Great Dane: Character, Health, Feeding, Price, and Care

Among all dog breeds, the Great Dane is certainly one of the biggest. Not only are these pups' personalities and hearts large, but they're also physically big. With some dogs topping out at 200 pounds or more, the Great Dane is a gentle giant that loves its family—including kids and other pets—and makes an excellent watchdog.

Though some people view them as massive and intimidating, others see them as sweet and lovable. If you have enough room in your house for a big animal, consider getting one of these remarkable creatures.

If you're considering adding a Great Dane to your family, here's what you need to know about their personality, health, diet, and more.

What Is a Great Dane?

The Great Dane: not just a big dog, but a giant breed of dog that originated in Germany a few hundred years ago. Many people believe Great Danes are gentle giants because of their loving nature.

However, many don't know that these dogs have a long and rich history dating back to ancient Europe and North Africa. Whether you're looking for a big dog to keep you safe on your walks or want a furry friend to cuddle with, the Great Dane is sure to make a great addition to any family.

What Is Great Dane Size?

The size of a Great Dane can vary depending on the gender, with males being, on average, 34 inches tall and weighing 120 to 200 pounds and females being 30 inches tall and weighing 100 to 130 pounds.

Great Dane: Average Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Great Dane is 7-10 years, but with some care from their owners, they can easily reach 12+. Though they are sometimes called the "heartbreak breed" because of their health problems, with regular vet visits and good nutrition, these dogs can live long and happy lives.

How to Take Care of Your Great Dane's Health?

Great Danes are a breed that is prone to specific health problems. Some of these problems may be due to their size, while others may be due to their genes. Regardless, it is important that you know how to take care of your Great Dane's health.

Some of the health problems that these dogs are susceptible to include:

• Hip dysplasia is a degenerative condition affecting the hip joint. It's particularly common in large breeds such as Great Danes and can cause pain and lameness.
• Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease that affects your pup's metabolism and can cause a variety of problems.
• Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a severe health issue for Great Danes that can cause severe pain and even death.

These are some health problems to be aware of, but there are many more.

• Great Dane owners should visit the vet regularly and make sure their dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations.
• And for the love of all things good, do not overfeed your dog.
• Great Dane training is a must! Make sure to attend some puppy classes and socialize with your pup as early as possible. This will help them grow into an obedient and well-behaved adult.
• Obedience training is also a great way to ensure that your Dane behaves appropriately. These dogs are friendly and hospitable, but need consistent training to know what's expected of them.
• Puppy jumping should be avoided to keep their growing bones healthy. Great Dane puppies are energetic, but shouldn't jog or hike until they are 18 months old.
• Adult Great Danes need a lot of exercise. A 15-30 minute walk two to three times per day is perfect for keeping them healthy and happy.

What to Feed Your Great Dane?

It's very important to feed your Great Dane puppy food specially made for large breeds. They need three meals of this food per day in order to grow at a healthy pace. Be sure to consult your vet about the right type of food and how much to feed your pup so they can grow into a happy and healthy adult.

Adult dogs need lots of food to grow big and strong! You should try to feed them several times throughout the day to avoid them getting bloated.

How Much Does a Great Dane Cost?

A pup from a responsible breeder typically costs between $1,000 and $1,500. However, prices may vary anywhere from $600 to $3,000 depending on the pup's pedigree and breeder. Regardless of the price, these dogs are definitely worth the investment!

Final Thoughts on Great Dane

While they may be a lot of work, Great Danes are truly one of a kind. They are gentle giants that will make great additions to any family. With proper care and training, your Great Dane will be a loyal and loving companion for years to come.