10 Fun facts you didn’t know about great danes

9. The Great Danes’ biggest downfall is their short life expectancy.

Dog lovers know that when you adopt a furry friend, eventually, your heart will be broken when it’s time to say good-bye. And for Great Dane owners, the heartbreak may come sooner compared to other breeds. According to Animal Planet, the life expectancy of one of these huge pups is about 7.5 years.

Additionally, they are very prone to bloat, a potentially deadly stomach condition. “It’s the number one reason why a Great Dane dies,” explains Dr. Karen Halligan, Chief Veterinarian at SPCALA, on Animal Planet.

Related: 10 Products Only a Crazy Dane Person Would Wear

10. But generally, they make great family dogs.

Described by the AKC as “dependable, friendly, and patient,” these pups tend to be fairly easy to train and good with kids. (However, it must be said that children should always be monitored around any dog, especially ones of this size.)

For Great Dane fans, the joys of living with these gentle giants are worth the likelihood of them having a shorter life span. With their huge stature and overwhelming affection, this is a breed that is certainly unlike the rest!

Watch “Dogs 101: Great Dane” by Animal Planet:

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