When do Great Danes Stop Growing ( All you need to know)

   We already know that Great Dane is the tallest dog breed. They come to a massive size in their puppyhood. As a Great Dane owner, you must think that when your Great Danes stop growing. This breed has a specific schedule of growth and weight so that you can observe your Great Dane growing properly.

   Typically, they stop growing at 18 to 24 months. At 18 months, they reach their full size, but they gain weight until 24 months or more than that. Because Great Dane’s big muscles build regularly. Also, it depends on their diet and exercise. This article includes all Great Dane’s height, weight, health, and exercise. So, read on for more information.

Height and Weight of Great Danes

   I have spoken to many Great Dane owners, and all have similar results about Great Dane’s height and weight. My Great Danes are also the same as others. You can also check AKC (American Kennel Club) for information about Great Danes. So, here is the Great Dane’s height and weight at full age:

Great Dane Height

   Regarding height, some Great Dane reaches their full height in 12 months, but most Great Danes take 18 months to reach their full body height.

Great Dane Weight

   As concern to weight, Great Dane takes a little time. If your Great Dane has reached the full end of his height, he still gains weight because the muscles keep growing long. Some Great Dane continues to gain weight throughout their second year even after reaching two years of age.

   So, you should notice your pooch growth difference because some might grow slower or faster than other Great Dane. But don’t worry, that is OK. Some owners said their Great Danes looked like they were legging behind in size and were too worried.

   But my Great Dane’s growth is slow, and he gains weight until two years. It is not a big deal if your Great Dane grows slower than others; slow and steady does not matter.


What is the Average Size of a Great Dane?

   The Average size of a Male Great Dane is:

  • Height: 30 to 36 inches
  • Weight: 135 to 175 pounds

   The Average size of a Female Great Dane is:

  • Height: 28 to 34 inches
  • Weight: 110 to 145 pounds

Great Dane Growth Chart

AgeWeightHeight
Birth1 to 2 lbsN/A
1 Week2 to 3 lbsN/A
2 Weeks3 to 5 lbsN/A
3 Weeks4 to 7 lbsN/A
4 Weeks5 to 8 lbsN/A
6 Weeks10 to 20 lbsN/A
2 Months18 to 26 lbs13 to 18 Inches
3 Months30 to 45 lbs17 to 23 Inches
4 Months45 to 65 lbs21 to 26 Inches
5 Months60 to 85 lbs23 to 30 Inches
6 Months70 to 105 lbs26 to 33 Inches
7 Months75 to 110 lbs27 to 34 Inches
8 Months80 to 120 lbs27 to 35 Inches
9 Months85 to 125 lbs28 to 35 Inches
1 Year90 to 140 lbs29 to 36 Inches
Full Grown Male135 to 170 lbs33 to 36 Inches
Full Grown Female110 to 145 lbs30 to 34 Inches

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How is the Great Dane’s Height Measured?

   It is challenging to measure Great Dane’s height with a ruler due to his huge size. Small dogs are runny, so keeping them in place to measure their height is hard. Luckily, weight is more crucial than height to keep an eye on progress and development. So, what is the best way to do this?

   Usually, Great Danes are measured from the end of their paws and up to the corner of their perky ears. But the right method is to measure them from their paw’s end to the high end of their shoulder blades. If you are measuring your Great Dane’s height at home, measure him just like a human child by standing against the wall.

   The one thing is that your pooch will not stand, so give him the treat to stay quiet. Take measurements from the peak of the withers between the shoulder blades because it is the tallest point of a dog or horse’s body. After making that mark on a wall, measure from the floor to this spot and you are done.

Great Dane Growth According to Months

   Every stage of your pup’s development comes with certain expectations and Answer of Great Danes Stop Growing:

Stage 1: Newborn to 2 Months

Stage 1: Newborn to 2 Months

   At the birth stage, your cute Great Dane will be a big puppy. Your Great Dane puppy will reach almost 17 inches at this growing age. While you will feel you have missed the puppy stage of your Great Dane because it is a large breed and grows too fast. But still, he is damn cute with big ears and paws. Also, your puppy’s weight will be 58 lbs at this age.

