what can you tell me about a Great Dane puppy?

Question

We are considering adding to our family..... A Great Dane pup is one of our top choices...
Please tell me as much as you know about the breed.. from the original price to temperment, characteristics, longevity, general health of the breed, pro's & con's of owning a Great Dane.
Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Great Danes need to be bought from responsible breeders who very carefully breed only the dogs with good temepraments, who have passed genetic health tests,have been shown or evalauted for breed standard. The better bred and socialized a Dane puppy is the longer the expected life span, the better the temperament the less likely there will be health issues.

Dane puppies should NEVER be fed a puppy food of any kind not even large breed. The protein and calcium levels in these foods is too high. A Dane puppy should not have a food over 24% protein.

Danes aren't as big of an eater as people think as long as they are fed a good quality food.
Danes (as do all dogs) need obedience training right from the beginning. They are smart, easily trained and very people oriented. They are NOT outdoor dogs. Because of size they have problems regualting body temeprature in very hot or cold weather.
They grow very fast to start often gaining as much as 5 # a week. Growth usually levels off at @ 7-9 months and grows more slowly after.Danes can grow in height up to age 2.They fill out anywhere from 2-3 years of age.
It costs more for heartworm prevention and flea prevention then it does smaller breeds. It also costs more to spay/neuter.

I recommend a book The Great Dane Model of Nobility by Jill Swedlow for anyone considering a Dane. It gives a very real honest, informative veiw of Danes pros & cons as well as what to expect, how to find a responsible breeder, etc. It is a must have book for anyone novice or experienced to have in their library.

Prices range from $500 to over $1000 depending on area of the country and color. Pups from the harlequin, mantle or blue family are usually more expensive then fawns, brindles and blacks . Be aware that while any color is registerable as long as the parents and litter are registered that the only recognized colors are harlequin, mantle, black, blue,fawn,brindle.....all other colors are mismarks. There are also no "rare" colors in Danes so don't fall for any breeder advertising "rare" colors. Also don't buy from breeders who breed delibrately for mismarks or outside the color families.
Go to the GDCA site (Great Dane Club Of America) and it wil lalso give you a wealth of very valuable info.

Answer 2

Theres lots to say about a Great Danes....They make wonderful pets they are so much fun and very loving. Price can vary from 100 to around 1000 depending on the breeder. The one thing with large dogs like that you have to be very careful feeding them. If they grow too fast they will have alot of health problems with their hips and legs. a good regular dog food is best. As with any large breed there is a high risk of health problems but if your breeder can show you the parents and maybe some back ground on the health of others in their family tree that will help. One thing to watch out for with the great dane is they are very playful!! and being so large you might not come home to find your favourite shoe chewed up it could be your favourite couch!!! They are wonderful dogs just be prepared of you decide to get one. they love to play and grow fast. Be sure to basic obedience training while they are young!!!!!!

Answer 3

The Great Dane is a gentle giant. Dignified, kind, sweet and affectionate, it is playful and patient with children. It loves everyone and needs to be around people. The Great Dane does not bark much and only becomes aggressive when the circumstances require it. A steady dog, responsible and dependable. Brave and loyal, it is a good watchdog. Because of his giant size, the Great Dane should be thoroughly obedience trained when young so it will be manageable when fully grown. Teach this giant dog not to lean against people, especially children. Some individuals are dog-aggressive, especially with same sex dogs. It is good with other dogs if it is raised with them from puppyhood. This breed may be slightly difficult to train.

Answer 4

I had one when I was 12. My dad got it from the animal shelter. Her name was Dutches. One thing. They grow to be huge and they eat a lot. I remember my dad filling up a huge skillet, the ones you deep fry fish in, full of food, and sometimes it was not enough for her. Her personality was good, and she loved to play. Not good with small children if they are not trained as they, like other dogs will run and jump on you when they are happy to see you. Ok for small dogs, but Dutches use to knock me down when I got out of school. All in all a great dog.