Great Dane

Good to know

• Gentle giants: originally bred in Germany to hunt boar, today's Danes are typically friendly, patient and dependable companions.
• Train early: start manners and leash training young, because a pushy adult of this size is hard to handle.
• Lap dogs at heart: many lean on their people and try to share the sofa, so plan space for a very big dog indoors.
• Easy coat: the short coat needs only occasional brushing, though they shed and a big dog sheds a lot of hair.

Getting out with a Great Dane

Daily walks and some play keep them content. A mix of park time and easy trails suits them.

Common health considerations

Inherited conditions to ask your vet about

• Bloat/GDV
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Hip dysplasia
• Bone cancer

Common issues

• Bloat
• Heart disease
• Short lifespan

Bloat (GDV) risk: severe. A swollen belly with retching but nothing coming up is an emergency: go to a vet straight away.

Not every Great Dane will have these. Good breeders screen for inherited conditions, and your vet can advise on testing and check-ups.

Explore more breeds in the Working group