Last Updated on September 20, 2023
*. The Great Dane has a huge love breed. They are playful, affectionate, and love being part of a large family. The Great Danes are called “gentle giants” and are the largest dog breed in the world. It is important to keep track of your dog’s growth, especially as they grow up, particularly during puppyhood. This will help you to determine if they are healthy. This includes their weight and milestones. This is the best way to ensure your dog stays healthy all her life.
Every dog is different. Some dogs may be larger than others, and some may be smaller. We can measure them to determine if they are on the right track. Some dogs grow faster than others, while some take longer to get bigger. It is important to keep track of milestones so that we can compare how our dogs develop. No matter what breed or gender, there are many factors that influence our dogs’ development.
Our comprehensive guide provides a glimpse into the growth of your Great Dane throughout his childhood. A growth chart has been provided to help you keep track of your dog’s progress throughout his life. We also answer your most common questions as they grow.
What to Expect
Let’s take a look at what you can expect from your puppy’s growth phase. This information will help prepare you for the changes that your puppy will experience as he grows. It is a great time to understand the developmental changes your dog experiences during their most important developmental stage, puppyhood. While growth charts can be helpful, every dog is unique and each dog’s growth stages might differ.
Reminders
This article examines the growth habits of a Great Dane. Your puppy’s results could vary. You may notice growth spurts and plateaus in your puppy’s overall growth. These are normal and not to be worried about. Great Danes typically reach their full height at eighteen months old, though their weight continues to develop until they are 24 months old. Your dog’s growth is also dependent on their nutrition and overall health. Keep them safe from injury. Your puppy may be slightly smaller than or larger than the ones we recommend. This is a sign that your veterinarian may be concerned.
Puppy Development Timeline
Here’s a timeline that shows the growth of your Great Dane, as well as the developmental milestones and any special needs your dog may have.
Birth to 2 Weeks
Your puppy is not very interactive at this time because they are both blind (due to sealed eyelids) and deaf. Their mother is their only source of care. You can also care for the mother by making sure that she is getting enough rest and eating to provide good care for her puppies. Your puppy should be allowed to drink as much milk and water as they require. Your puppy will begin to hear sounds around the second week.
1 Month
Your dog has learned a lot of his senses by the end of one month. It is adorable to see their interactions with other littermates. This is crucial for their development as it is their first opportunity to socialize. At one month, they can stop drinking their mother’s milk. They can be fed soft, wet dog food. You should not give them too much food at once.
- Males weigh an average of 8 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 5 pounds.
2 Months
Your puppy should be able be separated from its mother when they reach two months of age, since they have been weaned completely off milk. Three meals per day can be given to your puppy, with portions changing according to their weight and size. You can start teaching them basic commands, and then begin obedience training.
It’s crucial to start training them as soon as possible, because they will be most responsive when they are young. This will help you to raise a good-mannered dog. This is what you can expect for your Great Dane when he turns two months old.
- Males weigh an average of 23 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 18 pounds.
3 Months
You should continue to socialize your puppy and train him, but it might be worth starting leash training now so that he can get used to the harness and leash. Ideally, you should prepare your Great Dane not to pull on the leash, or else he will be walking you. This is also an ideal time to teach them how to groom themselves. Be consistent and patient with your puppy. They are very playful and particularly mouthy. You should do your best to discourage bad behavior and promote acceptable behavior.
- Males weigh an average of 35 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 25 pounds.
4 Months
Your puppy will become more playful when they turn four months old . They should be happy settled at home by this time. As much as possible, you should continue to train and socialize your dog using positive reinforcement. You may consider enrolling in training classes if you are less familiar with training Great Danes. As a way to teach your dog how to behave around other dogs, you can let them join puppy kindergarten classes. This will make your puppy confident, friendly, well-rounded.
- Males weigh an average of 55 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 45 pounds.
5 Months
At five months old, you might be amazed at how big your Great Day is getting. Because they are larger, it may be harder to control them. They are at an exciting stage in their development. Positive reinforcement can make a big difference in the development of your dog’s personality. Although Great Danes are affectionate and loving dogs, they will still be puppies. You must be patient with them, so enjoy them while they are still young
- Males weigh an average of 70 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 60 pounds.
