Great Danes....

[Zman86]

Has anyone here ever owned one? I've been thinking about getting one for a while now. It has to wait until I move out, but I've been thinking none the less. Just looking for opinions on the breed. I've had cats all my life, and I love them, but I want something thats a little more responsive to attention, as cats tend to be quite uppity, plus you cant walk a cat. I know they tend to have stomach issues, heart issues, and dont have a very long lifespan, but a customer at work brought her great dane in and I got to sit with him for a while, and that sealed the deal, he was the sweetest dog I've ever met. There are a couple things else I'd like an opinion on. One is the cropping of the ears, I personally think they dont look right without their ears cropped, but to my understanding, it is not widely practiced anymore. There really is no advantage to cropping besides looks. And two, when I do move out, I will be living on my own. I've never had a dog before, and I'm wondering what exactly do you do with a puppy while your at work for the day and no ones around?

Post pictures if you have them too!

[Rebel1]

Cropping is not widely practiced anymore, and many breeders forbid it. With regard to what you do with the puppy while at work, the same as any dog, once they are old enough the best thing to do is put them in a crate. This is not inhumane. They love it and you will too. As for the breed - they are wonderful, but we would never do it again. the sheer size, and amount of slobber is overwhelming. Everything costs more, a dog bed, a crate, the size of car you need to transport them, kennel fees, Vet bills. Wonderful wonderful animals ... but more than a handful. We are now Boxer owners, and on our second - as they too have a short lifespan.

[Rebel1]

One other thing ... if that's your plane in the Avatar ... you will have a hard time getting a full grown Dane in the plane with you. We own a BeechCraft Musketeer and take our Boxer everywhere with us. At 50 pounds she fits in the cargo area well, and doesn't hinder my payload or W&B much.

[Ed Rooney]

No reason to get a puppy when there are thousands of adult (and puppy) great danes out there who need a home. Get a rescue dog!!

http://www.gdcc.ca/rescue.html

[SLRdude]

I have a friend that has two.
Very docile dogs.

[Brunotheboxer]

I've heard of Great Danes getting food down from the tops of refrigerators. Too big for me but the people that I've talked to that have them love them much. I've heard thay can have numerous health problems so you should look into that before you buy.

[B Square]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

No reason to get a puppy when there are thousands of adult (and puppy) great danes out there who need a home. Get a rescue dog!!

http://www.gdcc.ca/rescue.html

X2...plus the adults are probably out of the chewing stage, may have already been spayed or neutered, house broken, and will be forever grateful for a new life What ever way you go, they are wonderful companions but do need a strong pack leader just for their enormous size. They are just big babies Be sure you get a big shovel cause you're going to need it for all the poop And no cropping please

[ippon20]

I've had great danes before. Although I loved them more than anything, I won't own another one for the simple reason that they just don't live long enough. Both the pups I had past before reaching 8 and both from Gastric Bloat. Each time was just heart wrenching. Neither had cropped ears or cropped tails. Here are my thoughts on the breed.

Pros: Very docile, Kid friendly, friendly with other dogs, intimidating (I would let my wife walk at night with one).

Cons: Short life span, tend to not know their size as adults, if you keep the tail prepare to be whipped every now and then, VERY awkward puppy stage (clumsiness), LOTS of dog food, LOTS of poop, possible bloat issues (you can get these surgically fixed during spay or neuter now though).

I would highly recommend rescuing an adult. So many people that buy the cute puppy give them up because they can't deal with the grown up version. Good luck and take your time looking around. They are great pups.

[diversified]

Getting food down from the tops of refrigerators, HOLY SH**!

[Idle Swede]

Originally Posted by diversified

Getting food down from the tops of refrigerators, HOLY SH**!

Can they open refrigerator doors because that' where I keep my food.?

