Will my Great Dane puppy be huge like her parents?

Question

I bought a 6 week old Great Dane puppy, however she was the runt of the litter. Her mom and dad were HUGE, and I would love for her to grow to that size. Does anyone know if she stands a chance to be that big, or do runts typically have a lower growth rate? Also I have owned young Dane's before and I don't remember them being this small at 6 weeks. Thoughts?

Answer 1

First off the puppy at 6 weeks should still be with the breeder. In most states it is illegal to buy, sell, adopt or give away any puppy before it has completed it's 7th week and in some states 8 weeks.No responsible breeder will let a puppy go to it's new home younger then 8 weeks.
To answer your question a runt can grow just as big as all other pups in a litter as long as there are no medical issues such as kidney or heart.
Here is a height and weight chart for Great Dane puppies. Remember though that some will be a bit heavier/taller, some a bit lighter/shorter.
Week 1: 2-3 lbs
Week 2: 3-5 lbs
Week 3: 4-7 lbs
Week 4: 5-8 lbs
Week 6: 10-20 lbs
Month 2: 15-30 lbs (13-17")
Month 3: 30-45 lbs (17-22")
Month 4: 50-65 lbs (21-25")
Month 5: 65-85 lbs (25-30")
Month 6: 70-100 lbs (27-32")
Month 7: 75-110 lbs (27-33")
Month 8: 80-115 lbs. (27-34")
Month 9: 85-120 lbs. (28-34")
One year: 90-135 lbs (28-36")
Full grown: 100-190 lbs (28-38")
For males: 140-170 lbs. & 33-36" is typical.
for females: 110-140 lbs. & 30-33" is typical.

Also remember Danes can grow in height until they are 18 months - 2 years old and can fill out any time from 18 months to 3 years of age. A lot depends on genetics (not just parents but all dogs in the pedigree).
Make sure that you do NOT feed your Dane puppy any puppy food. Feed a good quality adult food that has a protein level of 24% or less. Puppy foods have far too much protein and can cause some very serious growth issues such as HOD. look for foods such as Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul ADULT large breed formula, Canidae all life stages, Wellness, Solid Gold, Natural Balance, California Natural to name a few good foods. Steer away from foods that contain corn, wheat, soy and beet pulp.These foods can cause allergies, excess gas and other issues in your Dane.

Answer 2

I agree with Capt Obvious. Some breeders do have a price differential between a 'pet' and 'show' dog, but even 'pet' dogs have an AKC registration ( limited registration). I also think it is a BIG RED FLAG. To me, the advantage of getting a dog from a responsible breeder is that a responsible breeder has taken all the steps possible to ensure your puppy is healthy with a good temperament. They can be a great source of information and help to you in the future, and if needed, will not hesitate to take the puppy back if something goes awry. Sometimes they charge more because they have more money invested in the whelping and raising of the puppy, but it is well worth it if you get a sound puppy that is a great addition to your home. Just my thoughts....

Answer 3

I'm sure there wont be any problems. I think Great Danes nearly reach full height at nine months so you wont have long before your puppy turns into a giant.

Answer 4

The runt is basically the puppy who was conceived last. Since dogs can conceive during the duration of their cycle not all pups birthed will be exactly the same age. Even a difference of a few hours or a day or so is noticeble.

The runt can and may very well grow up to be just as large as the others.

Feed it well and take good care of it and you should see healthy growth.

Answer 5

I don't know too much about runts but she'll probably be a big dog even if she is the runt since she is a Great Dane after all!

Answer 6

Runts can be smaller, but any Great Dane will be a biggy. = )


Remember: Lots of exercize, and lots of food. Inadequite diet and vitamins will lead to stunted growth. LOTS of time out doors will also help her grow big and strong.

Answer 7

I'vee had several runts over the years grow to perfectly normal height and weight. I'v also had them stay slightly smaller. Your dog will be big either way.

Answer 8

Don't despair--my "runt" turned out to be the largest dog in his litter! She will likely be of a comparable size to her parents.

Answer 9

6 weeks is far too young, she should still be with her litter.

I've seen the smallest pup in the litter turn out to be the largest when fully grown, so her size now doesn't mean she'll be small.

Answer 10

good chance

BUT, you should find out how many pups were in the litter, the more there were, the smaller the dog

my german shepherd's parents were HUGE police dogs, but they has 12 pups, so my shepherd is pretty small.