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Why Do Great Danes Die So Young?

  • Great Dane
  • Posted 5 months ago

Great Danes are magnificent dogs that know how to defend their territory while also being friendly, but unfortunately, they don’t live long enough.

They are one of the shortest-lived dog breeds, with an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years.

If you’re wondering why they live such brief lives, there are several reasons.

Why Do They Die So Young?

Sadly, a number of health problems, including dilated cardiomyopathy, cancer, hip dysplasia, parovirus, and canine distemper, are more common in Great Danes.

The question of why larger breeds of dogs die earlier than smaller ones is still up for debate, but a recent study may have found the reason.

According to the study, selective breeding for size has made large breeds more prone to cancer, which explains why larger dogs live shorter lives than smaller ones.

However, some argue that large-breed puppies have faster metabolisms, requiring more calories than smaller breeds. As a result, they age and die sooner than smaller breeds.

Whatever the reason, the truth is that we can’t really do anything about it; huge breeds like the Great Dane are likely to die before reaching the age of 10.

Can They Live Longer Than 10 Years?

Let’s put a grin on your face because the good news is that a great Dane can live for more than ten years if they don’t get sick, eat high-quality food, and receive enough exercise.

In fact, there have been unconfirmed tales of Great Danes living up to 17 years.

Mastiffs rarely live past the age of ten, and great danes are also members of the mastiff family.

However, it is not impossible for great danes to live for more than ten years. Dogs, like people, can outlive their predicted life expectancy if given the proper care.

What Can You Do?

There are numerous steps you may take to guarantee your great dane lives a long and healthy life; a few of them are included here.

  • A Good Diet Is Essential!

Give your close friend a diet rich in minerals, protein, and necessary fats. The healthier he eats, the higher his chances of living a longer life. 

  • Increase Your Knowledge

It’s critical to learn everything you can about the Great Dane breed before getting one or if you already have one. With information, you can immediately identify the kind of concerns your dane is experiencing, allowing you to provide appropriate care more swiftly.

  • Exercise

Regular playtime will improve your dog’s cardiovascular health and keep excess fat at bay. But keep in mind that Danes do not require a lot of exercise; simple exercise or play time is plenty. Aim for 40 to 60 minutes of walking per day, and you may supplement with swimming or other exercises.

  • Veterinary Check-ups

Make appointments with your veterinarian for routine check-ups, immunizations, and preventive treatment. Discuss age-related health issues with your veterinarian, like as joint health and heart disorders that are typical in larger breeds.

  • Weight Management

Keep a watch on your Great Dane’s weight and modify its diet accordingly, as obesity greatly raises the risk of illness.

  • Joint Care

Great Danes are prone to joint issues, you may provide joint supplements if recommended by your veterinarian. Also, do not over-exercise your great dane as it may put extra pressure on its joints.

  • Dental Care

Dental problems are another issue that a Great Dane may develop if you are not watchful. Brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis and supply dental chews or toys to maintain your furry friend’s teeth healthy.

  • Grooming

Brush its coat on a regular basis since brushing not only keeps your pal’s coat mat-free but also helps disperse natural oils more effectively, keeps derbies at bay, and even ticks at bay.

Bathe him once or twice a month with appropriate dog shampoo. Excessive bathing can cause dry coats and skin problems, so don’t make him bathe too frequently.

  • Provide Mental Stimulation

While physical well-being is important, mental well-being is just as vital. Involve your companion in mentally stimulating activities like training sessions and puzzle toys.

Do Female Danes Live Longer?

Some people believe that because female great danes are calmer and more reserved than males, they live longer than male great danes. However, a few years ago, a study discovered that female dogs live somewhat longer than male canines. 

Thus, it’s possible that female great danes live longer than male ones, but once more, we can’t say for sure because of a lack of proof and additional data.

Which Large Dog Breed Lives The Longest?

Great Danes and other mastiff breeds have short lifespans, so you might want to consider other choices that have lifespans of more than ten years. Here are five such options.

Breed Average Life Expectancy Additional Information
American Alsatian Around 15 years Known for their calm and gentle temperament.
Alaskan Malamute May be around 15 years A powerful and strong breed, often used as a sled dog.
Doberman 14 years, may be more Intelligent and loyal breed, requires regular exercise.
Anatolian Shepherd About 14 years 14 years, maybe more
Newfoundland 9 to 15 years Gentle giants known for their sweet and patient nature.

How do I know if my Great Dane is dying (Symptoms)?

One of the toughest things to witness is our beloved dog getting closer to death, but this is the way things work; we have no control over it and must accept the way things are.

The following are some indicators that a Great Dane is nearing the end of its life:

  • Significant Changes in Behavior
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Lethargy and Weakness
  • Signs of Pain or Discomfort
  • Incontinence or Changes in Bowel Habits

To know more, you may read this guide.

Oldest Great Dane Known

Unfortunately, there is no reliable evidence on this; in fact, the longest-living great dane, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, was Freddie, who lived for about 7 years.

I’m sure there are many danes who lived longer than that, but we can’t do anything because we don’t have confirmed documents to back up the claim.

However, some claim that their Great Dane lived far longer than 10 years, including Lisa of Florida, who claims that her Dane, Maggie Mae, is 16 years old. She credits her extraordinary longevity to a lifetime of love… and chicken.

Conclusion

Great Danes die soon, usually in less than ten years, and there are various reasons for this. Some say it’s because they develop more faster than other dog breeds, while others say it’s because they are prone to several health conditions.

Overall, a great dane is an excellent guardian and companion dog that is large and visually appealing. I highly recommend this breed if you have some experience with larger breeds.

I hope you liked this post.

Thanks for reading!

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