[Mike B]

Our two neighbors that lived above us had a male and female Great Dane. They were HUGE !!! I've never seen a bigger dog (besides a St. Bernard) in my entire life.
I hope you have a big house if you do decide to get one :)

[Zman86]

I'm all for getting a rescue dog, but theres just something about forming that bond with a puppy that you will have for the rest of the life of the animal. I'm kind of torn between the two. Either way I go, it has to wait until I have moved out into my own house, as my parents wont allow me to get a dog, nevermind one the size of a miniature horse.

And no, thats not my plane. I wish...

[Ed Rooney]

Originally Posted by Zman86

I'm all for getting a rescue dog, but theres just something about forming that bond with a puppy that you will have for the rest of the life of the animal. I'm kind of torn between the two. Either way I go, it has to wait until I have moved out into my own house, as my parents wont allow me to get a dog, nevermind one the size of a miniature horse.

And no, thats not my plane. I wish...

That's actually a great reason to get a rescue. Most people who have adopted a rescue will tell you that the dogs bond quickly to you and even seem grateful, if that is possible. My wife and I have rescued 2 absolute winners and they both bonded to us as well as the other one which we got as a pup (before we learned about rescues).

[keschete]

I rescue dogs and there are pros and cons for every breed. I don't think I would recommend a puppy anything to someone who is not home all day, unless you have a fenced yard. Also as a first time owner, a puppy is a full time job. It is the closest you can get to having a child.

If you are new to dogs there are breeds that require much less expertise. Very large mastiff breeds like the great dane can have growth issues and live short lives. They can have many health issues. Most mastiff breeds are great family dogs and are big lovers when well socialized. But a poorly trained and unsocialized pup can eat the door frames off!!!!

I would recommend you pick several breeds that you like the looks of, like the great dane and maybe 2 or 3 other breeds. Then go to the breed rescue websites. Email or call some of the rescuers and give them an idea of your lifestyle. They can tell you if that breed would fit in your life.

I personally interview many prospective owners and some of them get told that "this is not the dog for you, but a _______ (insert breed) would be better with your lifestyle." I only have 7 permanent dogs at present. But I have had hundreds pass through my house for the 20 years I have been rescuing.

For your first dog, don't get a pup. Get a little older dog that has been socialized from a rescue group. People like me take in dogs with issues and retrain and work out their issues. Our goal is a forever home for the dog, so we try to make sure we are adopting out a dog with few issues.

These rescue dogs usually come from home where someone thought the breed they got would be easy to train or would not need training, they expect the dog to know what to do....then when the dog eats the door frame or poops all over or ruins a sofa.....they dump the dog.

Some of my best adoptions have been older dogs that were discarded and one of my adopters took a 9 year old and 10 year old min pin. She loves those dogs more than anything. They love her and are great because they don't destroy her house and both are still young enough to be active and enjoyable.

Please PM me if you have questions about different breeds. I am a fountain of info on almost any breed you want to know about and usually attend dogs shows, keep up on breed issues, etc...

Cropping has been made illegal in both Austalia and England if I am not mistaken. It has no value for a pet except aesthetics. I have owned show dogs that I had cropped. So I neither agree or disagree with the procedure. With that said, if you choose to get a puppy and have it cropped, there is a narrow window of time that it needs to be done. It should always be done by a Vet that specializes in show cropping and does a lot of crops. You should ask to see samples of the Vets previous show crops.

Cropping a large dog breed who needs a long show crop, takes a huge amount of care on your part or the dog can be horribly scarred and can have a very painful experience. You should NEVER BUY A YOUNG PUPPY WHO IS ALREADY CROPPED. This usually means the breeder did it with no anesthesia and a pair of scissors over the kitchen sink. It is barbaric. Again, PM me if you have any questions. I would be happy to help guide you, no matter what breed you choose.

Kaya

[keschete]

Originally Posted by Zman86

I'm all for getting a rescue dog, but theres just something about forming that bond with a puppy that you will have for the rest of the life of the animal. I'm kind of torn between the two. Either way I go, it has to wait until I have moved out into my own house, as my parents wont allow me to get a dog, nevermind one the size of a miniature horse.

