I'm thinking about adopting a great dane...any advice?

Question

Since I first came across the breed i've been in love with them. My family got our first dog when I was 8 and we've had one ever since. I have lots of experience with dogs. I just graduated from college and am going to be living in an apartment by myself. I'm looking into getting a great dane mostly to keep me company and also to be protective if necessary. I know the breed isn't usually aggressive which is good since the dog will be around many different and new people. I haven't had extensive interaction with the breed but have done some research online. I'm just looking for more information from owners as to what to expect. I know they make ok apartment dogs since they have slower metabolisms and sleep alot. Are they vocal dogs in general (even though I know there are exceptions to every generalization)? I'm also thinking of feeding a raw dog food diet in the morning and dry kibble at night. Any guidance on this? Thanks!

I said adopt because I am looking at ADOPTING a dog from a rescue place. I don't want a puppy since I will be working during the day...it's not fair to me or to the dog. If I have a puppy I want to be there for it. Thanks for the advice!

While I know larger breed dogs are going to be more expensive to feed I also know that great danes eat less per pound of body weight because of their slow metabolism (not that this matters when you're buying food). Concerning my apartment, it was on my list of requirements that the place would allow me to have the dog. I have checked with the complex where i'm in the process of signing a lease on and they do allow great danes so that's covered. I'm not moving in until September and wasn't planning on adopting until October or November. As far as exercise, I'm planning on giving the dog a daily walk and a visit to a near by dog park at least once a week. During the summer my family spends the weekends at a private lake where we have acres of fenced in land where the dog will be allowed to roam free (with a watchful eye). There will also be other dogly company here including my families 2 1/2 year old black lab, my older brittany who lives with my parents and other random friend's dogs.

Answer 1

I had my first great dane in an apartment. She was well suited for it because she was about 4 years old and relatively calm. I walked her every morning and night (shorter in the morning, longer at night) and she did fine. I also gave her off leash time at least a few times a week in a fenced area. The only problems were if I got home later than usual, she would inevitably destroy something, like a remote. If you dog proof before leaving in the morning and leave like a kong with frozen peanut butter inside you should be fine. I suggest meeting dogs in rescue and getting an older one, past the 3 year mark so that it is nice and calm and you know what you are getting. At that point, you will know if it is a barker or needs extra exercise. Also, be willing to get one with allergies or something since you are willing to do a raw diet. I don't suggest mixing raw and kibble, pick one or the other. I feed raw with my 3 danes and they are incredibly healthy. Just do some research on it. Good luck!!!

Answer 2

Adopting a Great Dane can be a wonderful thing...however some considerations..do you have time to take it to obedience classes (these are a requirement for ALL dogs but extremely important for a giant breed)? Do you have time to take them for walks,play time, etc? Are you prepared to handle any "baggage" a giant breed adoptee comes with?

Also Danes aren't as big eaters as people think they are if they are fed a good quality food and not one of the cheap store brands..
As for feeding either stick with an all raw diet or an all quality kibble diet..don't mix the two. (raw doesn't cause parasites or any other nonsense, but it does need to be done carefully so the diet is balanced correctly.
Dane metabolisims aren't that slow by the way and they don't necassarily sleep a lot either. Danes do NOT require a lot of exercise as adults either.
Danes as a rule are not barkers, when they do bark it is a big bark, lol.

I would suggest getting the book The Great Dane Model of Nobility by Jill Swedlow..It is very informative.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Hi Katie,

firstly I would say you have gone about this the right way...not just bought one and then find problems you didn't expect.

Although they are big dogs (O.K. VERY big dogs!) they do seem to enjoy apartment living and are not (generally) over excitable dogs, unlike many smaller breeds, that fly round your apartment breaking everything in sight. That's the good news!

The (possible) bad news is that they need, really need, a LOT of excercise, although they do lie around a lot when inside, they only get to that state by exhausting themselves on long walks/runs...so be prepared for a lot of walking yourself.

If you are O.K. with that, there is the cost...feeding does tend to be expensive, they are big dogs and have big appetites, so make sure you have sufficient funds to ensure he/she gets enough to eat (or else YOU may be on a diet!)

I wouldn't recommend a raw meat diet for any dog as parasites can and do get carried in raw meat (and vet bills are expensive) take advice on this from a vet, who will advise the best possible diet for the dog in question.

They do, as a rule, bark (VERY loudly) when people ring your door bell but they are not, generally, very good watchdogs, and would quite likely sleep through a burglary! (Though if they could be seen it may well prevent an intruder from intruding!) They, thankfully, are not 'yappers' and generally will not spend all day barking at real or imagined threats to you home. Yet when they do bark it is a very deep, full and impressive effort.

As you have discovered they are reputed to be good around children (though ensure that any children are good around them! No 'tail pullers', 'ear pullers' or tormentors wanted, thank you)

Like any dog, once you have built up a relationship, you will have a loyal and faithful friend, who is very likely to protect you with enthusiasm should you be threatened.

They do like company, though, and if you go out to work, you may find things get chewed while you are away (sofas, chairs, etc. may not be there when you get back-only joking!) if you are with them every day, you won't have that problem and they are far from the worst offenders anyway.

Enjoy you new friend, and good luck with him/her. Be prepared to put away a little money each month to cover possible vet bills, or take out an insurance to cover.

One other slight 'fault' (though no problem to the lovers of the breed) is that, like most 'soft-sided' mouth dogs, they often are prone to 'dribble' and you may face trails of slime when they jump up to greet you. They are not particularly bad for this, but it does occur.

Cheers,

BobSpain

Answer 5

ok first you have to get very familuar with that type of breed and you also have to know all its needs since you wont be there for him 24 / 7 , you should reserach its behaviour mabe you should get the dog after your moved in your apartment so you know how much room it has and stuff also you should ask if u are allowed to have a dog in that apartment some people dont allow big animals , when you know your ready for a dog and you yourself is settled in mabe you can get your pet to settle in too.

Answer 6

I recommend meeting some breeders at dog shows...get to know their dogs. Great Danes can have a lot of medical problems if not purchased by a reputable breeder... severe bone defomaties is just one of the many problems.

They are active dogs and will need to have access to a dog park if possible. They are good apartment dogs, and tend to bark when someone comes to the door.

PLEASE do not feed raw. I have seen too many intestinal issues with dogs who eat raw food as some contain bacteria that the dog (just like humans) cannot handle. If you do decide to still feed it... please talk to an holistic vet who can guide you for nutritional value as well as rep. companies who sell pakaged raw food.

Answer 7

congrats on being smart enough to know not to get a puppy & to want to adopt.

most apartments are not going to allow a giant breed dog so that will have to be your first concern. they usually have a 25# or less limit

first on your list should be obedience classes.

read all you can about bloat

Answer 8

I have never owned a Great Dane. I have a friend that has 2 Great Danes. First they are more like a horse..lol...wow they are big dogs. They are so laid back, never bark, very good with kids. Good luck

Answer 9

great Danes are great cause not only do they get huge they are very playful and they are very fun to walk around the neighborhood they love to swim but be careful they get very hyper and can run i mean RUN so make sure that you often go outside to walk even to the mailbox good luck

Answer 10

Ok,explain to me why it says adopt and you are purchasing it.
Hello!ADOPT IS NOT THE SAME THE BUYING!