I remember when I was pondering the prospect of welcoming a new furry friend into my life, the idea of a Great Dane stirred excitement within me. While now with my third and fourth Danes, I have experienced the mostly highs of owning these lovely dogs and I wouldn’t change breeds for anything. But before you dive headfirst into buying a puppy or rescuing a Great Dane, this decision requires a thorough understanding of what it truly means to bring this breed into your home. Let’s explore whether you and your family are truly prepared for the joys and responsibilities of having a new Great Dane pup, foster or rescue.

Considering a Great Dane?

When considering a Great Dane, it’s crucial to understand their unique characteristics and temperament. These gentle giants are known for their friendly and loving personalities. They often make great family pets due to their loyalty, affectionate demeanor, their gentle nature and noble stature. They are intelligent and easy to train with consistency, however, their large size can be intimidating, especially for those unfamiliar with giant breeds. Great Danes are typically calm and well-mannered, but early socialization and training are essential to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted and well-behaved companions.

You should expect your Great Dane to grow to around 32 inches/80cm (males) or 30 inches/75cm (females) at the shoulder, and weigh in at approximately 140-175 pounds (65 to 85kg) for males and 110-140 pounds (50 to 60kgs) for females. These are averages, yet the large size of Great Danes must be considered before bringing one into your family and home.

The Great Dane’s size is not just a physical trait; it also extends to their needs. There is a little bit of a myth when it comes to giant dogs, and Great Danes are no exception. While you do need to consider how large your home is with regard to where your dog will fit when they are quietly sleeping on their bed, the important thing is to make sure that you are committed to taking your dog outside to go for a walk around the block to “check the news” as a minimum, at least once a day. Great Danes require ample space to roam and stretch those long legs.

Understanding their temperament and the space they demand is crucial. Again, they don’t need huge amounts of exercise but they DO need exercise and I like to say “when they are on, they’re on, but mostly they’re off”.  Danes actually make great apartment dogs as they sleep a lot, with the caveat that they MUST have a dedicated owner who will take them out daily for at least a walk around the block and to a dog park for a good run every few days.  Some Danes do have more energy but compared to a high energy breed or working dog (such as Staffordshire Terriers, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies or Dalmatians) they do have the advantage of requiring less exercise. The important thing here is to know yourself and your family. If you can’t find the time to exercise a Great Dane (or any dog actually!) then perhaps choose a goldfish.

You must also be aware of their lifespan. As with most giants you can expect to have a shorter lifespan than many small dogs. Great Danes have an average life of 7-10 years. Having said that, I’ve known of 13-year-olds, and my current older girl is 10.5 years old and fairly spritely, but we also know that her time will be up soon. Knowing this can be both good and bad – it is something you also need to know before your go into a life with Danes.

Great Danes and Family Readiness

Involving the whole family in the decision to bring a Great Dane home is very important. Assessing the readiness of each family member, especially children, and the level of responsibility they can take on is imperative for a harmonious household with your new canine companion. While Great Danes are generally gentle with children, their size can pose a risk if not handled properly.

Educating children on how to interact safely with such a large dog and assigning age-appropriate responsibilities can foster a strong bond between the dog and the family. Of course, this depends on the age of your children and experience with dogs in general. Further you need to consider the particular personality of your Great Dane, while they are loyal, friendly, patient and dependable, each dog will have its own character to consider which will come out as you bond and it grows into the family.

Moreover, evaluating the level of commitment and responsibility each family member is willing to take on is important. Caring for a Great Dane involves more than just feeding and grooming; it requires time, attention, and dedication. Discussing the responsibilities and making sure everyone is on board with the commitment helps set realistic expectations and ensures a harmonious household.

One way to test out how your family will manage a Great Dane is to foster. This can be a way to both help a Great Dane in need of a temporary home while their forever home is found, and to try out whether your family really wants a giant dog in your family.

Financial Preparedness for a new Great Dane

Beyond the initial cost of acquiring a Great Dane from a reputable breeder or rescue, there are ongoing expenses to consider. Veterinary care, quality nutrition, grooming supplies, and potential medical emergencies need to be factored into the budget. Costs such as desexing can be planned for and therefore you should consider this fairly early in your Great Dane’s life. Regular (usually annual) veterinary check-ups and preventive care are also essential to ensure their well-being but can also be planned for a little more than emergency or unexpected illness or accident.

Great Danes are predisposed to certain health issues, such as bloat, heart problems, and joint ailments. Investing in pet insurance or setting aside funds for potential treatments can help alleviate the financial burden of unexpected health issues.

However, while they can be prone to specific health issues, being aware of these and being financially prepared, will mean you don’t have to make a heartbreaking decision because you can’t fund their recovery.

Great Danes and Health Considerations

While Great Danes are beautiful creatures, understanding the health issues prevalent in the breed is important for their overall care. These majestic dogs, like many deep-chested dogs, are prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, cutting off blood flow. Being aware of the symptoms and seeking immediate veterinary attention is vital in such cases. It is a very painful condition and can quickly lead to fatality.  When in doubt take your dog immediately to a veterinary clinic.

Additionally, heart problems, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy, are common in Great Danes. Regular heart screenings and a heart-healthy diet recommended by a veterinarian can help manage these issues. Joint problems, including hip dysplasia, are also prevalent, especially as they age. Providing joint supplements and maintaining a healthy weight can mitigate these concerns.

Training Your Great Dane and Socialization

Training a Great Dane requires patience and consistency. Despite their gentle nature, their size can make training a challenge. Early socialization with other dogs, people, and different environments is crucial to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted and friendly companions.

