🦴 Updated on July 15th, 2023
As your Great Dane grows, you might start to consider getting them a dog door that accommodates their size. Many pet owners consider dog doors an excellent investment. However, you might have trouble finding the perfect dog door that suits your dog and your home.
We compiled a list of the best Great Dane doggie doors to help you narrow down your options when looking for dog doors for large dogs.
What’s the Best Great Dane Doggie Door?
If you’re in a hurry, we’ll just get straight to the point for our top selection.
Our overall winner for best Great Dane doggie door is the PetSafe Extreme Weather Doggie Door. Although all five of our picks have excellent features, this model’s three-layered insulated flap design for large dogs and easy DIY installation make it stand out from the others.
Reach for the PetSafe Extreme first if you have a Great Dane!
PetSafe Extreme Weather Dog Door
First, we’ll start our rundown with the best overall dog door option. The PetSafe Extreme Weather Pet Door comes in four sizes, with its extra-large model appropriate for Great Danes. It’s an affordable dog door suitable for most homes, making it a safe option for people with limited budgets seeking a functional model.
Like most large dog doors, it comes with a plastic or aluminum frame. However, we think the aluminum might be more valuable to you because it’s more likely to resist outdoor weather damage. Unfortunately, it’s only available in white, but you can paint it to match your door’s color during your free time.
Fully insulated. Energy efficient. Nice and secure. This is why the PetSafe Extreme is the most energy-efficient dog door.
It has three door flaps incorporated into its design, which allow it to block triple the amount of energy that can escape your home. The front and back vinyl flaps are transparent. The middle flap is yellow and made with insulated foam.
This door’s easy DIY installation lets you place it in your paneled, wood, PVC, or metal doors without professional help.
In addition, it’s crafted in the USA, ensuring pet owners long-lasting durability throughout their dog’s life.
Pros:
- Magnetic 3-flap insulation
- Fits most exterior doors
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- The bottom might become loose
- The slide-in cover might not fit
Endura Flap Pet Door
You might want to consider a dog door that helps you save energy as you keep your home warm if you live in places experiencing extreme climate conditions. One solution we recommend in our compilation is the Endura Flap Pet Door. This XL dog door measures 12 inches x 23 inches, making it ideal for smaller Great Danes.
This dog door has a durable aluminum frame that can withstand corrosion. This feature might appeal to you if you live in places that experience a lot of rainfall and don’t want it to wear out quickly. The Endura Flap’s design is suitable for interior and exterior walls with a maximum 8-inch thickness.
This XL aluminum dog door is perfect for withstanding even the most extreme weather.
In addition, it comes in three color choices: white, tan, or black, giving you several customization options when placing it inside your wall or door.
The flaps remain shut when withstanding gusts up to 50 mph. The double flap door design emphasizes its energy-saving characteristics. Want to spend less money on heating bills? The Endura Flap keeps your home’s energy locked in, even in temperatures below -40°F.
This model’s door flaps withstand the sun’s UV rays. This feature ensures they won’t crack or warp on the hottest summer days. The polyolefin polymer material also remains flexible during the winter.
Pros:
- Withstands 50 mph gusts
- 15-year warranty
- Resists energy loss in temperatures below -40°F
- Won’t warp or crack in severe heat
- Adjustable magnet strength
Cons:
- It might be costly for some pet owners’ budgets
- Loud and stiff flaps
- Difficult installation
PetSafe Great Dane Sliding Glass Dog Door
The next entry on our list is another PetSafe dog door, but it has a unique twist for Great Dane owners. This model doesn’t require cutting through doors or walls.
While other dog doors need precise measurements to match the frame you place them in, the PetSafe Aluminum incorporates an adjustable height feature to match it seamlessly with your sliding glass door’s upper and lower racks. The height range for this extra-large dog door is approximately 75 to 80 inches. The flap height measures about 24 inches.
Due to its detachable properties, apartment dwellers and renters might find this model suitable as a flexible dog door.
It also includes a slide-in door cover. Unlike snap-on covers, they are more secure and won’t dislodge when locked into place. This feature might be ideal for pet owners who don’t want their dogs running outside during bad weather. We enjoy this feature because its sliding action mirrors your access to your sliding backyard doors.
