Great Dane facts?

Question

I'm seriously considering purchasing a Great Dane. I have done some private research, but looking here can help, too, right?

So, hit me with the nitty gritty on the Great Dane.

Looking for information from owners, mostly.

Answer 1

Great Danes can be wonderful dogs, however they aren't for everyone. They are a giant breed dog..some drool, some don't...if they don't come from responsible breeding they can have health & temeprament issues.A well bred Dane is no more prone to health issues then any other breed of dog.Also a well bred well cared for Dane has an average life span of 10 years (the same as that of a Lab, Golden, etc) Many live into their mid teens.They aren't a dog for active people since once they reach adulthood most prefer to be couch potatoes.They are very smart and very trainable.They love people.They are not outdoor dogs.They can have problems with extreme heat/cold.
Despite what a lot of people think they aren't real big eaters especially if fed a good quality food. Spay/neuter, heartguard, frontline cost more for Danes then it does other breeds because of the weight.
Be ware of the people who advertise 'rare" colors..there are no rare colors, however there are only 6 Dane colors that are suppose to be bred and that are allowed in the conformation ring...Brindle, Fawn, Blue, Black, Harlequin & Mantle.

I recommend that you get the book The Great Dane Model of Nobility by Jill Swedlow..it is the most factfilled book on Danes and has honest straight forward knowledgable info.This book is a must have for any Dane lover.

I've owned Danes for over 25 years. I've titled them in obedience and rally, show in the breed ring, have certified therapy Danes and all of my Danes have their CGC. I've owned rescues as well as Danes from breeders. I currently own 3..a 13 month old neutered rescue harlequin boy, a 14 month old fawn boy (my show dog) and a 5 year old spayed fawn girl (my obedience & rally dog)

Answer 2

Hi there,

I'm an owner of 2 danes :)

First of all, I would reccomend you only purchase a Great Dane from a Registered Breeder, these dogs are too big to have behaioural problems.

You need to be able to financialy afford to feed and care for a Great Dane, this website will assist you with the feeding requirements for a Great Dane: http://www.greatdanelady.com/

Great Danes need training, they are too big to not be trained.

In general, they're lovely dogs, who spend most of their time on the sofa, they don't need long walks but still need daily exercise.

They generally don't get on with small dogs unless they have previously been socialised with them, just the same as small dogs not liking big dogs if they're not used to them.

You'll need to understand the health complications of a Great Dane such as Bloat.

They can drool too, I have one that does drool and one that doesn't.

Life span usually turns people off this wonderful breed, you usually get them to about 8-10 years of age.

Someone here said "Great Danes are more likely than smaller dogs to get hip and back problems". That's not true, if you buy from a Registered Breeder who has hip scored their dogs and you see a Chiro every 2 months like any dog should then there shouldn't be any issues.

Answer 3

My aunt has always bred Great Danes, and I am very passionate about the breed. Gentle Giants, loyal, and protective if need be. The only downside is that they don't usually get over 8yrs of age, although...then again, my aunt's was a rare 12 years of age. They do run into arthritica and hip problems in their later years, mostly due to their size. They can be quite stubborn as puppies, and because of their awkward size, quite clutzy as well. But get the right doggie school and I am sure you will enjoy having this breed of dog. I would definitely get one if I had the space!

Answer 4

Please look at www.magdrl.org (Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League) if you're on the East Coast. We got our Great Dane from them, and there are a huge number of Danes that need homes -- every size, every age, all different colors, different temperaments. They have great links and resources from experienced Dane owners and fosters. Our dog is SO awesome! I didn't look at your profile, but if you're not on the East Coast, there are other rescues throughout the U.S.

Answer 5

Great Danes are more likely than smaller dogs to get hip and back problems. They don't live as long as smaller dogs, I think the usual is 8-10 years, but I could be wrong. You will also have to train this dog very well, as it can easily take things off counters and tables when it gets older.

Answer 6

I own a 4month old Great Dane and she's the best dog I've ever owned. She is hyper at times, she thinks she's still small and loves to sit in my lap! She is extremely smart it took us only like 2weeks to have her fully housebroke, great with kids and other dogs. Ours is somewhat protective... If she doesn't know you she's going to bark and growl... We have two very small dogs and she's very gentle with them. When we got her the people said they make great house dogs I didn't believe them thinking it's like a horse, but I was WRONG! They are great inside dogs.

Answer 7

They are wonderful family dogs, however as a puppy they are very clumsy growing into their long legs and big feet! They do have major health problems because they are an extra large breed dog most common is hip displasia.

I had considered getting one myself, but after I volunteered to foster a puppy....it was chaos with my 11 month old son getting trampled all over by this massive clutz.

Answer 8

There is way to much information for anybody to tell you all about, but I will suggest this website.
http://www.all-about-great-danes.com/
I know the people who created it and feel that they were very clear and thorough writing this info.