dog breed
Great Dane Health Guide
Evidence-based breed health intelligence covering genetic predispositions, common conditions, and preventative care for Great Danes.
Breed Type
dog
Size
Giant
Life Expectancy
7-10 years
Conditions Tracked
6
3 High Risk
2 Moderate Risk
1 Low Risk
High Risk Conditions
3Dilated Cardiomyopathy
10-20% prevalenceCardiovascularComplex Multifactorial inheritance
Heart muscle disease
Typical onset: Can be congenital or develop with age — Can be congenital or develop with age
Preventative measures
- •Annual cardiac screening
- •Taurine supplementation
- •Monitor for coughing
Bloat (GDV)
37-42% prevalenceGastric torsion and bloating
Typical onset: Risk increases with age; emergency condition — Risk increases with age; emergency condition
Preventative measures
- •Multiple small meals
- •Slow feeding
- •Avoid exercise after eating
- •Consider prophylactic gastropexy
Hip Dysplasia
15-30% prevalenceMusculoskeletalPolygenic inheritance
Hip joint malformation
Typical onset: Symptoms typically appear 1-2 years — Symptoms typically appear 1-2 years
Preventative measures
- •Weight control
- •Appropriate exercise
- •Joint supplements
Moderate Risk Conditions
2Wobbler Syndrome
Cervical spinal instability.
Osteosarcoma
MusculoskeletalComplex Multifactorial inheritance
Bone cancer.
Low Risk Conditions
1Hypothyroidism
Low thyroid function.
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