which do u think is better for a single person? i want an intelligent dog that will love me and understand me
thanks
2007-03-28 02:26:27 · 10 answers · asked by Crossroads 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have owned both breeds of dog and can say without a doubt that both are excellent breeds, choosing one or the other depends on how much time you have for grooming, walking and play time as well as activity time. I found the shepard actually requires more time to take care of because he was still bred pretty closely as a working breed and needed a lot of entertainment, also I found that he barked quite a bit because of the guard duty thing. The shepard was easier to train and handled better but he also required constant reminder who boss was. With my Dane, although he required thorough obedience work and training and tends to be stubborn, I find that he prefers to be where I am and is not so concerned with playing all the time, barking or growling. I also find him to be a better people and other animal dog.
Both breeds are great pets loving anf loyal. If I was in your position I would look into how much time I have, what all I want to do with the dog, what do I need the dog for (remeber a Great Danes size alone is deterent enough - they don't need to bark, growl or be aggressive). How much can I afford for vet bills (Great Danes have a tendancy to bloat and the bill can be $2,000.00 cdn plus)?
If there are dog clubs in the area for both breeds call them and see if they get together at all and meet their dogs and find out what each dog is like fisrthand.
Good Luck on your decision!
2007-03-28 06:52:29 · answer #1 · answered by Donnertagskind 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never had a great dane but have had a german shepard. He was the most loving, playful, and intelligent dog I have ever owned. He learned tricks very quickly after 4 months old or so, it was almost like he started understanding what we were saying. By the time he was 7 months we had to spell alot of words. He actually understood sentences. He never realized he wasn't a puppy even at 2 yrs old( we never told him)he still played with us like he was 3 months old, but he was well behaved in public and everyone loved him. He was also very protective & took it apon himself to decide if the person was good or not & was never wrong. He protected us & the home very well but at the same time was perfectly at home with a family reunion at the home. The only problem we really had with him was when we installed a self made goldfish pond in the back yard(his back yard)& every morning we would get up to find he had been out back swimming with the goldfish, by then he was a year old & 80 lbs so we were constantly trying to reinstate the goldfish pond & fountain. He won that one.
I now have a Mastiff & they are absolutely fantastic dogs, but the german shepard is more of a people dog, not just a pet, the bonding is unreal since they seem to really understand you. It is almost like they can understand AND communicate if you pay attention.
2007-03-28 10:06:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see you have lots of answer already. But you know you are the one who's going to live with the dog. It's not the race that's doing to give to you what you want, it's the dog it self. Go to the SPCA or animal shelters and look for a dog that you connect with. Personally I'm a Great Dane Fan. I had 2 and never a day sorry. The only thing is they only live about 8-12 years. But as "friends"? The BEST! Good luck friend-hunting.
2007-03-28 11:40:11 · answer #3 · answered by Cassandra 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First: Get on Internet and find out all you can about the breed you are interested in.
Second: Can you afford it? Great Danes are wonderful but have shorter life spans than a lot of dogs.As well as a tendency towards hip dysplacia.
Germans are good but have a tendency to become overly protective of a single owner. May have aggression problems towards others.
But read all about them before you decide. Both will make good companions,although I lean towards the Dane. There capacity to love is as large as they are. They are not near as hyper when grown either.
2007-03-28 09:46:01 · answer #4 · answered by Dixie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
German shepherds are great dogs especially around people and children and are easy to care for. Great Danes are good too, but you would need a yard since they like to run around and german sheps can be good for apartment living since they're not too big and need a lot of space.
2007-03-28 11:07:49 · answer #5 · answered by nabdullah2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A German Shepard will love & take care of you & just needs a good back yard to be happy They love playing fetch too. My cousin has always had at least two Important: Get a good highly recommended breeder for your puppy
2007-03-28 09:49:23 · answer #6 · answered by hobo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Great Dane - they are lovely dogs that really protect their owners.
2007-03-28 09:56:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You definitely need a big yard and a big shovel to pick up poo. Both dogs are great. Look into vet insurance.
2007-03-28 10:19:49 · answer #8 · answered by diller 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a great dane will love you a lot.
2007-03-28 09:32:47 · answer #9 · answered by DASH 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sheperd
2007-03-28 09:38:19 · answer #10 · answered by samronharry 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