Are Great Danes Good Apartment Dogs? Tips, Facts & FAQ
By Kit Copson
Updated on
Click to Skip Ahead
If you would love a Great Dane but are concerned about living in an apartment, we’ve got some great news for you. In spite of their large size, it may surprise you to learn that Great Danes are actually great apartment dogs because of their temperament and energy levels.
How large a dog is doesn’t necessarily dictate the kind of living space they need—this is based more on their energy level, personality, and exercise needs. In this post, we’ll explore what makes Great Danes the perfect apartment dog and give you a heads-up as to how much exercise they need.
About Great Danes
The noble and handsome Great Dane is a large, slim, muscular breed that was bred to hunt in Germany more than 400 years ago. Prized for their strength, speed, and agility, Great Danes were developed to face off against the European wild boar—an almighty foe in its own right. Only a very resilient and courageous dog could take these boars on.
Today, Great Danes continue to win hearts the world over for their sweet and patient natures. They have a lifespan of around 7–10 years, can grow as tall as 32 inches, and can weigh up to 175 pounds. Males are larger and heavier than females.
Why Are Great Danes Good for Apartment Living?
A gentle giant, the Great Dane makes such a good apartment dog because they have pretty low energy levels and a calm temperament. They’re known for enjoying a good old snooze, cuddling with their family, or just watching the day go by from their favorite comfy spot. Be careful not to mistake their easygoingness with laziness, though!
The Great Dane’s quiet temperament doesn’t mean they don’t need to be exercised daily—they certainly do— it’s just that they don’t need to be kept as busy as other breeds that may be less suited to apartment life like an Australian Shepherd. As long as your Great Dane is getting their daily quota of exercise, they should do just fine in an apartment.
How Much Exercise Does a Great Dane Need?
Despite having such patient, quiet natures, Great Danes are still prone to boredom if they’re not physically or mentally stimulated enough. Not exercising your Great Dane can also lead to some serious health issues like obesity. For this reason, daily exercise is crucial if apartment living with your Great Dane is going to work.
According to the American Kennel Club, adult Great Danes need two or three “brisk” walks daily.
For Great Dane puppies up to 18 months old, you should avoid over-exercising them. This is because Great Danes grow rapidly and too much exercise while they’re still puppies can damage their bones and joints.
Great Dane Rescue in Australia recommends 5–15-minute walks around the block for puppies younger than 6 months old. Between 6 and 12 months, you can increase this to 30 minutes maximum.
Once they’re 12 months old, you can gradually increase the amount of time you walk them, but still, avoid overexerting them. Activities like jogging with your Great Dane or allowing them to run until they’re worn out are not a good idea while they’re still puppies.
Summary
So, it’s unanimous. Great Danes are (surprisingly for some) excellent apartment dogs as long as they still get the right amount of daily exercise for their age and are adequately mentally stimulated. Oh, and if you’re living with a Great Dane, don’t forget to provide plenty of love and behind-the-ear scratches!
Featured Image Credit: Guy J. Sagi, Shutterstock
