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What are the pros and cons of owning a Great Dane?
06-14-2014, 06:03 AM
Post: #1
What are the pros and cons of owning a Great Dane?
I've been wanting my dad to get a great dane for a while now for a family pet because me and my brother really want one. I know they are really big but are they any additional details i need to know about?

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06-14-2014, 06:14 AM
Post: #2
 
It poos alot

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06-14-2014, 06:25 AM
Post: #3
 
They cost ALOT of money to look after. Firstly it costs alot to buy the dog in the first place but also the amount of food they eat costs alot of money because of their size
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06-14-2014, 06:33 AM
Post: #4
 
I love Danes. They are wonderful dogs. Big couch potatoes (not saying they don't enjoy a good run). The breed can come with many health problems, though, so it's imperative to but from a responsible breeder. You will pay a pretty penny for a well bred Dane. If you try getting a cheap one, you will likely pay a fortune in vet bills and have a short lived dog.
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06-14-2014, 06:48 AM
Post: #5
 
A pro would be that they are a gentle giant - a great family dog. The cons I believe outweigh the pros, however. Because of their size they are more expensive in every way - medications, procedures, health problems, emergencies, food and supplies. You and the family need to weigh all the pros and cons and consider if you can really afford a large dog. You need to plan before you fall in love with a puppy.

Add - a major con is that because of their size the life span is also very short - often living less then about 12 years.
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06-14-2014, 07:01 AM
Post: #6
 
Danes have a short life span (less then 10 yrs), they cost a lot to feed and vet care will be more for everything.

They grow fast and even if they are big, they still think and act like a puppy for the first few years. You need a lot of space for them and you need to train them from the day they set foot in the house. I would never recommend them for first time dog owners!
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06-14-2014, 07:07 AM
Post: #7
 
They really are beautiful dogs. Great family dogs.

Sadly they have a lower life expectancy than many other dogs.
They are very strong and can easily pull an adult over.
Training has to start from day one and it has to be intense.
Due to their size they can suffer many health problems that can become very costly and possibly life threatening very fast.
They love to lounge on the sofa but seem unaware of their size or weight so you can get a bit squashed, elbowed and stamped on, They also knock people over (especially children) easily.
They cost a fortune to feed and need an elevated bowl.
They can become fearful of things under their paws like different surfaces this can cause many problems.
All flea and worming treatments cost more due to their size.

Beautiful dogs but think carefully before getting one. It was a sad fact to see many silly people buying St Bernard s after the release of Beethoven because they are cute puppies and regardless of the fact they depicted very few of the cons of the breed many people went out to buy one and ended giving them up, same as 101 Dalmations. They looked great but they are hyper dogs so many taken on ended up in rescue centers.
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06-14-2014, 07:19 AM
Post: #8
 
Dad isn't getting a Dane - or any dog - if he doesn't want one.

Anything other than "they're big" you need to know? Yes, of course, plenty. This is a huge dog with a huge list of potential pitfalls. Not everyone can handle a Dane and not everyone should have one.

These dogs need space. They are not apartment dogs, they should have a fenced yard and plenty of slow easy impact exercise every day (especially while growing). They know that they are powerful and some dogs use it to their advantage - experience with training is essential.

They are prone to a number of severe medical problems, they have short lifespans, and they cost a ton to feed and vet. Not to mention a good breeder wouldn't let one go for "cheap" - we're talking a grand or more. Likely more.

Need to know more? Research. Use google, look up the national Dane club. Talk to breeders. This is not a dog for everyone and realistically speaking your dad needs to be ready for the responsibility.
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06-14-2014, 07:33 AM
Post: #9
 
Danes that are well bred have an average life span of 10 years which is the same as Labs, Goldens, Dobermans and many other dogs. A well bred Dane that has been well cared for can & often does live into their teens. Well bred Danes from a responsible breeder are no more prone to health issues then any other breed/mix of dog. They do very well in apartments, do not need a lot of space and are not high energy dogs. Regular walks & play time daily are fine. They do not need large yards to exercise in. They do need training right from day 1 because they are a big dog. They are good with kids if they are properly socialized & trained and will do well in homes with small children and other pets. They aren't that expensive to feed if being fed a good quality food. They are more expensive to spay/neuter due to size and also heartworm prevention will cost more due to size. Some medications and flea products if needed may cost more but not necessarily. It is extremely important to get a Dane from a responsible breeder or a reputable Dane Rescue. They are sensitive dogs, very loyal to their people. They are not outdoor dogs. Because of their size they are more susceptible to heat & cold . Some drool some do not.It is important to learn as much about them as possible before deciding to own one. While great dogs they aren't right for everyone.There is also a lot of misinformation out there and it is important to be careful of information sources. I suggest getting the book Living With Great Danes by Jill Swedlow. Ms Swedlow is a very experienced Dane owner, breeder, trainer & judge with well over 40 years in the breed. I also suggest joining the facebook group Correct Great Dane Info and joining the group Danes online (DOL). The more you learn the more of a well informed choice you can make as to the Great Dane being the right fit for your family.
There is a LOT of Misinformation posted in regards to Great Danes!!
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06-14-2014, 07:42 AM
Post: #10
 
Great Danes are awesome, but a lot of work
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