What Is The Lifespan of A Great Dane?

average lifespan of a great dane

With an elegant appearance, commanding presence, and gentle personality, the Great Dane is among the top favorite giant breeds of dogs in all of the United States today. If you are considering adopting a Great Dane, chances are you will research everything you need to know before bringing your furry companion home.

Essential questions to ask may include: What kind of personality do they have? How much exercise do they need on a daily basis? How well do they behave with children or other dogs? All these questions are common concerns for future pet owners and should be fully understood before committing to a new household pet.

Another popular question future Great Dane owners might ask is about their lifespan and longevity. Many people are aware that larger breeds tend to live shorter lives, but what about the beloved Great Dane?

If you are curious to learn more about the Great Dane lifespan and longevity, then you have come to the right place. This article will go over the average lifespan of a Great Dane and what you can do as a pet owner to keep your dog as healthy as can be.

Lifespan of a Great Dane

The average lifespan of a Great Dane is between 6 to 10 years. While this may seem exceptionally short, keep in mind that most large dog breeds have an average lifespan of 10 years or younger. Due to the breed’s massive size, the Great Dane is in a different category and are among the most giant of the dog breeds.

great dane lifespan

Generally speaking, smaller dogs tend to outlive the larger ones by a long shot.

This is mostly because larger dogs age at a faster rate compared to the smaller breeds.

How to Keep your Great Dane Healthy

Although they have a shorter lifespan, do not let that small factor deter you from adopting a Great Dane altogether. 

The best way you can increase your Great Dane’s longevity is by keeping him as healthy as possible from the very beginning.

Below are some recommendations to follow to ensure the best possible life for you and your four-legged friend.

Participate in Daily Workouts

Just like in humans, daily pet exercise is a sure way to keep your companion in tip-top shape. On average, an adult Great Dane should go for a walk or run at least 30-60 minutes a day. The Great Dane is not one to overexert themselves or push themselves beyond their limits, so try to pay attention to how your pet is feeling during each and every activity.

If you have a Great Dane puppy, do not take him for a run until he is at least 18 months of age. As previously stated, these dogs grow very quickly and can seriously injure themselves if their bones and joints are still forming.

Encourage a Healthy Diet

The quality of food you feed your Great Dane can have a direct impact on his health later on in life. Just like any dog, it is crucial to feed your pup a balanced and wholesome diet during every stage of his life.

When choosing dog food, try to steer clear of any harmful preservatives, fillers, by-products, corn, or gluten which can all cause canine health issues after long-term use. If you have any questions on the type of food you should be feeding your dog, talk to your veterinarian and ask for further recommendations.

Don’t Forget Your Annual Check-ups

As common as it is, many pet owners neglect the recommended annual check-ups with a veterinarian. These check-ups are incredibly important to determine the overall health of your Great Dane during every stage of his life.

lifespan of a great dane

Even if he seems healthy from the outside, you never know if there are more serious health issues that may be lurking underneath the surface.

At the very minimum, make sure to take your Great Dane to the vet at least once a year for good measure.

Spoil Them With Love

While this may be an obvious one, it is still a critical point to mention. If you want your dog to live a long and happy life, you have to give him as much love and affection whenever possible.

Great Danes, in general, are known to be very dependent on their owners, which means their overall mood and morale will be determined by the attention they receive from their loved ones.

Regardless of the average lifespan of the Great Dane, these canines are both loving and obedient, perfect for any household. As long as you give your furry companion sufficient exercise, a healthy diet, annual check-ups, and plenty of love, you will be able to have a strong and unbreakable relationship for years to come.

To learn more about Great Danes and other dog breeds, visit our full dog breed guide today!

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