Have you ever looked at a massive, noble Great Dane and wondered about their family tree? You might picture other large working dogs, but the true answers are hidden deep within their DNA. Thanks to groundbreaking genetic research, we no longer have to guess.
A landmark study published in Cell Reports, titled “Genomic Analyses Reveal the Influence of Geographic Origin, Migration, and Hybridization on Modern Dog Breed Development”, led by Heidi G. Parker and colleagues, mapped the genetic connections between hundreds of modern dog breeds. By analyzing millions of DNA base pairs, they could pinpoint which breeds share the most common ancestry.
Using data from this study, we’ve compiled a list of the six dog breeds most closely related to the Great Dane. The connection is measured in shared base pairs (bp) of DNA—the higher the number, the closer and more recent the genetic link.
Understanding the Genetic Links
Before we meet the relatives, let’s understand what the numbers mean. The dog genome is huge, roughly 2.5 billion base pairs. Researchers look for long, identical stretches of DNA that two breeds share, which is a clear sign of recent common ancestry.
- High Link (15+ million bp): A strong, obvious genetic link, often from direct crossbreeding.
- Medium Link (10-14.9 million bp): A noticeable, less direct relationship, usually breeds from the same family or clade.
- Low Link (<10 million bp): A weak or distant connection, often reflecting only ancient shared history.
Now, let’s meet the Great Dane’s family!
1. Irish Wolfhound
Shared DNA: 38,445,892 bp (High Link)
The closest genetic relative to the Great Dane is another gentle giant, the Irish Wolfhound. This shouldn’t be a huge surprise, as both are sighthounds bred for hunting large game. Their immense shared DNA count—the highest on this list—points to a very recent and direct shared ancestry. Both breeds embody a similar paradox: tremendous size coupled with a calm, gentle, and loyal demeanor. If your Dane has a lanky, athletic build and a quiet grace, they got it from their Wolfhound cousins.
2. Rottweiler
Shared DNA: 24,142,676 bp (High Link)
This might be the first surprise on the list. While Rottweilers are stocky and powerful, they share a strong high-link genetic connection with the more streamlined Dane. This connection likely stems from their shared history as European working dogs. Both breeds were developed for guarding, protection, and cart-pulling, jobs that required strength, intelligence, and stability. This genetic overlap explains why both breeds, despite different builds, are known for their confidence, loyalty, and protective instincts.
3. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Shared DNA: 20,664,136 bp (High Link)
Another sighthound mix makes the list! The Rhodesian Ridgeback, known for the distinctive ridge on its back, shares a strong genetic bond with the Great Dane. Both breeds were developed for hunting challenging game—lions for the Ridgeback, boar for the Dane. This shared purpose as fearless, independent hunters is written into their DNA. The link suggests that the athleticism, endurance, and strong prey drive seen in Ridgebacks are also key parts of the Great Dane’s genetic makeup.
4. Leonberger
Shared DNA: 19,773,686 bp (High Link)
The fluffy Leonberger is a close cousin of the Great Dane. Hailing from Germany, the Leonberger was actually created in the 19th century using breeds like the Saint Bernard and… you guessed it, the Great Dane. This relatively recent creation using Dane bloodlines explains the powerful genetic link. Both are quintessential “gentle giants,” bred for companionship and work, and are famously good with children. The Leonberger’s presence confirms the Dane’s influence in creating other large, noble European breeds.
5. Saint Bernard
Shared DNA: 19,281,656 bp (High Link)
The connection between the Alpine rescuer and the German hunter is another strong one. Saint Bernards and Great Danes are both molosser-type dogs, a category of large, solidly built breeds descended from ancient mastiffs. Their shared DNA is a testament to this ancient common root stock. While their modern jobs differed (rescue vs. hunting), their fundamental genetics code for immense size, strength, and a patient, watchful nature.
6. Boerboel
Shared DNA: 16,167,088 bp (High Link)
Rounding out the list is the powerful South African Boerboel. Meaning “farmer’s dog,” the Boerboel is a mastiff breed developed for guarding homesteads. Its high-link connection to the Great Dane reinforces the Dane’s deep roots within the mastiff family. This genetic relationship highlights the traits of fearlessness, territorial instinct, and powerful build that are foundational to both breeds, even if the Boerboel is more compact and the Dane more rangy.
Discover Your Dog’s Genetic Relatives
The fascinating world of canine genetics isn’t just for Great Danes! What are your dog’s closest relatives?
Using the same principles from the Parker et al. study, you can explore the genetic family tree of any breed. Check out the interactive DNA Breed App on Petrage.net to search for your dog’s breed and instantly see its closest genetic cousins, complete with shared DNA data. It’s a fascinating way to understand your pup on a whole new level.
Source & Credit:
The genetic data and relationships cited in this article are based on the seminal research paper:
Parker, H. G., Dreger, D. L., Rimbault, M., Davis, B. W., Mullen, A. B., Carpintero-Ramirez, G., & Ostrander, E. A. (2017). Genomic Analyses Reveal the Influence of Geographic Origin, Migration, and Hybridization on Modern Dog Breed Development. Cell Reports, 19(4), 697–708.
Great Dane’s Closest Relatives – FAQ’s
What is the closest relative to a Great Dane?
According to the genomic study, the Irish Wolfhound is the closest genetic relative to the Great Dane, sharing over 38 million base pairs of DNA. This strong link highlights their shared history as large-game hunting sighthounds.
Are Great Danes related to mastiffs?
Yes, absolutely. Great Danes are descended from ancient mastiff-type dogs. This mastiff ancestry is why they share significant genetic links with other mastiff-derived breeds like the Rottweiler, Boerboel, and Saint Bernard on this list.
Are Great Danes considered sighthounds?
This is a common point of confusion. While not “pure” sighthounds like Greyhounds, Great Danes are classified as a sighthound hybrid by major kennel clubs. Their genetic makeup includes strong sighthound contributions, which is why they are so closely related to the Irish Wolfhound and Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Can I use a DNA test to see if my dog is related to a Great Dane?
Commercial dog DNA tests (like Embark or Wisdom Panel) are excellent for identifying breed ancestry and finding genetic relatives (e.g., sibling or parent) within their database. However, they won’t provide the specific “shared base pair” numbers between established breeds, as the research study did. For that, tools based on scientific datasets, like the Petrage DNA App, are used.
Why are Rottweilers genetically close to Great Danes?
Despite their different builds, both Rottweilers and Great Danes are working breeds from Europe with shared mastiff ancestry. They were both used for guarding and protection work, and their high genetic link (over 24 million bp) suggests a history of crossing or a very recent common ancestor within the mastiff family tree.
