American vs. European Great Danes:
Separating Fact from Fiction
One of the most common questions prospective puppy buyers ask is whether they should choose an "American" Great Dane or a "European" (or "Euro") Great Dane. While these terms are widely used, they are not officially recognized varieties of the breed.
The Great Dane is one breed recognized throughout the world. Major kennel clubs—including the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (European FCI), Dogs Australia, and The Kennel Club (UK)—all recognize the same Great Dane and maintain breed standards that are remarkably similar. Although there are minor differences in wording, presentation, and a few country-specific details, every standard describes the same ideal dog: one that combines strength, elegance, balance, athleticism, and sound structure.
The purpose of a breed standard extends far beyond appearance. It serves as the blueprint for preserving a healthy, functional dog with the structure, movement, and temperament necessary to live a long, active, and comfortable life.
The Great Dane is one breed recognized throughout the world. Major kennel clubs—including the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (European FCI), Dogs Australia, and The Kennel Club (UK)—all recognize the same Great Dane and maintain breed standards that are remarkably similar. Although there are minor differences in wording, presentation, and a few country-specific details, every standard describes the same ideal dog: one that combines strength, elegance, balance, athleticism, and sound structure.
The purpose of a breed standard extends far beyond appearance. It serves as the blueprint for preserving a healthy, functional dog with the structure, movement, and temperament necessary to live a long, active, and comfortable life.
Comparison of the AKC, CKC, and European FCI Great Dane breed standards showing the similarities between the official standards and explaining the American vs. European Great Dane misconception.
One Breed. One Standard.
One of the greatest misconceptions surrounding Great Danes is that there are separate "American" and "European" types.
There are not.
The AKC describes the Great Dane as:
One of the greatest misconceptions surrounding Great Danes is that there are separate "American" and "European" types.
There are not.
The AKC describes the Great Dane as:
..a powerful, well-formed, smoothly muscled body... combining dignity, strength and elegance with great size.
— AKC Breed Standard
The European FCI, which governs the breed standard throughout much of Europe, describes the Great Dane as:
"A large, powerful, well-constructed body with pride, strength and elegance.
— European FCI Great Dane Breed Standard
Both standards refer to the Great Dane as the "Apollo of Dogs."
Neither standard describes a dog that is coarse, cumbersome, excessively wrinkled, or mastiff-like. Likewise, neither describes a refined, narrow, sighthound-type dog. Instead, both call for the same unique combination of tremendous size, athleticism, sound movement, and elegance. The Great Dane standard has remained remarkably consistent for well over a century because it describes a dog capable of combining beauty, athleticism, function, and soundness. Trends may come and go, but the blueprint for the Great Dane has remained largely unchanged.
Neither standard describes a dog that is coarse, cumbersome, excessively wrinkled, or mastiff-like. Likewise, neither describes a refined, narrow, sighthound-type dog. Instead, both call for the same unique combination of tremendous size, athleticism, sound movement, and elegance. The Great Dane standard has remained remarkably consistent for well over a century because it describes a dog capable of combining beauty, athleticism, function, and soundness. Trends may come and go, but the blueprint for the Great Dane has remained largely unchanged.
Different Styles. One Great Dane
Every successful breeding program develops its own style over time.
Experienced breeders can often recognize certain pedigrees because they consistently produce subtle characteristics such as head shape, expression, bone, outline, movement, or overall balance. These differences are the result of thoughtful pedigree selection and generations of selective breeding.
However, these are styles—not separate types.
Every one of these dogs should still be immediately recognizable as a Great Dane and conform to the same breed standard. A kennel may consistently produce dogs with slightly more substance, while another may produce dogs with slightly cleaner heads or a more elegant outline. These variations are entirely acceptable and exist within the boundaries of the breed standard.
Problems arise when style becomes so exaggerated that it no longer reflects the Great Dane described by the AKC, CKC, European FCI, and other major kennel clubs.
The goal of preservation breeding is not to eliminate individual style—it is to ensure that style never comes at the expense of breed type, sound structure, health, movement, or temperament.
Every successful breeding program develops its own style over time.
Experienced breeders can often recognize certain pedigrees because they consistently produce subtle characteristics such as head shape, expression, bone, outline, movement, or overall balance. These differences are the result of thoughtful pedigree selection and generations of selective breeding.
However, these are styles—not separate types.
Every one of these dogs should still be immediately recognizable as a Great Dane and conform to the same breed standard. A kennel may consistently produce dogs with slightly more substance, while another may produce dogs with slightly cleaner heads or a more elegant outline. These variations are entirely acceptable and exist within the boundaries of the breed standard.
Problems arise when style becomes so exaggerated that it no longer reflects the Great Dane described by the AKC, CKC, European FCI, and other major kennel clubs.
The goal of preservation breeding is not to eliminate individual style—it is to ensure that style never comes at the expense of breed type, sound structure, health, movement, or temperament.
Where Did the Term "Euro" Come From?
The misconception likely arose because some European bloodlines—particularly from parts of Central and Eastern Europe—have historically produced dogs with:
These dogs, however, are still expected to meet the European FCI breed standard. They should remain balanced, athletic, structurally sound, and elegant.
Unfortunately today, the term "Euro Great Dane" is frequently used as a marketing term rather than a meaningful description of pedigree or adherence to the European FCI breed standard. It is frequently used to advertise dogs with exaggerated characteristics such as:
These exaggerated traits are often promoted as desirable simply because they create a more dramatic appearance. However, breeding for exaggeration rather than function can compromise the very qualities the Great Dane was designed to possess. Excessive bone, loose skin, exaggerated flews, poor angulation, and other structural extremes can interfere with efficient movement, place unnecessary stress on joints and soft tissues, and may contribute to long-term orthopedic and health problems. Preservation breeders strive for balance, recognizing that correct structure is about far more than appearance—it is the foundation for soundness, athleticism, and longevity.
The misconception likely arose because some European bloodlines—particularly from parts of Central and Eastern Europe—have historically produced dogs with:
- Slightly heavier bone
- More substance
- More pronounced head characteristics
- Slightly more lip
These dogs, however, are still expected to meet the European FCI breed standard. They should remain balanced, athletic, structurally sound, and elegant.
Unfortunately today, the term "Euro Great Dane" is frequently used as a marketing term rather than a meaningful description of pedigree or adherence to the European FCI breed standard. It is frequently used to advertise dogs with exaggerated characteristics such as:
- Oversized heads
- Excessive bone
- Loose skin
- Heavy flews
- Coarse structure
- Excessive substance
These exaggerated traits are often promoted as desirable simply because they create a more dramatic appearance. However, breeding for exaggeration rather than function can compromise the very qualities the Great Dane was designed to possess. Excessive bone, loose skin, exaggerated flews, poor angulation, and other structural extremes can interfere with efficient movement, place unnecessary stress on joints and soft tissues, and may contribute to long-term orthopedic and health problems. Preservation breeders strive for balance, recognizing that correct structure is about far more than appearance—it is the foundation for soundness, athleticism, and longevity.
One Breed. One Standard.
What the European FCI Standard Actually Says
Ironically, the official FCI breed standard—the very standard many people associate with "Euro" Great Danes—does not support these exaggerated features.
Instead, the FCI specifically faults many of them.
Among its listed faults and severe faults are:
Perhaps most importantly, the European FCI concludes:
Ironically, the official FCI breed standard—the very standard many people associate with "Euro" Great Danes—does not support these exaggerated features.
Instead, the FCI specifically faults many of them.
Among its listed faults and severe faults are:
- Excessive wrinkles of the muzzle and cheeks
- Excessive throat skin (dewlap)
- Poor movement
- Weak structure
- Sway backs or roach backs
- Incorrect angulation
- Weak pasterns
- Flat or splayed feet
- Poor temperament, including shyness and lack of confidence
Perhaps most importantly, the European FCI concludes:
"Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation should be used for breeding."
— European FCI Great Dane Breed Standard
This statement summarizes the purpose of every breed standard. The goal is not simply to produce an impressive-looking dog, but to preserve a healthy, functional Great Dane capable of remaining sound throughout its life.
Why Structure Matters
Correct structure is about far more than success in the show ring.
Every angle, joint, muscle, and proportion contributes to the Great Dane's ability to carry its giant frame efficiently. Proper structure allows the dog to move effortlessly, remain athletic, and reduce unnecessary stress on its joints and soft tissues.
When breeders prioritize exaggerated appearance over structural soundness, those compromises can affect comfort, endurance, and long-term soundness.
The Great Dane was never intended to be an oversized Mastiff. It was developed to be a powerful yet elegant athlete—a unique balance that sets the breed apart from every other giant breed.
Correct structure is about far more than success in the show ring.
Every angle, joint, muscle, and proportion contributes to the Great Dane's ability to carry its giant frame efficiently. Proper structure allows the dog to move effortlessly, remain athletic, and reduce unnecessary stress on its joints and soft tissues.
When breeders prioritize exaggerated appearance over structural soundness, those compromises can affect comfort, endurance, and long-term soundness.
The Great Dane was never intended to be an oversized Mastiff. It was developed to be a powerful yet elegant athlete—a unique balance that sets the breed apart from every other giant breed.
Preservation Breeding vs. Marketing
Responsible breeders do not plan litters around fashionable trends or marketing buzzwords. Preservation breeding is about producing the next generation of Great Danes that are healthier, structurally sound, mentally stable, and true to the breed—not chasing trends or exaggerations.
