share? This is a foreign word for these dogs – regardless of whether it is about the food or the sofa.
28. Aksaray Malaklısı
The Aksaray Malaklısı has its origin in Turkey – more precisely it comes from the “Aksaray” province. This mastiff species also reach up to a whopping 120 kg.
Today, the four-legged friends are used as guard and protection dogs for private houses, people, and companies. Because they are considered particularly territorial and protective.
In the past, they were also used in part for dog fights due to their strength and bite force. Luckily that’s history now.
Compared to other Great Dane breeds, these four-legged friends are also very adaptable, active, and independent. By the way, they are also suitable as shepherd dogs.
Fun Fact: At just 56 words, these dogs have one of the shortest articles on a specific breed on Wikipedia.
29. Italian Mastiff
The Italian Mastiff is also known as the “Napoletano Mastiff”. With a shoulder height of up to 70 cm, they are also among the largest dogs in the world.
However, this Great Dane species has a hard time getting along with heat or cold. In addition, beginners are discouraged from this breed. Because they can be very stubborn and dominating.
In addition, they are difficult to train and need appropriate socialization to live as a family pets. But they get along well with children.
In their homeland, the four-legged friends primarily serve as hunting and guard dogs. On the other hand, they are less suitable for living in apartments. They are just too big for that.
Fun Fact: This breed could also be called a mayfly. Because with an average life expectancy of only 7 years, their life is comparatively very short.
30. Maremma-Abruzzo Sheepdog
The Maremma-Abruzzo Sheepdog originated in northern Italy. In the past, this Great Dane served primarily as a guard dog to protect against wolves and other predators.
For this purpose, the dogs were usually kept in packs and equipped with spiked metal collars. Incidentally, they are only available with polar white fur.
White shepherd dogs are also known to be very strong, alert, and intimidating. They also get along well with other dogs and pets.
In the meantime, however, this Great Dane breed is primarily kept as a house dog. Because they are considered very trusting and develop a close connection with the family.
Fun fact: Indoors, these four-legged friends are often sluggish couch potatoes. However, as soon as you let them out, they mutate into hyperactive puppies.
31. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is the 4th most popular breed internationally. Because these small dogs are also suitable as lap dogs, among other things.
In addition, this mastiff species has been declared the “cutest dog” of the year several times. One of the reasons for this is their large bat-like ears.
In comparison to other small dogs, they also bark very little and have only a weakly developed hunting instinct. They are also suitable for first-time owners.
Because they were bred specifically for the purpose of being family dogs, they also get along well with children, strange dogs, and pets.
Fun Fact: This breed memorizes behavior that makes people laugh and repeats it over and over again.
32. Alangu Mastiff
Native to India, the Alangu Mastiff was originally used as a hunting and guard dog. This Great Dane species also make great family dogs.
In addition, these giants reach a weight of up to 90 kg. In their homeland, they were also used for dog fights for a while.
Fortunately, that has now been banned. Despite appropriate socialization, these animals rarely get along with other dogs and pets.
Compared to the other Great Dane breeds, they also have a lion or tiger-like bite – definitely different from normal dogs.
Fun Fact: Be prepared to get your socks wet with this breed – they are world champions at drooling.
33. Boerboel
The Boerboel comes from South Africa and is still used primarily as a guard and hunting dog. They are rarely used as family dogs.
Due to its strong and muscular physique, this mastiff species is also suitable for hunting leopards, among other things. Internationally, however, they are considered very rare.
One of the reasons for this is that dogs are considered dangerous and are therefore banned in some countries. On the other hand, the breed almost died out during World War II.
Incidentally, first-time owners are advised not to own this breed. Because they are difficult to train and are considered very dominant, fearless, and stubborn.
Fun Fact: Paradoxically, the name of this breed translates to “Farmer’s Dog”, although the dogs were almost never kept by farmers.
34. Brazilian Mastiff
The Brazilian Mastiff was bred specifically to serve as a guard dog. This Great Dane species is considered to be very protective, territorial, and alert by nature.
But they also make great family dogs. Because they are very trusting to the family and with a little socialization they can also get along with children.
However, they are less suitable for living with other dogs and pets. They’re just too possessive for that. They are therefore less suitable for beginners.
Incidentally, this Great Dane breed was originally created by crossing a Boxer with a Bull Terrier. They also need little sleep and a lot of attention.
Fun Fact: This breed is usually very calm. However, as soon as you leave them alone, they cover their loneliness by howling.
35. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog comes from Turkey and was once used there to protect against bears and wolves. He also has a very scary bark.
With up to 60 kg, this mastiff species is also very robust and strong. They are also said to have a very strong bite and be very alert by nature.
The latter explains why they are also sometimes used to protect against lions and cheetahs in Africa. However, they are relatively difficult to train.
In addition, they shed relatively little, have a low hunting instinct, and need a moderate amount of exercise. However, they are still too active to live in apartments.
Fun fact: An ornamental garden is not a good idea for these four-legged friends. Because in hot weather, they like to dig deep holes to cool off in the cold dirt.
36. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog comes from the USA and is by far the rarest type of Great Dane. Currently, there are said to be only 120-150 living specimens.
In the past, the little musclemen were also used for bullbaiting and bearbaiting, among other things. These blood sports are now banned in the United States.
In addition, the animals live up to 15 years and also make great watchdogs. As house dogs, they are also considered to be very trusting, loving, and protective.
Compared to other Great Dane breeds, they also shed very little, require a lot of attention, and get along well with children.
Fun Fact: This breed is also known internationally as the “Otto”. The name originally comes from an American breeder who prevented the breed from dying out.