Pros:
- Fits into most glass sliding door tracks
- Adjustable height
- Shatter-resistant glass on the door frame
- You don’t need to cut it into walls or door
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Subpar insulation
- The wind blows the door flap
- Flap size might be too small for some homeowners
Ideal Pet Ruff-Weather Pet Door
When choosing the best Great Dane doggie door, you might prefer something more affordable, mainly when you organize a specific budget for pet care. So, let us tell you about the Ideal Pet Ruff-Weather Pet Door. This model has a durable foam-molded plastic frame that fits into any door or wall and supports your dog’s weight.
The XL dog door’s dimensions differ from others on our list, so we recommend the Super Large model for Great Dane owners.
Sturdy, well made. Two flap system is effective as a weather barrier. The door does a good job keeping out the cold.
This model incorporates two flexible vinyl flaps that act as an efficient insulator. This feature might be best for owners interested in preserving their home’s energy. After installation, it has a three-inch air pocket between each flap. Purchasing the separate wall kit expands the air pocket to about nine inches.
While the door itself weighs about 16 pounds, we think it’s sturdy enough for any large Great Dane. The flap measures 15 inches x 23.5 inches. Its frame measures 19 inches x 28.125 inches, and its cutout size 16.25 inches x 25.75 inches. Multiple-pet homes benefit from using this because it saves resources for installing many smaller doors.
Pros:
- Two vinyl flaps for enhanced insulation
- Sturdy plastic frame
- Compatible with most interior and exterior wall surfaces
- Resists water and debris
Cons:
- Wall kit sold separately
- Weak flap magnets
PetSafe Flexible Flap Dog Door
One issue dog owners might encounter installing the best Great Dane doggie door is its weight. Heavier doors might take longer to install and are prone to damage if accidentally dropped. Thankfully, this last entry on our list might help you solve this problem.
The PetSafe Flexible weighs 2.7 pounds, which might be convenient for you if you don’t want to install larger door frames weighing almost 20 pounds.
Quality of product is perfect, flap seals secure and this does a good job of keeping bugs/drafts out.
While some dog owners might think the door flap is too thin for blocking out the wind or outdoor temperatures, this PetSafe door does a great job providing insulation and protection against the elements. The waterproof metal frame won’t rust quickly and won’t loosen. You can also add another flap if you want to improve its sturdiness.
This model works best for interior and exterior doors and comes in two sizes: large and extra-large. Got a private indoor playroom for your Great Dane? Place it in your wood, metal, or PVC door, and let them access it freely.
We think it’s a great alternative to double-flap doors. In addition, its design might make it easier for your Great Dane to push through the flap while using it. The less time they spend struggling, the better.
Pros:
- Supports pet weights up to 220 pounds
- Easy installation
- Waterproof metal frame
- Secure magnetic seal
Cons:
- Not compatible with wall installation
- Thin door flap
Buying Guide for Great Dane Doggie Doors
Before deciding on which Great Dane dog door you want to purchase, there are several things you should consider. While many of these factors revolve around the door’s functionality, they should also reflect your lifestyle.
As we reviewed our top picks, we considered the following questions you might have and the characteristics that matter when scoping out your best fit.
Why a Dog Door?
Many pet owners consider dog doors a valuable investment for several reasons. One universal reason people install them is to provide dogs easier access outside when they need to use the bathroom.
This solution is ideal if you don’t want to clean up accidents around your home. In addition, you can focus on other responsibilities by not opening the door every few hours for your dog, especially when you’re at work.
Installing a dog door that leads to your backyard encourages exercise and counteracts boredom after spending long hours alone. By leaving them cooped up all they, they might start chewing your furniture or develop separation anxiety.
It’s also an essential tool for letting temperature-sensitive Great Danes access your home to escape intense weather conditions.
What Size Dog Door Do I Need?
Before buying a Great Dane dog door, you’ll need to know how it fits into your door and how well your Great Dane can fit and walk through it comfortably. While it might be easier to assume that one size fits all doors, that’s not always the case.
You have to put some effort into finding the perfect fit for your home by measuring your door and your pet.
Measuring Your Great Dane to Get a Perfect Doggie Door
You can determine your Great Dane’s height by measuring from the floor to the tips of the dog’s shoulders. Depending on your dog’s age and gender, your Great Dane’s height should measure between 28 to 34 inches.
When measuring your dog’s shoulders or hips, consider getting a dog door that’s two inches wider than this measurement if your dog gains weight.
Measuring your Great Dane’s weight is another factor that plays into choosing the best pet door. The maximum weight for most adult male Great Danes is 200 pounds, making them the perfect weight for XL dog doors. We recommend upsizing your door if you have a growing Great Dane puppy.
