Great Dane: A specific owner question
For a specific question about Great Dane, start with the individual dog's history and observable pattern before applying a breed explanation. Watch Great Dane's response closely and change one variable at a time. Define the observation, trigger, frequency, and recovery pattern before choosing a reversible next step. Change one variable at a time and keep a short record so an apparent pattern can be checked rather than guessed.
What the available evidence can and cannot tell you
Great Dane's official breed description is recorded as The easygoing Great Dane, the mighty. Here, that matters because it is useful context, but the individual dog's response still decides the next step.
A useful way to investigate
- Define the observation, trigger, frequency, and recovery pattern before choosing a reversible next step.
- Keep the official breed description in view (The easygoing Great Dane, the mighty) and make the next step reversible, observable, and easy to stop.
- Change one variable at a time and keep a short record so an apparent pattern can be checked rather than guessed.
Get individual help if
Seek professional assessment when the observation is persistent, worsening, painful, or unsafe.
If this may be a health problem
This page is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Do not change food, medication, exercise, or care for an individual dog based on this page alone; contact a veterinarian for symptoms, pain, weight change, skin changes, persistent behaviour change, or any urgent concern.
References
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
Use the tools