European Blue Great Dane: A Complete Guide

The European Blue Great Dane is an interesting Great Dane with an interesting coat color.

So, what is a European Blue Great Dane? What are their qualities?

Read on to learn more about the European Blue Great Dane, its appearance, temperament, health concerns, and where to get them.

What Is A European Blue Great Dane?

A European Blue Great Dane is a Great Dane with a subtle gray coat color developed from Mastiff dogs and an origin from Europe. Because they have more Mastiff characteristics, the European Blue Great Dane’s physical features are large compared to the American Blue Great Dane.

Breed History

The Great Dane originated from Germany. They were bred as working dogs that were used to hunt wild boars. 

The dog breed’s bloodline is believed to be from a mix of Greyhound, Mastiff, and Irish Wolfhound. 

The characteristics from these bloodlines made the Great Dane an aggressive, fast, and ferocious dog which helped them to be efficient in hunting. 

Over time, the breed was mostly kept at home and slowly transitioned from a hunting dog to a companion dog at home. 

Following this, German breeders further adjusted the dog’s temperament from aggressive dogs to the more affectionate and gentle Great Danes that we know today. 

Great Danes are still not used for hunting. They are now family dogs that are calm and more laid back.

It is not known when the first Great Danes from Europe were brought to the United States, however, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1889.

Over time due to different breeding practices and preferences, the Great Dane diverged into two types, that is, the American Great Dane and the European Great Dane.

American Great Dane Vs European Great Dane : 3 Key Differences

The American Great Dane and the European Dane are of the same breed, that is the Great Dane, however, there are 3 key differences between them. These differences are:

Appearance

The physical appearance of the European and the American Great Dane is the most distinctive differentiating factor between the two dogs.

The American Great Dane is generally smaller compared to the European Great Dane. 

They have a long rectangular head, a large muzzle, slightly droopy almond-shaped eyes, an elegant thin neck, narrow chest, and a lean tightly muscled body. 

The body is covered by a short, smooth, and sleek coat.

American blue great dane
American Blue Great Dane

The European Great Dane is larger than the Amecarian Great Dane because it has many traits of a Mastiff dog whose physical features are more massive, and muscular. 

Therefore a European Great Dane’s features include a heavier, large square-shaped head, a blunt muzzle, more droopy eyes, a long muscular neck, big hanging jowls/lips, muscular body, with a sleek, short, and dense coat.

European blue great dane
European Blue Great Dane

Size

The European Great Dane’s body structure is more muscular and massive compared to the American Great Dane whose body structure is leaner.

This means that the European Great Dane weighs more.

The average weight of a European Great Dane is between 220 – 240 pounds compared to an adult American Great Dane whose average weight is between 125 – 140 pounds.

Personality

The American Great Dane and European Great Dane are gentle, friendly, and affectionate dogs. 

Their behavior aligns with the Great Dane breed personality, however, the small difference in their personality is that the American Great Dane is more energetic and excitable.

The European Great Dane on the other hand is less energetic, calmer, and laid back.

See Also: All Blue Great Dane colors (with pictures)

What Does The European Blue Great Dane Look Like?

A European Blue Great Dane resembles a typical Blue Great Dane, except it is larger in size and physical features.

A Blue Great Dane is a Great Dane with a base coat color that is a soft gray or slate color.

The Blue color is not a sky blue color as may be confused. Blue in dog coat colors is simply a dilute black coat color that appears as a subtle gray.

The European Blue Great Dane is therefore a Blue Great Dane however they have the features of a European Great Dane.

This includes a large square head, muzzle, droopy almond-shaped eyes, floppy ears, muscular broad chest, large hanging lips, with a short, dense, and sleek coat.

The nose of the Blue Great Dane is gray instead of black and the eyes are amber in color. 

Adult European Blue Great Danes weigh up to 220 – 240 pounds with a height of 31.5 inches with females being slightly smaller than the males.

Are European Blue Great Danes rare?

European Blue Great Danes are not rare because they are popular alongside the American Blue Great Dane and they are still produced by professional breeders. 

Great Dane breeders breed both American and the European Blue Great Danes, making both types available. 

Recommended reading: European Harlequin Great Dane: your Complete Guide

European Blue Great Dane Health Concerns

Dogs with dilute-colored coat colors are prone to certain health problems. This includes Blue colored dogs because Blue is dilute coat color. 

The European Blue Great Dane is susceptible to color dilution alopecia (CDA) because of their coat color.

CDA is a hereditary condition that causes the coat’s hair to thin, leading to hair loss, itchy bald patches, and flaky skin.

The condition is managed through regular bathing with a prescribed shampoo to reduce itching and the development of infections on the inflamed skin. 

Generally, Great Dane breeders do not include parent Great Danes with CDA in their breeding programs to prevent the production of offspring with the condition.

As a Great Dane dog breed, the European Blue Great Dane is also prone to health problems common to the breed. 

These health issues include Dilated cardiomyopathy, Hip Dysplasia, arthritis, cancer, Wobblers Syndrome, bloat and hypothyroidism.

It is important to note that although a European Blue Great Dane is prone to these ailments, they are generally healthy dogs that live healthy lives.

Breeders work towards reducing the risk of development of these conditions to produce healthy puppies. A healthy diet, exercise, and good nurturing also are important in raising a healthy Great Dane.

How much does a European Blue Great Dane Cost?

The European Blue Great Dane costs between $1000 to $ 2500, however, prices vary from different breeders and can be much higher.

Blue Great Danes whether American or European are also highly sought after because of their distinctive coat color.

European Blue Great Dane puppies for sale also tend to be more expensive compared to adult dogs or dogs for adoption.

European Blue Great Dane Breeders in the United States

There are many Great Dane breeders across the United States. This includes breeders of both American and European Great Danes. 

The American Kennel Council marketplace is a good place to start in search of a European Blue Great Dane. 

This online resource comprises a list of approved and certified Great Dane breeders across the United States.

An example of a reputable European Blue Great Dane Breeder from the directory is the Dane Haven, which specializes in the breeding of European Great Danes.

Certified breeders are reliable. They provide health certificates of their puppies so that you have knowledge of your puppy’s health status. 

You may also find a European Blue Great Dane up for adoption from Great Dane rescue groups or shelters. 

Some of the reputable Great Dane rescue groups include the Great Dane Rescue Inc., Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Great Dane Rescue, Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue, and the Great Dane Friends.

Related: What is a Blue Mantle Great Dane?

Summary: European Blue Great Dane

The European Blue Great Dane is a unique Great Dane that is large with a distinctive blue coat that is a soft gray. 

They are affectionate dogs that have the Great Dane dog breed personality. They are gentle like any other Great Dane coat color and fairly laid back.

Overall as a Great Dane, the European Blue Great Dane is a good dog.

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