What makes a better pet- a Golden Retriever or Great Dane?

Question

We want a big dog, but fairly mellow.

Answer 1

they are both great \they are loving and caring and a good protection for ur family I have 9 dogs and they are all great

Answer 2

Both dogs are excellent breeds, I now have two Harlequin Danes and they are laying on either side of my computer chair. We have owned danes for years, the disadvantages of a Dane is their short life span average is 10 years. They make excellent house pets and are easy to house train, they do need a fenced in yard for excercise, they are prone to hip problems however in the 30 some years that we have owned Danes we have only had one with hip problems. If you buy from a reputable breeder that knows their stock they can inform you of any hip problems in their lines, some will provide a health statemet saying that there are no hip problems in their lines.
I have never owned a Golden Retriever but have friends that own them and they are also a good breed as well as Black Labs.
You just have to decide if you are going to be devoted to owning a large breed dog and have the time to play and excercise them.
We are now in our 60's and as long as we are able to care for Danes we will probably always own one, we also have two Dachshunds and the Danes are very protective of them
If you decide to purchase one of these dogs please check out the rescue sites in your area for both breeds, sometimes you can pick up young pups six months to a year old. I have seen several on some of the Dane sites that I would take in a minute if we didn't already have the two we have now. They will tell you on the sites if the dogs are good with children and other household pets, and if the dogs have any problems health wise, usually the younger ones don't have any problems, they just need a good loving family as some have been abandoned or mistreated and just crave love and affection. Good Luck in your search.

Answer 3

Goldens are hunting dogs, so the have LOTS of energy. great dogs, but require a LOT of exercise. Dane's do too, but not to the same extent. If you want a big mellow dog then look at Newfoundlands, St. Bernard's, or any of the mastiffs. However keep in mind that mastiffs are domineering, and you must be able to establish yourself as "alpha" or he will run your house. If you go to Yahoo! and search for "dog breed selector" then many questionnaires will come up about your preferences and lifestyle. This will give you an idea of what direction to look in. Good luck and Happy Hunting!!!

Answer 4

I will provide some notes for comparison for both breeds. Do more reading before you get any dogs.

Great Danes do need a large place to exercise himself. If you don't have it, don't even consider owning such a big dog. They need vigorous exercise daily-there's no way around it.They eat alot as they are large and enjoy playing as much as any breed. Active individuals are more suited for owning them and they may be a little too big for children and could end up hurting their children playmates.

Golden Retrievers make a great all-around pet. They blend well into family situation. They are attentive and protective of children and are not quarrelsome. They are most happy around people.Their coats do require some grooming but are weather-resistant.

All dogs require exercise and walks. If you want a mellow dog who do not need much exercise, try a Pekingese (small breed).

Answer 5

I've never been around a Great Dane, however my daughter had her Golden Retriever for 14yrs until he died of cancer. He was the most loyal & mellow dog. Very good with children too. Good luck with your choice.

Answer 6

IF this is your first dog, I would suggest the retriever.

To be honest,you need a LOT of patience and obedience training to get through the first 2 years of a retriever. They have a LOT OF ENERGY and if you train them early, they mellow out later in life.

Danes need some extra attention to detail. They are VERY large dogs - very sweet and motherly, and protective of a family - but due to their size, they can be difficult. You need to make sure you have the space for them - and you need to be aware of congenital diseases common in Danes and understand they have a short life span - 8-9 years is common for them.

Both are great family dogs if you know what t expect and you put forth the effort to properly train and care for the animal.

Answer 7

I will tell you one thing is that their are both great breeds of dogs but one thing i know between the two of them, i would go for a golden retriever. First of all, i knew once a golden retriever, he was one of a kind dog. He was a playful dog without going crazy, he is friendly and loyal to his family and gentle around kids. They are not agressive breeds and easy to train. THey have all the qualities of a dog anyone would wish to have.On top of that they are calm dogs and do not bark and very protective of their owners without being agressive.
I hope this might help you in your decision another recommendation is a labrador, they have the same caracteristics

Answer 8

This absolutely does not depend upon the breed - go for temperament! Consider adopting a dog that is at least ~12 months of age. At this stage in life, what you see is what you get.

Do beware of unethical breeders in such popular breeds (esp. Goldens). I have personally rehabilitated vicious Goldens that came straight from an abusive breeder. In general, if you want a pet (as opposed to a hunting or show dog), save a life by adopting a homeless pet. As an added plus, you can be sure of exactly what size, temperament, and even training level you're getting into.

Answer 9

they are both very mellow how ever the retriever will stay a puppy longer and be more playful for longer as for the Dane it will grow up quicker and they don't have as long a life span I now have a Dane hes 1 year now he play but likes to sleep mostly so hes very mellow hope it helps

Answer 10

Both are great dogs. It depends on your lifestyle. How big is your house/apartment? Which dog will fit better into your life? How active are you? Do you plan on taking the dog wherever you go?

The only down side to Danes is that their lifespan is shorter than a retriever...that, and they eat a little more.

Answer 11

Great Danes have a much lower engery level, and are known to be couch potatoes. This in mind, they still need daily exercise, just less than a Golden. Another great couch potato is the Greyhound. So many of them are abused, and thrown away by the tracks. Those are great dogs that need homes badly.