Understanding the Downsides of Great Danes as Pets

Great Danes—often called “gentle giants”—are hard to forget. With their towering height (some stand over 32 inches tall at the shoulder), muscular frames, and calm, affectionate personalities, they’re a favorite among owners who crave a loyal, loving companion. But owning a Great Dane isn’t all cuddles and compliments. These giant breeds come with unique challenges that many first-time owners underestimate—challenges that can turn the joy of pet parenthood into stress if you’re not prepared.

From space constraints to health risks, the downsides of Great Danes as pets are rooted in their size and biology. And while their moderate energy levels might seem manageable at first, meeting their exercise needs without compromising their health (or your home) requires creativity—especially when outdoor conditions aren’t ideal. This is where a dog running machine (specifically non-electric, manual models designed for large breeds) enters the picture. It’s not a “fix-all” for Great Dane ownership, but it can alleviate some of the most frustrating downsides. In this blog, we’ll break down the often-overlooked challenges of owning a Great Dane, explain why traditional solutions fall short, and show how a dog running machine can make life easier for both you and your gentle giant.

The Hidden Downsides of Great Danes: Beyond Their “Gentle Giant” Reputation

Great Danes are wonderful dogs, but their size creates a host of practical and health-related downsides that owners must navigate. These aren’t “flaws” in the breed—they’re realities of caring for a dog that can weigh 100–200 pounds (45–90 kg) and live just 7–10 years (shorter than most medium-sized breeds). Let’s dive into the most significant challenges:

Space: They Need More Room Than You Think

When you think about getting a Great Dane, remember their size. These dogs are very tall and need space to move. They can live indoors, but they do best in places where they can run and play. If you live in a small apartment, it might be hard. Great Danes like homes with big yards. Without enough space, they can feel cramped. This can cause discomfort and behavior problems.

Tip: Try to find a yard or park for your Great Dane to run. They need regular outdoor time to stay happy.

Health Risks: Size Comes with a Price

Great Danes can have many health problems because of their size. They usually live about 8 to 10 years, which is shorter than many other dogs. For example, smaller breeds can live 13 years or more. Here’s a quick look at the average lifespans of different breeds:

Breed	Average Lifespan (years)
Great Dane	8–10
Smaller breeds	13+

Some common health issues are:

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): About 5.3% of Great Danes get this each year. They are 43.2 times more likely to have bloat than other breeds.
Hip Dysplasia: This is common in big dogs and may need expensive surgery.
Cardiomyopathy: A heart problem that often affects giant breeds.

These health risks can cause a lot of emotional and financial stress for you as an owner.

Exercise: Balancing “Moderate” Needs with Safety

Great Danes are often described as “moderate energy” dogs—but “moderate” for a 150-pound giant is different from “moderate” for a 20-pound terrier. They need 30–45 minutes of daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight, keep their joints mobile, and prevent boredom. But this exercise can’t be too strenuous:

Puppies (under 18 months) can’t run or jump excessively—their bones and joints are still growing, and overexertion leads to permanent damage.

Adult Great Danes can’t handle long runs on hard surfaces—this strains their hips and knees, accelerating joint wear.

Senior Great Danes may struggle with even short walks due to arthritis or heart issues.

The catch? If they don’t get enough exercise, they gain weight—which exacerbates joint and heart problems. It’s a delicate balance that’s hard to maintain with traditional outdoor walks alone.

Practical Hassles: Everything Is “Giant-Sized”

Owning a Great Dane means adapting every part of your life to their size:

Food Costs: They eat 6–10 cups of high-quality dog food per day—costing

100–200 per month, far more than smaller breeds.

Grooming: Their short coats shed heavily (especially seasonally), and grooming tools (like brushes and vacuums) need to be large enough to handle their body—plus, cleaning up shed fur from carpets and furniture is a daily chore.

Transportation: They can’t fit in most cars—you’ll need a large SUV, van, or specialized dog crate, which adds to the cost of ownership.

Vet Care Logistics: Lifting a 150-pound Great Dane into a car for a vet visit, or helping them climb stairs if they’re injured, requires physical strength (or extra equipment like ramps)—a challenge for older owners or those with mobility issues.

Why Traditional Solutions Fail Great Dane Owners

When faced with these downsides, many owners turn to “traditional” fixes—only to find they don’t work for giant breeds. Let’s look at why common solutions fall short:

“Just Take Them for Longer Walks”

You might think longer walks will meet your Great Dane's exercise needs. Walks are important, but they often aren't enough. Great Danes need more than just a walk around the block. They enjoy different activities that keep their minds and bodies busy. If you only walk them, they may get bored and act out.

“Get a Bigger Yard”

Having a bigger yard seems like a great fix for your Great Dane. While it gives them more space, it doesn't solve all problems. Great Danes need plenty of room to move, and a bigger yard helps. But daily exercise is still very important for their health and happiness. A larger yard lets them run and play, which helps avoid health issues like hip dysplasia. Many behavior problems come from boredom, so letting them explore is key. But remember, a yard alone can't replace regular, planned exercise.

