Great Dane Dog
Despite their massive size, this gentle giant has blessed the households of many loving owners in small or large areas. They are loyal, loving dogs that thrive on human contact and love. As one of the tallest breeds, they are certainly head-turners wherever they grace their unmissable presence.
Great Dane At A Glance
| Lifespan | 8-10 years |
| Temperament | A loving, gentle breed who is also known for their guarding instincts. |
| Suitable | Being a reasonably athletic breed, they thrive in busy households that are affectionate and active. |
| Health | A healthy dog breed. However, like all dogs, the Great Dane can be more susceptible to specific health problems. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $2,213.06 |
| Ear Conditions | $1,245.00 |
| Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions | $2,215.25 |
| Muscle/Skeletal Condition | $4,116.25 |
| Arthritis | $928.30 |
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | $4,669.82 |
| Neoplasia | $4,700.50 |
| Mass Lesion | $10,035.90 |
| Neurological Condition | $4,604.00 |
| Skin Conditions Allergy | $1,509.24 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
The Great Dane loves to work alongside their owners and has been noted to be very trainable. However, like with all dog breeds, keeping it fun and going at your dog’s pace is essential. Due to their impressive size, you must start training when your sizable pawed pup enters your home. Teaching them to walk nicely on a leash is paramount, or you could find yourself being literally dragged down the street. They need to be taught manners from an early age to avoid those ‘giant dog mishaps’…think knocking you over in the doorway with armfuls of shopping. They respond well to positive reinforcement full of love and praise. It is vital to ensure the early socialisation of your pup, so enrolling in your local puppy preschool is advised.
Grooming
The short coat of the Great Dane is easy to care for. But buyers should be aware that they tend to shed, so regular grooming is advised. Due to their enormous size, it is paramount to get your Dane used to bathing and grooming from a young age. If they do not learn to enjoy this procedure, you could have a lot of dog to deal with come bath-time! Clipping nails regularly is also recommended. Large dogs with long nails can cause problems, so start early and use treats and praise for calm behaviour during grooming.
Protect Your Pet Today
Your pet’s health is priceless. Don’t leave it up to chance.
See What Our Clients Have to Say
Common Health Problems - Great Dane
Known for their imposing size, gentle temperament, and graceful appearance, the Great Dane, like all dog breeds, can be prone to specific health issues.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (Bloat): Bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas, causing it to twist on itself. Being a deep-chested breed, Great Danes are particularly susceptible to this condition, with some breeders suggesting specialised surgery to prevent the problem. Bloat typically requires emergency surgery to correct and, if left untreated, will be deadly.
- Hip Dysplasia: A common genetic condition that is caused by the malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis, lameness, and pain. It's common in many breeds, including Great Danes. Treatment involves weight management, exercise restrictions, surgery and medication.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to Hip Dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joint and can result in lameness and pain. Surgery may be required alongside weight management and medications.
- Cardiomyopathy: Great Danes can be prone to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart condition that affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Medications are generally prescribed to control the symptoms of this condition.
- Wobbler Syndrome: A neurological disorder is more common in large breeds and can lead to incoordination and a 'wobbly gait'. It's often caused by spinal cord compression in the neck. Treatment can involve surgery, medication and exercise restrictions depending on the severity of 'wobblers'.
- Hypothyroidism: Caused by an underactive thyroid that can lead to weight gain, skin issues, and lethargy. The condition can be controlled with veterinary monitoring and medications.
- Cancer: Like many large and small breeds, Great Danes are at risk of developing various forms of cancer, including osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and lymphoma. Early detection is paramount, as are regular checkups by your local veterinarian.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Great Danes can also be prone to specific gastrointestinal issues, such as sensitive stomachs and food allergies. Diet change and monitoring your pet's stomach upsets are vital with this breed.
- Bleeding Disorders: Danes are also more susceptible to Haemolytic Anaemia and Thrombocytopenia. This can lead to your dog's immune system attacking red blood cells. have a higher risk of certain bleeding disorders. Specialised medication can help control these conditions.
- Orthopaedic Issues: Given their size, the Great Dane is more susceptible to orthopaedic issues like cruciate ligament injuries and arthritis. Veterinary monitoring and ensuring your dog is correctly exercised and kept at optimal weight is crucial to prevent issues.
Exercise Requirements
Being a giant breed, care must be taken not to over exercise your young dog. During the first few months, your pup will grow very quickly, so ensure you take care of those massive joints and go easy. Your grown Dane will love a romp off leash and a daily walk to keep in good shape. They love a good run down the beach or a swim and any activity that involves being with you. Chat with your breeder about what exercise is best for your growing pup. Ward off boredom with adequate exercise and home-alone challenges. Watch for when your Dane shows signs of exhaustion, particularly when playing with other dogs. It’s also a good idea to take care when your large dog is running with smaller breeds. Due to their sheer size, they can inflict accidental injury when playing rough with smaller dogs.
Intelligence
The Great Dane is a brilliant dog and thrives on training and socialising. Again, it’s essential to start early as bad habits are challenging to out-train. Having a clear set of rules before you invite your pup home is fundamental. Remember that allowing your little pup to jump or even sleep on the couch may not be so cute when they are a towering dog. Ensure your dog is correctly exercised and that you have at least six-foot fences to avoid a bored dog escaping. Get creative with boredom-busting ideas when you are not home with your beloved giant.
Family Friendly
Danes make excellent family companions and, due to their size, will tolerate children well. However, like with all dogs, please teach your children how to behave around a dog correctly. A Great Dane does not understand the sheer size of their body, so from time to time, they may accidentally knock over a small child. This is where training is indispensable. Teaching ‘wait’ before the walk-through doors and basic manners can guarantee many of their ‘size’ related accidents are less likely.
Indoor/outdoor?
Their short coats mean Danes will feel the cold more than some breeds. So please consider this when leaving your Dane outside in the cold. Six-foot fences are necessary to ensure your pup is kept safe throughout their life. Danes will spend hours lazing about in the sun (or on your couch), they are a very relaxed breed that will benefit from companionship and an indoor life.
Responsible Breeding
It is crucial to only source your new Great Dane from a reputable breeding establishment to ensure your puppy is healthy and is being bred from quality dogs. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see Mum and Dad. Contacting local breed clubs can also help you research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have plenty of proof that they regularly screen their breeding dogs for genetic diseases. This process takes longer than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from a massive amount of heartache a sick puppy or dog can invoke.
Contact PIA for Great Dane Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Great Danes. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
