Great Dane FAQ's

What is the average life span of a Great Dane?
Although this changes between Blood Lines, the current average would be approx 8 years.

What Health problems are associated with the Great Dane?
This question requires a more detailed answer, please click here

What type of Temperament should a Great Dane have?
A Great Dane should be kindly without nervousness, friendly and outgoing. Great Danes are often referred to as Gentle Giants.

Are Great Danes easy to train?
Great Danes can be aloof and stubborn but are perfectly trainable, many Great Danes compete in the highest levels of Obedience & Agility. You will need patience to train a Great Dane and a good sense of humour.

Are Great Danes expensive to look after?
They are often referred to as a deep pocket breed. They do require more food than a Labrador sized dog, medications cost more as they need more to cover their weight. It is recommended that you get Pet Insurance the day your dog arrives in your home that way you are covered. Accessories such as winter jackets cost more as they are larger. If you decide to bring a Great Dane into your home you will need to realistic of the costs that can be involved in caring for a Giant Breed dog.

Do Great Danes make good Jogging partners?
If you would like a jogging partner you are better off getting a working breed type of dog such as a Border Collie. Great Danes can be conditioned to run for longer distances but this does put strain on their giant frames so you need to make sure you work up to longer distances slowly. You should also avoid hard surfaces such as concrete.

Do Great Danes need long walks?
No, although each dog is different. Any adult dog may be happy with 15 minutes and another may be happy with 30 minutes where as more fit adult Danes may be happy with an hour walk. Dogs under 12 months of age should only have smaller amounts of exercise until their growth plates close.

Can I take a Great Dane to an Off Leash Park?
Off Leash parks are only suitable to some dogs, if your Great Dane can play well with other dogs i.e. doesn't bowl them over, isn't rude and isn't aggressive then an Off Lead park may be suitable. Unfortunately many off lead parks don't have many responsible dog owners and you will have to watch other peoples dogs.

Will a Great Dane be ok with my Children?
A Great Dane may knock children over, this simply comes with the territory. Children should never been left alone with any dog no matter how much you trust the dog. A well trained Dane should have no problems living with Children.

Are Great Danes ok with Cats and other small animals?
Generally a dog no matter what breed needs to grow up with Cats and other small animals to learn not chase them. Great Danes were bred to hunt and some of the 'drive to chase' still exists in some dogs. If you have an adult dog that has never been around Cats then it may not work out too well.