Are you thinking about getting a Great Dane Puppy? These gentle giants are one of the most lovable, loyal, and eye-catching breeds around. But before you bring one home, there are five things you should absolutely know.
As someone who has raised four Great Danes (and survived the puppy stage more than once), I’m here to give you the real talk on what to expect.
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1. Great Dane puppies grow extremely fast
In just a few months, your tiny puppy will turn into a dog that weighs more than most people’s children. Their bones and joints develop quickly, and that means they need proper nutrition to stay healthy.
Avoid puppy food with high protein and fat. Instead, choose a large breed adult formula with balanced nutrients to support slow, steady growth. Rapid weight gain can lead to issues like knuckling, bowed legs, and long-term joint problems.
2. They take up more space than you think
A Great Dane isn’t just big — they’re in-your-personal-space big. They will follow you from room to room, lean on you like it’s their job, and sprawl across the floor (or couch) like they own it.
Make sure you have the space — physically and emotionally — to accommodate a dog that wants to be with you constantly. These dogs are family, not background pets.
3. Crate training is essential
If you ever plan to leave your home without worrying about what your dog is destroying, crate training is a must. It teaches your Dane to feel safe in their own space and protects your home from accidents, chewed furniture, or worse.
Start early, be consistent, and use positive reinforcement. A well-crate-trained Dane is a well-adjusted one. Get the 54″ Crate here.
4. Veterinary care will be more expensive
Because Great Danes are such a large breed, their medical costs are higher than average. From medications and exams to X-rays and surgery, everything costs more when your dog is over 100 pounds.
Before bringing one home, consider investing in pet insurance or building an emergency savings fund. Great Danes are prone to health issues like bloat, heart conditions, and joint problems — being prepared makes all the difference.
5. People will stop you EVERYWHERE
When you own a Great Dane, get ready for attention. People will ask questions, take pictures, and make the same jokes over and over again — “Is that a horse?” or, “Do you have a saddle for that thing?” being the most common.
If you’re not a fan of small talk or answering dog-related questions on repeat, this may be something to think about. Owning a Great Dane often turns you into an unofficial breed ambassador.
Free Great Dane Puppy Guide
Bringing home a Great Dane puppy soon?
Read this first.
This free PDF covers everything I wish I knew before getting my first Dane — including food, crate training, bath time, nail care, and how to set your home up for success.
There’s also a printable starter checklist included at the end to help you grab everything you need for those chaotic first few weeks.
Click the button below to download the guide + checklist.
Final Thoughts
Raising a Great Dane comes with big challenges—and even bigger rewards. I hope these five tips help you feel more confident as you start this journey.
Want to keep learning and laughing along the way?
Follow me on Instagram @haleyandthedane for daily tips, stories, and life with my Danes.
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