03/21/2026
Mental maturing is something to consider when looking to add a giant breed to your family.
Great Danes are one of the most misunderstood breeds when it comes to maturity and expectations.
One of the most common ages we see Great Danes being rehomed is between 2–4 years old. This is heartbreaking, because the reality is that many Danes are just starting to mentally mature during this time.
A Great Dane is a giant breed, and giant breeds mature much slower than smaller dogs. While their bodies grow quickly, their brains take much longer to catch up. Many Danes don’t reach full mental maturity until around 4–5 years old.
That means your 2-year-old Dane is often still very much a teenager in a giant body. They may be energetic, stubborn, goofy, push boundaries, and require continued training and structure. This is normal for the breed.
Unfortunately, this is also the age when many people give up.
What we see far too often is a dog that was adorable as a puppy but was never given consistent training, structure, socialization, or exercise as they grew. When the dog becomes large, powerful, and still immature, people suddenly feel overwhelmed.
But the truth is simple:
Your dog will only be as good as the time and effort you put into them.
Dogs are not born knowing how to behave in our world. They rely on us to teach them. Training isn’t something you do for a few months and then stop — it’s something that continues throughout their life.
Great Danes especially need:
• Structure
• Consistent boundaries
• Socialization with people and environments
• Mental stimulation
• Physical exercise
• Ongoing training and leadership
Without those things, even the sweetest dog can develop bad habits simply because they were never taught what was expected of them.
Credit given to author
