Are Great Danes Good Dogs for First-Time Owners? What to Know
With their huge stature, calm demeanor and loyalty, Great Danes can make wonderful companion dogs. These gentle giants are often called the "Apollo of dogs" due to their impressive size and stately appearance. But while Great Danes are generally friendly, affectionate and trainable, they aren‘t the perfect fit for every owner. Their massive size and strength can present challenges, especially for novice dog owners.
If you‘re considering bringing home a Great Dane as your first dog, it‘s crucial to do your research and be realistic about whether you can meet this breed‘s needs. While every dog is an individual, certain breed traits and care requirements may make Great Danes better suited for more experienced owners. Let‘s take a closer look at some key facts about Great Danes to help you decide if this is the right breed for your lifestyle.
Positive Traits of Great Danes
There‘s a lot to love about this majestic breed. Some of the most appealing qualities of Great Danes include:
- Affectionate, loyal nature and strong bonds with their people
- Gentle, patient temperament (earning them the "gentle giant" nickname)
- Fairly calm indoors and not overly energetic
- Eager to please and responsive to training
- Usually good with children when socialized from a young age
- Typically friendly toward other dogs and pets in the home
- Don‘t tend to bark excessively
- Easy to groom, with a short coat and minimal shedding
- Impressive, regal appearance and presence
Potential Challenges for First-Time Owners
Despite their many positive attributes, Great Danes aren‘t the easiest breed for a first-time dog owner. Some of the aspects that can make them challenging include:
Massive size. Male Great Danes can stand up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 175 pounds. Females are only slightly smaller. This huge size means they take up a lot of space in the home, can knock over furniture or small children, and have extremely powerful jaws. Holding the leash of an excited Great Dane can be like restraining a small pony. Owners need to be strong enough to physically control their dog.
High cost. The large size of Great Danes means they eat a lot of food, need oversized beds and crates, and may require a vehicle large enough to transport them. Vet care, medical needs and medications are also more expensive for giant breeds. Owners need to have a big enough budget to afford a big dog.
Shorter lifespan. Like many large breeds, Great Danes have a relatively short life expectancy of 7-10 years on average. First-time owners need to be prepared for a shorter time with their dog and potentially high vet bills in their later years.
Health issues. Great Danes are prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia, bloat, cardiomyopathy, bone cancer and thyroid issues. Choosing a dog from a responsible breeder who health tests breeding stock can reduce risks, but owners still need to be prepared for potential medical needs.
Training needs. While Great Danes are smart and generally people-pleasing, their size makes early training and socialization critical for safety. An untrained Great Dane can easily overpower their owner, jump on people, and develop behavioral issues without proper guidance. First-time owners need to be committed to positive, consistent training from puppyhood through adulthood.
Space and Exercise Requirements
Before bringing home a Great Dane, it‘s vital to assess whether you have enough space. A large house with a securely fenced yard is ideal. Great Danes don‘t do well in small homes or apartments without enough room to move around freely. Knocking into furniture is common, and the dog is likely to feel cramped and frustrated.
Access to a yard for playtime and using the bathroom is also very helpful. While Great Danes have relatively low energy levels indoors, they still need daily walks and some off-leash time to run around. Expect to provide at least an hour of exercise per day, divided into a few sessions. A home with nearby parks, trails or other safe places to walk is ideal.
Training and Socialization Needs
Great Danes are sensitive dogs who respond best to force-free, reward-based training methods. Harsh corrections can damage their confidence and your bond. First-time owners should plan to enroll in positive puppy training and socialization classes as soon as their Great Dane puppy is fully vaccinated around 3-4 months old.
Early socialization to many different people, animals, places and situations is key to raising a well-adjusted Great Dane. These dogs can be hesitant toward strangers without positive exposure when young. Puppy playdates, trips out in public, and introducing your Great Dane to visitors at home will help them gain confidence.
Obedience training should continue throughout the Great Dane‘s life to maintain good manners and response to commands. Teaching your dog to walk calmly on a leash, greet people politely, place on a mat, and reliably respond to sits, downs, stays and recalls will make life with a giant dog much easier and safer. Plan to devote at least 15 minutes per day to training practice.
