Great Dane Lifespan
The Great Dane is the one breed on our list where the study median is higher than the AKC range. The UK sample was relatively small, and an earlier English study listed the Great Dane among the shortest-lived breeds.
Great Danes usually live 7 to 10 years, according to the AKC, though a UK study of 1,986 Great Danes found a median of 10.6. Like other giant breeds they age quickly, and bloat is the breed’s number-one killer, so knowing the warning signs can save your dog’s life.
Great Dane life stages
Life stages follow the 2019 AAHA guidelines. The senior stage is the last 25% of expected life, so with a median lifespan of 10.6 years, a Great Dane becomes a senior at about 8.
| Stage | Age | What to focus on |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 0–9 months | Giant puppies grow for longer than most breeds; feed a giant-breed puppy food and avoid hard running on growing joints. |
| Young adult | to 4 years | Build calm mealtime habits early: several small meals and no rough play right after eating. |
| Mature adult | 4–8 years | Ask your vet about heart screening; dilated cardiomyopathy is common in the breed. |
| Senior | 8+ years | From about 8, see the vet twice a year and keep exercise gentle but regular. |
Great Dane age in human years
| Great Dane age | Human years |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 12 |
| 2 years | 22 |
| 3 years | 31 |
| 4 years | 38 |
| 5 years | 45 |
| 6 years | 49 |
| 7 years | 56 |
| 8 years | 64 |
| 9 years | 71 |
| 10 years | 79 |
| 11 years | 86 |
| 12 years | 93 |
| 13 years | 100 |
| 14 years | 107 |
| 15 years | 114 |
| 16 years | 121 |
Great Dane puppy growth (estimate)
| Age | Male (lb) | Female (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 24–30 | 19–24 |
| 3 months | 35–44 | 28–35 |
| 4 months | 49–61 | 38–49 |
| 6 months | 81–102 | 64–81 |
| 9 months | 119–149 | 94–119 |
| 12 months | 134–168 | 106–134 |
| 18 months | 140–175 | 110–140 |
Common Great Dane health problems
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
The stomach fills with gas and can twist on itself, cutting off its blood supply. The AKC calls bloat the number-one killer of Great Danes. In a study of large and giant breeds, giant dogs developed it at a rate of 26 cases per 1,000 dogs per year, and 28.6% of affected dogs died.
Bloat is an emergency. If your Great Dane’s belly suddenly swells or they are in obvious distress, go to an emergency vet now. Don’t wait to see if it passes.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
The heart muscle weakens and the heart enlarges, so it pumps poorly. Veterinary cardiologists describe DCM as common in Great Danes, and the AKC lists cardiac disease among the breed’s health issues.
Watch for: Tiring easily, coughing, fast breathing at rest, fainting.
Hip dysplasia
A loose, poorly formed hip joint that leads to arthritis. In a dog this heavy, joint pain can limit mobility quickly. The AKC lists hip dysplasia and recommends hip screening for breeding dogs.
Watch for: Difficulty rising, a swaying or bunny-hopping gait, reluctance to climb.
Thyroid and eye disease
The AKC lists hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis and eye disease among conditions that affect Great Danes, and recommends thyroid and eye evaluations for breeding dogs.
Watch for: Weight gain without eating more, low energy, coat changes, cloudy or irritated eyes.
Why the AKC range is lower than the study median
For most breeds, the AKC’s life expectancy range is higher than what large studies find. Great Danes are the exception. The AKC lists 7 to 10 years, while the 2024 UK study found a median of 10.6 years.
A few things may explain it. The UK figure comes from 1,986 Great Danes, a much smaller group than for popular breeds, so it is less precise. Breed-club ranges may also be deliberately cautious for a giant breed. An earlier English study of more than 100,000 dogs listed the Great Dane among the shortest-lived breeds, which fits the AKC’s lower range.
Both sources agree on the big picture: Great Danes have one of the shortest lifespans of any breed, and reaching 10 is an achievement.
Why do Great Danes die so young?
Size is the main reason. Across dog breeds, bigger dogs live shorter lives, and a study of 74 breeds found that large dogs die young mainly because they age faster once they are adults. In US veterinary records, giant purebreds have a life expectancy of about 9.5 years, compared with about 13.5 for small dogs.
On top of fast ageing, Great Danes carry two serious breed risks: bloat, a life-threatening emergency, and dilated cardiomyopathy, which weakens the heart. Both are why prevention and early screening matter so much in this breed.
How to help your Great Dane live longer
Feed several small meals a day
The AKC advises multiple small meals rather than one large one to help reduce the chance of bloat.
Keep exercise away from mealtimes
Avoid vigorous exercise around meals, another step the AKC recommends for this breed.
Use a floor-level bowl and slow down fast eaters
In a study of large and giant breeds, eating quickly and eating from a raised bowl were both linked to a higher risk of bloat. A slow-feeder bowl on the floor addresses both.
Know your dog’s family history
Having a parent or sibling that had bloat raised the risk in the same study. Ask the breeder, and tell your vet if bloat runs in the family.
Screen the heart before signs appear
Ask your vet whether cardiac screening makes sense for your Great Dane. DCM often develops quietly before it causes symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Great Danes live?
The AKC lists 7–10 years. A 2024 UK study of 1,986 Great Danes found a median lifespan of 10.6 years.
Why do Great Danes have such short lives?
Giant dogs age faster than small ones, and Great Danes are also prone to bloat and dilated cardiomyopathy. In US data, giant breeds have a life expectancy of about 9.5 years.
What are the signs of bloat in a Great Dane?
The AKC describes bloat as the stomach distending and twisting. A suddenly swollen belly or obvious distress means an emergency vet visit right away. Learn the signs before you need them.
Should Great Danes eat from raised bowls?
A study of large and giant breeds found that eating from a raised food bowl was linked to a higher risk of bloat. A floor-level bowl is the safer default unless your vet advises otherwise.
Is 8 old for a Great Dane?
Yes. With a median lifespan of 10.6 years, the senior stage (the last 25% of expected life, as defined by AAHA) starts at about 8. On the AKC chart for giant dogs, an 8-year-old is about 64 in human years.
Do Great Danes get heart disease?
Dilated cardiomyopathy is common in Great Danes. Ask your vet about screening, especially before symptoms like tiredness or coughing appear.
Compare similar breeds
Sources
- American Kennel Club. Great Dane breed information.
- McMillan K.M. et al. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports, 2024.
- Glickman L.T. et al. Incidence of and breed-related risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs. JAVMA, 2000.
- Glickman L.T. et al. Non-dietary risk factors for gastric dilatation-volvulus in large and giant breed dogs. JAVMA, 2000.
- El Sharkawy S. et al. Long-term outcome and troponin I concentrations in Great Danes screened for dilated cardiomyopathy. Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2023.
- Kraus C., Pavard S., Promislow D.E.L. The Size–Life Span Trade-Off Decomposed: Why Large Dogs Die Young. The American Naturalist, 2013.
- Montoya M. et al. Life Expectancy Tables for Dogs and Cats Derived from Clinical Data. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2023.
- O'Neill D.G. et al. Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England. The Veterinary Journal, 2013.
- Creevy K.E. et al. 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines. JAAHA, 2019.
Estimates only — not a substitute for veterinary advice. Read our disclaimer.