6 Months
Your Great Danes are getting bigger and heavier around six months. She might be asking for lots of exercise but, since she is still growing and is not yet fully grown, it is important that you don’t overexert your Great Dane. This can cause injury. It can lead to hip dysplasia. You have established a routine for your daily life with your dog after six months. You must be the firm, consistent, confident, and strong leader that they require to learn structure and discipline.
- Males weigh an average of 80 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 65 pounds.
7 Months
Your dog will be seven months old by the time they have established a routine and a rapport with you. You should continue to be firm with your dog and reward good behavior. If your dog is not able to go on long walks, but it is too tiring for her, you can split the walks into smaller segments. Great Danes can be prone to hip dysplasia, bloat and other health issues. They should not be exercised more than they need until they turn two years. Your dog can be fed two meals per day as long as it is healthy for them.
- Males weigh an average of 90 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 70 pounds.
8 Months
You should establish a strong friendship with your dog by the time they reach eight months. This is where the problem lies. They may become anxious if you’re not there. Separation anxiety is a serious mental condition that can cause severe problems for your mental health. Dogs that feel this way can cause destructive behavior and damage to your belongings. It is best to have someone with your dog as often as possible, so that they don’t become lonely. Your dog is on his way to adulthood and close to reaching his final weight.
- Males weigh an average of 100 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 80 pounds.
9 Months
Your dog will start to behave more maturely around nine months of age. However, this may not apply to all puppies. They are still calmer and more happy if their needs are met. Toys are an effective way to provide mental and physical stimulation and minimize destructive behavior. Great Danes love people and will obey orders. Training will help them to be better.
- Males weigh an average of 110 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 85 pounds.
10 Months
Around ten months of age, your child will start to listen more attentively to you if you are consistent in their training. Now their bodies are stronger you can take them for a longer walk. Don’t overexert your dog as their bones are still developing.
- Males weigh an average of 115 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 90 pounds.
11 Months
Your dog should feel at home now that they’re almost one years old. Great Danes love to be part of a household. To make it easier for them, you can give them 60 minutes of walking each day . Don’t let them run on a leash, but instead walk with them to prevent bone formation. Your dog will enjoy playing with other dogs in the dog park because they are well-socialized.
- Males weigh an average of 120 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 95 pounds.
1 Year
Now it’s time for you to wish your dog a happy birthday. Now, they are much more responsible and happy in their home. Your dog and you have done a great job training and socializing them. It’s possible for your dog to act like a puppy because Great Danes can be so energetic and playful.
- Males weigh an average of 125 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 100 pounds.
What’s Next?
At this point your dog is getting a good size. The standard heights and weights can be used as markers, but it is always possible to compare notes with your veterinarian in order to determine how your dog has grown. Their growth should not be an issue as long as they were well-fed throughout their puppyhood.
Full grown Great Dane
Your dog has grown a lot during his puppyhood. While male and female dogs are similar in weight throughout their puppyhood, they differ in adulthood. A full-grown male weighs around 140 pounds, while females weigh around 115 pounds. Males are also a little taller, standing around 32 inches at the shoulder, while females average 30 inches in height.
Weight Gain Chart
Age | Male Weight (lbs. ) | Female Weight (lbs. ) |
---|---|---|
1 month | 8 | 5 |
2 months | 20 | 15 |
3 months | 35 | 25 |
4 months | 55 | 45 |
5 months | 70 | 60 |
6 months | 80 | 65 |
7 months | 90 | 70 |
8 months | 100 | 80 |
9 months | 110 | 85 |
10 months | 115 | 90 |
11 months | 120 | 95 |
1 year | 125 | 100 |
2 years | 140 | 115 |
Factors to Consider
There are many factors that influence your Great Dane’s development. Understanding the impact of each factor can help you understand how your dog’s growth is affected. If your dog’s growth is not as you had hoped, this can help to reassure you.
Genetics
While size is an important part of their genetic heritage, dogs can grow larger or smaller depending on how they are raised. Although it is possible to get an idea of the size of your dog’s parents, this is only an estimate and may be inaccurate. Parents are only one piece of the huge genetic puzzle. There may be genes that produce smaller, average, or larger offspring. It is impossible to know until your dog reaches full maturity. You can ask your breeder to share information about the offspring of their dogs to help you compare notes.
