The Great Dane is a very large breed of dog known for its giant size and gentle personality. They’re usually tall and well-built, but they also have a special ability to be extremely affectionate with their owners, but how long do these Great Danes live?
According to the American Kennel Club, Great Danes have an average life expectancy of 8 to 10 years. However, this varies from dog to dog, and many things will affect how long a Great Dane will live. This includes how well they are taken care of and if they have any medical conditions.
Stick around as we share 9 things you should know about how long Great Danes live!
Typical Lifespan
Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds in the world. They can grow to be more than 3 feet tall and weigh up to 200 pounds, making them a huge animal. But do you know how long they typically live? Great Danes generally live 8-10 years, with some living as long as 15 years.
They are one of the few dog breeds that are known for having a strong odor. Usually, Great Danes that die early result from health problems, like heart disease.
That being said, Great Danes can live shorter or longer than that, depending on some very important factors that we will reveal in this article.
Common Health Problems
Unfortunately, Great Danes can be diagnosed with many different health problems. Let’s check out some of the most common health problems found in this breed.
Bloat
Great Danes are susceptible to bloat, a life-threatening condition caused by stomach twists. This can happen when the dog overeats or exercises strenuously after eating. Symptoms include swelling of the abdomen, excessive drooling, and pale gums. If you see these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately!
Hip Dysplasia
Another common health problem in Great Danes is hip dysplasia. This occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to pain and arthritis down the road. Dogs with hip dysplasia should be kept active so that they don’t put too much strain on their joints.
Cancer
Many Great Danes also suffer from cancer. The most common types of cancer found in Great Danes are hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and mast cell tumor. If your Great Dane has any of these conditions, talk to your vet about what treatments are available.
Skin Growths
Great Danes are also susceptible to skin growths, which can signify cancer. If you notice any lumps or bumps on your dog’s skin, have them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Cataracts
It’s also important to be aware that Great Danes may get cataracts. Cataracts are a condition that affects the eyes and can lead to blindness. If your dog starts having trouble seeing, take him to the vet for a check-up. There may be treatments available that can help restore their vision.
Great Dane Lifespan Factors (9 Things to Know!)
There is no simple answer when it comes to how long a Great Dane will live because so many things can impact this. Let’s check out some factors that will affect the lifespan of a Great Dane and 9 things you should know about it!.
Genetics & Breeder
One factor that will influence the lifespan of a Great Dane is their breeding and genetics. Certain breeders have more experience in Great Dane breeding, allowing them to breed dogs that live longer.
On the other hand, a Great Dane whose mother and father both had health problems is likely to end up with health problems down the road. That is why it is essential to do your research before purchasing a Great Dane from a breeder.
Also, before choosing the right Great Dane for you, it is strongly recommended to get as much information about the breeder, mother, father, and also other dogs from the same litter, if possible. Doing so can help you make an informed decision.
Diet
Another important factor contributing to the lifespan of a Great Dane is their diet. They must eat a high-quality diet that is age and size-appropriate. A healthy diet will help keep them free from health problems, adding to their lifespan.
It is essential to serve them the right kind of food and the right amount of food. Great Danes should only be fed two meals a day, with freshwater being available at all times.
Before purchasing dog food, always read the labels and avoid products containing the following ingredients: corn, wheat, soy, and meat by-products. These ingredients are often found in low-quality dog foods and can lead to health problems.
Lastly, never feed your Great Dane fillers. Fillers are cheap ingredients used to increase the volume of food without adding any nutritional value. Instead, focus on providing them with a rich diet in protein and healthy fats.
Exercise
Exercise is crucial for your pet because it will maintain good health. They will live a long and happy life, which will make them more comfortable in their older age. Because Great Danes are such large dogs, they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy; if they don’t get it, they can become obese, which will shorten their lifespan.
A Great Dane that exercises regularly is likely to live between 9 and 12 years on average. Though, as soon as they lack exercise, they become at risk of more health problems, which immediately reduces their average lifespan. So, be sure to take your Great Dane for a long walk every day!
