Great Danes are the towering “Apollo of Dogs,” known for their massive size and gentle demeanor. They are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as the tallest dog breed. Standing on their hind legs, a fully grown Great Dane might even match or surpass your height! For anyone considering bringing home one of these gentle giants, understanding their growth is essential.
Let’s find out what you can expect as your Great Dane grows from a small pup to a full-sized, loyal companion.
Fun Facts About the Great Dane
Originally bred in Germany as boar hunters, Great Danes are sometimes called the “Deutsche Dogge” or “German Mastiff.” Known for their calm, affectionate, and patient nature, they’ve become popular family dogs.
Great Danes come in two varieties:
- American Great Danes: Leaner with narrower chests.
- European Great Danes: Bulkier, often weighing over 240 pounds (108 kg).
They also come in a variety of colors, showcasing an array of stunning coats.
Typical Size of a Great Dane
Great Danes reach their full height by 1.5 to 2 years of age, though they may continue to gain muscle. Here’s what you can expect:
- Male Great Danes: Typically 30-32 inches tall (76-81 cm) and weigh between 140 and 175 pounds (63.5-79.3 kg).
- Female Great Danes: Slightly shorter at 28-30 inches tall (71-76 cm) and weighing 110-140 pounds (49.8-63.5 kg).
Despite their imposing size, these dogs are affectionate and known for being surprisingly gentle with children.
Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart
Growth rates for Great Danes vary slightly between genders, with males generally being larger. While these charts offer general guidelines, remember that individual dogs may vary. Always consult your vet if your puppy’s growth deviates significantly from these averages.
Male Great Dane Growth Chart
| Age | Average Weight (lb) | Average Weight (kg) |
| 2 months | 20-30 | 9-14 |
| 3 months | 35-45 | 16-20 |
| 4 months | 55-65 | 25-29 |
| 5 months | 70-85 | 32-39 |
| 6 months | 80-100 | 36-45 |
| 7 months | 90-110 | 41-50 |
| 8 months | 100-120 | 45-54 |
| 9 months | 110-130 | 50-59 |
| 10 months | 115-140 | 52-63.5 |
| 1 year | 125-175 | 57-79 |
| 2 years | 140-200 | 63.5-91 |
Female Great Dane Growth Chart
| Age | Average Weight (lb) | Average Weight (kg) |
| 2 months | 15-25 | 7-11 |
| 3 months | 25-35 | 11-16 |
| 4 months | 45-55 | 20-25 |
| 5 months | 60-75 | 27-34 |
| 6 months | 65-80 | 29-36 |
| 7 months | 70-90 | 32-41 |
| 8 months | 80-100 | 36-45 |
| 9 months | 85-105 | 39-49 |
| 10 months | 90-110 | 41-50 |
| 1 year | 100-130 | 45-59 |
| 2 years | 100-140 | 45-63.5 |
Great Dane Puppy Growth and Development: A Month-by-Month Guide
Owning a Great Dane puppy can be both exciting and a bit worrisome as you navigate their unique growth milestones. You might find yourself asking questions like, “Is my puppy growing properly?” or “Am I feeding them the right food?” This guide will walk you through each stage of your Great Dane’s early development, helping you track their progress toward becoming the majestic adult dog they are meant to be.
Newborn to 4 Weeks: The Tiny Beginnings
Weight Range: 1–2 pounds (0.5–1 kg)
Development Highlights: Rapid weight gain, dependency on mom
Newborn Great Danes are incredibly small, weighing just 1 to 2 pounds at birth. Within the first month, their weight can double or even triple. Despite this rapid growth, it’s impossible to predict their final adult size at this stage. Even the smallest pup in a litter can grow to be surprisingly large.
During these first weeks, your puppy will focus on eating and sleeping, relying completely on their mother for nourishment and warmth. Interaction is minimal, but the foundation for their healthy growth is being laid.
4 Weeks (1 Month): Awakened Senses
Weight Range: 5–8 pounds (2–4 kg)
Development Highlights: Open eyes, baby teeth, first wags
By the time your Great Dane reaches four weeks, they begin to experience the world. Their eyes open, and they start to distinguish sounds. Baby teeth emerge, and they transition to eating soft puppy food in addition to milk.
