Breed guide
Great Dane
A source-linked starting point for Great Dane: The easygoing Great Dane, the mighty. Use this as context for the individual dog's routine, not as a prediction of behaviour or health.
About this breed
How to use this Great Dane profile
For Great Dane, the verified profile records Height, Weight, Life expectancy. These references explain what to observe and what to adjust in daily life; they do not establish a guaranteed behaviour rate, diagnosis, or outcome for an individual dog.
How to recognize the breed
Use the whole outline, coat, proportions, and movement together. A single photo or colour is not enough to establish breed identity.
30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight7-10 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancyFor most of the year the Great Dane's short, smooth coat doesn't shed much, but given the size of the dog, this can still amount to a fair bit of hair. Weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will help keep shedding to a minimum. During shedding season once or twice a year, however, hair loss will be…
AKC page Grooming > official section copyBody condition and trend
Height and weight references are already shown above; they are context, not a personal target. Use the BCS tool and the individual dog's ribs, waist, abdominal tuck, age, and trend.
Daily life priorities
Great Danes may seem sedate, but they require daily exercise appropriate to their age. A brisk walk two or three times a day can be enough. They can make good companions on jogs or hikes, but you must wait until the dog is 2 years old to avoid damage to growing joints. Because of the risk of bloat, avoid rigorous exercise around mealtimes. Danes tend to…
AKC page Exercise > official section copyEarly socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. For a breed as large and powerful as the Great Dane, obedience training is a must. Socialization'gently exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations'will help him develop into a well-adjusted adult. Great Danes are sociable, friendly, and eager to please, and they…
AKC page Training > official section copyFor most of the year the Great Dane's short, smooth coat doesn't shed much, but given the size of the dog, this can still amount to a fair bit of hair. Weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will help keep shedding to a minimum. During shedding season once or twice a year, however, hair loss will be…
AKC page Grooming > official section copyAdjust difficulty, duration, and handling for the individual dog. The linked long-tail pages turn these profile facts into practical routines.
Health checks and when to call the vet
If you are choosing a puppy or checking a breeding record, ask for the named test, result, date, and scheme. These checks help assess breeding risk; they are not a diagnosis of an individual dog.
Questions owners ask about Great Dane
Verified facts
| Height | 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female) AKC page PageMap DataObject > height |
|---|---|
| Weight | 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female) AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight |
| Life expectancy | 7-10 years AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy |
| Grooming | For most of the year the Great Dane's short, smooth coat doesn't shed much, but given the size of the dog, this can still amount to a fair bit of hair. Weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will help keep shedding to a minimum. During shedding season once or twice a year, however, hair loss will be… AKC page Grooming > official section copy |
| Exercise | Great Danes may seem sedate, but they require daily exercise appropriate to their age. A brisk walk two or three times a day can be enough. They can make good companions on jogs or hikes, but you must wait until the dog is 2 years old to avoid damage to growing joints. Because of the risk of bloat, avoid rigorous exercise around mealtimes. Danes tend to… AKC page Exercise > official section copy |
| Training | Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. For a breed as large and powerful as the Great Dane, obedience training is a must. Socialization'gently exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations'will help him develop into a well-adjusted adult. Great Danes are sociable, friendly, and eager to please, and they… AKC page Training > official section copy |
| Official breed description | The easygoing Great Dane, the mighty AKC page About the Breed > official breed description |
| Recommended parent-club health tests | ['Hip Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Thyroid Evaluation'] AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club |
| Official breed standard | http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GreatDane.pdf AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard |
How to use this profile
Use the facts on this page as a starting point, then observe the individual dog. A breed label does not establish behaviour frequency, diagnosis, or a guaranteed outcome. Medical and screening claims remain subject to review.
Research status
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