Information about Great Danes

A quality puppy is not expensive ~ it is priceless!

Size Standards

Height standards for Great Danes are written as follows:  "The male shall not be less than 30 inches at the shoulders, but it is preferable that he be 32 inches or more, providing he is well proportioned to his height.  The female shall not be less than 28 inches, but it is preferable that she be 30 inches or more, provided she is well proportioned to her height.  Danes under minimum height must be disqualified."  The AKC has no written weight standard, saying only that the dogs are well proportioned, although kennel clubs in other countries do have written weight standards, all writing that adult males should be 120 lbs or more, adult females 100 lbs or more.

Life Span

Like all giant breeds, the life span of the Great Dane is around 9 years.  That's way too short, but much better than never having a Great Dane in your life at all.  While other smaller breeds are just coming into middle age at 5 years, a Great Dane at 5 years would be entering old age.  

You may hear some say the life span is only about 6-7.  This is not true at all.  Most Danes that have passed at such an early age have passed due to lack of knowledge of the breed.  They may have been forced exercised beyond their limits or did not receive the proper low protein diet that a Dane needs.  These two things are huge factors in the life span of your Dane. 

With proper diet and care, I have seen many Danes live anywhere from 10-12.

A Few Do's and Don'ts

Do

• Elevate food and water. It makes it more comfortable for them and helps prevent bloat.
• Remember unlike smaller breeds Danes are puppies until 18 months of age.
• Basic obedience is important – An untrained Dane can be more than a nuisance once fully grown.
• Vaccinate puppies.
• Consult your vet about worming and heart worming treatments.
• Do feed a good quality biscuit.
• Always have fresh water available.
• Provide soft thick well padded bedding to support your puppies elbows and joints.
• Remember puppies chew. Supply enough safe toys so they are not eating your furniture.

Don't

• No forced exercise – No jogging or road work until 2 years and bones are set.
• Do not feed standard puppy or performance food as they are high in calories and promote accelerated growth. It is important these dogs grow slow and even, so that the bone develops at the same rate as the muscle. High protein/fat/calories food does not mean a bigger dog.
• Do not encourage jumping on your shoulders as it is damaging.
• Do not exercise for 1 –2 hours after meals.
• Do not feed chicken mince for the first 12 months because it is too high in protein. The occasional wing or neck is acceptable.
• Do not play tug of war games, no chasing games or wrestling on the floor games with your puppy, their bones are more delicate than you would think.
• Don’t put you Great Dane in the backyard and forget about him/her. THEY NEED HUMAN COMPANIONSHIP.
• Do not let young puppies climb up and down stairs as it is very hard on their shoulders and can cause serious injury.
• Do not overfeed. Dane puppies need to be on the lean side.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOOD FOR YOUR GREAT DANE