Great Danes??

Question

I have always wanted a great dane. I have researched them on the intrenet and books. However, I don't know anyone who has actually had them. Any owners out there want to share their view points on the good and bad of having a great dane. I am thinking of adopting one from a rescue group.

Answer 1

Be prepared for a lot of doctor visits and a huge meal bill.

We briefly cared for a Great Dane (named Cheese Danish--God knows why) and ate SO much in a day.

Great dogs, but it's just too bad that they don't have as long a life as other dogs.

....and by doctor I mean vet!!

They also have an incredible slobber range.

Answer 2

Danes are very intelligent, highly trainable dogs. They don't have any more health issues then any other breed and their average lifespan is pretty much the same as a Lab or Golden IF you buy from a responsible breeder. A rescue Dane is a great addition to a family as well as long as you rescue from a reputable Dane rescue, one that has evalauted the dogs and fits the dog to the adopter. I've had rescue Danes one of which lived to 12 years with no health issues.
Danes are not clumsy as adults, some do drool but just as many do not. I've had Danes for over 25 years and have yet ot have a drooler (except for immediately after drinking water).They also don't eat all that much if you are feeding a good quality food (which you should be anyway). If you take the time and effort to train them and are consistant in their training they will NOT wreck your house or any such nonsence. They can defiantely be taught very quickly that rough play is not allowed in the house and can only be done outside.
They are very people oriented and are house dogs, not outside dogs. They aren't barkers as a rule.Like all puppies they do go through a chewing phase and need to be supervised and given appropriate safe toys and bones to chew on and play with.

I recommend if you are seriously considering adding a Dane to your family that you get the book The Great Dane Model of Nobilty by Jill Swedlow. It is a great, straight forwrd, honest book with great info. It should be in every Dane lovers library no matter if they are new to the breed or an old hand. Unlike many Danes books out there it offers correct factual info on the breed.


*******Great Dane puppies and young adults should NEVER EVER be given calcium supplements!!! This can cause some very, very serious growth problems!!! They also do not need joint supplements unless they already have a specific joint issues ********

Answer 3

I have a Great Dane right now (he is 11 months old). He used to be VERY clumsy, although he is better... he tail is dangerous!! His whips that thing as hard as he can and it hurts!!! It feels like getting beat with a belt! He eats 20 pounds of food every week and a half. He has to eat wet food too because otherwise his bathroom time is very rough!! He takes 8 pills a day because he is growing so fast. They are calcium, vitamins, and joint medicine. After he drinks, there is water EVERYWHERE!! He has learned how to open several doors so they are not stupid.

When our couch was in front of the window, he ate the whole window casing off. He also tore up the WHOLE wall to the studs. DO NOT let them get bored!!! They need to run a lot but he gets tired quicker than the smaller dogs. If you get angry easily... I would not suggest a Great Dane.

Whatever you decide just remember the dog is only as untrainable as a lazy owner. My dog understands when I count that I better not get to 3 (like a child), knows to get on the couch when he is in trouble, and to lay on the carpet when we are eating supper... once he is a little older, I am sure he will be a perfect 'lump on a log' like they are known for. Good luck!

Answer 4

I had two, a male Silver Merle, and a female Fawn. Danes are wonderful pets...big couch potatoes. Taking them on walks can be a real trip...people stop and ask if they can put a saddle on 'em. Although they're not the brightest dogs, they ARE trainable. My boy ended up being a demo dog at the dog training school!

If you dislike slobber, a Dane isn't for you. They do eat a lot, so if your budget is thin, a Dane isn't for you. Because they're large, they have potential health problems that can cost a bundle. My boy died of gastric torsion; please learn about it, along with other Dane health issues, before you decide to adopt one.

Answer 5

They are very large and eat a lot. The biggest problem I have with mine is that he gets board really fast and has to have something to chew on. I spend $10 a week on these great big bones. If he doesn't have a bone... Then I lose furniture. One time I was playing with him in the back yard and he jumped up on me and broke 2 of my ribs. other than that he is great dog.

Just to let you know... my 1 Dane eats 50 pounds a month. and pooh's twice that.
if you really want one though, here is a great rescue organiztion www.gentlegiantsrescue.com

Answer 6

Great Danes are wonderful animals but you must be aware of health conditions. Since Great Danes are so large, they have more medical issues than smaller dogs, just to let you know. Go to petfinder.com to do a local search for great Danes. Good luck!

Answer 7

Yes I have had a couple of great Danes but I never would get one again. They were the hardest dogs to train, not real high on the intelligence list. They are just clumsy they break your house up just playing.

Answer 8

They are wonderful animals. I have heard you can have 2 in an apartment, because they sit around like lumps.They don't live long though so be prepared for medical expenses

Answer 9

They are very dumb, like dalmations and dobies and they eat a lot and the drool a lot and scare most people because of their size.