Great Danes?

Question

Hey I was hoping for some advice on owning a Great Dane. I think they're a wonderful breed and I'd love to own one myself, but I'm looking for some answers or advice from Great Dane owners or people with experience on Great Danes. I have already looked up suffiecient information on the breed, it's needs, and it's impressive size. I have a six year old beagle who is very friendly, and I'm told great Danes are great with other dogs, people,. and children. Anyway, please give me a little advice! Thanks a lot

(I just want some advice because these dogs are so big and are a huge responsibility-I don't want to get into something I can't handle, much as I love this breed).

Answer 1

Hi there,
I have a 6 month old Dane named Zeus. I also have 3 kids ages 4,6, and 8 and a 3 year old Doberman. Everybody gets along wonderfully. Although danes do get big, their hearts are even bigger. This is my first Dane and I too did extensive research before purchasing him from a breeder.
He does cost quite a bit to feed, we go through a 20 pound bag of dog food just for the Dane in 3 weeks. He eats about 6-8 cups a day right now. Along with the food there is also the vet bills that go along with it. That we have pet health insurance for, I pay about 27.00 a month for him. If something happens you pay the bill out of pocket, submit your receipts from the vet and you get reimbursed about 60-70% of what you paid out. The website is www.petinsurance.com, might wanna check into that if your thinking about getting a Dane.
You will also want to purchase a large crate, the one I have was 189.00 for the crate itself, 50.00 for the pan underneath and about 99.00 to have it shipped. Sounds kinda pricey but will last from puppyhood on into when the Dane is full grown.
Hope this helps out some.
I love my dane and will never have another dog other than a dane now that I have one.

Answer 2

they can be great dogs. training is a real must..as they get big like u said. but most are gentle giants. they have whips for tails and can clear a coffee table off. a friend of mine has 2 female one is 10 and the other is 6 (i think) 10 is pretty old for a dane. and she has 2 small kids. so the dogs where there first. these dogs are also with a male rottie and 2 female boxers i have known someone who had one for 13 years. and one for about 8yrs he was HUGE! not only in height but body wise.
they do eat a ton and need to be on a good healthy food with meat being the main thing.

never get any dog from a pet store. or from a poor breeder. u could look in to recues and shelters. i have seen many dane mixes that are still good sized. and they do end up in shelters often because ppl just want want then the cute pup goes in to a 'monster' that does not fit them or their life style.

do u have time to walk the dog daily 1-2 hours? training must start early as before long the dog will be huge. if u get get a shelter dog some have problems that need worked through though most are not horrid problems the dog just never had a leader..in most cases. i would see no problem with a dane and a beagle.
good luck

Answer 3

great Danes do pick to apply their bodies to get their way. Early education can help with this. pondering their length you need to have administration over them in any respect circumstances. Even whilst enjoying, only like a Lab can step on a Chihuahua Danes can accidently injury any canines. they have approximately 50 lbs on maximum. I relatively have a 4 month previous Dane combination and hes already a horse. He thinks hes a Yorkie nonetheless.

Answer 4

They're great dogs in my opinion. I have trained several of them. Look to a breeder for the type you want. Buying from a Pet Store is a gamble if your looking for a friendly one .

I've seen them aggressive and that's why I say you need to know the background, the bloodline.

They are expensive, High maintenance and short life span

Hope this helps

Answer 5

They would be one of the most expensive dogs to own. They eat up to 2kilos(4 1/2 lbs) meat daily. They do get problems with bones. Arthritis and bone displasure. They are as you say beautiful and friendly, if you train them well. The biggest negative with these lovely dogs is they have a lifespan of only 8 years. I guess they would live longer these days with care. Good Luck!

Answer 6

All danes are different my First was really really hyper not really good for my small kids.But I got another one and he is great with my kids.
Just visit with puppies and try and pick the best one you think for your familly if you have kids be sure to take them with you so they understand how big this puppy is going to be and not freak out about the size.
Just my thoughts.

Answer 7

Danes are fantastic dogs, their main weaknesses lie in their straight stifles (vulnerable to cruciate ruptures) and easily-turned stomach. If and when you get your Dane, make sure to consult with your vet about tacking the stomach when he or she is neutered or spayed, to help prevent the problem, as it is painful, and often fatal if not caught in time.

Other than that, I think you're in for a treat, they have wonderful personalities; truly gentle giants.

Answer 8

Lovely dogs. Train gently and early. Lots of socialization. Health wise, pretty healthy but prone to bloat (stomach twists), heart problems, bone cancers. Have pretty short life spans--4 is considered middle aged.

Answer 9

My grandfather used to own these.

Train them early and socialize them so they are friendly. The reason for both of these is that they can be willful (like any dog) and because they can get so big they can really throw their weight around.(160 lbs is nothing to sneeze at...)

My sister used to ride one like a horse when she was younger. :)

PS. Get used to pushing its head away at the dinner table as it will be lowering its head to get there, not raising it...

Answer 10

its good with children and a great companion. they need good training but other than that they are just like any other dog . good luck