How big does a Great Dane get?

A full-grown Great Dane typically stands 71–81 cm (28.0–31.9 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighs 45–90 kg (99.2–198.4 lbs). Great Dane is considered a giant breed and may take up to 18–24 months to reach full size.

What is the lifespan of a Great Dane?

The average lifespan of a Great Dane is 7–10 years. Giant breeds typically have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors in extending your dog's lifespan — overweight dogs can lose 1–2 years of life expectancy.

What are the personality traits of a Great Dane?

Great Dane are known for being friendly, patient, dependable, gentle. They are generally good with children and make excellent family dogs. They are moderately trainable with consistent positive reinforcement. They need plenty of space and exercise, making them better suited for homes with yards.

Is a Great Dane a good choice for apartments and families?

A Great Dane is a giant breed that typically needs more space and exercise, so they may not be ideal for small apartments. They are generally good with kids and make great family companions. They shed moderately, with weekly brushing usually sufficient.

What are common health issues for giant breed dogs like the Great Dane?

Giant breeds like the Great Dane face increased risks of bloat (GDV), hip/elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, and bone cancer. Their large size puts extra stress on joints, making weight management critical. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of many of these conditions. Use our BCS assessment tool above to check your dog's condition.

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Great Dane Weight & Calorie Guide

Q: How many calories does a Great Dane need per day?

A typical adult Great Dane weighing about 68 kg needs approximately 2638–3297 kcal per day, depending on activity level and neuter status. Puppies and very active dogs need more, while seniors and neutered dogs need less. Use our breed-specific calculator for an exact number.

Giant Breed

Quick Answer

A healthy adult Great Dane weighs 45–90 kg (99.2–198.4 lbs), according to the AKC breed standard. Puppies reach 50% of adult weight by 8–12 months and full weight by 18–24 months.

Source: AKC breed standard, WSAVA nutrition guidelines

Quick Facts

Ideal Weight

45–90 kg

(99.2–198.4 lbs)

Size Category

giant

Breed Type

Daily Calories

~2638–3297 kcal

Adult, neutered

Free Tools

BCS Assessment Calorie Calculator

Ideal Weight Range

45 kgto90 kg

99.2 lbsto198.4 lbs

UnderweightIdealOverweightObese

Data:AKC breed standard·WSAVA guidelines

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Puppy Weight Predictor

For puppies under 12 months. Enter your puppy's current weight and age to predict adult weight.

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How the puppy weight predictor works

This predictor uses growth milestone data from Salt et al. (2017), published in Veterinary Record, which tracked the weight development of dogs across five size categories from birth to adulthood. By comparing your puppy's current weight against the expected growth percentage for their age and size category, we estimate their adult weight range.

Factors that affect adult weight

Genetics play the largest role, but nutrition, neutering status, and overall health also influence growth rate. Puppies fed excessive calories during rapid growth phases may exceed their genetic weight potential, while underfed puppies may not reach it. Large and giant breeds grow more slowly than toy and small breeds, reaching full size at 18–24 months rather than 10–12 months.

Data source: Salt et al. (2017) "Growth patterns of commercial kennel dogs" Veterinary Record • AKC breed standards

Great Dane Health & Weight Management

Great Danes are the tallest dog breed, and their massive size brings serious health challenges. Bloat (GDV) is the number one killer — it can strike without warning. Excess weight worsens bloat risk and puts extreme stress on already-vulnerable joints. Hip dysplasia and Wobbler syndrome (cervical vertebral instability) are breed-specific concerns that become worse with extra body mass.

Exercise: Moderate daily exercise of 30–60 minutes — steady walks on soft surfaces. Avoid vigorous exercise, especially jumping, during the first 18 months while bones are still developing. Never exercise right before or after meals.

Feeding tips: Feed 2–3 measured meals daily from ground level (not elevated bowls, unless advised by your vet for specific conditions). Use a large-breed puppy formula with controlled calcium during growth. Never allow free-feeding. A Great Dane should eat 6–10 cups of quality kibble daily, split into portions. Keep a bloat kit (simethicone) on hand at all times.

Keeping your Great Dane at a healthy 99–198 lbs (45–90 kg) is vital for joint and cardiac health. Use PawScale's calorie calculator for Great Danes to manage portions, check body condition with our BCS tool, and follow the feeding guide for large-breed meal planning.

Data source: AKC breed standard • Last updated: 2026-08-12

Is your Great Dane at a healthy weight?

59% of dogs are overweight — can you tell? Take our free 2-minute Body Condition Score assessment.

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Great Dane Calorie Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a Great Dane weigh?

The ideal weight for a Great Dane is 45–90 kg (99.2–198.4 lbs). Giant breeds have slower metabolisms, so weight management is especially important. Use our calorie calculator above to get personalized feeding recommendations.

How many calories does a Great Dane need per day?

A typical adult Great Dane weighing 68 kg needs approximately 2638–3297 kcal per day, depending on activity level and whether they are neutered. Use our breed-specific calculator above for an exact number based on your dog's details.

Is my Great Dane overweight?

59% of dogs are overweight, and most owners cannot tell just by looking. Check your Great Dane's Body Condition Score (BCS) — if you can't easily feel their ribs or they have no visible waist from above, they may be overweight. Take our free 2-minute BCS assessment above to find out.

When does a Great Dane reach full adult weight?

Great Dane puppies reach 50% of their adult weight by 8–12 months and typically reach full adult weight by 18–24 months, according to AKC growth guidelines. Small breeds mature faster than large breeds.

What size crate does a Great Dane need?

A Great Dane typically needs a 48-inch crate based on breed size. Use PawScale's free crate size calculator for a personalized recommendation.

References & data sources

1. AKC Official Breed Standard — Great Dane. akc.org

2. Salt C, et al. “Estimating the expected growth of dogs.” Vet Record, 2017;180(15):376.

3. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.

4. Laflamme DP. “Development and validation of a body condition score system for dogs.” Canine Practice, 1997;22(4):10–15.

5. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 9-point BCS scale.

Last reviewed: September 2026

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