And no, thats not my plane. I wish...

The "right" rescue dog can bond as close as a pup you have raised. I have bred and rescued dogs....

The best dog, in my opinion is a male dog that was neutered at a very young age (6 mths, no older). I like to raise pups, but again that takes ALOT of time and its like having a kid. An older rescue female would be my second choice for a good bond. Males who go a long time before getting neutered may have issues with marking and dominance.

No laughing you guys! I am serious...the testosterone poisons a male dogs brain.....and they just can't help themselves. This isn't true in all cases, but look at poor JJ...he is obsessed with cleavage.....
Just Jokin JJ

[Zman86]

Thank you very much for your insight. This is still a long ways in the future, but I'm trying to get ideas now. My biggest concern is leaving a puppy home while I'm at work, 9 hour shift 5 days a week. When I do move out I will be living alone, and its probably going to stay that way. The whole reason I'd like a puppy is for the experience of raising it, training it, going through all the ups and downs of it growing up, and knowing the final product when the dog has matured is product of all your hard work and dedication. I have no intentions on having children, so this would probably be the closest I get to having a kid, but I'm not someone who would become one of those weird "my dog is my child" people.

The health issues and short lifespan of the Dane do not bother me, but I do understand what your saying, that they are not great starter dogs. I have a long time to do my research and find exactly what I'm looking for, but I've kinda got my heart set on one of these big guys. If I cant get one though, then I wont.

[keschete]

Originally Posted by Zman86

Thank you very much for your insight. This is still a long ways in the future, but I'm trying to get ideas now. My biggest concern is leaving a puppy home while I'm at work, 9 hour shift 5 days a week. When I do move out I will be living alone, and its probably going to stay that way. The whole reason I'd like a puppy is for the experience of raising it, training it, going through all the ups and downs of it growing up, and knowing the final product when the dog has matured is product of all your hard work and dedication. I have no intentions on having children, so this would probably be the closest I get to having a kid, but I'm not someone who would become one of those weird "my dog is my child" people.

The health issues and short lifespan of the Dane do not bother me, but I do understand what your saying, that they are not great starter dogs. I have a long time to do my research and find exactly what I'm looking for, but I've kinda got my heart set on one of these big guys. If I cant get one though, then I wont.

I am impressed with your approach! Keep doing your research, join a great dane forum and get in touch early on with a great dane rescue. Even if you get a pup, they can give you valuable info. They can also tell you which breeders to avoid.

If you choose a pup, it can be an intense bond and very rewarding or it can be a nightmare. So doing your research now is the best thing. Also, buy a great dane book!

Look me up when you need more info! I don't have any kids and my dogs fill that void, but they are after all dogs and I am the HBIC!

Kaya

[cosimo]

I have a blue dane and he is the easiest dog to train Ive ever encountered. I have a long history with dogs and would recommend one without hesitation.

To someone who can properly care for one.

The need a lot of attention and bond strongly and quickly to their owner. If you cant spend time with the dog its a recipe for disaster. Cared for or not, it will still be 150 + pounds and if they get bored or act out the can cause alot of damage.

Mine is a wonderful companion, his energy level is off the chart. There must always be somthing for him to do or he goes nuts. We put him outside and consequently our backyard looks like london circa 1943.

He's dug multiple 4 foot + holes in the yard. Thats ok he likes it.

Bottom line this is a wonderful breed. But if you cant spend alot of time with it, its not fair and will go bad. Rescue a greyhound or bassett hound instead.

Also dont crop the ears, they look ridiculous if the cropping doesnt take and it needs to be done before 6 months old.

[Skullring]

No laughing you guys! I am serious...the testosterone poisons a male dogs brain.....and they just can't help themselves. This isn't true in all cases, but look at poor JJ...he is obsessed with cleavage.....
Just Jokin JJ [/QUOTE]

Yes my brain has also been Poisoned by this testosterone. I have been struggling with this condition for years.