Points to Consider When Buying the Best Great Dane Doors
Before buying a Great Dane doggie door, you should consider several core elements that each one has. Although similar in design, many dog doors differ in several characteristics, from size to material. It’s your responsibility as a pet owner to choose the best, long-lasting dog door for a Great Dane.
Door Flap Material or Style
Different manufacturers incorporate different materials for their door flaps. When selecting your ideal dog door, consider the material’s durability and how much strength your dog needs to use to push through it. Some popular choices include vinyl, magnetic, single flap, multi-flap, and plastic.
Dog Door Height
The maximum dog door height determines how your dog fits through the entrance. The greater the height, the less likely your dog will need to crouch down when entering or exiting the house. Ideally, the door’s height should measure about one or two inches above the top of your dog’s back.
Dog Door Width
Width is another measurement that matters during the selection process. When the width is too narrow, your dog is more likely to get stuck and have trouble getting through. To avoid this inconvenience, measure your Great Dane’s hips and shoulders and add two inches to the broader body measurement.
Door or Wall Style
Another factor to consider when searching for a large dog door is its compatibility with your doors. For example, your front door differs from your backyard sliding glass. The thickness of the door also affects how deep of a cut you need to make during your installation.
Features to Look for When Buying a Great Dane Dog Door
When narrowing down options for Great Dane doggie doors, one thought might occur to you. While every large dog door on the market shares the same function, they aren’t all alike. Specific features can make or break a dog door, so it would be wise to pick a dog door for Great Danes that add value and functionality when used daily.
Weather Resistance
A dog door with weather-resistant frames and flaps is an essential feature any house should use. Some typical weather you might experience include wind, rain, snow, moisture, and heat. While many large dog doors designed for enduring these conditions might be expensive, many are worth it in the long run.
Energy Efficient Characteristics
This feature is essential for dog owners experiencing frigid winters or humid summers. However, this factor depends on the quality of the dog door’s flaps. Although many owners prefer using a single-flap dog door, models incorporating more flap layers retain lock air in a chamber, allowing less of it to escape.
This temperature balance is ideal for a Great Dane’s thin fat and coat layers.
Enhanced Locking Features
Installing a dog door for a Great Dane might make you start worrying about unwanted guests entering your home. Several dog door models incorporate slide-on or snap-on locks that let you seal them at night, during a storm, or when you and your dog leave the house, ensuring enhanced security.
Electric models opened with your dog’s microchip or collar key can also keep outdoor animals and burglars out.
FAQs
What is the most secure doggie door?
The PetSafe Doggie Door is our winner. Its affordable price point, American-made design, and frame material options put it at the top of any Great Dane owner’s list.
Does the entranceway’s height matter?
When selecting a Great Dane dog house or doggie door, height matters. Taller doors mean fewer chances of your dog injuring its back. Also, finding a dog door that matches your dog’s height prevents you from replacing it as he grows.
Should I reinforce my large dog door if it gets too drafty?
Although many dog doors have excellent resistance to high wind speeds, they might wear down over time or have varying protection quality. However, you can perform simple DIY solutions to seal a faulty dog door.
These methods include caulking open holes or air gaps, adding weather strips around the frame, or installing more flaps into the door to minimize wasted energy.
Should I install an extra-large dog door when I have multiple pets?
It depends on what types of pets you have. We recommend picking a door with a height tall enough for your largest dog and a small step-over height for your smallest pets. An extra-large dog door is ideal for larger breeds, but can still accommodate smaller dogs or cats.
Conclusion
After comparing and contrasting five of the best Great Dane doggie doors, we choose the PetSafe Extreme Weather Dog Door as our winner. Its affordable price point, American-made design, and frame material options put it at the top of any Great Dane owner’s list.
Fully insulated. Energy efficient. Nice and secure. This is why the PetSafe Extreme is the most energy-efficient dog door.
This might be the best Great Dane doggie door for you if you want an excellent model that’s built to last. The aluminum frame structure is especially functional for Great Dane owners who regularly deal with extreme weather conditions.
Add to that the three layers of transparent flap insulation, and you’re sure to agree that this doggie door outshines the competition by miles. The easy DIY installation ensures you’ll set this door up easily and reap the rewards with a lifetime of resilient day-in-day-out service for your beloved Great Dane.
