Great Dane
Huge dog with a kind heart
Danes 101
Working groupAlthough physically imposing, the Great Dane is a friendly, good-natured dog. That’s good news because appearing anywhere with a Dane will attract attention -- and endless jokes about putting a saddle on your dog.
What we love about Danes
Forgives everyone who cracks a "saddle" joke
The Great Dane has moderate exercise needs, which makes them surprisingly good for big cities if not for the smallest living spaces. Early socialization and manners training is recommended to set the stage for good behavior in massive adults.
Energy level
Energy level: 75% (High)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary
Size
Size: 28 to 32 inches tall. This is a X large sized Dog.
- Energy level
- High (75%)
- Bark level
- As needed
- Height
- 28 to 32 inches
- Lifespan
- 7 to 10 years
- Weight
- 110 to 175 lbs
The Great Dane stands 28 to 32 inches tall and weighs 110 to 175 lbs. Great Danes have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a as needed bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Great Danes get?
- Great Danes stand 28 to 32 inches tall and typically weigh between 110 and 175 pounds.
- How long do Great Danes live?
- The average lifespan of a Great Dane is 7 to 10 years.
- Are Great Danes good for first-time dog owners?
- Great Danes are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do Great Danes bark a lot?
- Great Danes typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Great Dane health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Dane
Risk level for common Dane conditions
Mid-life Great Danes should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and Cardiomyopathy pose very high risk.
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
- Very High Risk
- Cardiomyopathy
- Very High Risk
- Skin allergies
- Above Average Risk
80% on risk scaleSenior Dane
Risk level for common Dane conditions
Senior Great Danes face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and Bone cancer and Cardiomyopathy pose very high risk.
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
- Very High Risk
- Bone cancer
- Very High Risk
- Cardiomyopathy
- Very High Risk
Dane puppy
Risk level for common Dane conditions
Great Dane puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) and Pneumonia pose very high risk. Foreign body ingestion is at high risk.
- Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
- Very High Risk
- Pneumonia
- Very High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- High Risk
Young adult Dane
Risk level for common Dane conditions
As Great Danes grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Entropion and Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) pose very high risk.
- Entropion
- Very High Risk
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
- Very High Risk
- Pneumonia
- Moderate Risk
Mature adult Dane
Risk level for common Dane conditions
Mid-life Great Danes should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and Cardiomyopathy pose very high risk.
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
- Very High Risk
- Cardiomyopathy
- Very High Risk
- Skin allergies
- Above Average Risk
Senior Dane
Risk level for common Dane conditions
Senior Great Danes face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and Bone cancer and Cardiomyopathy pose very high risk.
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
- Very High Risk
- Bone cancer
- Very High Risk
- Cardiomyopathy
- Very High Risk
Dane puppy
Risk level for common Dane conditions
Great Dane puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) and Pneumonia pose very high risk. Foreign body ingestion is at high risk.
- Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
- Very High Risk
- Pneumonia
- Very High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- High Risk
Young adult Dane
Risk level for common Dane conditions
As Great Danes grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Entropion and Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) pose very high risk.
- Entropion
- Very High Risk
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
- Very High Risk
- Pneumonia
- Moderate Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Great Dane's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 15 months)
- Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid): Very High Risk, Pneumonia: Very High Risk, Foreign body ingestion: High Risk
- Young Adult (16 months to 3 years)
- Entropion: Very High Risk, Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): Very High Risk, Pneumonia: Moderate Risk
- Mature Adult (4 years to 5 years)
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): Very High Risk, Cardiomyopathy: Very High Risk, Skin allergies: Above Average Risk
- Senior (6+ years)
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): Very High Risk, Bone cancer: Very High Risk, Cardiomyopathy: Very High Risk
One of the most well-known cartoon dogs is the lovable, scaredy-cat Great Dane, Scooby Doo. The television show "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" premiered in 1969 and followed the adventures of "Scoob" and his human companions as they solved mysteries. The show has since become a classic and has spawned numerous spin-offs, movies and a dedicated fan base.
Great Dane coat care and colors
The Great Dane's coat is easy to care for: Sleek and short, all it needs is weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep it in healthy condition. Great Danes come in a variety of colors and patterns, including the flashy Harlequin. The Great Dane is a giant dog, and that means giant nails that need to be kept short. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming, so experiment with which method works best.
Do Great Danes shed a lot?
Do Great Danes shed a lot?
Are there any specific grooming needs for a Great Dane?
Are there any specific grooming needs for a Great Dane?
What is the best way to keep a Great Dane's coat clean and healthy?
What is the best way to keep a Great Dane's coat clean and healthy?
Dane exercise & training
Dane fun facts
Top girl names for Danes
of Danes are female
of Danes are male
Top boy names for Danes
Nationwide loves Great Danes of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Great Danes insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Great Dane statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Danes
Best. Great Dane insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free