Every breeding decision should consider:
A dog should never be selected as breeding stock simply because it has a larger head, heavier bone, or a more exaggerated appearance.
Likewise, conformation championships are more than beauty contests. They represent evaluations by multiple independent judges who assess whether a dog conforms to the breed standard in structure, movement, and overall breed type.
Responsible breeders do not plan litters around fashionable trends or marketing buzzwords. Preservation breeding is about producing the next generation of Great Danes that are healthier, structurally sound, mentally stable, and true to the breed—not chasing trends or exaggerations.
Every breeding decision should consider:
- Comprehensive health testing
- Stable temperament
- Correct structure
- Efficient movement
- Longevity within the pedigree
- Genetic compatibility
- Breed type
A dog should never be selected as breeding stock simply because it has a larger head, heavier bone, or a more exaggerated appearance.
Likewise, conformation championships are more than beauty contests. They represent evaluations by multiple independent judges who assess whether a dog conforms to the breed standard in structure, movement, and overall breed type.
If You Prefer the "Euro" Look
If your goal is to own a dog with tremendous bone, abundant loose skin, heavy flews, a broad head, and a distinctly mastiff-like appearance, you may wish to consider whether another breed would better suit your preferences.
The Great Dane was never intended to resemble a Mastiff. Regardless of whether you read the AKC, CKC, European FCI, or Dogs Australia breed standard, the ideal Great Dane is consistently described as combining strength, elegance, balance, and athleticism.
If those mastiff characteristics are what truly appeal to you, a breed such as the English Mastiff may be a better choice. The English Mastiff was intentionally developed to possess tremendous substance, heavy bone, loose skin, and a massive head while still conforming to its own breed standard. Those characteristics are correct and desirable for the Mastiff—they are not for the Great Dane.
There is nothing wrong with preferring one breed over another. The important thing is selecting a breed whose standard was written to support the characteristics you admire, rather than seeking exaggerated traits in a breed where they are considered faults.
If your goal is to own a dog with tremendous bone, abundant loose skin, heavy flews, a broad head, and a distinctly mastiff-like appearance, you may wish to consider whether another breed would better suit your preferences.
The Great Dane was never intended to resemble a Mastiff. Regardless of whether you read the AKC, CKC, European FCI, or Dogs Australia breed standard, the ideal Great Dane is consistently described as combining strength, elegance, balance, and athleticism.
If those mastiff characteristics are what truly appeal to you, a breed such as the English Mastiff may be a better choice. The English Mastiff was intentionally developed to possess tremendous substance, heavy bone, loose skin, and a massive head while still conforming to its own breed standard. Those characteristics are correct and desirable for the Mastiff—they are not for the Great Dane.
There is nothing wrong with preferring one breed over another. The important thing is selecting a breed whose standard was written to support the characteristics you admire, rather than seeking exaggerated traits in a breed where they are considered faults.
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Choosing a Great Dane
Rather than asking whether a puppy is "American" or "European," ask questions that truly matter:
Marketing terms do not produce healthy Great Danes. Responsible breeding does. |
Quick Facts ✔ There is one Great Dane breed recognized worldwide. ✔ AKC, CKC, and the European FCI standards describe essentially the same dog. ✔ "Euro Great Dane" is not an officially recognized variety. ✔ Correct structure supports lifelong soundness and athleticism. ✔ Health, temperament, and structure matter far more than marketing labels. |
The Meraki Philosophy
At Meraki Great Danes, our goal is not to produce an "American" or a "European" Great Dane. Our goal is to preserve the Great Dane as it has been described by the world's major breed standards for generations—a powerful yet elegant giant possessing correct structure, efficient movement, stable temperament, and comprehensive health testing.
We believe the future of the breed depends on preserving function, soundness, and breed type—not marketing trends or exaggerated appearance.
A Great Dane should never be judged by labels such as "American" or "Euro." It should be judged by the same qualities that have defined the breed for generations—health, temperament, sound structure, efficient movement, and true breed type.
At Meraki Great Danes, those principles guide every breeding decision we make.
At Meraki Great Danes, our goal is not to produce an "American" or a "European" Great Dane. Our goal is to preserve the Great Dane as it has been described by the world's major breed standards for generations—a powerful yet elegant giant possessing correct structure, efficient movement, stable temperament, and comprehensive health testing.
We believe the future of the breed depends on preserving function, soundness, and breed type—not marketing trends or exaggerated appearance.
A Great Dane should never be judged by labels such as "American" or "Euro." It should be judged by the same qualities that have defined the breed for generations—health, temperament, sound structure, efficient movement, and true breed type.
At Meraki Great Danes, those principles guide every breeding decision we make.