Any Great Dane owners out there?

[Wazzo]

I would love to talk to any Great Dane owners out there!

I used to work as an RVT, so I know the health problems that can be associated with the breed... and the cost!

I read the other day that the average cost for raising a dog for its entire life is about $7,000. I was curious as to what this total would be for a Great Dane... I expect it would be higher... more food, more everything!!

I want to make sure I can spoil my dog before I even get one! I don't love the insurance plans for pets... I worked with them first hand in my career as an RVT, and I wasn't impressed.

Thanks for any info!!!

 

[Wazzo]

BUMP!

 

[pat fan]

We don't have one, but my SIL has had 4. One dropped dead for no apparant reason, the next one they got rid of because it was mean, the next got hit by a car and died and the current one is mean.

I don't mean to put you off Danes by saying they're mean. I think they got mean because of how they were treated. My SIL and her H are not the worlds nicest people and have 0 concept of how to treat animals ( or children for that matter). They also had a chocolate lab with this last Dane and got rid of it because it was mean. I guess they are hoping the Dane will be ok. I don't know, I don't talk to them.

Get a Greyhound, they're awesome!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I read the other day that the average cost for raising a dog for its entire life is about $7,000.

That seems LOW to me. Especially as the dog ages and needs increased veterinary care, medications and surgeries. I spent nearly that in the last two years of one of my dogs' lives when she needed multiple surgeries.

Dogs are a big expense, but worth it (Not unlike Disney, I guess ).

 

[Chuck S]

A friend of mine has 2 Great Danes. Or rather, two lap dogs the size of horses.

 

[simba928]

My uncle has a great dane. His vet raises Great Danes and the vet said that my uncle's is the biggest he's ever seen. This dog is like 2 inches shy of the world's tallest dog. He (the dog, that is) likes to drink out of the kitchen sink, but he has to bend down to reach it. He is one big horse of a dog.

 

[AprilShowers]

I grew up with Danes, but I didn't take care of them so I can't give you much advice. What I do remember of them though is if properly cared for and properly trained is that they are known as the gentle giants.

Danes are big dogs who don't know they are big. They think they can sit on your lap, and like to sit on the couch and put their front legs on the floor like humans sit! It's pretty funny! They are very gentle with children (if trained properly and if you get them from a respectable breeder)
NO PUPPY MILLS!!!! You must be very careful where you buy your dog from. There are lots of people who are only in it for the money and will not be careful about how they breed the dog.

Careful breeders will check for hip problems which Danes are prone to. PUPPY MILLS don't give a crap and doom the dog to a lifetime of pain and an early death. Oh and a great big vet bill for you.

If you think you are getting a good deal on your dog, you are probably getting a problem. Contact some breeders and get references.

There is someone here on the Disboards who has a Great Dane cause I've seen it on his sig picture. You'll probably get lots of advice there.

Also, there are message boards devoted to Great Dane lovers. I'll look for the link and try to post it later.
Good luck!

 

[AprilShowers]

www.danesonline.com

 

[Jynohn]

I have owned Great Danes all my life, and also do volunteer work for Great Dane rescue. They are known as "the heartbreak breed" because of their short life spans (average life expectancy is 7-10 years) but I would rather spend 7-10 years with a Dane than 15+ with any other breed. I think they truly are the most loving, and most gentle dogs around.

Since my husband is away a lot with the military, I love having my girl, Cricket, around because her size and bark is so intimidating. Yet I never have to worry about her being aggressive. In all honesty, a robber could walk right into my house and she would probably lean on him and beg him for a cookie. All the kids in the neighborhood love her, and she is so patient and good with them.

Danes are also wonderful because they're not a high energy breed and are just as content to lie at your feet than to run around outside. My biggest problem is that she will follow me around the house literally wherever I go. Danes love their families so much and if you're looking for an outside dog, or a dog that is independent, then a Dane is not for you.

Danes do have their share of health problems, bloat and heart problems being the most serious, so it's important to do your research both on breeders, and on proper care and feeding. If you have any questions at all, PM me and I'll be happy to talk more with you!