I have two children, daughter is 9, an animal lover and very responsible, my son is 7, handicap and in a wheelchair so he will not bother the dog. Can anyone tell me if a Great Dane is a good family pet? Also, How about allergies? Do they shed? My family can not have a long haired dog that sheds alot! Any information will be very helpful! Thanks a bunch!
2006-07-06 15:57:41 · 20 answers · asked by tnycourtney 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes! They are excellent Dogs with children. Especially when Taught. I had a Friend years ago had a Pair. He would let his 3 year old son play in the Front Yard and the Dogs watched him. I ask, if he was worried about someone messing with his son and he said no the Dogs will watch him. Later as his son started toward the Road the Dogs moved between him and the road and the Male pushed him down. He got up and started for the road again. The Male pushed him down. Finally he got up and came back toward the house with his Babysitters following. ;-) My friend said; "They will not let him go to the Road"!
2006-07-06 16:03:39 · answer #1 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
contrary to what someone said, Great Danes do not need LARGE spaces or yards. they are a very easy going dog, and actually make great apartment dogs. as long as you take them for brisk walks.
they also don't eat as much as ppl would think...on the average they eat about 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups a day.
just because they are great big...doesn't mean they are big eaters or big runners.
they are wonderful dogs, with the most GOOFY personality you will ever know in a dog. they tend to be clowns and love to play it up for you.
they do shed, like any other dog. brushing them out weekly will help with that. also there are many allergies medication out on the market that work great for dog allergies.( i am allergic to dogs, I'm on a medication for it. i have 4 dogs..and zero symptoms on my meds!!)
they sometimes don't realize how big they are and are a big clumsy...so you might want to "Dane proof" your house....low coffee tables..etc. their tails knock stuff over.
BUT OHHHH they are just gentle giants!! i love all the Danes I've had.
don't listen to those idiots that say Danes are too big for your children...any dog can be "powerful"...Danes are SO laid back. after awhile you wont notice their size...i just think ppl are scared of big dogs.
check out some Dane rescue groups...they know the temperament of their dogs and which will fit in to your family best. that person probably has never even been around a Dane let alone had one! they have no idea what they are talking about
2006-07-06 23:10:45 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most all dogs will shed. a Great Dane is a VERY large dog, so I hope that the dog will not knock your son over. They are very gentle natured dogs just very large. Do research on all breeds and talk to some breeders that will talk to you about what they breed. Follow thru with training as the puppy grows. Watch the Dog Whisperer on The National Geographic Channel, he also has a book out called The Dog Whisperer, by Ceaser Milan. Great man to teach us humans a lot about dogs and humans.
2006-07-06 23:04:30 · answer #3 · answered by mustanglady 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great Danes are awesome! They are truly gentle giants! My aunt has had them since I was a kid and all of her dogs have been the nicest mannered. They are good with children, and seem to think they are people! Their are some things to know though. They don't live as long as most dogs. Maybe between 8-10. They also can "bloat" very easy, and could cause death. I would get the dog through a reputable breeder. If you go on the American Kennel Club website it will give you breeder information on a breeder in your area. Good Luck.
2006-07-06 23:48:47 · answer #4 · answered by Nic 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All dogs shed, but I'm not sure if the Great Dane sheds that much. I've heard that if you take care of it with love and affection, it will be a good dog and guard your home. Also, they can be very gentle with children.
2006-07-07 05:46:59 · answer #5 · answered by dryad_of_nature 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes great danes are good family pets. we have one and have four children. they do not shed much because of the short hair. they don't need a lot of room because they like to sleep a lot. they are great with children and other dogs. but like the one guy said they do poop the size of a small car. they are very sweet dogs and any one who has one will say that they would definitely get another one.
2006-07-07 14:47:51 · answer #6 · answered by Syri S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My family had one years ago. I have a deaf brother who used to stick his hearing aid into the dog's ear, making a horrible sound. The dog never even responded. He also used to try to teach her to sign, and rode her around like a horse. (He was about 5 or so at the time.)
That should give you some idea of the temperment!!
But with any dog, the specific animal will have some differences in personality. They are great family pets, but need tons of room to run around, in a yard.
So if you have a nice yard, and are ok with cleaning up after and caring for a large animal, find a good breeder and research the heck out of it.
2006-07-06 23:39:34 · answer #7 · answered by cmac723 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great Danes are very large dogs, and they require room. If you have a nice piece of property, great, but if you live in a small house, don't get a Great Dane, get a smaller dog.
2006-07-06 23:01:37 · answer #8 · answered by Flyboy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We bread Great Danes when I was tiny...So at times we had as many as 12 of them. I was 6 when we got rid of them, and we always got along well! they shed a bit, but not too much. So I would recomend them
2006-07-06 23:02:50 · answer #9 · answered by Hockey_Angel 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmm...have you seen pictures of these beasts? Go through google and click on images. I don't think they would be the type for young children and wheelchairs. Maybe a good medium sized dog, or a small dog. Check this website: http://www.i-love-dogs.com/dog-breeds/index.html
It has most breeds of dogs as well as a description of each one. It should help you better choose one for your family! Good luck and I hope you find a great new family member!
2006-07-06 23:06:03 · answer #10 · answered by Spiral Out 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