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Great Dane: temperament, health and care
Great Dane: temperament, exercise and grooming needs, common health problems and who this dog suits.
This is general information for the UK. It is not veterinary or legal advice, and every animal is different. Speak to a vet about your pet's health. The Be Pet Wise app can also show rules for other countries.
At a glance
| Size | Giant, about 45–90 kg |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 7–10 years |
| Exercise | Moderate: avoid over-exercising puppies |
| Grooming | Short coat; low grooming |
Temperament and who it suits
Gentle, friendly and sensitive; often called a gentle giant.
Often suits: owners with large space and budget.
Giant size means high food, vet and insurance costs and a short lifespan.
Health problems to know about
- Bloat (gastric torsion)
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Wobbler syndrome
- Bone cancer
Individuals vary. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks, vaccination and weight control.
Before you get a Great Dane
- See the puppy with its mother, where it was born
- Ask about health tests on the parents for the conditions above
- Check it is microchipped and registered by eight weeks old
- Consider adopting: breed rescues and rehoming centres often have dogs of this breed looking for homes
See buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights.
Care, law and costs
See our general guide to dogs for feeding, the law in the UK, what it costs and emergencies, and our guides to microchipping law and toxic foods and plants.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Great Dane live?
A Great Dane typically lives 7–10 years. Individual health, diet and weight all matter.
How much exercise does a Great Dane need?
Moderate: avoid over-exercising puppies.
What health problems are common in a Great Dane?
Common concerns include bloat (gastric torsion), dilated cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, wobbler syndrome and bone cancer. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks.
How much grooming does a Great Dane need?
Short coat; low grooming.
Who does a Great Dane suit?
It often suits owners with large space and budget. Giant size means high food, vet and insurance costs and a short lifespan.
Similar dogs
Sources
- The Royal Kennel Club: breed information and health schemes
- BSAVA: Microchipping legislation in the UK
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: Lucy's Law
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Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.