Dog breed · Working
Great Dane
Friendly, patient, dependable
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 45–80 kg (99–176 lb)
- Height
- 71–86 cm (28–34 in)
- Life span
- 7–10 years
- Origin
- Germany
By Maya HartThe coat
Short
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Great Danes right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Next to no grooming
Be ready for
- Happier with space and a garden
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Great Danes weigh 45–80 kg (99–176 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Great Dane
The “Apollo of dogs” is a gentle giant: calm, affectionate and often convinced it is a lap dog. Despite their size Great Danes can live in surprisingly small homes, because they spend much of the day asleep — though a waving tail can clear a coffee table.
Bloat is a life-threatening emergency that is particularly common in Danes. Many vets recommend a preventive gastropexy, which stitches the stomach in place, often at the same time as neutering. Everything costs more for a giant dog, from food and beds to medicines and insurance.
Health to know about
- Bloat (gastric dilatation–volvulus) — the highest risk of any breed
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Wobbler syndrome
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Hip dysplasia
Care in short
- Feed two or three meals a day; avoid exercise straight after eating
- Ask your vet about preventive gastropexy
- Large-breed puppy food for controlled growth
- Plan for the costs of a giant dog
Kit for a Great Dane
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Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for walks
Padded no-pull harness
4.5Front clip discourages pulling without pressure on the throat.
- Four adjustment points
- Reflective trim
Best for chewers
Natural rubber chew toy
4.6Tough, bouncy and stuffable; freeze it with food for longer.
- Several sizes
- Dishwasher safe
Similar breeds
| Trait | Great Dane |  Staffordshire Bull TerrierCompare |
 RottweilerCompare |
BoxerCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 45–80 kg (99–176 lb) | 11–17 kg (24–37 lb) | 35–60 kg (77–132 lb) | 25–32 kg (55–71 lb) |
| Energy | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with children | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Grooming needs | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Great Dane get?
Adults usually weigh 45–80 kg (99–176 lb) and stand 71–86 cm (28–34 in) tall.
How long do Great Danes live?
Typically 7–10 years.
Are Great Danes good with children?
Generally very good (4 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Great Danes shed?
A moderate amount, more in spring and autumn.
What health problems are Great Danes prone to?
Bloat (gastric dilatation–volvulus) — the highest risk of any breed; Dilated cardiomyopathy; Wobbler syndrome; Osteosarcoma (bone cancer); Hip dysplasia.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts