Great Dane

Great Dane

Weight

45-90 kg

Height

71-86 cm shoulder height

Lifespan

7-10 years (one of the shortest of all breeds)

Health figures are breed averages for general guidance only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian.

The Great Dane is a friendly giant who completely loves people and shows it in his own calm way. He's not aggressive, not overly vigilant and not difficult to handle โ€” he's simply an enormously large dog with a soft character who prefers to be as close as possible to his people. His size is his most striking characteristic; his character always pleasantly surprises people.

Character & traits

Energy
3
Affection
5
Playfulness
3
Watchfulness
4
With children
4
With other dogs
3
With strangers
3
Trainability
4
For beginners
2
Shedding
2
Drooling
4

Practical

Exercise per day
about 1.5 hours
Max alone
4 hours
Garden needed
Yes
Apartment
Less suitable
Insurance
$90โ€“$145/mo
Food
$130โ€“$200/mo

Frequently asked questions

Is the Great Dane suitable for beginners?+
Not ideal for first-time owners. The Great Dane needs an experienced owner who understands what this breed requires.
How much exercise does a Great Dane need?+
The Great Dane needs 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise per day โ€” more than most breeds. Think extended walks or active play.
Is the Great Dane good with children?+
Yes, the Great Dane is great with children โ€” patient, playful, and forgiving. A solid family dog.

Find out if the Great Dane is right for you.

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Related articles:

What Great Dane owners typically need

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Food

Giant breed food

Specialized food for giant breeds โ€” fewer calories, more glucosamine for joints.

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Accessories

Adjustable leash

A leash you can shorten or lengthen: useful for training and walks.

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Grooming

Nail clipper

Not much coat to brush, but nails keep growing. Clip them every 2-3 weeks.

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๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Insurance

Pet insurance for the Great Dane typically runs $99โ€“$160/month for basic accident and illness coverage. What you pay depends on the dog's age and your location.

Health information is for general guidance only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian.

Is pet insurance worth it for this breed? โ†’