At this stage, puppies start interacting with their littermates and exploring basic social behaviors. You might catch the first adorable wag of their tail, a sign of their growing awareness and happiness.
8 Weeks (2 Months): The Growing Puppy
Weight Range: 15–30 pounds (7–14 kg)
Development Highlights: Fast bone growth, gender differences emerge
By two months, your Great Dane puppy enters a critical growth phase. Their bones grow rapidly, and physical differences between male and female puppies start to become evident.
Average height at this age is around 14 inches (36 cm) for females and 16 inches (41 cm) for males. Their playful energy and curiosity increase, making this the perfect time to introduce basic training and socialization.
12 Weeks (3 Months): First Growth Spurt
Weight Range: ~40 pounds (18 kg)
Height Average: 19 inches (48 cm)
At three months old, many Great Danes experience their first noticeable growth spurt. Expect your puppy to gain height quickly and develop more defined features. This is also the time to ensure they’re receiving a balanced diet to support their rapid development.
16 Weeks (4 Months): A Time of Big Changes
Growth Indicators: Hiccups, sleepiness, joint pain during growth spurts
At four months, your Great Dane may grow as much as 2 inches (5 cm) per week. Signs of a growth spurt include frequent hiccups, more extended naps, or occasional discomfort in their joints.
While these changes might seem intense, they’re perfectly normal. Support their growth with nutrient-rich food and regular checkups to monitor their joint health.
20 Weeks (5 Months): Halfway to Adulthood
Weight Range: 45–65 pounds (20–30 kg)
Height Average: 24–27 inches (61–69 cm)
By the time your puppy is five months old, they’ve likely reached 50% of their adult height. Male puppies are often taller and heavier than females, but both genders show impressive growth. This is also when their playful, goofy personalities start shining through, making them even more lovable.
6 Months: Slowing Down (Slightly)
Weight Range: 65–100 pounds (29–45 kg)
Height Range: 26–33 inches (66–84 cm)
At six months, your Great Dane’s explosive early growth begins to slow. Their body proportions start to even out, and you’ll notice their graceful adult shape taking form. While their height development will soon plateau, their weight will continue to increase steadily.
1 Year: Almost Fully Grown
Development Milestone: Near-adult height, lean appearance
By the time your Great Dane turns one year old, they are nearly as tall as they’ll ever be. However, their body will continue to fill out over the next year, sometimes making them appear lanky or scrawny in the meantime.
It’s essential not to overfeed during this phase; slow and steady weight gain is healthier for their joints and overall development.
Key Factors Influencing Great Dane Growth
A Great Dane’s growth is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, health conditions, nutrition, and even timing of neutering. Understanding these factors can help you provide the best care for your pup, ensuring healthy growth and development.
1. Genetics and Health Conditions
Key Influence: Inherited traits and predisposed health issues
Your Great Dane’s genetics and bloodline play the most significant role in determining their adult height and weight. Reputable breeders can give you a clear picture of your puppy’s potential size based on their parents’ and even grandparents’ measurements. In most cases, a Great Dane puppy will not grow larger than their parents.
Unfortunately, Great Danes are also prone to genetic health conditions, many of which can affect their growth. For example:
- Skeletal dysplasia: A condition that causes abnormal bone development, leading to mobility issues or even paralysis.
- Hip dysplasia: A common issue in large breeds that can cause joint pain and hinder proper growth.
Regular veterinary checkups and early screenings can help detect and manage these conditions before they impact your dog’s overall development.
2. The Timing of Neutering
Key Influence: Growth plate closure and bone development
Neutering has a notable effect on a Great Dane’s growth. Dogs that are neutered tend to grow taller because their growth plates remain open longer, allowing their bones to extend further. However, this can come with a tradeoff: early neutering can increase the risk of joint problems and skeletal issues.
To balance growth and long-term health, most veterinarians recommend waiting until your Great Dane is at least two years old before neutering. This timing allows the growth plates to close naturally, reducing the risk of developmental issues.
3. Nutrition and Feeding Habits
Key Influence: Quality and quantity of food
Feeding your Great Dane appropriately is crucial for healthy growth. Overfeeding or giving high-fat treats won’t make your dog grow faster and can lead to severe health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and joint stress. Instead, focus on:
- High-quality large-breed dog food: Choose a formula tailored to your Great Dane’s life stage, ensuring it provides the right balance of nutrients for slow, steady growth.
