The Great Dane (18th Cent. French: Grand Danois), also known as German Mastiff or Danish Hound , is a breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) known for its giant size. The Great Dane is one of the world's tallest dog breeds; the current world record holder, measuring from paw to shoulder; from head to tail, is George. Also, on a sidenote, great danes were orginally bred to hunt deer.