Budget Considerations
Owning a giant dog comes with giant expenses. In addition to the initial purchase price of a Great Dane puppy from a quality breeder, which can range from $1500-3000+, plan to budget more for your big dog‘s needs compared to a smaller breed. This includes:
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Food: Great Danes often eat 4-10+ cups of food per day depending on age/size, so a 30-lb bag may only last 2-3 weeks. Expect to spend at least $50-70/month on a premium large breed food.
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Supplies: Beds, crates, toys, leashes/collars and bowls all need to be oversized and durable enough for a giant breed. This gear is pricier than standard sizes.
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Medical: Vet bills, vaccinations, preventatives and any medications will cost more for a giant dog. Emergency vet visits can easily exceed $1000-3000 because more anesthesia and larger doses of drugs are needed. Pet insurance is highly recommended.
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Training: Professional positive training classes can run $150-300 for 6-8 week group sessions. Budget for at least 2-3 puppy training courses and continuing education for your Great Dane.
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Grooming: While grooming needs are pretty minimal, one bath for a Great Dane can use a whole bottle of shampoo. Nail trims, teeth brushing and ear cleaning should be done regularly at home or by a groomer.
Health and Lifespan
Great Danes live an average of 7-10 years, with some making it to 12 years. They are prone to health issues such as:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart)
- Gastric dilatation volvulus or "bloat" (stomach flips and fills with gas – can be fatal)
- Hypothyroidism
- Eye problems like cherry eye or entropion
- Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
- Arthritis and mobility issues, especially in old age
Choosing a Great Dane puppy from health-tested parents can reduce risks, as can keeping your dog slim and fit throughout life. Avoiding strenuous exercise right after meals, feeding a high-quality diet, and getting regular vet checkups can also help. Be financially and emotionally prepared for a shorter lifespan and medical issues, especially in the senior years.
Great Danes and Kids/Families
Great Danes can do well with children when raised together and supervised properly. Their patient, gentle nature makes them tolerant of respectful kids. However, their large size means they can easily knock over toddlers and small children by accident. Teach kids to be calm and gentle around the dog, and never leave them unsupervised.
Great Danes do best as indoor dogs who get to be part of the family. They don‘t thrive when isolated in the yard or garage. As adults, they‘re fairly low energy and calm indoors, but puppies/young dogs can be enthusiastic and need plenty of exercise before settling down. Multiple long walks plus playtime each day is a must for Great Dane puppies and adolescents.
Is a Great Dane Right For You?
Great Danes thrive with an owner who is:
- Home often to provide companionship and care
- Financially comfortable enough to afford food, vet and training costs
- Physically strong enough to control a large, powerful dog
- Committed to positive training and socialization from an early age through adulthood
- Able to provide plenty of space and exercise
- Prepared for a shorter lifespan and potential health issues
- Experienced with dogs or eager to learn about force-free training and giant breed needs
If you work long hours, live in a tiny apartment, are often traveling, or lack experience with large breeds, a Great Dane may not be the ideal choice for you. Likewise, if you‘re looking for a jogging buddy, watchdog or dog to participate in high-impact dog sports, a giant breed is not the best fit.
Before deciding on a Great Dane, ask yourself:
- Do I have enough space at home for a giant dog?
- How much time can I realistically devote to my dog‘s exercise, training and companionship each day?
- Can I afford a giant breed‘s food, vet and care expenses throughout their life?
- Do I have prior dog experience or a willingness to learn about positive training, socialization and care of a giant breed?
- Am I prepared for my dog to have a shorter lifespan and potential health issues?
- How will I physically handle a 130+ pound dog?
- Will my dog be a part of my family and live mainly indoors?
- Do I have access to a veterinarian comfortable treating giant breed dogs?
- Am I home often enough to provide the attention and care a Great Dane needs?
- Will my lifestyle, home and budget accommodate a giant dog now and over the next 8-12 years?
Conclusion
While Great Danes can make wonderful companions for the right owners, they aren‘t ideal for everyone. Their giant size, strength, shorter lifespan and higher costs can make them challenging for first-time or inexperienced dog owners.
However, if you have a spacious home, flexible budget, plenty of time to devote to your dog‘s training and exercise needs, and are willing to learn about force-free training and giant breed care, a Great Dane can make a loving, loyal addition to your life. Living with a gentle giant is a special experience when you‘re realistic about what to expect and prepared to provide a lifetime of loving care.
