A lot of people think that owning a Great Dane will make their life complete. Even though it may come to be one of your best decisions, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into first. So, what do you need to know about Great Danes before adopting one?
There is so much to know about Great Danes before you set your mind to adopting one. For one, Great Danes are very agile dogs and need a whole lot of exercise. They are also prone to many health issues, including bone cancer, heart disease, and hip dysplasia. Furthermore, Great Danes drool a ton, and you must be prepared for all this before adopting one.
In this guide, we will share everything you need to know and consider before deciding whether a Great Dane is the right breed for your family!
Is it a Good Idea to Adopt a Great Dane?
Of course, this is the first question that comes to mind when you begin considering a Great Dane. However, there is no direct answer to this question as the answer will depend on several factors that vary from person to person and household to household.
Great Danes are big and need a lot of exercise. They also drool a lot and have health problems too. If this is not for you, then maybe one of the other breeds would be better instead!
However, there is no denying there are plenty of things to love about this breed if you are prepared to take care of them. That being said, be sure to stick around as we reveal everything you should consider before determining if this is the right breed for you!
Are Great Danes Good for Beginners?
While it may surprise you, Great Danes are, in fact, among the top dog breeds for beginners.
The Great Dane, also known as the Apollo of dogs, is perfectly suitable for those who are new to dog ownership with little experience in owning a dog.
These dogs adapt very well to new environments, and they do not have any problems socializing with strangers. And finally, due to their loyal nature, they make an excellent choice for first-time owners who want a loyal companion by their side at all times.
Another reason this breed is often recommended to beginners is that they don’t bark excessively and make excellent watchdogs due to their large size – even if they’re extremely friendly and keen to meet strangers!
If you like spending time at home relaxing with your pet, this is the breed for you. Great Danes do not need frequent attention from their owners; they only need daily exercise and are happy to simply be close to you, even if that doesn’t always mean playing or receiving attention.
Are Great Danes Good with Children?
Are you looking for the perfect family dog? The Great Dane is an excellent choice. He is one of the biggest breeds, but he is also gentle and friendly.
Great Danes are affectionate dogs who love people. They are protective animals that will growl when strangers come to the house out of instinct, but they won’t attack unless you tell them that it’s okay to do so.
Great Danes are very friendly with children, which makes them good pets for families. They are patient animals who enjoy playing games with kids regularly, strengthening the bond between pet and child!
Plus, for all the parents reading, this could be the perfect way to get your kid off the couch and outside for at least a while every day!
Another important benefit of owning a Great Dane is its size. A Great Dane is always there to protect his family, not just with his teeth but also by simply being big enough to intimidate burglars! Most criminals won’t break into a house if they believe that the pet inside could hurt them.
While many breeds of dogs are good choices for families with kids, the Great Dane stands out as one of the best because they are very well-behaved and easy to train, especially when you start preparing them early in life (which means your kids can help too!).
They are friendly animals who will even bring toys over for your children every once in a while.
If you’re looking for an affectionate dog who loves kids, look no further than the Great Dane!
Are Great Danes Aggressive?
Great Danes are not usually aggressive. They are reserved, obedient, and friendly. They are relatively easy to train because they respond well to gentle correction.
This is because the Great Dane has a low temperament which also includes being non-aggressive. They will protect children and others in the family home.
How Long Do Great Danes Live?
One thing that may seem less appealing about this dog breed is that they tend to have a shorter lifespan than other breed options. While large dogs rarely live for too long, the Great Dane tends to have a slightly shorter lifespan than other large dogs.
Generally, these dogs have a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years, depending on their diet, exercise, family lifestyle, and genetics.
Great Danes are also prone to various health problems, including heart disease, osteosarcoma, bloat, and splenic torsion, among others that affect their lifespan. We will discuss common health problems in this breed below.
Common Health Issues
Great Danes are large, strong dogs known for their impressive appearance and numerous health problems.
Breeders of these dogs often note that prospective families should be aware that Great Danes require special care because they develop more medical conditions than other breeds.
Before you bring home a “gentle giant,” read on to learn about some of the most common health issues. We look at the various symptoms, management methods, prevention methods, and treatment options.
The following health problems are commonly seen in Great Danes:
Hip Dysplasia
This condition can cause pain in your dog’s hindquarters, leading to difficulty standing up or climbing stairs. It typically affects larger breed dogs like Great Danes; however, it is also seen in smaller breeds.
Heart disease
This occurs when there is a blockage in the blood vessels that carry oxygen from the heart to other parts of the body. If left untreated, this can cause severe health problems for your dog; early detection and treatments are crucial.
