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The Great Dane is a
unique dog because of its incredible size. However,
do not let this fool you if considering this breed.
After all, the Great Dane is also a very gentle and
loving breed. With the proper breeding and basic
obedience training, the Great Dane makes a wonderful
family pet. This breed is loyal to the owner and
naturally protective of family members. To help in
understanding this gentle giant, we have gathered
ten common questions and provided answers for each.
1. Where did this huge breed come from?
The Great Dane actually has no real connection to
Denmark. It is an ancient breed, showing up in
records thousands of years ago. Germany, Greece,
parts of Spain, and Italy are realistic places when
searching for the roots of the Great Dane. The breed
is the result of crossing mastiff-type dogs with
Irish Greyhounds.
2. Is this large dog
good for a family pet?
In most cases, the Great Dane makes a wonderful
family pet. It is a naturally gentle breed and does
quite well with children. With this and all breeds,
you always want to buy a puppy from a good breeder,
one that has provided puppies with a healthy and
loving start. The best Great Dane for a family pet
should have basic obedience training, making it
comfortable around people from the beginning.
3. How big does the Great Dane get?
The Great Dane stands up to three feet tall at the
shoulder (females are slightly shorter). In
addition, male Great Danes often weigh 150 to 175
pounds, with the female weighing a few pounds less,
up to 130 or 140 pounds.
4. Is the Great Dane a good inside dog or a
better outside dog?
The Great Dane is an inside dog that does very well
in a home. However, remember, this is a large breed
so it needs adequate room. In addition, this breed
needs daily exercise to stretch its legs and work
off some energy. Remember, you should never leave
your pet tied or chained outside. Additionally, the
Great Dane should not be left alone and unsupervised
for long periods, due to boredom potential.
5. Should I be concerned with poorly bred Great
Danes?
The popularity of unusual dogs, such as the giant
Great Dane, has led to some indiscriminate breeding
by individuals just wanting to make money from
selling. You should only work with a top-quality,
reputable breeder who spends the time and money to
make sure the puppies and breeding stock are the
best around. A good breeder would be open to
questions, as well as asking you questions.
6. Is the Great Dane difficult to groom?
The Great Dane does not need extensive grooming.
Typically, regular brushing and combing of the short
coat should be sufficient, along with an occasional
dry shampoo. By providing this breed with regular
grooming, you would only need to experience bath
time about once a month.
7. What is the best way to potty train my Great
Dane?
For most dogs, we recommend crate training, which
provides the dog a safe haven. In addition, the
crate serves as a den, something in which the dog
would naturally want to keep clean. Just make sure
to take the dog out early in the morning and again
in the evening. Of course, your Great Dane should be
outside for exercise as much as possible. As with
any dog and potty training, be patient, loving,
firm, and never harsh.
8. Do Great Danes get along well with other dogs?
This breed does well with other dogs, but a good
start in socialization as a puppy is necessary. Some
individual Great Danes are aggressive toward other
dogs, especially those of the same sex. However, a
breeder who has taken time to socialize the puppies
with other dogs means a much better chance of having
an adult Great Dane that does great with animals
too.
9. How long does the Great Dane live?
Like many very large dogs, the Great Dane does not
live an exceptionally long life. With proper diet,
regular exercise, and scheduled visits to the
veterinarian, you would expect this dog to live 10
to 12 years.
10. What health problems should I watch for in my
Great Dane?
They can be prone to hip dysplasia, but you should
clear this question with your breeder before you
purchase your puppy. Large dogs can be affected by
bloat or stomach distortion, a condition that
sometimes stems from eating large amounts of food
too fast. Feeding the Great Dane multiple times
during the day may be a good idea. Watch for heart
problems as well with this large breed.
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