Great Dane

Like every breed, the Great Dane is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Start positive, reward-based training young and keep it consistent throughout their life.
• Teach good lead walking and a reliable recall early, as their size can intimidate people and other dogs.
• Train them not to jump up at people.
• Make socialisation a priority and keep it ongoing.
• If you are new to the breed, consider help from an accredited trainer.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)

  The stomach twists. It is an emergency that needs urgent veterinary attention.

• Hip dysplasia

  The hip joint does not fit together properly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip scoring under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.

• Elbow dysplasia

  The elbow joint does not fit together properly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends elbow testing under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme.

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

  A type of heart disease in which the heart becomes larger than it should be and does not work properly.

• Inherited myopathy of Great Danes (IMGD)

  A muscle-wasting disease seen in the breed. A DNA test is available, and the Royal Kennel Club recommends it before breeding.

• Wobbler syndrome

  Instability of the bones in the neck, which causes weakness in the back legs and an abnormal, wobbly gait.

• Eye conditions

  Great Danes can have eyelids that turn inwards or outwards (entropion and ectropion), glaucoma and cherry eye. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.

• Cancers

  Certain cancers are seen in the breed, including osteosarcoma, a serious bone cancer.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Great Dane home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Great Dane home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically up to 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Great Dane suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Great Danes do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.