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Facts



Great Dane Breed Standard: http://www.gdca.org/standard.htm

Great Dane AKC accepted Colors: http://www.gdca.org/colorcode.htm

History of the Great Dane:

All dogs are descended from wolves, having been domesticated 12,000 to 15,000 years ago. Selective breeding has produced the many different breed types of dogs that exist today.

Great Danes have a long history. Greek coins from 36 BC carried the image of a dog similar to the Great Dane. It has been called the “Apollo of all dogs.” Similar dogs were used by the Asiatic people called the Alans who invaded Germany, Italy, and Spain in 407 AD.

In Germany these magnificent animals were selectively bred to overcome bears and wild boars.
They were called boarhounds back then.  They had shorter and stouter build as German boarhounds. Eventually, around the 1800's they were crossed with Irish Greyhounds and the result was a thin, tall, agile dog known today as the Great Dane.  They were declared the National breed of Germany in 1876.

This dog does not come from Denmark.

This breed is listed in the AKC "Working Group" and is used for; tracking, herding, carting, watchdog duties and make excellent service dogs.

Wrong Reasons for purchasing a dog:

The acquisition of a dog should not be an impulsive action. Shelters and Rescue groups are full to bursting with dogs bought for the following wrong reasons.

1) Your children want one. Young children are not responsible enough to take care of a puppy, and older children have very full social lives and will soon be on their own in the world or going to college. This means that the parents will initially and always bear the responsibility for feeding, grooming, training and cleaning up after the puppy. Only buy or adopt the pet if YOU want it.

2) You are in the midst of emotional upheaval, such as a divorce, move, marriage or death, and you want a companion. Once things settle down and life becomes normal again, you may find your life has changed too drastically to be able to care for a dog. Wait until the dust settles and then decide.

3) You are giving it as a gift.  If you want to give a Dane as a gift the recipient should have a part in picking out  his/her dog.  At the very least discuss this with the recipient to be sure this is the breed and what sex, he/she wants.  Then we can provide a gift certificate for you to present to him/her so he/she can pick the pup that is right for him/her.

Dogs are living creatures with needs very similar to our own: food, shelter, love, and family. Give owning a dog as much thought as you would to having a baby, or buying a house. All these actions make profound changes in your lifestyle and you should be as prepared as possible to deal with the changes. Most of the dogs bought on impulse or given as surprise gifts are dying by the thousands every day in shelters across the country
Should I adopt a puppy or a mature dog?

This question is best addressed in 2 parts.

First, let’s talk about puppies.  Yes, we agree, “They’re so cute”.  Even so, there are a number of issues you should consider.  In many ways, adopting a puppy is like bringing a baby home from the hospital.  There is a lot of care involved and the time commitment is substantial.  Other issues to consider are crying at night, housetraining (we all know what that means), teething, diet considerations, vaccinations and related health care, and of course, training your new pet from scratch.  To be fair, we also know there is a special satisfaction that comes with raising a puppy and seeing that animal grow and mature in your care.  We simply want you to know that raising a puppy is a considerable commitment of time, love and patience.  Other considerations are the age of children in your home and the responsibilities you have to the fragile physical nature of any young animal.

If any of the above seems overwhelming, you have the option of considering a mature dog.  Mature dogs offer a number of advantages and may be a better fit for your lifestyle.  Obviously, the issues listed above are normally not a factor when adopting a mature animal.  When we say mature, keep in mind that we are generally speaking of animals 6 months or older so you have a lot of options.  Mature animals offer a number of advantages.  First, they are usually housetrained and generally don’t cry at night.  Just as important is the fact that their personality is more defined, which allows you to choose an animal that is a good match for you.  If you have an active lifestyle, consider that a mature animal is all grown up and ready to join in your activities.  A last item to consider is, if you have young children, a mature animal can be better matched to the home environment and ready to keep up with the children as well.  On the other hand the mature dog may not do well with small children so be sure you spend time with the dog around your children before deciding to take the dog home. When purchasing a mature dog you have the advantage of knowing that health or behavioral problems will have already emerged, so do research on the dog you are considering.  Ask why the dog was given up and if the dog has any history of behavior or health problems.
 

Are you ready for a puppy:

A major reason for dogs ending up in shelters is owner/dog mismatch.  Before you wonder what kind of puppy, the question you need to answer is whether you can honestly provide what the puppy needs. Then you need to carefully select the puppy so that it makes a good match for you and your family.
 

  • Time:  You need to have plenty of time to spend with a puppy. A puppy takes more time than a dog. It is a lot of work to teach a puppy all the things it needs to know to be a fun, healthy happy dog. How much time? Let's start with what an adult dog needs: The average adult dog needs you to play with it, exercise it, teach it good manners, groom it, feed and water it, and let it relieve itself. Count on at least half an hour every morning, and an hour every evening. Some dogs will take more time than that. 

