Great Danes?

Question

I love great danes and am considering owning one. Anyone who has a great dane/has had one can you please pass on some helpful experiences? I have learned a lot about this breed-it's size, feeding, excercise, etc. Also, I have a small beagle who is very friendly. Are there goign to be any problems? Lastly (your opinion) what do you think of the names Dolce or Solstice? (I know I need to meet the personality of the dog first, am just getting an idea first). Thanks a bunch

Answer 1

The best places for you to gather info on Great Danes is
http://www.gdca.org
http://www.danesonline.com Visit the forums.. Read forums on how to search for a breeder. Your dog will not necessarily be all a Great Dane is supposed to be if you do not buy one from a reputable breeder. Take notice of all the thousands available from back yard breeders as compared the difference in quality you will see on show breeders web sites. Go to shows, talk to breeders. Take your time, know what you are getting, know WHO you are getting from. Choose a very knowledgeable breeder who will offer a lifetime of support and can answer ALL of your questions. Choosing a name is all well and good but is putting the cart slightly before the horse.

Answer 2

I second everything Freedom said. Also a well bred Dane is less likely to have any health issues.Just because it is a Dane and a giant breed does NOT mean it automaticly will have health issues or a short life span. Well bred Danes have an average life span of 10 years (the same as Lab or Golden) and many live well into theri teens. The key is to buy from a responsible, ethical breeder not a BYB/Mill, pet store, etc.

I've owned Danes for over 25 years and haven't had any genetic health issues with any of the Danes I've owned including the rescues. The Danes I bought from breeders were carefully screened for breed standard, health, longevity, temeprament.

In addition to the links Freedom gave yuo I recommend the book The Great Dane Model Of Nobility by Jill Swedlow. This is a very well written very informative book. It has a wealth of knowledge.

Answer 3

We have had danes in our family since before I was born. They are a wonderful breed of dog. They are very loving and good with children (although their size makes them a bit dangerous around small ones.) They think they are human and will lay on your bed or lounge on furniture or even try and sit in your lap. Their tails often knock drinks off tables, hit men in a sensitive area, or swat my brother in his eye when he was a child :) They usually get along great with other dogs. Some of them like strangers more than others. I had some that would bark at anyone with a certain trait (red hair or glasses) or color of skin (not a very good thing to have happen...) The real drawback to danes is that they suffer from a lot of health problems. They have short life spans. And the vet bills from all the problems can really add up. But don't let that stop you! They are great dogs!

*And I think those names are wonderful....Dolce is perfect since a dane will be a real *sweet* heart.

Answer 4

I would love to explain to you about the breed of great danes.I am 38 years old and have owned great danes all my life. I have been a breeder for 5 years and with no help from the great dane club of america. If you are looking for a full blooded great dane you need to find a breeder that wants to take the time to speak to you and not push you into anything that you are not comfortable with.In your search do not go buy the highest price for the highest quality,great dane club of america wants you to go to a show and talk to breeders that would be like throwing you into the lions ben.If you would like to talk to me email me at [e-mail]

Answer 5

Should not be too much problems between the dogs but you may have to correct a dane pup as it is growing as he may get playing to rough not realizing his size, if you are planning on getting a pup from a breeder make sure to find a breeder who health screens they have serious health issues you don't want a pup with a family history of bloat or bad hips you don't want to be carrying and lifting a 4 year old 160 lb dog up and down stairs or to get them into a vehicle a good breeder will be doing CERF and OFA testing to avoid gentic health problems in their dogs

Answer 6

I have a 4 year old Dane and his sister is a 8lb Jack Russell. They love eachother so much. When they wrestle my Dane always lies down to her level. He knows better because she is the boss. My suggestion to you is to spend as much time as you can with him. Take him for rides and walks as much as possible. I have 2 of the most well behaved dogs becaused they are with me everyday, all day. Good luck. Danes Rule!!!

Answer 7

i like ghe name tiny for a big dog lol, try to introduce them a little at a time first on leashes and just let therm get close enough to smell eachother. then keep them seperated with like a little gate but let them be able to see and smell eachother through it. then after a couple weeks put them together with SUPERVISION. and always watch so neither of them get to aggressive. and then take it from there, make sure they TRUELY get ALONG befroe leaving them alone together. i would get a Great Dane puppy, its easier to train a puppy.

Answer 8

well i own a 5 month old great dane pup his name is kane he's harlequin colored
they need a lot of exercise
gotta get regular health checkups
since they are a giant breed they have a risk of bone cancer.

Answer 9

jodecodanes.com they breed and sell wonderful pups to approved homes only.