Great Dane breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Great Danes
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Great Dane breed
Great Danes are a large and noble breed that originally came from Germany, where they were bred as hunting and guard dogs. They are famous for their giant size, strong build, and graceful looks. Despite their impressive appearance, Great Danes are often called "gentle giants" because they are loving, friendly, and calm. Their loyal and kind nature makes them great companions, and their striking looks always draw attention. This breed is a perfect mix of strength and elegance, making them a wonderful choice for many families.
Weight, height & life expectancy
Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds in the world, with males standing at an average height of 76 to 86cm and females ranging from 71 to 81cm. The tallest Great Dane ever recorded measured a staggering 111cm from paw to shoulder!
Their weight can vary significantly, but they typically weigh between 54 and 91kg.
Great Danes have a life expectancy of around 8-10 years.
What is the temperament of a Great Dane like?
Great Danes are known for their gentle and friendly nature, often described as "gentle giants." They are typically calm, patient, and affectionate with their families. Despite their size, they often have a loving and docile temperament.
Great Danes are usually good with children and can be gentle and protective. However, proper socialisation from a young age is crucial to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded and confident adults. They may be reserved or wary with strangers, making early socialisation and positive exposure to various people and environments important.
Our Great Dane Community
“Digby loves snoozing next to people, especially on a sofa. Ear and belly scratches always welcomed! As a puppy, he loves playing, and doing tug of war with toys.”
Digby’s owner, Guy from Yorkshire
“I am an overgrown couch potato… I love cuddles and will happily sleep all day tucked up under my blanket. I have so much personality and am as clumsy as Danes come.”
Doggy member, Winnie from Oxfordshire
How much exercise does a Great Dane need?
Great Dane exercise needs are moderate compared to some other breeds. They require daily exercise to keep them healthy and prevent weight gain. On average, they should have about 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise per day. This can include leisurely walks, playtime in a secure area, or interactive games. It's important to note that Great Danes are prone to joint and bone issues, so avoid excessive exercise, especially during their growth stages.
Puppies have different exercise requirements compared to adult dogs. Great Dane puppies should have controlled and limited exercise to protect their developing bones and joints. Avoid activities that put excessive stress on their growing bodies, such as prolonged running or jumping. Short and supervised play sessions in a safe environment are suitable for puppies.
Gradually increase exercise duration and intensity as they grow older. Full exercise at an adult level can be reached around 12 to 18 months of age. Your vet can advise on the exercise needs for your individual dog.
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Do Great Danes need a lot of grooming?
Great Danes have a short, smooth coat that is relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming. They are moderate shedders and require regular brushing to remove loose hair and keep their coat clean and healthy. Weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or a grooming glove is usually sufficient.
Due to their large size, it's important to establish good grooming habits from a young age to make it a positive and stress-free experience for both you and your Great Dane.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Great Danes easy to train?
Great Danes are generally intelligent dogs but can be independent and stubborn at times. Early and consistent training is important to establish boundaries, good behaviour, and socialisation skills. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats, praise, and rewards, work best when training Great Danes. They respond well to gentle and patient training techniques.
Keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging to maintain their interest and prevent boredom. Great Danes are known for their sensitivity, so positive reinforcement and consistency are key to successful training. Start training early and socialise them with various people, animals, and environments to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and confident dogs.
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What do Great Danes eat?
A nutritious and balanced diet is crucial for the health and well-being of Great Danes. Feed them high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds to support their growth and maintain their overall health.
Puppies have specific dietary needs for their rapid growth and development. They should be fed a large or giant breed, puppy-specific diet until they reach around 12 to 18 months of age. This should be given 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old, then reduced to twice a day.
Consult with your vet for specific feeding recommendations based on your Great Dane's age, size, and activity level. Monitor their weight and adjust portion sizes accordingly to prevent obesity.
Are Great Danes healthy?
Great Danes, like many large breeds, are prone to certain health issues. While not all Great Danes will experience these conditions, it's important to be aware of potential health concerns. Some common health conditions in Great Danes include:
Bones and joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Panosteitis - a painful, inflammatory condition of the long bones of the leg
Eyes
Cherry eye - this is when there is popping out of the third eyelid gland
Ectropion - with this condition the eyelid rolls out, which can expose the eye to dryness
Entropion - this is where the eyelids roll in, causing eyelashes to rub onto the surface of the eye
Glaucoma - the pressure of the eye becomes too high which can damage the eye
Gastrointestinal
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) - this occurs when the stomach twists and gas and contents get trapped inside. It is a very serious condition and a vet should be contacted immediately
Heart
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - a disease of the heart muscle causing the heart ventricles to get larger, which can lead to heart failure
Neurological
Inherited Myopathy of Great Danes - a progressive weakness and wasting of muscles
Wobbler Syndrome - a wobbly, uncoordinated gait, caused by spinal cord compression in the neck.
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Great Dane is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Prioritise joint and bone health from the start. Great Danes grow rapidly as puppies, which can put stress on their developing bones and joints. Feed them a high-quality, large-breed puppy food to ensure they get the right balance of nutrients to support healthy growth. Avoid over-exercising or activities that put excessive strain on their joints during their first year to reduce the risk of developmental issues.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
