I'm really interested in getting a beautiful harlequin Great Dane and have been doing research for almost a year now.
I just wanted to know what people think of them from ownership, experience, or just opinions. Maybe how well you have notice them get along with other dogs, or how well you think they are to housetrain, etc.
Thanks!
2007-06-01 05:27:29 · 10 answers · asked by Ixi 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Great breed. Tons are in rescue - most often the excuse is it got to big. So Im glad you are doing your research Thank you.
2007-06-01 05:47:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My Dad used to collect live great danes - with as many as 5 in the house at one time - yes, in the house.
All of them came from great dane rescue, BTW.
Pro's -
They are truly gentle giants - getting along with just about everyone.
While large - they happily curl up on mats in out of the way corners - or on your couch - but they're not really intrusive.
They don't shed a whole lot - nor do they have a strong "doggie" smell as some other dogs may.
They're playful and charming. Great conversation starters.
Con's
A quality puppy can be quite costly.
Because of their size, they're prone to bone problems - arthritis, displays, etc.
Also, giant breeds as a whole do not live very long. 7 years is old for a Dane - although Dad's last dane died at 12 - he was truly ancient.
They do eat a lot - and should have a diet formulated for large breed dogs - talk with your vet.
Also, their dishes need to be elevated to minimize risk of twisted gut problems (to which they are prone)
And finally, when they "do" they really "DO" so get a big shovel for cleaning up after them.
But all in all, a dane is a wonderful dog.
Do try Great Dane Rescue - give a dog a home.
2007-06-01 05:58:22 · answer #2 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have know several Dane owners. They are lap dogs - they don't realize their size, very well mannered, but can be extremely territorial. All around they are a fantastic breed, the major downfall is they are seniors at about 5 years of age and live to about 8. They can also be prone to many medical issues. Although they are beautiful, will you be able to deal with this? Do as much research as possible. Don't buy from a pet store or breeder. ADOPT. search great dane rescue, I know there is one. There are 901 currently up for adoption on petfinder.com. Save a life, ADOPT. Good luck :)
2007-06-01 05:44:31 · answer #3 · answered by sherry 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Great Danes are wonderful dogs, but they generally have a short life span, 7 - 8 years if you are lucky. Their size can alos lead to health problems such a bloat (which can be fatal), heart problems and joint problems. Their size can make transporting about hard -- they are bright and usually willing but not always easy to train (manners - wise) as far as housebreaking I don't hear of problems in my classes, but perhaps it is because people would really notice a Dane puddle or pile in the house and they don't notice a Chihuahua sized one as readily.
However -- that said -- I have Boxers which can have many of the same problems, but I love them so much I don't care -- I just make sure I contirbute to health studies and the Canine Heatlh Foundation which is working on finding help for the problems
2007-06-01 05:35:19 · answer #4 · answered by agilebxr 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi, as this is your first Dane I wouldnt recommend the Harlequin/Merle/Black from Harle lines. I would recommend a fawn or Brindle. Harles come from a slightly different Dane lineage and are the most 'busy' of the Danes. Some have a Very high prey drive as of course they were bred as boar hunters. Fawns are mellower...hope this helps
2007-06-04 00:12:04 · answer #5 · answered by Adam 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Glad to see that you're spending time doing the research. Great Breed. Hard Headed and can be a handful, but overall, a real joy to have.
Look into a Raw diet.. Raw Meaty Bone or RMB.. just google it. It's not for every one, but it does the body good. don't believe me.. just look at the photo. RMB is all he's ever had. He's a pimp!
Good Luck... let us know what you go with.
2007-06-01 12:33:46 · answer #6 · answered by Roman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are wonderful, gorgeous dogs. All the ones I have had the pleasure of meeting (from 8 weeks to 14 years old) have been well mannered and sweet.
They can be hard headed so training is a definate. When you feed them ..they should get a GOOD PREMIUM brand of dog food for only 6 months. (Ensure it is specialized for large breeds - I prefer Nutro myself) then switch to adult food slowly. Because they are prone to bloat you have to becareful. Your vet can give you more info and preventative measures.
However tempermant wise.. they are wonderful. You should get one!!!
Good Luck
2007-06-01 05:33:32 · answer #7 · answered by sillybuttmunky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only drawback really are thier size and thier typically short life spans. They are usually great dogs, personality wise, but they do need alot of space. Most of them don't live beyond 8 years though, so you have to keep that in mind.
2007-06-01 05:36:16 · answer #8 · answered by Louis G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Never had one, but my great-aunt and uncle did. The ones I've met are so sweet.
The only "con" I've heard is that they tend to have a shorter lifespan than many other (especially smaller) breeds.
2007-06-01 05:39:38 · answer #9 · answered by Carol G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Remember they eat tremendous amount of food & crap almost as much !
2007-06-01 05:41:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