Great Dane

Read our comprehensive guide to Great Danes, including information on predisposed health issues, exercise needs, family friendliness, grooming, history, overview & temperament.

Dog
17 Oct 2023

History of Great Dane Dogs 

Great Danes originated in Germany where they were bred to be hunting dogs. This breed falls into the working dog category and was used not to physically hunt bears, boar and deer but to hold them until their owners arrived which is why they are often referred to as catch dogs. Throughout history, they have been used to guard castles due to their imposing size and stature. Today, due to their calm and gentle persona, they make lovable house companions.

 

What to expect when caring for your Great Dane

Common Great Dane Health Issues

With a shorter lifespan than most breeds, are there any particular health concerns connected to this breed?

Watch out for the following:

Bloat – This potentially fatal condition occurs when the stomach twists and blocks blood flow to the organs. As Great Danes have a bigger appetite than most breeds and eat more, this is why they are more susceptible to it.

Hip Dysplasia – This breed is prone to almost all forms of dysplasia including hip dysplasia.

Heart Conditions – This breed is particularly susceptible to heart disease. Having your Great Dane regularly checked at the vets will help to spot any signs and follow any necessary treatment.

How Much Grooming Do Great Danes Need?

This breed has a short coat that comes in a myriad of colours from fawn, blue, brindle, black and many, many more. In terms of grooming, they are a low maintenance breed as their hair is short and low odour. Great Danes do shed and due to their size, you should prepare to be cleaning up a lot of hair.

How Much Exercise Do Great Danes Need?

Surprisingly, the Great Dane is a mellow and quiet dog that doesn’t require a huge amount of exercise. This means that despite their size, they don’t need a huge sprawling garden or a palatial backyard. That doesn’t mean they don’t require exercising. Adult males and females make superb partners for runs and jogs.

  1. Great Dane Personality Traits

    What to expect from your Great Dane

    Great Danes are physically impressive with their large, muscular physique. They are one of the tallest dogs in the world and as a result, can appear fairly intimidating. Their personality contrasts their powerful stature and once you spend time with a Great Dane you will realise they are gentle giants. They have an affectionate nature and are loving dogs that thrive on building a strong bond with their owners.

  2. Are Great Danes Family Friendly?

    How will they behave around my family?

    Yes, Great Danes are big dogs but a properly socialised and trained Great Dane is family friendly. They are gentle with children and love to play. Due to their size, they make great guard dogs but they aren’t aggressive and show patience around children. Of course, due to the size of this dog, you may have to educate the whole family (especially the smaller members) when it comes to being cautious around a Great Dane’s tale. Dodging an excited Great Dane’s long and powerful wagging tale is an art form that needs to be perfected as one whip of the tale can leave a mark.

Key Facts Summary
Size:
26-34 inches
Weight:
49kg-90kg
Temperament:
Gentle and Majestic
Lifespan
7-10 Years
Average Cost:
£459-£765

Great Dane FAQs:

How Much Does a Great Dane Eat?

As one of the largest dog breeds on the planet, you can expect to have a monthly food bill that’s larger than most. An adult male Great Dane can consume up to 10 cups of dry food each day.

How Big is a Great Dane?

Great Danes are one of the biggest dog breeds and can reach up to 90KGs. It takes three years for a Great Dane to fully mature and reach its full size. Because they take longer to develop than most breeds, it is not advisable to run or jog with your Great Dane puppy until they reach adulthood. Owning such a big dog comes with many considerations and you should ensure you have enough space for your dog to live comfortably.

How Much is a Great Dane?

Great Danes aren’t especially expensive to buy but the upkeep of them in terms of regular grooming and food expenses is higher than most because of their size. If you purchase a Great Dane from a recommended breeder for companionship purposes only, you can pay under £800. Great Danes regular appear at dog shows and if you are buying a Great Dane and desire a show quality dog, you can pay up to three times this price.

Great Danes are strong and robust dogs, but they aren’t immune to health concerns, so having pet insurance can help to protect you against those unexpected vet bills. You can find out more about your cover options benefits with Asda Money Dog Insurance here.

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