Considered the gentle giant of the dog family, Great Danes are, along with the Irish Wolfhounds, the tallest of the dog breeds. The male should be at least 30 inches (75 cm) at the shoulders, while females should be at least 28 inches (70 cm) at the shoulders.

“I love having a big dog around the house – you can’t lose them that’s for sure,” lifestyle block and Great Dane owner, Sue Pinkney told Rural Living.

“Dane’s are very much a one person or one family dog.  You do not own a Dane – it owns you.  They love to be with you and touching you and will happily sit on you to get your attention.  All fifty plus kilos of them.  They are at their happiest on the couch or, even better, in bed with you.  And don’t even bother trying to tell them that is not allowed !”