Stage 2: 2 to 5 Months

Stage 2: 2 to 5 Months

   Your Great Dane will be 50% of their weight and height at five months. His weight is 80 lbs, and his height is 27 inches which are more than 2 feet at this age.

Stage 3: 5 to 8 Months

Stage 3: 5 to 8 Months

   Your, Great Dane has reached its full growth at this stage. He is almost 80% of his full weight and height. Your Great Dane will weigh 127 lbs, which is 58 kg. Also, the height of your pooch will be 27 inches which are 75 cm. This height is not much than stage 2 of his age.

Stage 4: Adult

Stage 4: Adult

   Now your Great Dane is fully grown and has stepped into adulthood. He should be almost 31 inches tall and weigh up to 154 lbs. Still, his muscles will develop, so be prepared for your massive pooch.

What Should I do if my Great Dane is Too Small?

   If you have observed that your Great Dane is not growing properly, don’t panic. Consult your veterinarian if you have a concern about your Great Dane. However, your Great Dane’s height is determined by his parent genes. If you have owned your Great Dane, you must ask his master about his parents so you may know about their height.

   Also, particular foods help your Great Dane to reach his full height. However, if your Great Dane is shorter than others, there is nothing to do about it.

Is Neutering/Spaying my Great Dane going to Affect his Growth?

   The best time to neuter and spay your Great Dane is one year of his age. Because the testosterone in his system has done most of the work that Great Dane must have to complete. Testosterone impacts the Great Dane’s growth. After that, neutering is safe for him as it will change testosterone levels in his body.

   Female Great Danes will experience their first heat cycle in their last months. Usually, it is almost six months of the heat cycle. Do not spay your Female Great Dane because they are in a heat cycle. But if the first heat cycle is completed, it is OK to spay them.

   The benefit of neutering is that it prevents your Great Dane from prostate diseases. The benefit of spaying is that it prevents your Great Dane from producing certain cancers. These also give your Great Dane the best temperament. But spaying and neutering are very risky. Also, you have to take care of your Great Dane while recovering.


Which Factors Affect the Growth of the Great Dane?

   Though, Great Dane’s height is determined by his parent genes. But Great Dane’s growth is affected by diet and exercise that you can control. Other factors affect your Great Dane’s growth, which are as follows:

Genetics

   Genetics are very important in Great Dane’s development. The weight, growth, and height of your Great Dane depend on parent’s genes.

Feeding

   You might believe that if your Great Dane is big, the more you give him food, the more he will boost his growth. But Great Dane grows at their speed rate, no matter how much you feed your pooch. If you are increasing his weight and height by full protein diets, you are increasing his health diseases which you must not mess with.

   Consult the vet of your Great Dane for feeding directions. The vet will tell you the amount and density of the diet. You will have to feed your dog a particular puppy food because this breed is big. Also, when you feed your dog, pay attention to the bowl. Do not put the bowl on height. Arrange the bowl height so Great Dane does not strain his back or neck to eat food.

Neutering

   Your Great Dane’s growth rate and height can be affected by neutering or spying. Talk to the vet about spaying or neutering your pup.

Common Great Dane Health Issues

   Your Great Dane can face health and genetic issues due to his large size. A Great Dane has a risk of bloating, a deadly disease that occurs by twisting the stomach and decreasing the blood supply. That’s why do not exercise your Great Dane after feeding.

   He also has a risk of cardiomyopathy, which is heart disease. In this condition, the heart of the Great Dane becomes enlarged. He might experience bone and joint diseases due to his large size. You can decrease this risk by feeding him supplements for bones and joints. He might face thyroid issues such as hypothyroidism.

Great Dane Growth Spurt Symptoms

   Your Great Dane will face growth spurt signs at 5 to 6 months. He will gain 2 inches in height every week, so they are growing rapidly. They will also look skinny with fewer muscles, so that is normal. Their muscles will develop at 18 to 24 months after the cycle of a growth spurt. The growth spurt symptoms of Great Danes are Loss of appetite, Constant hiccups, Lethargy, more sleep than usual, and frequent whimpering.

   You may not notice these signs when your Great Dane is going through this phase. These symptoms are normal and will go away when Great Dane completes his growth cycle. Feed your puppy an appropriate diet during the growth spurt period. Feed him essential nutrition food for his healthy development.

