I would like to get a Great Dane.. so I have a few questions.. what should I keep in mind?
Should I get male or female?
Will it be O.K. with my two cats if it has lots of time to go outside and exercise? Thank you!!
2006-12-11 11:38:33 · 9 answers · asked by roxyrooy 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First of all remember these are BIG dogs. I have a 10m old great dane. He weighs around 120 lbs right now (no I don't over feed him). On his hind legs, he stands over 6 ft tall! Danes grow the fastest out of all dog breeds. At 6 weeks old when I got him, he weighed 15 lbs, and gained about 5lbs a week. They need to be fed low protein DOG food, not puppy food (ALL puppy food is TOO high in protein). Great Danes that are fed a high protein food grow too fast and end up with hip and joint problems.
Get a puppy from a reputable breeder. Ask to see the parents, ask if the parents are OFAed (x-rayed for joint and bone problems)...if the breeder is not willing to spend the money to get this done, he does not need YOUR money. In this breed, you want to buy quality, they are proned to a lot of problems. Look for a breeder with show experience, or has been breeding this breed for more than a few yrs (our puppy's breeder has shown Ch. Danes for over 20 yrs).
As far as the sex, it is up to you. Males have there "parts" out for everyone to see (not as bad if nutered early, and an unfixed female bleeds. Our male is supposed to be around 180 lbs(I only expect 160 lbs), females get to be 130 lbs (I think), of course this all depends on the genes. Our's sire weighed 180lbs, mom weighed 145 lbs.
Look for a breeder that raised in a house with other animals. The cats should be fine. Like all dogs, Danes have to be walked. A young dane should not be exercised hard. If you get an older dog, then a mile or two a day would be fine.
Also, Danes are very shy dogs (kinda funny because they are so big). When I take ours to some place new, his tail stays between his legs. I try to have people wait until he smells them before I let them touch him.
Good Luck!
2006-12-11 12:15:32 · answer #1 · answered by Suzie Q 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a great dane and she's the best dog I've ever had. I got her from a rescue group and inspite of her terrible beginings she has turned out to be a wonderful dog. They don't have a long life but they will adore you for the time you have with them. They love their humans. male or female shouldn't matter. They should go to obedience class due to their size, you need how to control them properly. They are huge couch potatoes! My dane gets along with my cats just fine, her best buddy is our 12" beagle. They don't need tons of exercise, a good long walk is great!! If there's a rescue group in your area I'm sure they would be glad to give you advice. Their food and water bowls need to be raised off the floor so its easier for them to eat, this also helps stop bloat, which they can die from.
2006-12-11 19:56:05 · answer #2 · answered by Glenda H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a male great dane for 10 years. the BEST watchdog, UNTIL the person came in lol.He loved my cat, I got him when he was 6 weeks old, I guess the wife of the breeder wanted all the puppys out of her house cause they were making a mess. tsk tsk. Anyway he was such a lap dog. Just be careful of their tail. LOL They like to whip it around a lot and once it hit my sister in the eye. She knew when she came over from then on that she would have to sit on the couch NOT the floor. He did develop arthritis really bad and I had to put him down because he couldnt get up anymore. The saddest time of my life. doesnt matter male female.there great.
2006-12-11 19:47:45 · answer #3 · answered by sunset12211 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One thing to keep in mind is that Great Danes are very tall dogs, so you have to elevate their food and water bowls. This breed of dog is prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis in the hind quarters. Elevating the bowls can help prevent early onset.
The 1st link below is an easy step-by-step guide to caring for your Great Dane. The other 2 sites have some valuable additional information, These sites should help you evaluate whether or not this breed is for you.
Good luck! Dogs RULE!
2006-12-11 19:48:31 · answer #4 · answered by Jen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well....if u have two cats, then u should probably get a friendly great dane..kk?...what u should keep in mind is how the cats, and him/her, will get along, if you are away from home for long periods of time then that might be a problem because they are used too a lot of attention....i think that u should get a female because they are normally more friendly, but otherwise u could get a really sweet male one!?!?!?!
2006-12-11 19:48:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great Danes are lovely massive dogs, therefore big meals and big ....... You should ring a breeder of Great Danes I'm sure that they will be more than willing to answer any questions about the breed.
2006-12-11 19:43:27 · answer #6 · answered by Calais 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dog's & cats get along good
just let them know each other as your pets don't favor one more than the other ok
as to weather you want a male or Female is up to you just remember the female comes in heat every so often & has to be watched or fixed
so what you are happy with is what you should go for
2006-12-11 19:44:53 · answer #7 · answered by freeatlast1971 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's going to very expensive to feed. It's probably going to chase your cats. They make big droppings.
2006-12-11 19:44:28 · answer #8 · answered by troubled 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they don't live very long because they are so big- 8 years maximum- so I wouldn't have the heart to get one.
2006-12-11 19:47:20 · answer #9 · answered by count scratchula 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