Great Danes

Does anyone have any experience with them?

I saw one at Petsmart and feel in love with him. I have done a bit of research and the one thing that concerns me is exercise. I would like a doggie to go hiking with me. My hikes are not long...less than two miles. I have a rather large backyard that is not fenced in but would build one if necessary. The doggie would be alone for max..five hours.

Also, how do they react to cats? I have read that they are good with cats and kids if trained properly.

I had one as a child. She was great with cats. She didn't like other dogs or adult strangers, though, she loved kids.

I will never have another large breed dog. They don't live as long, arthritis is really rough on them, and with some breeds hip dysplasia is very common. I just don't think I can handle seeing another dog go through that.

If you do set your mind on a large breed, do what you can to get an individual without hip dysplasia.

My mom rescued two. The black one actually killed a new cat they brought home, so they can only have the cats that aren't afraid/run from dogs. It was pretty awful....But it's been 4 years and he's fine with all the other cats. The brindle is great with cats and plays gently with them all the time. So I suppose it's all in how they grow up? I'd say if you get a puppy you should be fine. Also, like the other persons experience, these two boys aren't great around other dogs outside of the house. Both of them have actually bit dogs, but are both total sweethearts in the house. I have a dobie and a 5 pound Chihuahua that stay with my parents any time I'm out of town.

I wouldn't get them for jogging though. Their hearts are too small for their bodies, so they are already overworked just relaxing. My mom doesn't let either of the danes go jogging-my sis still lives at home and runs for track. I'm not sure if that's a common practice with danes, but I would think so.

They also live really short lives so you have to be prepared for that. The older of the two will be 8 this year and he's already going down hill big time. 8-10 is the average lifespan. They also have tons of genetic disorders that you have to be prepared for. My MIL bought a dane without any research and he is dying a slow horrible death from Wobblers. She's an entirely different mess of a story, this will be the second young dog that died with her in a few years because she doesn't do any research.

Onyx and Herky

^Thats sad.

When I was little my uncle and I would walk to a nearby canyon (we live at the edge of town) and walk through it. We'd take our Great Dane with us. She'd run around a little on her own, though we certainly never pushed her by running/jogging ourselves. My legs were so short back then that it wouldn't have mattered had I tried, though. we had to stop taking her shortly before she turned 8, the poor girl just couldn't keep up and it hurt her too much to try.


If you're wanting a dog that can race around with you, why not come down in size a little? Lots of boxers and rotties end up in breed rescues, or you can hunt for a proper breeder (better to get a boxer that way from good bloodlines since they, too, can have some serious genetic issues). There's also the hounds that were bred to run.

LOL...I can't race..it is more of a nice hike. I am not in the best shape but do hike. In a race, I would die before the doggie.

I am just trying to make an informed decision before adopting.

My sister had a merle Dane adopted as an adult from a shelter, and he was great with cats and all kids except teenaged girls (there must have been some sort of history there). He was a big baby (lap dog, believe it or not!) with the family, but a very conscientious watchdog.

He had a horrible time with arthritis and had to be PTS at age 8. Danes are very prone to gastric torsion, too, so you'd have to be very careful about exercising after meals, for example.

Wonderful dogs... But as mentioned they have short lifespans ( except for their native land where the ave is 14-18)and often loads of medical issues ... Cherry eye, joint issues, bloat( aka gastric torsion) are just a few ... I believe the ave lifespan in the US is up to 9 yrs

Nice breed, however, their lifespans are a deal breaker to me at this time.

Keep in mind a few things. These dogs have a lot of medical problems they are prone to - serious ones like bloats, growth, etc. They cost a lot to feed and most are lucky if they get to 10 yrs old - they have a short life span.

I'm not sure how good of a hiking companion they would really be. The dogs were used more for guard dogs on estates. Not a moutain climbing dog.

Labs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds are all a lot better suited for hiking then a Dane would be.

Also one other very important thing - you cannot feed the giant breeds puppy food of any kind - the extra nutrition messes up their natural growth and you can end up with very serious problems. I would do a LOT of research before you invest in a Dane.

I have never owned a Dane, but was involved in dog showing and obedience for many years with dobermans. I did have a friend who had a couple of show dog Danes. I do recall her always talking about not letting them get too over-worked running and playing as they got tired quickly. They are great dogs though and I remember she had cats and they were fine with them, it just depends on the particular dog's personality and age. I do know they slobber and when they shake their head, get out the umbrella . Good luck with your decision.

There are NOW puppy foods designed for large and giant breeds that have fixed the issues of yesturyear

as has been mentioned Danes cannot be over exercised and most breeders tell you light on exercise the first 3 yrs while growth is happening

We have 2 Danes and foster for a Dane rescue (I also do home visits, transports, events, and I'm on the board of directors). A healthy Dane without any joint/skeleton/health issues will be fine with a 2 mile hike. In fact, the foster we have now would love it. As everyone has pointed out, they don't live long. I would rather have 8 years with a Dane than 15 with any other dog. We've fostered 8 Danes now and most have been fine with the cats but our cats are very dog savvy. If you adopt from a reputable rescue the dogs will be fostered and many will be tested with cats. They do cost more to care for than other dogs. Ours eat 4 cups a day of Taste of the Wild food. With all the dogs we go through a bag a week. The vet costs more because most things are based on weight. If you want more info, send me a PM.

