🐕 Dogs

Great Dane

Gentle giant of the dog world.

Great Danes are calm, friendly and surprisingly low-energy for their size. They need space, a big budget and awareness of bloat.

Lifespan7–10 years
SizeGiant · 110–175 lb
Care levelModerate
Typical cost$180–350 / month
Great for
FamiliesLarge homesCalm householdsGentleFriendlyPatient
Great Dane

Photo: Lilly M · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

Room to stretch out; a big orthopedic bed.

Giant-breed puppy food for controlled growth; several meals a day.

1 hour of moderate walks; avoid hard running while growing.

Low; weekly brushing.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Bloat (GDV)
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Wobbler syndrome
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Annual exams; ask about preventive gastropexy during spay/neuter.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.