Entropion
This condition is when the eyelids roll inward because of excess skin folds around them. It causes severe irritation to your dog’s eyes, and it must be treated by a veterinarian immediately!
Ectropion
Ectropion is similar to Entropy in that there is an excess amount of skin tissue around the eye. However, in this case, the lids turn outward instead of inward as Entropion does. It can lead to chronic inflammation and infection if not attended to by a vet right away!
Bone cancer
This can occur in Great Danes, and while it is relatively rare it should be something to keep an eye out for.
It is most commonly seen in dogs over the age of 10, affecting the long bones. Some clinical signs that may indicate bone cancer in your dog are pain, lameness, or gnawing on the leg area. If you notice any of these clinical signs, take your dog to see a veterinarian immediately.
While these are some of the most common health problems related to Great Danes, there are some other ones to be aware of.
Great Dane owners that suspect their pet may not be healthy should contact an expert.
Exercise Requirements
Great Danes are very friendly dogs that need plenty of exercise. They can develop boredom and get into trouble if they don’t have enough to do. They also need a lot of food, which you should be prepared for when considering adopting one.
Great Danes are gentle giants, but they still need to run off their energy by running around or playing games like fetch with their owners.
Owning a Great Dane requires daily effort, especially with their exercise requirements. They will need at least one hour of exercise per day to keep them healthy and happy.
If you plan on owning a Great Dane, it is important to know how much care and attention he will require before taking the leap!
Also, if your schedule does not leave room to exercise your dog, it is best not to get this breed as it will be unfair and unhealthy for the dog.
Grooming Needs
Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds in existence. They can weigh anywhere from 100 to 200 pounds, and they stand 30 inches tall on average.
When people think about large breeds, it’s easy to overlook all of the daily grooming and care that is required. However, when you take a closer look at these gentle giants, it becomes clear how important their coat is for everyday life!
With such dense coats, Great Danes need regular brushing if they’re going to be kept well-groomed and healthy.
You’ve probably noticed that there’s not an extreme amount of shedding when compared with another breed. That’s because this huge dog works hard to prevent dead hair from falling out everywhere.
Even so, they do need to be regularly brushed throughout the year to make sure that they’re clean and free of mats.
Owning a Great Dane also involves regular trips to the groomers to keep their coats smooth and healthy-looking.
“To maintain their show coat, Great Dane owners should consider having them clipped every six weeks or so. This is an excellent way for them to stay clean while also looking sharp!”
However, it’s also essential for pet parents to remember that when they shave down their dogs like this, they’re removing all of that protection from the sun.
This can often put your pooch at risk for developing skin cancer later on if you aren’t careful.
For this reason, many people choose a puppy cut instead. This is a much longer cut where you leave hair on their feet, tail, and the back of the neck to provide them with warmth when they want it or protection when they need it.
In between trips to the groomer, Great Dane owners should brush their dogs several times each week. This will help prevent matting and tangles from forming that might lead to discomfort and pain.
Choosing the Right Breeder
When you’re thinking about bringing a new Great Dane into your life, you’ll need to find a good breeder to work with. This might be the most important decision you make for your furbaby!
A bad breeder can result in terrible health problems and expensive vet bills.
A good breeder will ensure that their lineage is as healthy as possible before breeding begins. They generally do everything they can to provide the best care for their animals from birth until death.
To make sure you choose a reputable breeder, know what questions to ask them during the interview process.
Some of this will depend on where you live, as laws vary between states, so there will be a few differences.
In the UK you can buy a pup from someone who’s registered with either of the Kennel Clubs or The British Isles Dog Association (BIDA). However, in the US, you’re only going to find breeders registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Another thing that might affect your choice is whether or not they give guarantees on their puppies.
“Some breeders will take back an animal if it has serious health problems and offer refunds for other issues, while others don’t.“
If a breeder makes any promises, be sure to write them down so nothing gets lost in translation later on!
Don’t forget to ask about how long they’ve been breeding dogs and if they’re still active. Do their dogs interact with other animals? Are the pups’ parents socialized themselves to make sure they’ll be friendly, or if they prefer to keep their animals isolated?
These are all things you should consider before choosing a breeder. This is because they will affect how well your new pup interacts with others once you bring him home!
You may be interested in – Can a Chihuahua Breed with a Great Dane? (The truth!)
Final thoughts
Overall, owning a Great Dane will be quite the experience! As loveable as these massive dogs may be, it is vital that you do your research first. You should ensure that they will be a good match for your and your family.
We hope this article has helped you in the decision-making process!
