The Great Dane dog breed has been around for centuries, and many individuals easily recognize this giant dog. The Great Dane is friendly, loyal, and dependable, and this breed tends to form very strong bonds with their owners. They are vigilant and affectionate, and they often don’t seem to realize quite how large they are as they bounce around during playtime.
If you have a Great Dane or you are considering adding a Great Dane to your life, you may have already researched this dog’s lifespan and seen that the Great Dane has one of the shortest lifespans among other dog breeds. Our article gives you essential tips to help you understand your dog’s lifespan and ensure they live a long, happy life.
What Is the Great Dane’s Average Lifespan?
The Great Dane, on average, will live between 8 and 10 years, with some dogs living just 6 or 7 years and some Great Danes getting to be as old as 12.
The reason behind this shorter lifespan is believed to be connected to the dog’s size – larger dogs may reach senior age somewhat quicker than other dog breeds. Great Danes may also experience more genetic complications in addition to health issues that shorten their lifespan, especially when compared to smaller dogs.
Of course, how you care for your Great Dane can help encourage a long lifespan, and these dogs thrive when they have proper care and regular veterinary visits to keep them healthy.
Common Health Complications for Great Danes
Great Danes, like many other dogs, may suffer from certain health complications as a breed. With this giant dog, issues related to their spines and mobility may be common issues.
Other common health complications you may notice in a Great Dane include:
- Skin allergies or irritation – Great Danes are prone to certain environmental or food allergies that can cause irritation and allergy symptoms.
- Bloat – This is a life-threatening issue caused by a buildup of gas in your dog’s stomach. It needs immediate treatment.
- Hip dysplasia – This occurs when the joint between bones around the hip is loose, causing pain, limping, and other mobility issues.
- Thyroid problems – Hypothyroidism is a major issue with Great Danes, but it can be managed with proper veterinary intervention.
- Cardiomyopathy – This is a heart disease in dogs, including Great Danes, that leads to the enlargement of the heart muscle.
If you are concerned about health issues with your Great Dane, or if you see concerning symptoms, your first step is to consult with a trusted veterinarian to get a diagnosis and ensure your dog’s longevity is not affected severely by these health problems.
Tips to Help Your Great Dane Live Longer
The following tips can help your Great Dane live a long life and feel their best as they spend their days at your side.
Be Cautious of Where You Purchase Your Great Dane
Responsible and ethical breeding is key to ensuring your Great Dane is set up for a long and healthy life. When breeders don’t follow proper standards, or when you purchase a Great Dane puppy from a backyard breeder, you are increasing the chances of your dog having genetic issues or other problems that occur when dogs are inbred or otherwise treated poorly during the breeding process.
A responsible breeder will have proper licenses or certifications, as required by your state, and they will be able to answer all of your questions about the Great Dane breed. Some breeders may even require that you return your dog to them should you decide you cannot care for them adequately.
Responsible breeding helps to bring Great Danes into the world that have the best chances of succeeding in life with minimal health complications.
Give Them Lots of Regular Exercise
The Great Dane is a large dog, and they need a large amount of exercise to stay happy. At least two hours of exercise a day is the minimum that your Great Dane should receive, and this can be a combination of dedicated walks and time spent in a fenced-in area where they can run around and play. We recommend taking your dog to dog parks or on long hikes as well, as this can help your dog socialize and meet their exercise needs.
Plenty of proper exercise is essential if you want your Great Dane to stay fit and live a long life.
Make Sure You’re Feeding Them Enough
Diet and nutrition are important for all dogs, and your Great Dane will need to have a high-quality diet of wet or dry dog food. These dogs have serious appetites, and you can expect your Great Dane to need between 4 and 6 cups of food per day, depending on their age and size. You’ll also want to consider the caloric content of the specific food you’ve chosen.
Make sure you are not overfeeding your dog and give your Great Dane treats sparingly, as obesity can cause health issues and shorten the lifespan of your dog.
Exercise Their Mind
In addition to plenty of physical stimulation through exercise and play, your Great Dane will need mental stimulation to keep their mind sharp. Making sure your dog’s mental stimulation needs are met will help them to age more gracefully and prevent issues like anxiety or destructive behavior from forming.
Regular training sessions, puzzle toys, and socialization where you take your dog on trips around your town or neighborhood are all vital to keeping them mentally happy and healthy.
Don’t Forget Grooming and Dental Care
You may not realize it at first, but grooming and dental care for your Great Dane are both vital factors in their health and longevity. Just like with humans, dental disease can impact the entire body, and your Great Dane has a better chance at a long life when their teeth and gums are in good condition.
Additionally, proper grooming, including regular brushing and professional groomer visits, is essential to keeping your dog’s coat healthy and catching any potential skin issues or allergies. Also, your dog will feel their best when their coat is smooth and well-maintained.
Schedule Vet Visits and Practice Preventative Healthcare
Preventative healthcare is important for all dogs — Great Danes included. Making sure that your dog is spayed or neutered appropriately can help improve their happiness and lifespan, and regular vet visits can help to catch health issues before they become more of a problem.
You may also be able to fill your home with items that help ease the stress on your dog’s joints and spine, such as plenty of comfy beds and cushions in addition to outdoor ramps.
When Should I Take My Great Dane to the Vet?
Sometimes, emergency health issues and symptoms occur that can greatly impact your dog’s lifespan if you do not seek treatment immediately. The following symptoms indicate that your dog needs to see a vet as soon as possible:
- Limping, trouble moving, or inability to move
- Labored breathing or trouble breathing
- Unexplained lethargy
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
- Distended abdomen
- Seizures or unconsciousness
- Bleeding
As soon as you notice one or more of these concerning symptoms, speak with your regular vet or call an emergency vet to figure out how to proceed. Prompt care is often key to ensuring your dog has a long life.
Caring for Your Great Dane
As you care for your Great Dane, you no doubt want to provide them with a happy life, good healthcare, and plenty of the things that make them happy. Doing this can help extend your Great Dane’s lifespan, and preventative healthcare steps help to address common issues your Great Dane may face before they become too serious.
Make sure you speak with a vet if you have any concerns about your Great Dane, and take the time to spoil your loveable giant with affection to ensure they have a great life at your side.
Sources:
Author Weir, Malcolm, DVM, MSc, MPH, “Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs”, VCA Hospitals, 2023, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dilated-cardiomyopathy-dcm-in-dogs–indepth
Author Blaseser L., Lauren, DVM, DACVS, “Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) … or “bloat””, Ethos Veterinary Health, 2024, https://www.ethosvet.com/blog-post/german-shepherds-and-gastric-dilatation-volvulus-gdv-or-bloat/
