Great Dane
The Apollo of dogs.
- Weight
- 110–175 lbs
- Height
- 28–32 in
- Lifespan
- 6–8 yrs
In short
The Great Dane is a Working breed from Germany, developed to hunt wild boar and guard estates; adults weigh about 110–175 lbs and live 6–8 years. Bloat (GDV) is the top emergency risk, so learn its signs and ask your vet about a preventive gastropexy.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a gentle giant that loves the couch
- have space for a dog this size
- can budget for giant-dog food and vet bills
Think twice if you…
- can't face a 6–8 year lifespan
- have a small car or lots of stairs
- won't learn the signs of bloat
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 30–60 min a day
- Training
- 1–2 × 5 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 210–300 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityWilling learner7.0/10
EnergyModerate4.0/10
Calm at homeCalm indoors9.5/10
SheddingSheds seasonally6.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Giant, deep chest
The deep, narrow chest raises bloat risk, so feed smaller meals and rest after eating.
-
02
Long, fast growth
Danes grow quickly for about 18–24 months; slow, steady growth protects joints.
-
03
Whip tail
A long, strong tail clears coffee tables and can split at the tip on walls.
Size & coat
| Specification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 140–175 lbs | 110–140 lbs |
| Height | 30–32 in | 28–30 in |
| Lifespan | 6–8 yrs | |
| Coat | Short, thick, smooth coat | |
Personality
Danes are gentle, affectionate couch dogs that do not know their own size. They lean, sit on laps and follow you around. Adults are calm indoors, but a giant puppy needs manners fast.
With kids
Gentle with kids, but a wag or bump can knock over a toddler. Supervise and teach kids not to climb on them.
With other pets
Usually good with other dogs and cats when raised with them.
With strangers
Watchful and imposing at the door, then friendly once introduced. Socialize to prevent fearfulness.
Alone time
Tolerates a normal workday as an adult if exercised and comfortable. Puppies need gradual alone-time practice.
Training
Danes are willing and sensitive, responding best to calm, positive training. Manners must be solid before they outweigh you.
-
How often
1–2 sessions a day of about 5 minutes each, ending each one on a win.
-
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Between 8–16 weeks, focus on new people, places and surfaces, since fearful giants are hard to manage. Practice vet handling and nail trims early.
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Self-control
Loose-leash walking and no jumping up matter most for a dog this big. Teach a solid “sit” for every greeting and stop walking when the leash tightens.
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What it works for
Food and praise both work. Use small, high-value pieces within 10% of daily calories; freeze-dried liver is one option.
Exercise
Danes need moderate daily walks and free play, not endurance work. Adults are often happy with a couple of good walks.
Exercise a day
30–60 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Daily walks
- Free play in a fenced yard
- Gentle hikes for adults
Brain work
- Scent games
- Food puzzles
- Trick training
Best home
Apartments can work for calm adults with elevators and walks; a house with a yard is easier.
Watch for Avoid hard exercise for an hour around meals because of bloat risk, and limit jumping and long runs while puppies grow.
Feeding
Adult maintenance for a typical Great Dane (110–175 lbs) lands around 2,100–2,975 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.
Puppy (to 12 mo)
- Daily calories
- 2,625–3,725 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 16–20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 265–375 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 13–19 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 2,100–2,975 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 14–18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 210–300 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 11–15 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 2,900–4,100 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 18–22%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 290–410 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 15–21 pieces a day
Senior
- Daily calories
- 1,850–2,600 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 12–16%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 185–260 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 9–13 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (to 12 mo) | 2,625–3,725 kcal | 26–30% | 16–20% | 265–375 kcal | 13–19 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 2,100–2,975 kcal | 24–28% | 14–18% | 210–300 kcal | 11–15 pieces |
| Active / Working | 2,900–4,100 kcal | 26–30% | 18–22% | 290–410 kcal | 15–21 pieces |
| Senior | 1,850–2,600 kcal | 24–28% | 12–16% | 185–260 kcal | 9–13 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
Bloat (GDV), dilated cardiomyopathy, bone cancer, hip dysplasia and wobbler syndrome are the main concerns. Know the signs of bloat and discuss preventive gastropexy with your vet.
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder) |
| Heart disease (DCM) | Cardiac exam by a veterinary cardiologist (OFA) | Yearly in breeding dogs |
| Inherited eye disease | Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist (CAER) | Yearly in breeding dogs |
| Hypothyroidism | OFA thyroid panel | Periodically in breeding dogs |
Official health tests for breeding dogs
The OFA's CHIC program asks Great Dane breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.
- Hip evaluation
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Thyroid panel
- Heart exam
Grooming Moderate year-round
A weekly brush with a rubber mitt is enough. Trim nails every 1–2 weeks, as long nails strain big feet, check ears weekly and brush teeth several times a week.
History
1500s–1700s
Boar hounds
German nobles used large boarhounds to hunt wild boar and to guard their estates.
Late 1800s
German national breed
Germany standardized the Deutsche Dogge in the 1880s and adopted it as a national breed.
1887
American recognition
The AKC recognized the Great Dane in 1887, and it became a gentle family companion.
Questions owners ask
Are Great Danes easy to train?
Fairly easy. Danes are willing and sensitive, and they respond well to calm, reward-based training. Start manners early before they get too big.
Are Great Danes good with kids and other pets?
Usually yes. They are gentle with kids and other pets when raised together, but their size means toddlers need supervision.
How much exercise does a Great Dane need?
About 30–60 minutes a day of walks and play. Avoid hard exercise around meals and limit running while puppies grow.
Do Great Danes shed?
Yes, moderately. The short coat sheds year-round but needs only a weekly brush.
What health problems do Great Danes have, and how long do they live?
Bloat, heart disease, bone cancer, hip dysplasia and wobbler syndrome are the main concerns. Great Danes typically live 6–8 years.
Is a Great Dane good for apartments or first-time owners?
Calm adults can manage an apartment with elevators and walks. First-time owners can do well if prepared for the size, costs and shorter lifespan.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Great Dane needs only 11–15 pieces a day, well inside the 210–300 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Great Dane ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Great Dane
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
