They don’t need a lot of cardio, but regular walks and gentle play are important to keep them mobile and balanced.
Trainable and eager to please—but sometimes goofy and slow to mature. Gentle, consistent training wins.
Incredibly tolerant and affectionate with kids. Their size means supervision is a must.
Short coat is easy to maintain. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath keep them fresh.
Typically quiet—may bark to alert but not a yappy breed.
Heavy shedders despite the short coat—not ideal for allergy-sensitive homes.
Start with our First 48 Hours Survival Guide to get your new pup set up for success from day one.
Then dive into the full Puppy 101 Series—your go-to hub for raising a happy, well-adjusted dog.
And if you’re ready to go even deeper, grab a copy of the book: Help! I Got a Puppy. It’s everything you didn’t know you needed to know.
Living with a Great Dane feels like sharing your home with a deeply soulful, couch-dwelling roommate who just happens to weigh more than you. They’ll quietly follow you from room to room, lean their full body into your legs for comfort, and rest their enormous head on your shoulder like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Despite their size, their presence is often calm, steady, and emotionally intuitive—they know when you need a little extra love and they show up, all 150 pounds of it.
These dogs aren’t high-energy whirlwinds. They prefer stretching out on the softest piece of furniture available, gazing lovingly at their people, and taking short, easy walks. They’re surprisingly low-maintenance in terms of temperament—but high-maintenance in space and logistics. Everything is big: the bed they need, the food they eat, the vet bills they rack up, and the puddle of drool they leave behind.
For the right owner, though, a Great Dane isn’t just a pet—they’re a calming, cuddly presence who fills your home with warmth, quiet humor, and a truly colossal kind of love.
Great Danes are gentle giants with some giant-sized health risks. Key concerns include:
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a life-threatening emergency
• Hip dysplasia and joint issues
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (heart disease)
• Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
• Hypothyroidism
• Wobbler syndrome (neurological condition)
Lifespan is shorter than most breeds, so early screening and preventive care are essential.
Great Danes do best in homes that offer plenty of room—both physically and emotionally. Suburban homes and rural properties are ideal, especially ones with wide hallways, big couches, and space to stretch those long limbs without knocking over a lamp. They don’t need acres to run, but they do need room to exist comfortably.
Apartment living is tough, but not impossible—if the floor plan is generous and the elevator’s reliable. What matters more than square footage is a calm environment, a steady routine, and people who understand that “lap dog” is more of a lifestyle than a size category. Give a Great Dane space to sprawl and a human to adore, and they’ll be home, no matter where you live.
I’m tall, thoughtful, and full of love. I enjoy short walks, big naps, and long, soulful leans against your legs. I may look imposing, but I’m really just a softie with a giant heart and a deep love for close contact—and comfortable furniture. If you’ve got space on your couch and in your life for a gentle giant who’s equal parts guardian and cuddle magnet, I just might be your perfect fit.
Great Danes come in a range of regal hues—and their short coat is easy to maintain:
• Short, sleek coat that sheds moderately year-round
• Common colors: fawn, brindle, blue, black, mantle, harlequin, merle
• Weekly brushing helps manage loose hair and keeps skin healthy
• Occasional baths keep them fresh without drying out their coat
• Check and clean ears regularly—especially in droopy-eared individuals
Low-maintenance grooming, but a big presence in every room.
Feeding a Great Dane is about supporting their size while protecting their joints and digestion:
• Choose a large or giant-breed formula with joint support
• Feed 2–3 smaller meals a day to help prevent bloat
• Avoid raised bowls unless recommended by your vet
• Keep treats healthy and portions consistent—excess weight puts stress on their frame
• Consider supplements like glucosamine and omega-3s for joint health
Slow, steady growth in puppies is especially important to avoid orthopedic issues.
Keeping a Great Dane healthy is all about proactive care and adapting your lifestyle to their size:
• Feed multiple small meals and avoid exercise right after eating to reduce bloat risk
• Schedule regular cardiac and orthopedic checkups
• Provide soft bedding to protect joints and elbows
• Use ramps or non-slip mats—hard surfaces can be tough on big frames
• Keep up with dental care—giant dogs, giant teeth
Big love comes with big responsibility—but also unmatched reward.
Great Danes are loving, loyal companions who bring calm majesty and quiet devotion into any space large enough to hold them. They’re not for the faint of heart—or the small of space—but for those ready to share their lives with a gentle giant, the bond is extraordinary. These dogs don’t just live in your home—they lean into your life with soulful eyes, steady presence, and a heart as big as their frame. With a Dane by your side, even the quietest moments feel monumental.
