Great Dane insurance
Is the Great Dane the right dog breed for you?
Great Dane owner’s guide
A towering and affectionate gentle giant, Great Danes bring majesty, loyalty, and warmth to the right home. But they do need a lot of space, care, and forethought. Here’s what you need to know.
Great Dane quick facts
- Size: 80-90cm (male), 72-84cm (female)
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Weight: 54kg (male), 46kg (female)
- Colours: Fawn, black, blue, brindle, harlequin, mantle
- Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, sensitive
- Common health issues: Bloat, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, some cancers
- Country of origin: Germany
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Where do Great Danes come from?
Despite their name, Great Danes aren’t actually from Denmark.
Their origins trace back to Germany, where they were known as the Deutsche Dogge. Their ancestors were strong hunting dogs, bred for chasing boar and other large game, prized for their strength, speed, and courage.
Over time, breeders refined them into taller, more elegant dogs with calmer temperaments. By the 19th century, Great Danes had evolved into the gentle giants we know today - impressive in size, yet more companion than hunter.
Great Dane temperament
Sociable
They typically form strong bonds with their families and often like to be wherever their people are.
Alert
They can make good watchdogs, but they aren’t naturally aggressive if properly socialised.
Sensitive
They're sensitive by nature, they respond best to consistent, gentle training rather than harsh methods.
Appearance and size
Great Danes are the tallest dog breed in the world (though not always the heaviest), with some individuals holding records for both the tallest dog ever and the tallest living dog today.
They have long legs, a deep chest, and an elegant yet powerful build, with a head held high and expressive dark eyes. Their short, dense coat shows off their muscular frame, and they come in a variety of colours from solid tones like black and blue to patterned varieties such as harlequin or mantle.
Grooming
For Great Danes, a weekly brush is usually enough to remove loose hairs and keep their coat shiny. During seasonal shedding in spring and autumn, a little extra brushing can help. Their short coat doesn’t need trimming, but it’s important to keep up with ear checks, nail trims, and dental care. Great Danes are also known to drool, so be ready for the occasional wet chin or dribble around the house.
Great Dane training
Training a Great Dane is essential - the bigger the dog, the more important manners become! Start early with basic commands (sit, stay, recall, lead walking).
And use positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and play. Socialise widely: introduce the puppy to people, dogs, environments and noises so it grows confident. Be consistent in rules and boundaries; they must understand what is acceptable behaviour (especially in homes with children or visitors).
Because they’re intelligent, they often enjoy mentally stimulating tasks such as obedience and scent games too.
Great Dane health issues
Great Danes, like many giant breeds, can be prone to certain health issues, including:
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
A life-threatening twisting of the stomach.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Can affect joint health and mobility.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Where the heart muscle weakens and can’t pump effectively.
Wobbler syndrome
A spinal problem that leads to an unsteady gait.
Inherited myopathy
A muscle-wasting condition specific to the breed.
Osteosarcoma
A serious type of bone cancer.
Entropion or ectropion
Painful eye conditions caused by excess eyelid skin turning inward or outward.
Cherry eye
Where a gland in the third eyelid protrudes.
Regular veterinary care and health screenings can help manage these risks and keep your Dane as healthy as possible.
What are Great Dane puppies like?
Great Dane puppies are adorable, lively, and grow incredibly fast. They have spurts of energy, periods of rest, and often seem to pop up into adult size quickly.
They need early socialisation, exposure to many environments, gentle handling, and careful monitoring of their growth - too much strain early on can harm their joints. When it comes to puppy training, gentle consistency is key.
How much are Great Dane puppies?
In the UK, a well-bred Great Dane puppy from a responsible, health-screened breeder might cost anywhere between £1,000 and £2,000, depending on things such as their pedigree, colour, parent health checks, and breeder reputation. Dogs from rescue or rehoming centres are typically cheaper.
What we love most about Great Danes
Size and presence
Few dogs turn as many heads.
Affectionate, gentle, nature
Many Danes enjoy being close to people.
Their calmness indoors
After exercise, many are content to lounge by your feet.
Loyalty and confidence
They often develop strong bonds and are protective (without aggression).
What you need to know when choosing a Great Dane
Here are a few things to consider when deciding if this is the right breed for you:
- 1
Be ready for big costs
Including food bills, vet bills, housing, and accessories as all these must be scaled up!
- 2
Provide ample space
A large house with a secure garden is almost essential.
- 3
Be comitted
Be committed to training, socialisation, and supervision (especially with children).
- 4
Monitoring
Monitor their diet, feeding times, and avoid exercise immediately after meals to reduce the risk of bloat.
- 5
Lifespan
Understand that their lifespan is shorter than many breeds.
For more information on choosing the right dog for you, see our list of A-Z dog breeds.
Great Dane insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Great Dane's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
FAQs about Great Danes
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