Basic obedience training is essential for Great Danes due to their strength and size. Teaching commands like sit, stay, and walking on a leash without pulling helps in managing their behavior. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, work well in training these intelligent dogs. It can also be useful to remember that you should treat your puppy as you will treat your adult dog. You would not expect your child to become a rational adult overnight. So it can be helpful to remember this when letting your puppy do things you will not want them to do as an adult.

Think about these things up front and agree across the family to be consistent. Harsh as it may seem, it is much easier to never let your puppy on the couch without an invitation, than to try to teach an 140lb/65kg teenager Dane that yesterday it was fine to go on the couch but today it is not. If Mum says “it’s ok” and Dad says “it is not ok”, can be a recipe for confusion and lead to bad behaviour. Setting yourself and your dog up to succeed early on leads to a happy relationship with your Great Dane.

Another important expectation to set is that everyone in the family will use the same training commands for your Great Dane – plan this in advance and agree on the same words. For example, will you use “drop” or “down”. Remember your dog shouldn’t be expected to guess what you mean when you give a command – set them up to win not to fail.

Consider early on whether you need support in your training.  There are many great trainers and training programs which are good for both you and your Great Dane, even for those who are experienced with training and living with large dogs.  It can help keep you to stay consistent with your techniques or to learn new methods or techniques.  Your dog might resist your usual methods and be ready to learn someone else’s training style.  It is well worth it to have a well-behaved Great Dane for an easy life with you.

Living Arrangements with a Great Dane

The living space should accommodate a Great Dane’s size and activity level. They require enough space to move around comfortably. A yard where they can play and exercise is highly beneficial. However, even with ample outdoor space, Great Danes are known to be indoor dogs, preferring to be close to their family. Ironically, Great Danes do make good apartment pets as long as you have space for their bed and they get a walk at least daily. Much of the rest of the time they will happily sleep with you in earshot.

It’s important to create a safe and comfortable space for them indoors. Providing a cozy bed or crate where they can rest and ensuring there are no hazards or restricted areas within the house is crucial. Making necessary adjustments, such as securing cabinets and removing fragile items within their reach, helps prevent accidents. You may find that you decide to purchase baby gates or barriers for doorways to rooms that you don’t wish to close but want to restrict your Dane from entering.

Time Commitment to Your Great Dane

Great Danes need consistent exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and activities that engage their minds are essential. A lack of physical and mental stimulation can lead to boredom, which might manifest as destructive behavior.

Dedicating time each day for exercise and play sessions is crucial to meet their needs. Additionally, being present and providing companionship is important for a breed known for its loyalty and desire to be close to its family. Personally I would describe Danes as a sensitive breed from the perspective that they are intelligent and love to interact with and please their owners. Are you ready to dedicate time every day to meet their needs?

Great Danes and Lifestyle Compatibility

Assessing your lifestyle and how it aligns with a Great Dane’s needs is crucial. These dogs thrive in homes where they receive ample attention and companionship. Consideration should be given to your daily routine, work commitments, and social life to ensure they fit well with a Great Dane’s requirements. If you plan to leave them outside with little human interaction, you will likely find a distressed and unhappy dog, which will more than likely end up acting out and causing problems.

Moreover, travel plans and the ability to include them in family activities should be considered. Great Danes often bond closely with their families and might experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.

Great Danes:  Breeder vs. Rescue vs Fostering

Deciding between getting a Great Dane puppy from a reputable breeder or adopting an adult or senior Dane from a rescue organization involves weighing various factors. Both options come with their own set of considerations. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages will greatly assist in making an informed decision.

Buying from a responsible breeder ensures you have information about the dog’s lineage, health history, and early upbringing. It also provides support and guidance from the breeder. On the other hand, adopting from a rescue organization gives a home to a dog in need and can be a rewarding experience. However, background information might be limited, and the dog may come with behavioral or health issues that require patience and understanding.

Another alternative, although less permanent, can be to foster a dog that needs somewhere while its “furever” home is being found. These dogs are in need of somewhere to live due to their owners having to give them up for a range of reasons. Quite often, if there is a really great bond with the foster family and the Dane, this can change into a “foster fail” where the dog ends up being adopted by the foster family as its forever home. This is a great outcome for everyone.

Resources for Preparing for a Great Dane

Gathering essential supplies before bringing a Great Dane home is crucial for a smooth transition. Quality food appropriate for their age and size, feeding bowls, a comfortable bed, grooming tools, leash or lead, collar, and identification tags are among the basic necessities. If your Vet has the capacity to microchip your dog this can also be invaluable for locating lost dogs, as long as you keep your contact details current.

Additionally, finding reliable sources of information, such as reputable books, online resources, and contacting breed-specific clubs or forums, can provide valuable guidance on raising and caring for a Great Dane. This site also intends to provide an information resource for you to research your new dog and its wellbeing.

Mental Preparedness for a Great Dane puppy or dog

Patience, dedication, and realistic expectations are vital when welcoming a Great Dane into your home. While their gentle nature and loyalty make them great companions, they require commitment and understanding.

Understanding that owning a Great Dane is a long-term commitment is essential. They thrive on companionship and are known for forming strong bonds with their families. Being mentally prepared for the challenges and joys of raising a Great Dane is crucial for a successful and fulfilling relationship.

Integrating a Great Dane into the Family

Bringing a Great Dane into your family requires deliberate efforts to ensure a smooth integration. Bonding strategies, such as spending quality time together, playing, and engaging in activities they enjoy, help in building a strong bond.
It’s normal for new pets, especially large breeds like Great Danes, to face initial challenges in adjusting to a new environment. Patience and consistent positive reinforcement during this period help them feel secure and comfortable in their new home.

Conclusion

Before taking the leap, it’s essential to assess every aspect of your life and commitment to ensure a mutually fulfilling relationship with your Great Dane. Make sure that you, and your family, are really ready and able to commit to owning and caring for these lovely dogs.