    The younger the dog the more time you have to add. For very young puppies (8-10wks) you will want to take them out to relieve themselves about every two hours. That is one reason why busy people often start with an adult dog instead of a puppy.
     

  • Responsibility:  You can't forget, and you can't leave it until later. Playing, exercising, teaching, grooming, feeding and watering, and letting it relieve itself is an everyday thing. Some dogs need more of one thing, and less of another, but they all need you every single day. Your dog counts on you. Taking care of all the needs of a puppy is not all fun. Sometimes its boring. It can get old. Do you have trouble getting all your chores done without being reminded? If so, it might not yet be time for you to get a dog. Having a dog is a responsibility.

  • Patience:  Puppies are babies. They will do things that make you mad, just because they are learning. And as they grow up they act just like teenagers. They try to get away with doing what they want, instead of what you want. And adult dogs often were not properly taught, they need help learning. Being firm is OK getting angry is useless, and can make things worse. Teaching them in a way that makes them healthy and happy, instead of afraid or angry, takes patience and understanding.

  • Consistency:  Dogs don't speak human. They learn by what we do, not by what we say. So if you sometimes mean "sit" when you say "sit", and other times mean "go away" when you say "sit" don't be surprised if the dog never learns what "sit" means to you! Dogs love routine. They love getting up at the same time every day, and you coming home at the same time, and having same word mean the same thing every time they hear it. They like knowing whether when you use a word whether you mean "you must" or whether you are saying "you may". Does the word "sit" mean "You must sit" or does it mean "sit if you want to, otherwise don't bother"? The dog wants you to mean it the same way every time.

  • How to Ask for Help:  There are times when you need to ask questions. Even though you might be shy, feel silly or stupid, don't worry, the stupid questions are the ones that you never ask. If you ask, listen, and read, that is the right thing to do.

  • Cooperation:  You need help. Everyone who shares the house must feel OK about having a dog in the house.  There should be one person delegated to be "The trainer".  Everyone who shares the house must be willing to learn how to help teach the dog good manners, and not confuse the dog by using the same words to mean different things or using different words than what the trainer uses for commands. You will need help if you are sick, or if you need to be away for a short time.

  • Planning:  You always need to be one step ahead. What will change for you and the dog in the future;  will you be going away to school? going to work? changing jobs (with extended hours) and if you go away can you take the dog? if the dog can't go with you what will happen to it? 

    Always think about what comes next. Find out about puppy kindergarten before you get the puppy, find out about dog training classes before your puppy gets out of kindergarten, think about fun things to do with your dog to keep both of you busy and active.

  • Choosing:  All dogs are not alike. The dog that is right for me might not be a good dog for you. I believe that dogs that are taught good manners have more freedom and are happier than dogs that are not taught good manners. If you have never taught a dog before you will be happier taking training classes than training the dog yourself. Some dogs have short hair that needs just a little brushing, some people enjoy dogs with long hair that needs careful care every day. A short hair dog might shed a lot or hardly at all. The same with a long haired dog.

Is a Great Dane the right choice for you:

Great Danes make wonderful family pets for a household which wants a large, affectionate short-haired breed who will offer a measure of protection. They are a very people-oriented breed and need to be a part of the family. Great Danes do not do well when crated or caged for long periods or where they are exclusively outdoor dogs. They need and crave human companionship. Most Danes do enjoy a romp in the snow, however their coat is not sufficient to keep them warm in the winter, so they must not be left outdoors for long periods in colder climates.

Great Danes are loving, easy to housebreak & train, simple to groom, and of average to exceptional intelligence. Proper early training and socialization are very important. Puppy kindergarten classes are recommended, beginning at about three (after puppy shots) to six months of age. These classes should be followed with a basic obedience class.  Danes should never be encouraged to be overly protective or aggressive.  Their large size is sufficient to scare off most intruders. Their natural tendency is to protect if needed. It is the responsibility of the Dane owner to socialize his Dane properly so the dog can learn good judgment.

Although Great Danes are usually very gentle, they are much larger than small children.  You should teach your dog from day one never to jump.   Because accidental injuries can occur, even with very well mannered Great Danes; small children should never be left unattended with your puppy or dog. If there are children in the household, they must be taught the correct way to interact with a puppy and parents need to monitor correct behavior on the part of the child and the puppy.

The household considering a Dane should have a secure enclosure and preferably a large, fenced yard. Chaining, staking out, tying or allowing your Dane to roam free are dangerous and unacceptable practices.  Most Danes are not jumpers, so a five to six-foot fence is sufficient. Many growing puppies are highly destructive to landscaping, so if a beautifully landscaped yard is a priority for you, perhaps you should consider having one yard for your plants and another yard for your dog.

