The Complete Great dane Guide

You didn’t land on the Great dane by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. Gentle and calm despite their size, deeply devoted to their household, and surprisingly manageable indoors, they’re a natural fit for experienced dog owners with space, budget, and the understanding that bigger dogs come with bigger responsibilities who want a calm, affectionate, and stately companion who fills a room with presence and warmth. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Great dane?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Great dane? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	3 out of 5	Intelligent and capable of learning, though their size means training needs to start early. A Great Dane who doesn't know their manners at 10 pounds is cute; at 150 pounds it's a problem
Obedience	3 out of 5	Responds well to consistent direction when training is established early. They're not difficult dogs, but their size demands early work
Focus	3 out of 5	Generally attentive, though their calm demeanor can look like indifference if something bores them
Stubbornness	2 out of 5	Rarely stubborn. Their easy-going nature makes them generally cooperative

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	Devoted to every member of the household. Great Danes are not guard dogs; they're family members
Good with children	4 out of 5	Patient and gentle with children, though their size is an inherent physical hazard with small kids. They don't mean to knock anyone over, but they do
Good with strangers	4 out of 5	Friendly and welcoming with strangers. Their size deters unwanted visitors more than their temperament does
Good with other dogs	3 out of 5	Generally fine with other dogs. Their size makes casual play difficult, and not every dog appreciates being bowled over by a friendly 160-pound companion

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	2 out of 5	Their size alone makes apartment living impractical. They need space to move and turn around comfortably
Cold weather	3 out of 5	Handles cool weather reasonably well, though their short coat provides limited insulation
Hot weather	3 out of 5	Tolerates moderate heat. Avoid heavy exercise in high temperatures
Routine flexibility	3 out of 5	Adaptable to routine changes when their exercise and social needs are met
First time owner	2 out of 5	Better suited to owners who have experience with large dogs. Their size makes puppy mistakes into adult problems quickly

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	3 out of 5	Moderate energy for their size. They move more slowly and deliberately than most breeds but still need daily activity
Endurance	2 out of 5	Not built for sustained effort. Short to moderate walks and controlled play suit them better than long distance activity
Exercise needs	3 out of 5	Needs 30 to 60 minutes of moderate daily exercise. They're not endurance athletes, but they need to move daily
Mental stimulation	3 out of 5	Intelligent but not demanding of intense mental stimulation. Basic training and interactive play satisfy them
Grooming needs	2 out of 5	Short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	3 out of 5	Playful in a gentle, lumbering way. Their size means even casual play is physically significant
Affection	5 out of 5	One of the most affectionate large breeds. Great Danes are lap dogs at heart, completely unaware of their size
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Devoted and closely bonded. They follow their people and want to be in the same room at all times
Independence	2 out of 5	Low independence. They're not comfortable alone for long periods
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert enough to notice unusual visitors, but a Great Dane's instinct is to investigate, not confront

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	2 out of 5	Not prone to excessive barking. Their bark is loud, but they use it selectively
Digging tendency	1 out of 5	Not prone to digging
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Moderate chewing as puppies. Durable toys are essential given their jaw strength
Prey drive	2 out of 5	Low prey drive. They're companion-focused rather than prey-focused
Guarding instincts	3 out of 5	Their presence alone acts as a deterrent. Most Great Danes are friendly, but their size commands respect

What are common health issues of a Great dane?

Like all breeds, Great danes are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Great danes? 

Your Great dane can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• OFA hip and elbow evaluation
• Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist
• OFA thyroid evaluation
• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam

Do Great danes need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Great dane owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Great dane owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Dane specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Great danes are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Danes age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Great dane owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$75-$80
2 years old	$75-$80
3 years old	$80-$85
4 years old	$90-$95
5 years old	$105-$110
6 years old	$115-$120
7 years old	$135-$140

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Dane?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Great dane and your budget.

History of the Great dane

The Great Dane's origins trace to Germany, where large, powerful dogs were used for centuries to hunt wild boar. The breed's ancestors likely included the English Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound, crossed to create a dog fast enough to pursue and pin dangerous game. Despite the name, the Great Dane has no documented connection to Denmark. German breeders standardized the type in the 19th century, and in 1880 a committee of German breeders declared the breed a German national dog, renaming it the Deutsche Dogge. The name Great Dane persisted in English-speaking countries. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1887. Over time, the Great Dane was refined from a fierce hunting dog into one of the gentlest and most recognizable giant companion breeds in the world.

Caring for a Great dane

Training

Training a Great dane is straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. They are gentle, willing to please, and moderately food motivated, which means training is usually smooth when sessions are kept calm, consistent, and positive. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise, with early socialization being especially important given their size tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Great danes have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or rubber curry comb is all the coat needs, and the occasional bath keeps them looking their best. Despite being low-maintenance, regular baths every 6 to 8 weeks help keep the skin and coat healthy.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Dane looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Great danes have moderate energy levels and need 45 to 60 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Leisurely walks, gentle fetch, and swimming are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Great danes are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become restless, destructive given their size, and prone to separation anxiety. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Great dane will actually love.

Nutrition

Great danes are giant dogs with moderate energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 2,500 to 3,000 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $100 to $150 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Great dane here.

Great dane costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Great dane?

Before your Great dane even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$500-$2,000	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$700	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$500	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Great dane each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Great dane owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$1,400-$2,200	Based on the recommended portion for your Great dane
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$100-$300	Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Short coat sheds moderately; weekly brushing reduces the volume of loose hair considerably.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Great dane names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Great dane we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Great dane puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Great dane puppies are gentle, calm, and affectionate in a way that is completely at odds with their enormous size. That a warmth and physical closeness that makes them feel like far more than just a very large dog is part of what makes them a calm, devoted giant companion for owners who can accommodate their size and provide them daily care, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Great dane brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Great dane’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Great danes are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

2. Florida

Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.

3. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

4. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the highest-risk states for Lyme disease in the US, with ticks active across the state's forests, parks, and suburban green spaces. Copperhead snakes are also found in wooded and rocky areas, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the state, so watching where your dog explores is worth the habit.

5. Arizona

The desert heat is the biggest thing to watch year-round. Pavement in Phoenix can reach dangerous temperatures in summer, so early morning or evening walks are best for your dog's paws. Arizona is also home to rattlesnakes, scorpions, and desert toads, all of which are more active in warmer months, so stay alert on trails and in the yard.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Great dane? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Great dane right for you?

Great danes reward the right owner with a calm, affectionate presence that makes even a large space feel warmer and a gentle nature and stately personality that almost no other breed replicates. They just need space, early training, a watchful eye for bloat and cardiac signs, and a budget that accounts for giant-breed costs in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Great dane. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.