Great Dane
Germany (16th–17th century, bred from large hunting dogs for boar hunting; arguably the largest breed in the world)
Weight
45-90 kg
Height
71-86 cm shoulder height
Lifespan
7-10 years (one of the shortest of all breeds)
The Great Dane is a friendly giant who completely loves people and shows it in his own calm way. He's not aggressive, not overly vigilant and not difficult to handle — he's simply an enormously large dog with a soft character who prefers to be as close as possible to his people. His size is his most striking characteristic; his character always pleasantly surprises people.
Character & traits
Practical
- Exercise per day
- about 1.5 hours
- Max alone
- 4 hours
- Garden needed
- Yes
- Apartment
- Less suitable
- Insurance
- €90–145/mo
- Food
- €130–200/mo
Frequently asked questions
Is the Great Dane suitable for beginners?+
How much exercise does a Great Dane need?+
Is the Great Dane good with children?+
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What Great Dane owners typically need
Food
Giant breed food
Specialized food for giant breeds — fewer calories, more glucosamine for joints.
Accessories
Adjustable leash
A leash you can shorten or lengthen: useful for training and walks.
Grooming
Nail clipper
Not much coat to brush, but nails keep growing. Clip them every 2-3 weeks.
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🛡️ Insurance
A basic policy for the Great Dane typically runs €90–€145/month in the Netherlands — US rates vary but are usually comparable. The exact amount depends on the dog's age and the insurer.
Is pet insurance worth it for this breed? →