Great Danes as Pets: Cost, Life Expectancy, and Temperament

Great Danes are one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. These gentle giants combine an impressive, head turning appearance with a surprisingly sweet and affectionate personality. But owning a Great Dane is a unique experience that comes with specific challenges most other breeds simply do not have. Before you bring one home, you need to understand what you are getting into.

Great Dane Temperament and Personality

Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are famously gentle dogs. They are often called “gentle giants” because their temperament is about as far from aggressive as you can get. Most Great Danes are affectionate, patient, and surprisingly sensitive. They bond deeply with their families and want to be near their people as much as possible.

Great Danes are excellent with children when properly socialized. Their calm, patient nature makes them tolerant of the noise and chaos that comes with kids. That said, their sheer size means accidental knockdowns can happen, especially with toddlers, so supervision is always a good idea.

One thing that surprises many new Great Dane owners is how much these dogs think they are lap dogs. A 150 pound Dane will absolutely try to climb into your lap on the couch. They are not independent dogs by nature and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. If you work away from home all day, a Great Dane may not be the best fit unless you can arrange for company during the day.

Great Dane Size and Physical Traits

Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. Males typically stand 30 to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 140 and 175 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, standing 28 to 30 inches and weighing 110 to 140 pounds. Some individuals exceed these ranges, and the current record holder for tallest dog is a Great Dane.

They have short, smooth coats that come in several recognized colors including fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin (white with black patches), and mantle (black and white). Their short coat means grooming is relatively simple, but they do shed moderately year round.

Great Dane puppies grow at an astonishing rate. They go from about one pound at birth to over 100 pounds within their first year. This rapid growth is one reason why proper nutrition during puppyhood is so critical for this breed.

How Much Does a Great Dane Cost?

The purchase price for a Great Dane puppy from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, with show quality dogs or rare colors costing more. You can sometimes find Great Danes through rescue organizations for $300 to $500, which includes spay/neuter and initial vaccinations.

But the purchase price is just the beginning. Great Danes are one of the most expensive breeds to own due to their size. Everything costs more when your dog is this big. Food bills run $80 to $150 per month for quality large breed food. Veterinary care costs more because medications are dosed by weight. A standard dog crate for a Dane can cost $150 or more, and a large enough dog bed can easily run $100 to $200.

Expect to spend $2,000 to $4,000 per year on routine care including food, vet visits, preventatives, and basic supplies. Emergency veterinary care for a giant breed can be even more expensive than average due to the larger doses of anesthesia and medications required.

Great Dane Life Expectancy

This is the hardest part of owning a Great Dane. Their average lifespan is 7 to 10 years, which is shorter than most dog breeds. Giant breeds in general tend to have shorter lives, and Great Danes are no exception. Some live to 12 or beyond, but many owners lose their Danes between 7 and 9 years of age.

The shorter lifespan is something every potential Great Dane owner needs to come to terms with before getting one. These dogs give you fewer years than a smaller breed, but the bond you form with a Dane during those years is something truly special.

Health Concerns in Great Danes

Great Danes are prone to several health issues that owners need to be aware of.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus). This is the number one health concern for Great Danes and can be life threatening. Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply. It can kill a dog within hours if not treated surgically. Many Great Dane owners opt for a preventive surgery called a gastropexy (stomach tacking) to reduce the risk. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding exercise right after eating also help.

Hip dysplasia. Common in large and giant breeds, this condition affects the hip joint and can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. Good breeders test their breeding stock for hip dysplasia.

Heart disease. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is more common in Great Danes than in many other breeds. Regular cardiac screenings are recommended, especially as your Dane ages.

Bone cancer (osteosarcoma). Great Danes have a higher than average rate of bone cancer, particularly in their legs. This is an aggressive cancer that usually appears in middle aged to older dogs.

Exercise and Activity Needs

Despite their size, Great Danes are not extremely high energy dogs. They need about 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise daily, which can include walks, gentle play, and some off leash time in a fenced yard. They enjoy a good walk but are not built for long distance running or intense agility work.

Exercise during puppyhood requires special attention. Because their bones and joints grow so rapidly, young Great Danes should avoid high impact activities like jumping, running on hard surfaces, or going up and down stairs frequently until they are at least 18 months old. Over exercising a growing Dane can cause joint problems that affect them for life.

Adult Danes are actually pretty happy as indoor dogs. After their daily exercise, they are content to lounge around the house. Many Great Dane owners joke that their dog’s favorite activity is napping on the couch.

Living Space Requirements

You might think you need a mansion to own a Great Dane, but that is not necessarily true. Great Danes are surprisingly adaptable to different living situations because they are calm indoors. Some Great Dane owners do just fine in apartments, as long as they commit to daily walks and outdoor exercise.

That said, you do need to consider the practical realities. A wagging Great Dane tail can clear a coffee table in seconds. They need room to stretch out when they sleep (and they take up a LOT of room). Doorways, furniture, and vehicles all need to accommodate a dog that stands chest high to most adults. If your home is small and cluttered, a Great Dane will feel cramped.

Feeding a Great Dane

Nutrition is especially important for Great Danes, both as puppies and adults. Great Dane puppies should eat a large breed puppy food that controls calcium and phosphorus levels to promote slow, steady growth. Growing too fast increases the risk of bone and joint problems.

Adult Great Danes eat 6 to 10 cups of food per day, depending on their size and activity level. Splitting this into two or three meals (rather than one large meal) reduces the risk of bloat. Always use a raised feeding station to make mealtime more comfortable, and avoid vigorous exercise for at least an hour after eating.

Training Your Great Dane

Training a Great Dane is not optional. An untrained 150 pound dog is a serious safety concern, even one with a gentle temperament. Basic obedience training should start early, while your Dane is still small enough to manage physically. Leash manners are especially important because an adult Dane that pulls on the leash can drag most people right off their feet.

The good news is that Great Danes are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. They are sensitive dogs that do not respond well to harsh corrections, so keep training sessions upbeat and reward based. Finding a reputable breeder who socializes their puppies early gives you a big head start on training.

Is a Great Dane Right for You?

Great Danes are wonderful dogs for the right owner. You should consider one if you want a loyal, affectionate companion who will be deeply bonded to your family. You have the budget for a giant breed’s food and veterinary costs. You can handle the emotional reality of a shorter lifespan. You have enough indoor space for a very large dog to be comfortable, and you are committed to early training and socialization.

A Great Dane might not be right for you if you travel frequently and cannot take a giant dog along. You prefer a very active, athletic breed for running or hiking. You are not prepared for the higher costs associated with giant breed ownership, or you want a dog that will be with you for 15 or more years. If you are looking for a breed with hypoallergenic qualities, the Great Dane is not the best choice either.

Frequently Asked Questions