I have a rescue boxer and she is the best dog I have ever had.

[wantonebad]

Um BTW, you don't walk a great Dane, they walk you...

[Zman86]

Its not that I cant spend alot of time with a dog, its just that I work, 9 hours a day, 5 days a week, like most people. If I'm not at work, then I'm at home, I'm not much of a going out kind of person, so the dog would have all the time after work plus two full days a week with me.

And "blue" is the color I'm after. I love it, always have.

[springer]

Great dogs. They have a short life span, 7 to 8 years. I have a friend who has owned two. The short life span is a real bummer us dog lovers.

[Zman86]

The life span does not bother me that much for some reason. 8 years is still a long time.

[keschete]

Originally Posted by Zman86

The life span does not bother me that much for some reason. 8 years is still a long time.

You are young, when you get older 8 years goes by fast. If you decide to get a pup, are you working in a job where you can go home for lunch?

That's what I did for Kahlua. I went home for lunch daily and I left him in a playpen. That way I could take him out so he potty trained easier.

[Zman86]

I have an hour lunch everyday, and where I'm looking for a house, it would be do-able to come home on lunch breaks.

[keschete]

Originally Posted by Zman86

I have an hour lunch everyday, and where I'm looking for a house, it would be do-able to come home on lunch breaks.

That's perfect! I have a dog play pen for a small dog and I would put wee wee pads down and white newspaper print on top.

Kahlua would pee in the pen and I would come home at lunch and take him on the lawn, so he would get used to going outside.

If you have the option to go home at lunch, and you are dedicated (like you seem to be) you will not have any problem raising a wonderful dog.

It is all about the effort you put in. Any breed can be trained to be an excellent pet.

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by Zman86

Has anyone here ever owned one? I've been thinking about getting one for a while now. It has to wait until I move out, but I've been thinking none the less. Just looking for opinions on the breed. I've had cats all my life, and I love them, but I want something thats a little more responsive to attention, as cats tend to be quite uppity, plus you cant walk a cat. I know they tend to have stomach issues, heart issues, and dont have a very long lifespan, but a customer at work brought her great dane in and I got to sit with him for a while, and that sealed the deal, he was the sweetest dog I've ever met. There are a couple things else I'd like an opinion on. One is the cropping of the ears, I personally think they dont look right without their ears cropped, but to my understanding, it is not widely practiced anymore. There really is no advantage to cropping besides looks. And two, when I do move out, I will be living on my own. I've never had a dog before, and I'm wondering what exactly do you do with a puppy while your at work for the day and no ones around?

Post pictures if you have them too!

Do what you prefer, but Great Danes unquestionably look much better with cropped ears IMO. Just make sure you have plenty of room for a Dane, and most importantly PLENTY of time to spend with any dog you choose.

[Zman86]

Originally Posted by Brushpup

Do what you prefer, but Great Danes unquestionably look much better with cropped ears IMO. Just make sure you have plenty of room for a Dane, and most importantly PLENTY of time to spend with any dog you choose.

I think they look good both ways, but I find cropped ears suit the look of the breed much better. The floppy ears look kinda goofy imo, but also kinda suit the dogs personality. If I received the puppy without cropped ears, I probably wouldnt have it done for fear of screwing up the aftercare process, but if a breeder offered cropping (through their vet of course) as an option, then I'd probably have it done and let them do the aftercare so I know it has been done properly. Whatever I end up with, I will be happy.

[barmy]

If you don't mind being followed wherever you go in the house, and the love that they show by sitting on your lap whenever they can or leaning against you when your standing, you can't go wrong. The only issue I see is the heartbreak when they past at an early age.

Now if you want a really big dog try a crose Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound.

[Zman86]

Hey, another Hamiltonian. Sweet.