Are Great Danes High
Or Low Maintenance?

by Ken Alden

Many people imagine that Great Danes are costly dogs to own. Though they look imposing, these gentle giants make amazing pets since they are easy-going. While they might look like they can be very demanding in terms of upkeep, the truth might surprise you. 

Are Great Danes High Or Low Maintenance?

They Are Low Maintenance Because...

• They are easy to train
• Require moderate grooming
• Don’t require a lot of exercise
• In general they’re a healthy breed
• They don’t eat as much food as you’d expect for their size

This article will discuss the reasons why Great Danes make great pets and whether these dogs are high maintenance or not. It will also offer you guidelines on how to take care of your dog. This includes details on how to feed, groom, exercise, and train your Great Dane. Read More Below...

Pro-tip: Ever try lifting a Great Dane? Their weight can hurt not only your back but their joints when they hop down from cars, sofas or even your bed. To protect your back and theirs check out the best Mastiff ramps on Amazon.com now.

What Makes Great Danes Popular as Pets?

Sleek, elegant, and boasting an athletic and muscular frame, the Great Dane is a popular German breed. While they were traditionally used as hunting dogs, they are naturally protective though not aggressive. With training, these loving dogs make fitting family pets.

Great Danes are playful, affectionate, and easy to handle. They are also people-oriented and demand attention - they will nudge you to pet them with their head or hop onto your laps. 

Great Danes Are Good-Natured

Their vast size and powerful bark notwithstanding, Great Danes are mild-mannered dogs. They are excellent as family dogs since they are sweet, friendly, get along with young children, other dogs, and people in general. 

However, it’s not advisable to leave very young kids with your Great Dane if there’s no adult supervision. Due to their immense size - an adult male weighing up to 120 pounds (54 kgs ) - and playful nature, they might pose a danger to the kids.

Are Great Danes Easy To Train?

Great Danes possess average intelligence, but with positive reinforcement, their response to training is quick and positive. Bear in mind that they react negatively to harsh commands and reprimands. 

Though peaceful, they remain courageous and will not hesitate to defend their family - meaning you. They thus still make excellent guard dogs if trained well.

With this breed, house training is a breeze. This is because Great Danes like to please, thus making the process easy. Still, if you want your puppy to grow into a well-rounded pet, it’s best to socialize him when he is young. Besides, their massive size makes them much harder to control as adults.

To teach him good manners, sign up your puppy for obedience classes. Additionally, take him to shopping malls that permit dogs, neighborhood walks, and to the park. These activities will allow your puppy to get comfortable with people and other dogs too.

At times, puppy Great Danes tend to experience the ‘zoomies’ where they spin, gallop, and leap around with joy. As such, they could knock over people and objects, especially in a confined space. Ensure that your fence is sturdy and about 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall to prevent your puppy from jumping over as well.

Pro-tip: Great Dane anxiety, aggression, destructive chewing, jumping up, fearfulness, and other behaviors can be controlled with the right training program.

Here’s a great course that addresses these issues along with many other dog training basics: Check it out now!

Great Dane Exercise Requirements

In general, Great Danes have moderate energy levels and tend to be playful. However, as much as they need to exercise daily, they don't require a huge yard.

As puppies, Great Danes need to exercise for about an hour and a half every day. But mature dogs are not super active and only need a half-hour to one hour of daily exercise daily. After that, they are happy to stay indoors and lounge with you on the couch. 

When your puppy is below 18 months old, it’s not advisable to take him running or jogging. This is because his bones aren’t fully formed and running could place a lot of stress on the growing joints and bones. 

To be on the safe side, it’s best to wait until they are two years old before going jogging with them. Also, always ensure the dog wears a leash when walking outdoors.

Read more about how much exercise Great Danes need

Great Dane Grooming Needs

Great Danes are easy to groom. They are short-haired, with short, smooth coats. Brushing the coat weekly with a soft bristle brush is all you need to do to maintain your dog in tip-top condition. 

Bathe your dog when it’s necessary, like after a muddy walk, and clip their toenails every month. Thoroughly clean the ears and teeth once or twice a week too. Note that Great Danes tend to drool, so you may need to provide a drool rag.

Great Dane Feeding Requirements

When it comes to feeding, are Great Danes high or low maintenance? Interestingly, Great Danes hardly eat as much food as you’d expect. All the same, they need to consume large breed foods to prevent orthopedic issues.

In general, the amount of food your Great Dane eats depends on their weight, gender, and age. Therefore, ensure that you always provide your dog with high-quality food that’s appropriate for his age. Remember that high-quality food also means that your pet will experience fewer health issues. 

Also, avoid feeding the dog on a single big meal since this can cause bloat, which can be fatal. So, offer meals twice a day; in the morning and evening. 

When it comes to Great Dane puppies, feed them on large breed puppy formula. Since the puppies grow at such a tremendous rate, this type of diet helps slow down the growth rate. It also allows your pet’s bones and muscles to mature at a regular speed.

Pro-tip: Great Dane's (and their owners) love dog crates…and for good reasons. Crates keep dogs from mischief while you're away, are perfect for house training, for traveling by car, and provide the dog a place to de-stress. Check out the best Mastiff crates on Amazon.com now.

Some Downsides to Keeping Great Danes

• They are generally healthy but prone to bloat, joint problems, and Panosteitis in puppies
• Their upkeep may cost more since they are big - they eat more than smaller breeds, and their medical expenses could also be high
• They are huge and need lots of space to move around, thus are unsuited to small apartments 
• You need a large crate and vehicle to contain your Great Dane
• They can be destructive as their tail can sweep off items from your coffee table with ease
  

Nevertheless, the above disadvantages shouldn’t discourage you from investing in a Great Dane. As we have seen, this breed is very likable, protective, and a joy to have at home. Your children will also enjoy playing with the dog as he tolerates them tugging at his tail or ears. This is priceless.

Are Great Danes High Or Low Maintenance?...Summary

Great Danes are gentle, eager to please, and love human companionship. When compared to other large breeds, these dogs have minimal requirements and are fairly low maintenance.

Still, a Great Dane is a huge dog, and you will need to make some adjustments to allow for his size. The total bill will add up as your dog needs substantial volumes of supplies. You will also need to pay attention to your dog’s need for exercise, a proper diet, toys, a large bed, and routine visits to the vet. 

But, so long as you provide your Great Dane with adequate food, space, and attention, you will enjoy the love and security that your dog will give in return. 

Unfortunately, owing to their towering size, they don’t live very long - about eight years. However, you are sure to love every minute of the time you spend with your Great Dane. 

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I’m Ken Alden. This website
is a labor of love from years of research and personal experiences with Mastiffs.

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