I've always wanted a Great Dane...I think they are awesome dogs...they are so big and strong looking like horses but what are the down sides, if any ?
2007-03-23 19:42:05 · 18 answers · asked by VINCENT 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Cost of food cost of vet fees and big poo's to clean up and a big yard to live in and a big park with later than other dog walkers to run the dog in.~~
2007-03-23 19:52:02 · answer #1 · answered by burning brightly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BIg food bill, big poops, they squash you if they sit on your lap. They can be clumsy as pups and aren't great around toddlers who are just starting to walk.
Danes have a tendency to be dominant unless taught with a firm hand and some can be aggressive to other dogs and smaller animals. Obedience training is ESSENTIAL; an energetic 130-pound powerful dog that towers over a smalll child and can easily reach the dinner table must have manners.
Training must be gentle; leash-jerking and harsh methods may make him distrustful and nervy which can cause problems in themselves such as fear aggression.
Because they are bigger, everything costs more from the food bowl and collar to the medicine (think you will be worming it every two weeks until it's 4 months and then every three months, flea treatment is more expensive for larger dogs so it's not just if it needs vet meds). The shots costs more too and you need a vet with a big set of floor scales! lol
The breed is susceptible to hip dysplasia, bloat, bone cancer, heart disease, and tumors and it is genetic. If you are buying a puppy, get proof that the parents have been DNA tested and have been xrayed tested for congenital cardiac disease and autoimmune thyroid disease and have had eye exams and are certified.
Bear in mind that the Dane was a boar hound, were used in blood sports in their past (a relative of some mastiffs) and hunter so they need lots of human lead exercise and training as mentioned. You need to make sure you have adequate fences so they can't jump out.
They live about 10 years. They are beautiful gentle animals IF they've had good breeding and are trained and handled properly.
2007-03-23 20:06:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think these may be some of the down sides to owning a Great Dane:
- Massive dog, taking lot's of space up in your house and car
- Very bouncy and can easily knock over a child or small person
- Some are prone to separation anxiety
- You need to find a reputable breeder who has no line of aggression
- Some can be aggressive to other animals when they're not socialized enough
- Needing a strong owner
- They shed a lot more than what you think
- Slobbering and gassiness
- Serious health problems, meaning that you need to find a reputable breeder who screens their dogs of all hereditary diseases
- Big dog = lot's of food
- They need special care when it comes to exercise as they are prone to many joint problems
Although there are many "down sides" to owning a Great Dane, I think all of the positives over rule the negatives. They are truly GENTLE GIANTS.
2007-03-23 20:39:08 · answer #3 · answered by Elena 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
everything costs more....they eat more, the vet bills are higher, beds are more expensive, they chew a lot when they are young, most slobber, and with a dog that size you WANT to go to training classes. Go to the AKC web site and you can get a whole bunch off links to great dane sites with pro's and cons. Contrary to what everyone is saying they do not require a lot of exercise. 30 min to 1 hour a day of a good walk, if you get them a saddle bag and put an even amount of weight on either side that uses a lot of their energy up and you end up with a 150 pound couch potato.
2007-03-23 19:50:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a large dog, the food bills going to rack up. Cleaning up after them may also turn into a chore. Like most large dogs, they tend to have hip problems and just don't live as long as smaller dogs. They're hard to train during the puppy stage, but normally settle down into the "gentle giant" roll as they age.
2007-03-23 20:27:55 · answer #5 · answered by Stephanie V 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They eat a lot of food and I mean a lot of food so high feeding costs.
Their crap is the size of horses poo so not pleasant to clean up after.
They tend to bowl you over when you play with them as they dont realise their size.
But on the plus side, they are an absolutely lovely loyal dog.
2007-03-23 19:46:29 · answer #6 · answered by Mandy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are really big dogs and take up lots of room. Sorry I am being funny. My Aunt has 2 and they like to try to sit on my lap every time I go to there house.
2007-03-23 19:46:09 · answer #7 · answered by TLC4theworld 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would say that the down side is that they don't live as long as smaller dogs. i have a neighbour who has had 3 in the last 20 years. they have all been absolutely gorgeous, loving doggies though. :)
2007-03-23 19:54:23 · answer #8 · answered by kittycat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great! But, a bit too big! Excellent, if the size is not a problem, you have space, patience and energy!
2007-03-23 20:06:38 · answer #9 · answered by swanjarvi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They usually don't live as long as smaller breds and need to make sure Hip testing has been done. Also very easy to get Bloat, Please do some research before getting any breed so you are prepared for any problems.
2007-03-23 19:46:31 · answer #10 · answered by sklepac1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