Great Dane: size, sleep, exercise and care

At a glance

Size

Giant

Adult weight

50–79 kg

Height at the shoulder

71–81 cm

Life expectancy

7–10 years

Exercise needs

High · 120+ min per day

Sleep needs

Typical total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.

Puppy18–20 h

Adult12–14 h

Senior12–15 h

06121824 h

These are general life-stage ranges for dogs from the AKC and Hill's; no study gives a separate figure for the Great Dane. Individual dogs vary, and a sudden change in how much your dog sleeps is worth mentioning to your vet. With an AKC life expectancy of 7–10 years, Danes often reach senior sleep patterns sooner than smaller dogs. Give them a thick, supportive bed for heavy joints.

Puppy sleep calculator →

Exercise needs

For adults, PDSA recommends a minimum of two hours a day and The Royal Kennel Club lists more than two hours. Puppies are a different story: their large frame grows quickly, so keep walks short, avoid jumping, stairs and long runs, and build up only once growth is complete.

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Potty training

A Dane puppy can be the size of an adult Labrador while its bladder control is still that of a baby. Stick to a frequent schedule after sleep, meals and play.

Plan for size: a large crate, an easy exit to the garden and floors that are not slippery all make training simpler and protect growing joints.

Puppy potty schedule calculator →

Feeding

Choose a food made for giant or large-breed puppies and aim for slow, steady growth; pushing extra calories does not make a better dog. Feed three to four meals a day for young puppies and at least two for adults.

Great Danes are the textbook deep-chested breed for bloat (GDV). The AKC notes that one meal a day doubles the risk compared with two, and fast eating adds to it, so use several smaller meals, a slow feeder if needed, and rest around mealtimes. A swollen belly, restlessness and unproductive retching are an emergency.

Puppy feeding schedule calculator →