Buying a Great Dane? Or thinking of buying a Great Dane? How exciting! This page is intended to provide some general information for the potential Great Dane owner. We could not possibly cover every aspect of this wonderful breed so specific details are best discussed with the breeder with whom you are considering the purchase of a puppy/dog. There are however, some important points we would like to share with you:
• Great Danes are giants in the dog world. That means more food, more exercise, and more expensive veterinary costs. Be sure you can afford to keep a Dane in good health!
• As with any dog, regular exercise and training is important. With large or giant dogs, it is essential. These dogs grow very quickly and investing the time to socialize and train your puppy while they are young cannot be overstressed An uncontrollable, unruly or poorly trained 150lb dog is a disaster waiting to happen. Some excellent books on puppy rearing are available:
– How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With (Rutherford & Neil), Alpine Publications, 1992.
• Like many other purebred dogs, Danes come with their own set of health risks. One of the most common (and most dangerous) is bloat. Bloat is also known as gastric torsion, a condition in which the stomach fills with gas, twists and is unable to escape. This is a life-threatening condition and every Dane owner should be aware of the signs of bloat, as well as the precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of this happening. Not all Danes bloat, but it can happen with any bloodline if the conditions are right. Please see these links for valuable bloat information that every Dane owner should have:
Bloat in Large Dogs and Gastric Torsion in Dogs ( both highly recommended reading)
• Danes have critical growing periods. These are stages in their lives, usually within their first year, where their nutritional needs must be met if the dog is to achieve his full potential. Skimping here will result in a poorly matured dog.
Not frightened away yet? GREAT! Because Great Danes are one of the most people-oriented dogs around. They make excellent companions! They have a gentle and pleasing nature with a proud dignified bearing. You should know up front that Danes thoroughly enjoy their creature comforts and will happily take over the couch if permitted!
Want to learn more?