Temperament:

This breed is a true gentle giant. It loves people and attention, is sweet and affectionate and loves to play. The Dane is steady and dependable.

Because of his great size as an adult, obedience training needs to be started before he is six months old and continue through the first two years of his life. He also needs to be taught not to lean or jump on people, especially children and the elderly as he can easily knock someone over. A few are difficult to train, but most simply want to please their owners.

They are patient and gentle with smaller dogs and cats that they are raised with.  Some lines can be dog aggressive with same sex dogs.

As adults, they only bark as the occasion warrants. They are great watchdogs as they are alert, loyal, large, brave and they read humans very accurately.

Because of their power, stamina and long legs, they can be completely out of sight (chasing after a scent) almost instantly if allowed to run free, so make sure they obey your commands before trusting him/her off leash.

Great Danes are excellent family dogs who love children of all ages. They are patient and gentle with children. They need to be taught not to jump or lean from the first day you get your dog. They love the attention of all family members and love to play with everyone. They are protective of their family.

Training:

Great Danes should be taken to Training classes as soon as they have completed their third set of puppy shots.  Shelters are full of untrained, disobedient Great Danes.  If you have children, teach your pup from day one not to jump as your pup will quickly out-grow your child.  Owners of Great Danes should recognize that some people are very frightened of large dogs. Therefore, Dane owners need to always act in a responsible manner, keeping their Danes leashed and under control when in public places and confined within fenced yards when at home.   You should not take your Dane to dog parks, or public areas unleashed,  if he/she is not properly trained (does not respond to your commands) or socialized.

Expense:

Compared to other breeds, Great Danes can be expensive to maintain. Providing proper food, veterinary care, crate, grooming tools, toys, training classes, fenced yard, dog house and possible bording charges can quickly add up. Everything is "more" with a Dane because of its size.

Initial Items
Stainless Steel Food & Water bowls $10 - $25
Elevated feeder $20 - $100 
Grooming supplies $20 - $100
Crate $100 - $300 (optional)
Travel kennel - $65 - $125.00
Bedding $25 - $100
Toys $20 – $100
Leash & collar $25 - $45
Harness $40 - $60 (optional)
Gentle Leader TM $15 - $50 (optional)
Dog license $10 - $20
Obedience $75 - $200 for 4-8 week class
Outdoor dog house $125.00 up
Fenced yard (depends on the size of your yard & company hired)
City permits $50 - $500 (optional depends on City & State)

Normal Maintenance
Premium food for 1 month (adults typically eat 40 pounds) $30 - $50
Premium food for 1 month (puppies typically eat 80 pounds) $60 - $100
Tooth brush & tooth paste (about 2 month supply) $10 - $20
Ear cleaner $5 - $15

Vet Bills Charged by the weight
Ofc. visits..$20.00 - $50.00
Fecal..$10 - $30.00
Spay/Neuter...$100 - $250.00
Heart Worm meds .. $6 - $30.00 / mo.
Heart worm test..$20 - $40.00 / mo.
Flea prevention...$12.00 - $24.00 / mo.
Annual shots ... $30- $80.00
Emergency surgeries....$1000.00 - $5000.00
 

How big do Danes get?

The AKC Standard for Great Danes states: "The male shall not be less than 30 inches at the shoulders, but it is preferable that he be 32 inches or more, providing he is well proportioned to his height. The female shall not be less than 28 inches at the shoulders, but it is preferable that she be 30 inches or more, providing she is well proportioned to her height."

Males grow to an avg. height of 33" - 36" inches and weigh an avg. of 140lbs - 170lbs as adults.  Females grow an avg. of 30" - 33" tall and weigh an avg. of 110lbs - 140lbs as adults.  Generally speaking your pup will end up somewhere between the size of his/her Dam & Sire.  Females are usually smaller than the males in any given litter. 

Where do Danes need to live?

Great Danes should live indoors. This is both because of their short coat and their disposition. They are family dogs and need lots of human companionship. A large apt. or condo can work as well as a house, however, a fenced yard is desired.  Danes get sick just like humans, a large Dane with diarrhea could be disastrous in an apt.   When outdoors an air-conditioned/heated house (depending on your climate), shade trees, clean water & food,  should be available.  A Great Dane should never be permanently housed outdoors.  They may become, destructive, aggressive and depressed when bored and alone for long periods.

We have large air/heated houses outside for our girls, they take turns staying in the main building with the boys and us.  All of our dogs are well socialized.

How much space does a Dane need?

They need very little space, they do as well in an apt./condo (be sure they receive Dailey exercise) as they do in a large house.  "Adult" Danes sleep most of the day, they are often described as "rugs".  Although as noted above, fenced yards are desired.