Nutrition
*Nutrition is essential for maintaining good health. This will determine how large or small your dog grows. The amount of food your Dane consumes will depend on his size, age, and energy levels. However, this does not guarantee that your dog will be as healthy as possible. It’s important not to overfeed this breed because he will eat as much as you feed him. He already has enough weight so they don’t need to be added weight. This can lead to additional health problems and increase pressure on his heart system. This can lead to obesity and other orthopedic problems.
Feeding your dog a quality kibble is the most important thing for his nutrition. This is especially true when he’s a giant breed puppy, and will need a denser nutritional formula to support the rapid growth of a giant breed. High-quality meats, fibre, carbohydrates, healthy Omega fats, vitamins and minerals are all important components of a balanced diet.
Growth Spurts and Plateaus
Growth spurts or plateaus may occur at any time during your dog’s growth. These can either speed up or slow down the growth process. These things happen at random so you can’t really predict when they will occur. Be patient and understand that each dog grows at his own pace. Doing your best to your dog will allow them to reach their full potential. You should always be cautious about any changes in your puppy’s growth. It is best to consult a veterinarian to ensure your pup is healthy.
Neutering and Spaying
*Spaying or neutering your pet dog in the early stages of his life will not stunt his growth. Their joints might be affected. Studies show that spaying or neutering your dog early can affect his growth plate. This can delay the closure of the growth plate and make your dog taller than usual. This could lead to them developing joint disease later in life. Ask your vet when is the best time to spay/neuter your dog. They can complete puberty and develop properly.
Physical Health
Puppies that have been sick for a prolonged period of time could have stunted growth. A poor health status can hinder your dog’s ability to achieve its full potential. You should consult your veterinarian regularly to make sure your puppy is in good health. Great Danes can also grow from injury. As they grow, don’t allow them to be too demanding. Your dog should always have plenty of room to run and play, so that they don’t get hurt or accidentally hit anything.
Frequently Asked Question
When will my Great Dane stop Growing?
Their physical growth stops between 18 months and 2 years. This breed usually reaches adult height in around 18 months, but continues to gain weight until the age of two.
How fast can my Great Dane grow?
Your Great Dane will grow at a steady rate and end up being larger than other dogs. Although they may experience a growth spurt between four and six month, each doggie is unique.
Will my puppy have growing pains?
*Studies have shown that growing pains in puppies are not common, but some orthopedic conditions can cause them pain. There may be something wrong if your puppy is limping, has swelling, or has a difficult time participating in normal activities. To determine the cause of your puppy’s problems, it is worth visiting a veterinarian. You should also keep in mind that dogs can be injured by excessive exercise or rough play.
What are the conditions for Great Danes to grow?
One common condition your dog may be predisposed to as they grow up is hip dysplasia. This is a disease where your dog’s thigh bone does not fit properly into their hip socket. This can lead to severe pain and degenerative arthritis later in life. If your dog walks in an unusual manner or has a limp, hip dysplasia can be diagnosed.
Your dog should be taken to the vet by two years of age to determine if they have hip dysplasia. Good breeders screen dogs for hip dysplasia before allowing them to breed. Hip dysplasia is unlikely to affect dogs who have been adopted from responsible breeders.
Great Danes also suffer from Bloat or Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV). GDV can cause death and even be life-threatening. Although it is not known why dogs develop GDV, there are some things you can do to prevent it.
What do I do if my Great Dane doesn’t have the right weight?
If your Great Dane’s growth is slow, consult your veterinarian. The numbers don’t always tell you if your dog has a healthy body weight. As they age, dogs gain weight. Check your dog’s ribs to determine if he is underweight or overweight. These are a sign that your dog may be dangerously underweight. You shouldn’t see them. The ribs should feel firm, but not immediately. You can do this by gently pressing down on the ribs. You must correct this by changing your diet and exercising. Dogs that are underweight should be referred to a veterinary clinic immediately. They may require deworming in the event of internal parasites. Your veterinarian should be consulted for any treatment options for overweight or underweight dogs.
Final Thoughts
Great Danes can be beautiful and powerful dogs. To ensure that they grow up happy and healthy, it is crucial to know all about their growth and development.
As a Great Dane owner, it is important to do your research and understand the growth of your Great Dane so that you can plan accordingly. Knowing the growth factors can help ease anxiety. We recommend that you bring your puppy to the vet for routine checks. You can monitor your dog’s growth closely.