Let's talk about... Great Danes: what are they?
- Great Danes are an impressive and noble breed originating from Germany.
- They are known for their immense size and elegant appearance.
- Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds in the world, with males standing at an average height of 76 to 86 cm and females ranging from 71 to 81 cm.
- The tallest Great Dane ever recorded measured a staggering 111 cm from paw to shoulder!
- Their weight can vary significantly, but they typically weigh between 54 and 91 kg.
- Great Danes have a life expectancy of around 8-10 years.
What is the temperament of Great Danes 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.
How much exercise do Great Danes 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.
- Always consult with your vet for specific exercise recommendations based on your Great Dane's age and overall health.
- 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.
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.
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.
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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.
