Temperament: Known as the gentle giant, the Great Dane, despite its enormous size, is actually a very friendly dog ​​with an affectionate nature. They are people-oriented dogs who need and love to be around their human family, they are also very loyal. Because they grow so quickly, training should start early. Although it is unlikely that they will ever be aggressive, due to their size they can be difficult to handle if not well trained. They make great family pets as they are gentle, patient, and get along well with children and other pets. A habit that they usually have is to lean on you; this is their way of showing love and getting attention. This is normal behavior and is not a cause for concern, but it can cause a problem with young children.

Health Issues: Unfortunately, like many large dogs, the Great Dane is prone to a few illnesses. Bloating is a common problem for them and up to 40% of cases are fatal, bloating is where the stomach twists and emergency surgery is needed right away. Because of how quickly they grow (from birth to human adult weight in 12 months), they can suffer from a number of bone problems, which can include hip dysplasia, wobbler syndrome, hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD), pano (panosteitis ) and osteochondritis dissecans. (OCD).

Great Danes are also prone to cancer, although people say that a Great Dane fed natural food rather than manufactured food has a lower risk. In 2004, an American survey showed that the most common fatal condition in Great Danes is dilated cardiomyopathy, this is a degenerative condition that affects the heart and unfortunately has no cure. The average lifespan for them is around 10 years, although they have been known to live for around 13 years.

Grooming: The Great Dane is an average dog that will need daily brushing; They will also need to have their nails trimmed regularly. They only need to be bathed when necessary, and due to their large size this can be quite uncomfortable, so it’s best to brush them well and often to help increase the time needed between baths.

Living Conditions: Great Danes need regular exercise, although they shouldn’t do more than walk until they are over a year old. They will do well in an apartment as they are relatively inactive indoors, due to the fact that they are animal-loving people and will not stand to live alone outside.