Other ways to exercise your dog is to have a game of catch with them or let them run around in the backyard. If you live in an apartment complex, be sure to take your dog for a walk at least three times a day. Great Danes will also enjoy swimming; it’s a great way to keep them cool in the summer and help wear down their nails.
Receiving Proper Veterinary and Health Care
Receiving proper Veterinary and Health Care is vital to help Great Danes live a long and happy life. You can do many things at home to keep them healthy, but sometimes they need a little more care.
Make sure you take them to the veterinarian for their yearly check-up and shots, and if they get sick, take them in right away for treatment.
Always ensure that your dog is up to date on their vaccinations, as some diseases can be fatal to them. You will also want to keep their living environment clean and free of things that could harm them.
Furthermore, you should ensure your Great Dane’s nails are well-maintained, their teeth are healthy, and their ears are clean. These are all essential parts of their health to help them live longer.
Dental Hygiene
As briefly mentioned earlier, brushing your Great Dane’s teeth is very important. To do so, use a toothbrush or gauze wrapped around your finger.
Dip it in water and then brush their teeth by rubbing the bristles against their teeth in a circular motion. Do this twice a week for the best results.
Besides brushing their teeth, a great way to keep their mouth clean and healthy is to buy them a good doggy toothpaste. It will be a bit expensive, but it’ll last a while and will pay off in the long run.
Why? Because the toothpaste contains all-natural food extracts that are highly beneficial for their teeth!
Other than that, allowing them to use their teeth regularly by chewing toys can keep their teeth and gums strong. You can also find treats made to clean teeth, such as Greenies, a trusted dog snack company with great reviews on the internet.
Environmental Factors
We all know that our environment can affect the way we feel. It’s no different for dogs. A dog living in a large city will be exposed to more pollution, noise, and dangers than one living on a farm or in the country.
Likewise, if Great Danes spend most of their time indoors because you live in an apartment building, they’ll probably live s shorter life than one who gets regular exercise running around outside all day long.
A dog living in the country or a home with a huge backyard will generally have a longer life expectancy than one that lives in an apartment building. This is because it is much easier to keep your Great Dane active when there is enough space to do so, just outside your home.
Appropriate Mental & Emotional Stimulation
For Great Danes to live a happy, healthy life, they need appropriate mental and emotional stimulation. This is especially true for Great Danes, known for their size and affectionate personality. It is essential to show your dog that you love them and spend time with them each day.
A dog that is left alone often or for long periods can become depressed, which – much like humans – can affect their well-being and cause them to die sooner.
Proper Socialization with Other Dogs & Humans
To understand why socializing your dog with other dogs and people is so important, you must realize that they are highly evolved pack animals. This means that the more time spent in a pack, the better their chances of survival.
And while some would argue that domesticated dogs don’t need to survive, there are many benefits to being around other canines or even humans! Some of these include:
- Teaching them valuable skills.
- Learning how different breeds behave.
- Developing an emotional bond with another animal.
- Improving their mental health (especially if not getting enough attention).
- Providing comfort for those who live alone.
There is no denying that proper socialization with other dogs and people can improve how long Great Danes will live, and help them enjoy life and see the fun in it!
Affection & Companionship
A dog is a man’s best friend, and for many people, they are their only one. Life can be very lonely for those who live alone or don’t have the time to spend with family or friends as often as they would like. And this loneliness has far-reaching consequences on our health and well-being.
That’s where dogs come in! Studies show that having a pet animal—including cats and birds—can help reduce feelings of loneliness by up to 75%. Dogs offer companionship at all hours of the day – not just when you’re home from work – so it’s easier for them to fill that void left by other humans. They also provide unconditional love, which we all need but is not always easy to find.
However, let’s be fair here! You are not the only one that wants to feel that affection and companionship! Dogs need love too, and they crave human interaction.
A lack of attention can lead to many behavioral issues in dogs, such as destruction of property, excessive barking, and even aggression. So, it’s essential that if you are considering getting a dog – especially a large breed like the Great Dane – you do your research and make sure you have enough time to devote to them.
