| Height | 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 7β10+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Patient / Dependable [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Germany [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 22 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1β5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
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. [1]
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 more profuse, with a daily brushing ideal. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is the number-one killer of Danes. Owners should educate themselves to recognize the signs that bloat could be happening and what to do if so. Many breeders and owners consider a surgery called a prophylactic gastropexy ('preventative tack'Β) that can help prevent some of the more serious aspects of GDV. Other health issues that can affect the breed include eye and cardiac diseases, hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis, and hip dysplasia. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a giant dog (median $607) | $350 β $1,373 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Great Dane in 1887. [1]
- It ranked No. 22 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 15 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the βDane, the Apollo of Dogs.β [1]
- The AKC lists Germany as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its βLargest Dog Breedsβ breed lists. [1]
Good fit for
- β Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- β οΈ Think twice: Neat freaks: AKC rates drooling 4/5
Common questions
How long do Great Danes live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 7-10 years.
How big does a Great Dane get?
AKC breed information lists height 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female) and weight 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Great Dane?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs like the Great Dane, a typical vet bill runs $350 β $1,373 (median $607). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.