Should I get a Great Dane?

Leopard Tortoise Lover 16199

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Ever since our little Sammy (chihuahua, Pom, pug mix) passed away, we have wanted a dog. I have an 8 year old female cat "Ducky," a 4 year old male guinea pig "Butterscotch," and 2 hatchling eastern box turtles "Sugar and Sapphire." We are considering getting a Euro blue Great Dane. Great Danes are very friendly gentle giants. We met 2 at an AKC dog show last month, and they were beautiful and very obedient and smart. I know people who have danes, and they are very pleased with them. If I can't show the dog, I'll definitely do a course of obedience/agility. It would have to be a female, because of the smaller size and slightly calmer nature. It will be quite a transition from such a small dog to a huge dog, but I think a Great Dane would be a good dog for us. After researching all dogs from German shepherds to Dalmatians and Dobermans to yorkies and malteses, I've decided that this may be the perfect dog. They are sweet, active, and loyal. We have a medium sized house with a large yard and woods in the back. We frequently go on nature hikes. I know that they will take up much space and time, but I think it would be a nice dog. Are there any opinions? Does anyone have a Great Dane? Do you think one would be a good dog for me? Thanks! :)
And here are some pics of the Euro blues (slate blue-gray fur, blue eyes). They have blood lines from Europe, mostly Germany. They tend to have a more muscular, solid build than full American bred Danes.
ImageUploadedByTortForum1384021018.945226.jpgImageUploadedByTortForum1384021081.975193.jpgImageUploadedByTortForum1384021094.133895.jpg
 
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lisa127

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Lots of people seem to love Great Danes and recommend them. You're situation sounds perfect for one also.

However, and this is just my experience, I have known a couple that were dog bullies and that ended up turning me off to them. These particular dogs were great with all people and some dogs. But seemed to enjoy bullying "less confident" dogs. But again, most people love them as a breed. I also prefer a dog that doesn't weigh more than me....lol.

My vote will always be for the good old Heinz 57 though. :)
 

wellington

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I have only known a few. Have met a few more. With Danes, you do need to put the time into training and be consistent with maintaining the training, mainly because of their size. Also, you will have to house proof at the height they can reach, which are counter tops. I have met a couple that weren't very friendly at all. Then I have known a couple that were as you described. Again, with any breed, do your home work on the breeder. Don't choose a breeder for color.
 

Leopard Tortoise Lover 16199

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I am definitely going to buy from a responsible breeder. It's not necessarily the blue color I'm after, but the European bred ones also tend to have stronger bones and hips which is important in such a large dog.
 

Levi the Leopard

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My parents had Danes when I was little and I have had 2 Danes in my adult life. Both were at different times and the last was a few years ago. A female merle and then a female brindle. Fantastic dogs. Beautiful, friendly, fun and it would be the only dog breed for me if my Husband felt the same way.

Do your research on diet. I fed the prey model RAW diet. Read up about it specifically for Danes. :)

I trained my brindle with an e-collar. I love the About Turn Pager Method by Kelly Blackwell in FL. It focuses on the vibrate feature of the collar. Our results were amazing. A Dane out of control or to hyper can be dangerous. But a well mannered perfectly behaved one is such a joy.

You already mentioned finding a good breeder. So, that's a great start. My brindle was a BYB health mess with regular issues. I loved her but will never willingly walk down "that road" again.

Good luck in your search. :) They really can be amazing companions!
 

Kirin

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I have always wanted a blue Dane. They are so beautiful. Go for it!
 

Leopard Tortoise Lover 16199

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Wow! Thanks for all the advice so far. And I have heard of the raw die and I will definitely look into it. I also heard that fish oil is great and keeps the joints strong.


I meant 'diet' instead of 'die'


I'm registered in DOL now!! :)
 

Joanne

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Get a standard poodle! They don't moult or have the slobbery jowls! :p Hahaha.

If you want a dog, get one. It sounds like you have done your research and have the situation for one.

Good luck!
 

Leopard Tortoise Lover 16199

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Thank you! I actually helped raise baby standard poodles with a breeder I know. I learned how to bathe & groom the puppies. They're great dogs too!
 

lisa127

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I haven't met a whole lot of standard poodles, but the ones I have met have been awesome dogs!
 

Joanne

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I have a miniature and I love him to bits. He can be a bit naughty at times - the other day I left for work, but remembered I had left my phone up in the bedroom. I went up and he was settling himself down on our bed! Little rebel!
 

lisa127

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Joanne said:
I have a miniature and I love him to bits. He can be a bit naughty at times - the other day I left for work, but remembered I had left my phone up in the bedroom. I went up and he was settling himself down on our bed! Little rebel!

That's a bad thing in your house?
 

Sulcata_Sandy

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I grew up with Danes. Love them, but they are tragically short lived. A 4 year old Dane is considered geriatric, and few live past 7. My mom is a Dane fanatic, but after our last one developed a genetic neurological disease and died at age 5, we stopped with the Danes. I switched to Greyhounds, and I've had 9. Longer lived, healthier, and so sweet and gentle. Amazing clean, lazy house dogs.
I now have Basenjis and most of the grand/great grand parents behind mine live to be 17-18. YAY!

I won't discourage you from the amazing Danes, but do your research, get OFA certificates proving health testing was performed and passed, and more than just hips. Look for eyes, elbows, patella, and any genetic testing required by the parent club. Ask about incidence of GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volulous), cancer, temperament (many crappy BYB Danes with skittish and even dangerous temperaments...breaks my heart idiots ruined my breed).
Most of all, ask about longevity. Does that line love closer to 9 vs 5-6?
My 9 year old basenji girl is still actively showing, field trialing, and can outrun most of the youngsters out there. She is far from geriatric. [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]
 

kathyth

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Absolutely! No reason not too!
[SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]
 

Leopard Tortoise Lover 16199

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Sulcata_Sandy said:
I grew up with Danes. Love them, but they are tragically short lived. A 4 year old Dane is considered geriatric, and few live past 7. My mom is a Dane fanatic, but after our last one developed a genetic neurological disease and died at age 5, we stopped with the Danes. I switched to Greyhounds, and I've had 9. Longer lived, healthier, and so sweet and gentle. Amazing clean, lazy house dogs.
I now have Basenjis and most of the grand/great grand parents behind mine live to be 17-18. YAY!

I won't discourage you from the amazing Danes, but do your research, get OFA certificates proving health testing was performed and passed, and more than just hips. Look for eyes, elbows, patella, and any genetic testing required by the parent club. Ask about incidence of GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volulous), cancer, temperament (many crappy BYB Danes with skittish and even dangerous temperaments...breaks my heart idiots ruined my breed).
Most of all, ask about longevity. Does that line love closer to 9 vs 5-6?
My 9 year old basenji girl is still actively showing, field trialing, and can outrun most of the youngsters out there. She is far from geriatric. [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

I'm so sorry to hear about this. It's sad that some of them die at such a young age. My dog died at age 5 in August from kidney failure (it was so sudden and unexpected, and our vet believes it to be a result from Lyme disease gone undetected). It is terrible to lose a dog that young. I know that if I get a Great Dane, I will have to make sure I buy from a breeder with all the appropriate health and temperament checks.
 

lisa127

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Yeah, I forgot about the short life spans. A family near me always keeps Great Danes. They've never had one make it to age 10.
 

Leopard Tortoise Lover 16199

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My dog was a chihuahua/Pom/pug


It's sad they don't necessarily have long life spans. But we can do everything possible to promote good health, like diet, exercise, bloodline evaluation and health screenings. They require extensive research into the health and nutrition of giant breed dogs.
 
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