Julie

I've owned and shown danes for years they are a lovely family orientated breed if its a breed you're considering they aren't without health problems. Bloat is the main killer and there is no health test for those more predisposed to it you need to ask the breeder has there been any instances of bloat within her line as some deem it to be hereditary (but thats debateable) Hip Dysplasia is also prevailent so make sure the breeder hip scores the dam and sire although their progeny can still have HD theres a much lesser chance.
Wobblers cannot be tested for prior to having a litter only when the dane shows signs.
OCD is also a health condition related to danes again theres no test for it but it will involve major surgery if the dane has it.
Their hearts are not too small for their body that is a myth, i wouldn't have a problem doing a 2mile hike with any of mine i've owned.

Doesn't this all sound scary? lol but as danewillow said i would prefer to spend 7yrs with the breed than any other.

This pic was taken years ago they are all dead now sadly but i'm glad i got to share my life with them all each one enriched it and are so sadly missed.

Originally Posted by tillymoo

I've owned and shown danes for years they are a lovely family orientated breed if its a breed you're considering they aren't without health problems. Bloat is the main killer and there is no health test for those more predisposed to it you need to ask the breeder has there been any instances of bloat within her line as some deem it to be hereditary (but thats debateable) Hip Dysplasia is also prevailent so make sure the breeder hip scores the dam and sire although their progeny can still have HD theres a much lesser chance.
Wobblers cannot be tested for prior to having a litter only when the dane shows signs.
OCD is also a health condition related to danes again theres no test for it but it will involve major surgery if the dane has it.
Their hearts are not too small for their body that is a myth, i wouldn't have a problem doing a 2mile hike with any of mine i've owned.

Doesn't this all sound scary? lol but as danewillow said i would prefer to spend 7yrs with the breed than any other.

This pic was taken years ago they are all dead now sadly but i'm glad i got to share my life with them all each one enriched it and are so sadly missed.

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what lovely Giants you had

For those without the experience on the hip checks can you give some detail... I got the vet version which persuaded me not to get a GSD pup I was looking at ...

Tips on spotting that, other obvious hereditary health issues in dogs, and testing for various breeds would make a great sticky for this section IMHO.

Originally Posted by sharky

what lovely Giants you had

For those without the experience on the hip checks can you give some detail... I got the vet version which persuaded me not to get a GSD pup I was looking at ...

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Oh hum lol i'll try....

When you decide to breed from your bitch you take it to the vets to have its hips xrayed each breed has an average score say for instance Great Danes average score is 12 the vet xrays the dog and the pictures are sent off to be scored then you get sent the results. (both sides are scored and then added together)
If your dog is under the breed average then you need to find a sire also with a low score, obviously if your dog is well over the breed average you shouldn't breed from it and putting it to a lower scored dog doesn't miraculously make it vanish.
However this does NOT guarantee their progeny will not develop hip dysplasia its just an indication that they are unlikely to, even so you are better to buy from a breeder that does score their dogs.
Hip Dysplasia can also develop via trauma so even though you have bought a puppy from scored parents it could still develop it if you've allowed it to have unrestricted exercise or pavement pounding for instance, or took it on 4hour daily hikes!
Good quality food plays a part too, if you feed it a higher protein diet which many puppy foods are then the giant breeds grow quicker than they should which has a detrimental effect on their joints.

You could go on and on with this but thats the jist of it..

Love danes and cannot wait to get another, but the boy is not so sure about a giant breed right now. I have grown up with them and have always loved them! None of ours were too keen on long walks very often! They preferred to be on the couch with us! LOL! But all of ours were very healthy and our last was PTS at age 11. He had a problem in his neck and the pain just got to be too much.
You may want to look into a swiss mnt dog or a working dog breed! A friend has a sheltie and she LOVES long walks!

This was our last one. We adopted him when he was 3 and he had no tail! He was a sweetie, but did not like men or loud noises at all!

This guy we almost adopted. He was one of my favorite clients at the kennel I worked at.

Originally Posted by tillymoo

Oh hum lol i'll try....

When you decide to breed from your bitch you take it to the vets to have its hips xrayed each breed has an average score say for instance Great Danes average score is 12 the vet xrays the dog and the pictures are sent off to be scored then you get sent the results. (both sides are scored and then added together)
If your dog is under the breed average then you need to find a sire also with a low score, obviously if your dog is well over the breed average you shouldn't breed from it and putting it to a lower scored dog doesn't miraculously make it vanish.
However this does NOT guarantee their progeny will not develop hip dysplasia its just an indication that they are unlikely to, even so you are better to buy from a breeder that does score their dogs.
Hip Dysplasia can also develop via trauma so even though you have bought a puppy from scored parents it could still develop it if you've allowed it to have unrestricted exercise or pavement pounding for instance, or took it on 4hour daily hikes!
Good quality food plays a part too, if you feed it a higher protein diet which many puppy foods are then the giant breeds grow quicker than they should which has a detrimental effect on their joints.

You could go on and on with this but thats the jist of it..

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I think the U.S. system is different. I'm pretty sure it just goes "Fair" "Good" and "Excellent" instead of using a numerical score.

Originally Posted by Willowy

I think the U.S. system is different. I'm pretty sure it just goes "Fair" "Good" and "Excellent" instead of using a numerical score.

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I've never done the hip testing (I don't breed) but I believe this is the OFA way of rating hips while the numerical rating system is PennHip. Same thing with a different rating system. Either way you don't want to breed a dog with a bad score.

There is a guy in my neighborhood with one, and he "walks" the dog by driving down the street holding the leash out of the window at about 15mph. Probably the biggest Dane out of those I have seen in person. I imagine the owner has to pick up poops the size of my cats.