“Use an Electric Treadmill”

Electric treadmills are designed for humans or small dogs—not 150-pound Great Danes. Most electric models have weight limits (usually 100 pounds or less) that Great Danes exceed, and their motors can’t handle the strain of a giant breed’s movement. Worse, electric treadmills force a fixed speed—if your Great Dane wants to slow down or stop (due to joint pain, for example), the belt keeps moving, increasing the risk of injury.

How a Non-Electric Dog Runner Machine Helps with Great Dane Problems

A non-motorized dog treadmill—unlike motorized treadmills or unstructured outdoor play—is designed to work with, not against, the Great Dane's size and health needs. It's a simple tool: a large, sturdy platform with a conveyor belt that moves under its own power (no electricity required) as the Great Dane walks or trots. Here's how it solves a core Great Dane problem:

Solves Space Issues

A non-electric dog running machine can really help your Great Dane. If you live in a small place, this machine lets your dog exercise without needing a big yard. You can set it up inside, giving your Great Dane a safe spot to run and play. This way, you don’t have to find a park or large yard every time your dog needs to use up energy.

Protects Joints (Gentle, Controlled Movement)

The rubberized belt of a non-electric running machine provides cushioning that’s far gentler than concrete, grass, or even carpet. This is a game-changer for Great Danes:

Puppies: They can get gentle exercise without straining growing joints—no more worrying about overexertion during walks.

Adults: A slow, steady trot on the machine strengthens leg muscles (which supports joints) without the impact of running on pavement.

Seniors: Even Great Danes with arthritis can use the machine—they set their own pace, so they can stop or slow down when they feel pain.

Unlike electric treadmills, there’s no fixed speed—your Great Dane controls how fast they move. If they start to limp or pant heavily, the belt stops when they stop, reducing the risk of injury. It’s the safest way to give them exercise without compromising their joint health.

Manages Weight (Regular, Measurable Exercise)

Obesity is one of the biggest contributors to Great Dane health issues, and a dog running machine makes weight management predictable. You can set a consistent schedule (e.g., 20 minutes twice a day) and monitor their activity level—no more guessing how many calories they’re burning on a walk.

For overweight Great Danes, the machine allows for gradual weight loss. Start with 10-minute sessions at a slow walk, then increase duration as they build stamina. The low-impact movement ensures they lose weight without straining their heart or joints—something that’s nearly impossible with traditional exercise for giant breeds.

Reduces Practical Problems (No More Weather or Transport Issues)

A dog running machine eliminates the biggest practical headaches of Great Dane exercise:

Weather-Proof: Rain, snow, or 90°F (32°C) heat? No problem—your Great Dane exercises indoors, away from extreme temperatures.

No Transport Needed: You don’t have to lift them into a car or drive to a park—just turn on the machine (no electricity, so no cords!) and let them go.

Quiet and Easy to Store: Non-electric models are silent (no motor noise to scare your Great Dane) and many fold up for storage—perfect for small spaces.

How to Introduce Your Great Dane to a Non-Electric Dog Running Machine

Great Danes are gentle and eager to learn, but their size can make them wary of new equipment. Follow these steps to help them feel comfortable—and even excited—about their new running machine:

Step 1: Let Them “Inspect” the Machine (No Pressure!)

Start by letting your Great Dane check out the machine at their own pace. Put it in a familiar spot where they feel safe. Allow them to sniff and explore without any pressure. This helps them get used to the new equipment. You want them to see it as a safe and interesting part of their space.

Tip: Use treats to spark their curiosity. If they show interest, reward them right away. This positive reinforcement helps them like the machine.

Step 2: Start with Slow, Supported Walks

Once your Great Dane seems relaxed, it’s time to let them walk on the machine. Begin with slow, supported walks. You can gently guide them onto the machine and use a leash if needed. Nudge the runway so they feel secure. This gradual way helps them adjust to the movement without feeling scared.

Remember: Great Danes need moderate daily exercise, including walking and controlled playtime. Avoid long periods of hard running to protect their joints.

Step 3: Gradually Build Confidence (And Duration)

As your Great Dane gets more comfortable, slowly increase time of their walks. Watch their body language. If they look anxious or unsure, slow down and give them time to adjust. Keep training sessions short and fun. Ending on a positive note helps them learn and keeps them excited for more.

Key Points:
- Reward your Great Dane right away for good behavior.
- Be patient and consistent during training.
- Establish yourself as the pack leader early for effective training.

Step 4: Pair It with Outdoor Time (Don’t Replace It!)

While the dog running machine is a great tool, it shouldn’t replace outdoor exercise. Great Danes love variety and need time to explore outside. Combine their machine workouts with regular outdoor walks and playtime. This balance keeps them active and mentally engaged.

Note: Dog treadmills have safety features for dogs, like side rails and longer running areas. They run with quiet motors, which help avoid startling sensitive pets.

By following these steps, you can help your Great Dane get used to a non-electric dog running machine. This will give them a safe and effective way to exercise, especially when outdoor conditions aren’t great.

Having a Great Dane can be great, but you need to think about the challenges. These dogs can have health problems like bloat and osteoarthritis. They also require a lot of space and attention. Here are some important points to keep in mind: