Great Danes & Children
Their large size means interactions with children should be supervised. Children should also learn respectful behavior around dogs.
Breed Information
Complete Great Dane Guide
Great Danes combine an impressive physical presence with a companion-oriented personality. Before bringing home a Great Dane puppy, families should understand the breed's adult size, temperament, exercise requirements, feeding needs, training and long-term care.
This guide covers the major considerations that can help you decide whether a Great Dane is appropriate for your family and prepare for life with a giant-breed dog.
Giant
Breed Size
28–34+ in
Typical Adult Height Range
100–175 lb
Typical Adult Weight Range
7–10 yrs
Common Lifespan Range
Short
Coat Type
Personality
Great Dane Temperament
Great Danes are often valued as companion dogs because many enjoy spending substantial time near their families. Individual temperament varies, however, and every puppy develops through a combination of genetics, socialization, training and environment.
Their enormous adult size makes good manners especially important. Behaviors that may seem minor in a small puppy can become difficult when the same dog weighs well over 100 pounds.
Early Socialization
Positive exposure to different people, household sounds, appropriate animals, surfaces and environments can help puppies become more comfortable with everyday experiences.
Giant Breed
How Big Does a Great Dane Get?
Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds. Adult size varies by sex, genetics, body condition and the individual dog.
Adult males commonly stand at least about 30 inches at the shoulder, while adult females commonly begin around 28 inches. Many individuals are taller.
How Much Does the Average Great Dane Weigh?
Adult females are often roughly 100–140 pounds, while males may commonly fall around 120–175 pounds. These are broad reference ranges, not target weights for every Great Dane.
Your veterinarian can help evaluate healthy body condition for your individual dog rather than relying on weight alone.
Long-Term Care
Great Dane Lifespan
Great Danes generally have a shorter lifespan than many smaller dog breeds. A commonly cited range is approximately 7 to 10 years, although individual dogs may live shorter or longer lives.
Genetics, veterinary care, nutrition, body condition, exercise and health conditions can all influence longevity.
Supporting Long-Term Health
Regular veterinary examinations, appropriate nutrition, maintaining healthy body condition, dental care, preventive care and attention to changes in behavior or mobility can all contribute to responsible ownership.
Activity
Great Dane Exercise Needs
Great Danes benefit from regular activity, but exercise should be appropriate for the dog's age, health and physical development.
Growing puppies should not be treated like fully mature athletic dogs. Excessive forced exercise and repeated high-impact activity may not be appropriate during growth.
Adult Great Danes
Healthy adult Great Danes commonly benefit from regular walks, play, training and opportunities for mental stimulation.
Nutrition
Feeding a Great Dane Puppy
Great Dane puppies grow rapidly, making appropriate nutrition particularly important. Food selection and feeding amounts should support controlled, healthy growth rather than encouraging a puppy to grow as quickly as possible.
Discuss your puppy's food, portions, growth and body condition with your veterinarian. Nutritional requirements can change as the puppy develops.
Adult Feeding
Adult feeding amounts depend on factors including body weight, activity level, metabolism, food calorie density and health.
Good Manners
Training a Great Dane Puppy
Training should begin while your Great Dane is young. Their rapid growth means a puppy can become physically powerful long before reaching full maturity.
Reward-based training can help teach useful behaviors while building communication between dog and owner.
Important Skills
Walking politely on leash, responding when called, settling calmly, waiting at doors and greeting people appropriately are particularly useful behaviors for a giant dog.
Family Life
Great Danes With Children & Other Pets
Individual dogs differ, but early socialization, supervision and appropriate introductions are important when Great Danes live with children or other animals.
Great Danes & Dogs
Appropriate introductions and socialization can help when adding a Great Dane to a household with another dog.
Great Danes & Other Pets
Compatibility varies by individual animal. Introductions should be controlled and supervised, especially when animals differ greatly in size.
Coat Colors
Great Dane Colors
Great Danes can be seen in several distinctive colors and patterns. Mainely Danes currently features puppies represented as Blue, Harlequin, Merle, Fawn, Black, Brindle and Mantle.
Appearance may influence personal preference, but color should not replace consideration of health, temperament and suitability for your household.
Explore Great Dane Colors
Before Buying
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Great Dane?
Puppy price is only one part of the cost of Great Dane ownership. Their giant size can make many recurring expenses higher than they would be for a smaller dog.
Food
Giant dogs typically consume more food than smaller breeds, so quality nutrition should be included in your ongoing budget.
Veterinary Care
Budget for routine preventive care as well as unexpected illness or emergency treatment.
Supplies
Beds, crates, collars, harnesses and other equipment generally need to accommodate a giant dog.
Training
Professional training classes can be a useful investment in managing a very large adult dog.
Is a Great Dane Right for You?
Great Danes can be rewarding companions, but their giant size should be taken seriously. Consider your housing, transportation, budget, training commitment, lifestyle and ability to provide long-term veterinary care before choosing a puppy.
Breed information on this page is general educational information. Your veterinarian should provide individualized health, nutrition and exercise guidance for your dog.
Great Dane Puppies
Ready to Meet Our Available Puppies?
Browse our current Great Dane puppies with individual information about age, color, price and availability.