   Never overfeed your Great Dane because overweighing will pressure his underdeveloped joints and bones. So, do not over-exercise or overfeed your Great Dane, as it leads to orthopedic disorders, which as hip dysplasia. Feed him the right meals daily that will change according to their age.

   Also, speak to the vet for Great Dane’s physical checkup for any disease or infection. Keep your four-legged best friend healthy and active.


Five tips for Steady and Healthy Growth of Great Dane

Five tips for Steady and Healthy Growth of Great Dane

   Here are the tips that will ensure your Great Dane is growing healthy.

High-Quality Kibble

   Ensure your Great Dane puppy eats high-quality kibble made for a giant breed. Great Dane needs the correct type of nutrition cause of its size and growth. If you feed him the wrong kibble, he will not obtain enough calories such as essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients for ideal growth.    So, feed your Puppy a suitable kibble formulated of large breed because kibbles vary in size and taste. We recommend you feed your Great Dane Purina One Smart Blend Large Breed Puppy Formula.

Make Sure your Puppy likes the kibble

   Your Great Dane must agree to eat the kibble if you have to find the right nutrition kibble for him. If he does not eat it, find another diet. If your Great Dane puppy is not interested in the food, refuses to eat it, is uncomfortable after the diet, and is vomiting or facing diarrhea, change the diet immediately.

Avoid Over-Exercising

   Be careful about your Great Dane puppy’s exercise before adulthood. This breed is physically matured at two years of their age. The puppy’s bones, organs, joints, and muscles require proper time to recover, grow, and rest. It is why puppies sleep too much. Over-exercise will overstress their developing muscles, bones, and joints, leading to improper growth and permanent or temporary injuries.

Ensure that He Gets Enough Rest

   We know we have told you about it on the above tip, but it is crucial; that’s why we explain it again. It is about sleep and naps. Great Dane puppies sleep more than 18 hours daily. Also, after including naps, you might think it is a lot of sleeping, but it is very necessary. In your puppy’s early stages, create a comfortable and calm environment for him.

   Your puppy’s better body development depends on better rest and sleep. Adults can easily understand this tip, but young children are naughty and must tell them repeatedly. Yes, we know that the children want to play with cute puppies, but it is important that puppy sleep must not be disturbed.

Maintain a Regular Check-up Schedule

   To ensure that everything is going on track, vets are there to check your dogs. Schedule routine checkups for your Great Dane puppy every 2 to 4 months to get worry-free for your pooch. The vet will test his overall health and monitor the developing progress of your Great Dane puppy. It is extremely important for Great Dane as they are sensitive to health problems while growing.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Size of a Two-Month-old Great Dane?

   The height of a two-month-old Dane is 13-18 inches, and their weight is about 18-26 lbs. it is approximate because the puppy’s growth varies.

How many Growth Spurts do a Great Dane Have?

   At 4-6 months, a Great Dane has one large growth spurt. They are growing speedy at this age and gain 2-3 inches every week.

How long does a Great Dane live?

   A Great Dane is likely to live 6 to 8 years due to its large size.

What is the Pregnancy Period for Great Danes?

   The pregnancy period of a Great Dame is almost two months, which are 55 to 66 days. A Great Dane’s perfect pregnancy would last 63 days. Consult your vet for knowing your Great Dane’s pregnancy. Also, a firm belly of the Great Dane will occur in 4 weeks.

How Many Puppies do Great Dane Have?

   If your Great Dane is pregnant, she will give birth to 8 or 7 puppies. It would be best if you prepared yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally for the birth of your Great Dane puppies.


Wrapping up

   Great Danes are wonderful companions that grow very big in no time. Although we cannot control the size of these creatures, we can get a better idea of what to expect by looking at different estimates. This breed takes a long time to reach adulthood than small breeds. Owners should be prepared for their pet’s growth stages to plan their care and be prepared.

   Thanks for reading! Hopefully, this article has provided information about the Great Dane’s growth. Please let me know in the comments if you think I have missed any useful information for future readers. It is always my pleasure to add applicable sections. Also, share this article with your friends.

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About
Marian Haaz
Marian is a cat adoption expert. She has rescued and adopted several cats herself and helped find homes for dozens of stray cats and dogs.
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