Breed guide

Great Dane

Gentle giant. Patient, friendly, short-lived. Bloat is the biggest threat — feeding routine is life-or-death.

AKC Rank

#20

Size

giant (110-175 lbs)

Life Expectancy

7-10 yrs

Activity

moderate

Feeding a Great Dane

Giant breed. ~2,500-3,500 kcal/day. Bloat is the #1 killer — feeding routine matters more than brand.

Key nutrients

•glucosamine
•taurine
•L-carnitine
•controlled calcium

Watch out for

•grain-free (DCM concern)

Portion notes: Two meals daily minimum. Consider 3 smaller meals. No exercise 1 hour before or after eating.

Fresh food picks for Great Danes

Our recommended fresh-food subscriptions for giant dogs.

fresh food

The Farmer's Dog

Fresh, human-grade food portioned for your dog

•Human-grade fresh food
•Portioned per dog
•Vet-developed recipes
•50% off first box

See The Farmer's Dog →

fresh food

Ollie

Fresh food with both cooked and baked recipes

•Fresh and baked recipes
•Turkey, beef, lamb, chicken proteins
•Custom portions
•60% off first box

See Ollie →

First-year cost

What a Great Dane actually costs year one

Breed-specific estimate based on size, health concerns, and grooming needs. Excludes purchase/adoption fees (highly variable).

First-year total

$5,260-$8,930

Ongoing years run $4,310-$7,100 (no gear + training one-times).

Food (year one)

Fresh food subscription

$3,650-$5,100

Gear (one-time)

Crate, bed, harness, bowls, toys

$550-$780

Vet care

Wellness + breed-specific

$660-$1,400

Grooming

low grooming needs

$0-$120

Training

Puppy class + supplies

$150-$500

Supplements

Breed-matched, optional

$0-$480

Other first-year

Vaccines, neuter, DNA test

$250-$550

Pet insurance (estimate)

Not included above — shown for planning. Breed-risk adjusted.

$947-$1,658/yr

Estimates based on US market averages for giant dogs. Your costs will vary with lifestyle and region.

Supplements for Great Danes

Matched to this breed's common health concerns. All NASC-sealed.

supplements

Cosequin (Nutramax)

The #1 vet-recommended joint supplement

•#1 vet-recommended
•NASC Quality Seal
•Glucosamine + chondroitin
•Clinically studied

See Cosequin (Nutramax) →

Supplements support — they don't treat or cure disease. Talk to your vet for anything clinical.

Health concerns to watch

bloat (GDV)

dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

hip dysplasia

osteosarcoma

hypothyroidism

wobbler syndrome

Bloat/GDV is the leading cause of death — prophylactic gastropexy worth discussing with vet.

DCM risk; some lines require cardiac screening.

Short lifespan; large-breed growth control from puppyhood is critical.

Gear for Great Danes

Breed-size-appropriate picks. Links go to Amazon.

Crate

for Great Danes

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Harness

for Great Danes

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Bed

for Great Danes

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Collar

for Great Danes

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Leash

for Great Danes

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Slow feeder bowl

for Great Danes

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Chew toy

for Great Danes

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As an Amazon Associate, Barkly earns from qualifying purchases.

Training for Great Danes

Matched to Great Dane temperament (friendly, patient, dependable).

training

BAXTER & Bella

Online puppy training program, lifetime access

•Lifetime membership
•Self-paced video lessons
•Puppy + adult content
•Behavior troubleshooting

See BAXTER & Bella →

training

GoodPup

1-on-1 virtual dog training with certified trainers

•1-on-1 live video sessions
•Certified trainers
•Custom per-dog plan
•Weekly structure

See GoodPup →

training

Dogo

App-based training with daily structure

•App-based daily plans
•AI-guided feedback
•Affordable monthly cost
•Trick training library

See Dogo →

GPS trackers for Great Danes

Size-appropriate picks for tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts.

gps tracker

Fi

Smart collar with GPS + activity tracking

•Real-time GPS
•Activity + sleep tracking
•Escape alerts
•3-month battery

See Fi →

gps tracker

Tractive

Affordable GPS tracker with unlimited range

•Attaches to any collar
•Worldwide GPS coverage
•Activity monitoring
•Budget-friendly

See Tractive →

Curious about their DNA?

Confirm breed mix, check for genetic health risks, and get actionable insights.

dna

Embark

The most comprehensive dog DNA test

•350+ breeds identified
•250+ health conditions screened
•Cornell-partnered science
•Relatives finder

See Embark →

dna

Wisdom Panel

Breed identification + health screening

•350+ breeds
•Genetic health insights
•Budget-friendly option
•Fast results

See Wisdom Panel →

Common symptoms in Great Danes

What to watch for, what causes it, and when to worry.

Stiffness After Rest →

Dog is stiff or slow getting up from sleeping or lying down, then loosens up after moving …

Great Dane questions, answered

How long do Great Danes live?▾

Great Danes typically live 7-10 years. Good nutrition, regular vet care, and weight management are the three biggest factors in reaching the top of that range.

How big do Great Danes get?▾

Adult Great Danes typically weigh 110-175 lbs and stand 28-32 inches at the shoulder. That makes them a giant breed.

How much exercise does a Great Dane need?▾

Great Danes are a moderate-activity breed. Plan on 45-90 minutes of walks and play per day. Mental stimulation (training, puzzle toys) matters as much as physical exercise.

What health problems do Great Danes commonly have?▾

Great Danes are most prone to: bloat (GDV), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism. Preventive vet visits, a quality diet, and weight management reduce risk on most of these. Reputable breeders screen for the genetic conditions.

Are Great Danes hard to groom?▾

Great Danes need minimal grooming — weekly brushing and occasional baths are enough. Their short coat is low-maintenance day-to-day.

What should I feed a Great Dane?▾

Giant breed. ~2,500-3,500 kcal/day. Bloat is the #1 killer — feeding routine matters more than brand. Key nutrients to look for: glucosamine, taurine, L-carnitine, controlled calcium. Avoid: grain-free (DCM concern).

Are Great Danes good for first-time owners?▾

Great Danes are better suited to experienced owners. They're friendly, patient, dependable — traits that reward confident, consistent handling. First-time owners should budget for professional training.

Ask Barkly about your Great Dane

Get personalized answers about food, health, and care.