The 60-second version of the Great Dane: what they're like, what they need, and whether one would suit your home — written for Australian owners.
Great Dane at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed group | Working |
| Weight | 45–70 kg |
| Lifespan | 7–10 years |
| Energy | Moderate — daily walks, loves the couch |
| Coat | Short, sleek |
| Grooming | Minimal — weekly rub-down |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Good with kids | Wonderful — patient and careful, supervise due to size |
| Puppy price (AU) | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Insurance (AU) | ~$70–$120/month |
Living with a Great Dane in Australia
Great Danes are the sweetest contradiction in the dog world: a giant bred to hunt boar that now specialises in leaning on people and hogging sofas. They’re calm, sensitive and surprisingly good apartment dogs for their size, provided they get daily walks and don’t have to climb stairs all day. In Australia the realities are heat management, giant-breed costs across the board, and a heartbreakingly short lifespan — something every prospective owner should sit with before falling in love.
Health watch-outs
Giant size brings giant health considerations:
- Bloat (GDV) — the breed’s biggest killer; many owners elect gastropexy surgery as a preventive.
- Cardiomyopathy (DCM) — heart screening of breeding dogs matters; ask for results.
- Joint disease and a short lifespan — 7–10 years is typical; keep them lean to protect hips and hearts.
Budget at a glance
- Puppy price: typically $2,000–$4,000 from a registered breeder — much lower offers are often scams.
- Insurance: around $70–$120/month — see our pet insurance cost guide for what shapes premiums.
- Everything costs more at this size: food, medication doses, insurance, boarding and the car you’ll need.
Is a Great Dane right for you?
Great fit if you… ✅
- Homes with space wanting a calm, devoted giant
- Owners who want a gentle dog that’s all heart, no fuss
- People prepared for giant-breed costs and a shorter journey together
Think twice if… ⚠️
- A 60 kg dog is a lifestyle — car, stairs and vet bills all scale
- Their short lifespan is genuinely hard; go in with eyes open
Keep exploring
🍖 Best food: See our dog food picks — chosen for Australian conditions and budgets
🛡️ Insurance: What pet insurance costs in Australia — breed-by-breed premium guidance