Great Dane

That short coat means that the Great Dane grooming schedule should be relatively light. They’re not heavy shedders, but will shed moderately, so some upkeep is needed. An occasional brush every few weeks should suffice; just groom any loose hairs you notice. Only give your Great Dane a bath when they’re particularly grubby or muddy.

Brush your pup’s teeth frequently and trim nails as necessary. If you regularly walk your Great Dane on the sidewalk, nails will naturally be kept short enough but keep an eye on these. If they’re getting too long, you’ll need to trim your dog’s nails yourself. Check ears every few weeks to look for any signs of dirt or debris — if so, you’ll need to give these a gentle clean to prevent any chances of infection.

Fair warning — a Great Dane has the potential to drool a lot more than your average dog, which means there’s the potential for things to get messy if he or she shakes their head around or rests it on furniture. Keep a cloth handy for speedy wiping and clean up.

Great Danes also get cold easily. Their coat isn’t thick at all, so in colder weather they may need a fleece or dog sweater when out and about on walks. They won’t like being left outside for long periods, either.

Great Dane health

Most, if not all, breeds of dog, will experience health problems during their lifetime. Unfortunately, the Great Dane is particularly prone to some serious conditions. In addition to these, pet parents should be aware that the Great Dane lifespan is considerably shorter than many breeds. On average, a Great Dane will live for around ten years, though some may only reach seven or eight years of age.

Health conditions that the Great Dane can suffer from include:

• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV)
• Cardiomyopathy
• Wobbler Syndrome

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) — also known more simply as bloat — is a condition that can get very serious, very quickly, and in the most extreme of cases requires urgent treatment. The bad news for Great Dane owners is this: Great Danes are the breed most likely to suffer from GDV, and GDV is the No.1 killer of Great Danes. So, it’s something to be especially worried about, and mindful of.

With GDV, the stomach fills with gas, swells and rotates, which then impacts on blood supply to the body’s organs. A dog with GDV can die within hours, without emergency treatment. It can be brought on by a dog eating a large meal rapidly, and exercising too soon after eating. Reduce the chances of this occurring by feeding multiple smaller meals instead of one big serving, and allow your dog sufficient time to digest food before taking him or her for a walk.

Cardiomyopathy

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a type of heart disease; the heart muscle is enlarged, and becomes weak. It doesn’t contract properly and doesn’t pump correctly. If your dog has DCM, you may detect it via a number of symptoms — your pup may get tired quickly and easily, breath heavily, start panting excessively, or cough frequently.

It’s a fatal condition, and death can be sudden. DCM can be managed with medication but won’t cure the condition; treatment can prolong life and improve the quality of a dog’s life for a time.

It’s suspected that DCM is an inherited disease, so if you’re viewing Great Dane puppies and considering buying one, ask the breeder whether the parents have been tested and checked with an echocardiogram. While DCM is most common in the Doberman Pinscher, the Great Dane is among other breeds with a high risk of having cardiomyopathy.

Wobbler Syndrome

Wobbler Syndrome in dogs is a neurological disease that affects the spine, causing compression and leading to a wobbly gait. This is what gives the condition its name, although as well as Wobbler Syndrome, there are other names for this disease too. You might hear it called Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI) or Cervical Vertebral Malformation (CVM).

You might see your dog walking with its head bowed, or struggling to get up if it affects all four legs. Wobbler Syndrome occurs in mainly large dog breeds, with the Great Dane and Doberman most likely to be affected. It can be treated with surgery or medication, but from the time of diagnosis, life expectancy is around four years.

If you live with a Great Dane, health issues are sadly almost inevitable. Pet insurance is a must, in helping to support the cost of diagnosis and treatment. Want the best for your Great Dane? Use the free Wag! Compare service to check the best pet insurance deals around, in seconds. 

What to feed a Great Dane

Diet is important for all dogs, but particularly so for certain breeds — and the Great Dane is one of those. A Great Dane’s food should be formulated to meet the demands of its size, which means recipes specifically for large breeds.

Great Danes grow quickly, but you should feed yours by age. Great Dane puppies should be given large-breed puppy food for the first 18 months of their life. This makes sure they grow and develop properly and not too rapidly — you can read our recommendations for the best puppy food for large dogs here. You can expect to feed a Great Dane puppy several smaller meals a day.

Once a Great Dane adult is fully matured, switch to a large breed adult food, which you can give two or three times daily. Don’t feed once a day — as covered earlier in this guide, this increases the risk of GDV or bloat. You may choose to introduce a slow feeder bowl, which means your dog has to consume its food less rapidly.

We’ve chosen a few suitable dog foods in our best dog food for large dogs guide, here. We’ve also compiled a list of the best dog food for Great Danes, which includes dry and wet recipes. For more general advice on feeding your dog, you might find our guide to choosing the right food for your dog helpful.

A large breed like a Great Dane can struggle with joint issues later in life, so it may be beneficial to look up dog food that includes nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, to provide additional support.

Whatever you choose to feed your dog, be sensible with portion control. Giving your dog too much food can inevitably lead to the risk of him or her becoming overweight, which then has possible health consequences.

You can read more advice and information on DogFoodAdvisor, our online partners — including detailed recipe analysis of many leading dog food brands.