How Long Do Great Danes Live?
Great Danes live 7-10 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Great Dane more good years.
Breed profile
Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.
At 140-175 pounds, the Great Dane is a giant breed. Giant breeds age the fastest and sit at the short end of the canine lifespan range, which its 7-10 years average reflects.
Does a Great Dane fit your life?
The Great Dane is a gentle giant, famously affectionate and easygoing despite its size, and its low-maintenance coat is one real perk. The tradeoffs are practical ones: this is a dog that needs space, a bigger budget for food and gear, and, being a giant breed, fewer years by your side than a smaller dog. Its size alone makes it a serious commitment before it even opens its mouth.
A great match if you
- You want a dog that's deeply affectionate and gentle despite its imposing size.
- You like the idea of a natural, alert presence in the house.
- You'd rather skip heavy grooming, since the coat is wash-and-go.
- You want a playful, easygoing temperament in a big dog.
- You can offer a home with real space to move around in.
Think twice if
- You live somewhere tight on space, since this breed's size needs real room, plus larger furniture, food, and vet costs.
- You mind drool, since this breed drools noticeably.
- You have very young kids or other pets, since a dog this size needs careful, supervised introductions.
- You want the most years possible with a dog, since giant breeds like this one tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs.
Health areas for the Great Dane
Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a Great Dane are Joint and mobility, Eye and vision and Immune support (owners often watch for hip dysplasia, eye, immune).
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Great Dane facts, quick answers
How long do Great Danes live?
Great Danes live 7-10 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.
How big do Great Danes get?
A full-grown Great Dane stands 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female) and weighs 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female), which puts it firmly in the giant-breed range.
What kind of dog is a Great Dane?
The Great Dane is a working breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 21 of 208. It is a giant dog that typically lives around 7-10 years.
Are Great Danes high-energy dogs?
Great Danes are an energetic breed that stays happiest with a solid daily walk plus some play or training.
Are Great Danes easy to train?
Great Danes are trainable with patience and consistency; short, rewarding sessions work best.
Do Great Danes shed a lot?
They are moderate shedders. A weekly brush keeps most of the loose hair off your furniture.
Do Great Danes bark a lot?
They bark a normal amount, mostly to let you know something is up.
Are Great Danes good with kids?
Great Danes are able to do well with children, but they are best in homes with older, dog-savvy kids and benefit from early socialization.
Do Great Danes get along with other dogs?
Great Danes are able to get along with other dogs, though early socialization helps and some prefer to be the only dog.
Do Great Danes drool?
Yes, Great Danes drool, especially after eating, drinking or exercise, so keep a towel handy.
Are Great Danes good for first-time owners?
Great Danes are rewarding but not the easiest first dog; they do best with an owner ready to commit to their exercise, training and grooming.