- Moderation with treats: Opt for high-protein treats like liver or lean meats instead of calorie-dense, high-fat options.
Additionally, avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day) to prevent overeating. Stick to portion-controlled meals and consult your veterinarian for feeding guidelines based on your puppy’s age and weight.
How to Keep Your Great Dane Healthy
Preventing health issues is the cornerstone of raising a happy and robust Great Dane. By focusing on diet, exercise, and stress management, you can set the foundation for your dog’s long-term well-being.
1. Provide a Balanced, Healthy Diet
Key Focus: Nutrition tailored to your Great Dane’s needs
A proper diet is vital for supporting your Great Dane’s growth and reducing the risk of health problems. Here’s how to manage their nutrition effectively:
- Puppy-specific food: Feed your pup large-breed puppy food during their formative years. This helps regulate their growth rate, preventing excessive stress on their bones and joints.
- Protein-packed meals: Great Danes require a diet rich in high-quality protein. Insufficient protein can hinder growth and overall health.
- Preventing bloat: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (bloat) is a common and life-threatening condition in Great Danes. Reduce the risk by:
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- Feeding smaller, more frequent meals instead of one large meal.
- Avoiding vigorous exercise for at least an hour before and after meals.
- Using slow-feed bowls to prevent your dog from eating too quickly.
2. Ensure Age-Appropriate Exercise
Key Focus: Exercise that promotes health without harming growth
Exercise is essential for maintaining your Great Dane’s strength and vitality, but overexertion at a young age can be harmful.
- Daily activity needs: Adult Great Danes need at least two hours of exercise daily, but puppies require a gentler approach.
- Low-impact activities:
- Short, gentle walks are ideal for puppies.
- Games like tug-of-war in the backyard provide physical activity without overstraining their joints.
- Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that builds muscles while being easy on the joints.
- Prevent injuries: Avoid activities that involve:
- Jumping onto furniture or people.
- Running on slippery surfaces. These can cause serious joint injuries, especially while their growth plates are still developing (up to two years old).
- Mental stimulation: Great Danes are intelligent and enjoy activities that challenge their minds. Puzzle toys and games are excellent for keeping them engaged and happy.
3. Manage Stress for Overall Well-Being
Key Focus: Building resilience and confidence
Stress and anxiety can significantly impact your Great Dane’s health, influencing their eating habits and behavior. Here’s how to create a calm and confident pup:
- Early socialization: Expose your puppy to various people, dogs, environments, and experiences during their formative months. This helps them adapt to different situations and reduces fear or aggression later in life.
- Obedience training: Enroll in obedience and socialization classes to build trust and reinforce positive behavior. A well-trained dog is less likely to experience stress in new or challenging situations.
- Consistency and routine: Establish a stable daily routine to provide a sense of security and minimize anxiety.
FAQs About Great Dane Growth
At What Age Are Great Danes Fully Grown?
Great Danes typically reach full height between 18-24 months but continue to gain weight and muscle until around three years. While large dogs often have shorter lifespans, with proper care, some Great Danes live up to 10 years.
Can Great Danes Grow Too Fast?
Yes, rapid growth can lead to skeletal issues. Overfeeding or feeding adult food too soon can cause bones to grow faster than they should, putting stress on joints.
Are There Dogs Bigger Than Great Danes?
Though Great Danes are the tallest breed, other dogs, like the English Mastiff and Korean Mastiff, may weigh more. Irish Wolfhounds can occasionally grow to be taller, but typically don’t match the Great Dane’s weight.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Great Dane Growth
Great Danes are affectionate giants with a big personality to match their size. Rapid growth during the first year requires specific care in terms of diet and exercise to prevent long-term health issues. Though their lifespans are shorter than many breeds, a Great Dane will fill your years with love, loyalty, and joy.
Want to explore more about Great Danes? Check out these helpful resources:
- Understanding Great Dane Prices
- Great Dane Chihuahua Mix
- Great Dane Lab Mix
- Popular Great Dane Mixes
Do you have a Great Dane? Share your experiences and growth milestones in the comments – we’d love to hear your stories!