 How much exercise do they need?
When living in an apt. or condo with no yard, they can be taken out for a couple of  20 minute play/running/exercise periods per day for proper muscle development and peace of mind.  Take them with you where ever you go, as much as possible for socialization and to keep them from getting bored.  Many cities have dog parks that are a wonderful outlets for Danes.

How long does teething last?

 A puppy should have all of their permanent teeth by 7 to 8 months of age.  Young puppies love to chew. Chewing serves to ease the discomfort of teething and sometimes relieves boredom,  It is also a form of play as well as a puppy's way of exploring the big new world he's fascinated with. Puppy owners should accept a certain amount of chewing, even as the dog matures. However, in order for Puppy to live in harmony with the family, his urge to chew must be controlled and directed in positive ways. 

  • Provide your puppy with plenty of exercise and play time with you. This will help prevent boredom. Train your puppy not to nip or mouth your hands. If he does, give a loud, high-pitched ‘no’ and stop playing immediately. Totally ignore him for a few minutes. Over time, he will learn that playing too rough causes the fun to stop. Don’t ever hit or slap a puppy as this can come back to haunt you in the form of aggressiveness or hand shyness.

  • Provide plenty of chew toys for your puppy that don’t resemble items that are off limits to him. Make sure they are safe and not something he can choke on. Good choices may include rawhide chewies (the crumbly kind; not the leathery kind), toys that can be filled with treats, and large rope toys. You may wet and freeze rope toys, or even a carrot, to help relieve sore teething gums. Rotate his toys so he doesn’t become bored. If you catch him chewing on your shoes or the T.V. remote, give him a stern ‘no’ and replace it with one of his chew toys.

  • Remove temptation by keeping children’s toys, valuables, garbage, and hazardous items, such as electrical cords, out of Puppy’s reach.

  • Make use of a pet gate or a crate when you have to be away but leave your puppy plenty of his own toys to occupy his time.

Hiccups:

Puppies quite commonly get hiccups.  When puppies eat and drink, they tend to ingest large quantities of air.  Air, as it enters the esophagus and stomach, tends to trigger the hiccupping response.  Hiccupping is normal and common in dogs, and especially in puppies less than eight months of age.

There is really nothing you can do for a puppy with hiccups, other than have him rest quietly until the hiccups are gone. If you find certain circumstances such as extreme excitement seem to trigger the hiccups, you can try to avoid those types of situations, or calm the puppy by placing him/her between your legs and pet him/her while speaking in a low, slow, calm reassuring voice.

Crates:

 Crates can be a health hazard for your pup if used incorrectly.   Young pups should not be left in a crate for longer than two hours.  The best crate size for an adult male Dane is 28 inches wide by 36 inches tall by 48 inches long, the foldable, wire crates work.   When using open wired crates you can throw covers over them to make them dark for easy sleeping at night.  Crates should only be used at night and for very short periods during the day (2 hours or less), travel or at dog shows.  Crates should never be used for punishments.  If you are experiencing persistent house-training or behavior problems seek a professional trainer.

 How Long do Danes Live?

The larger the dog, the shorter the life span.  The most negative aspect of the breed is a short life span, typically about 7 to 10 years. There are more and more Danes living longer (10-14 yrs) in recent years, thanks to better breeding,  disease awareness,  and nutritional strides.   We had a male that passed in 2009 at 13 yrs. old.


How much grooming does a Dane need?

Very minimal grooming is needed. Danes are short haired dogs so there is no required daily brushing, trimming, stripping etc. For bathes I prefer a tearless puppy shampoo in oatmeal or baby powder smell but there are many to chose from.  You can even use a human baby shampoo but be careful, not just any human shampoo will do, they can dry your pups skin out fast.  A bath can be given apx. once monthly, judge this by how dirty they are or by their smell as they are usually good about grooming themselves.  I do not usually bath them in the winter, especially pups because they can catch cold easily.  In the winter try using bath wipes formulated just for dogs.  Nail trims are a must as the nails can grow so long that they can break off and end up with a serious infection.  I clip the nails once every 2-3 weeks depending on their growth stage and smooth the nails with a dremmel tool. The teeth should also be cleaned (if you feed raw beef leg bones the teeth rarely need cleaning) and brush them once in awhile.   Shedding happens in the spring and fall and though not heavy, can be messy. You can wiped the coat off once in awhile with coconut oil for a sheen.  A Balm can help soften calloused elbows (provide pillows around the house for them to "flop" down on to also help prevent calluses) and rough paws.  Remedy dry/flakey skin in winter months by adding 1-2 Tbl spoons of olive oil 2x - 3x/wk. in food.

To clean a Danes ears (especially needed for Natural Eared Danes), make a 1/2 and 1/2 mixture of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. Dampen a cotton ball with the mixture and squeeze afew drops of it into the ear canal. Rub the base of the ear for a few seconds then let the Dane shake his head. Swab out the remainder of the wax and dirt with a dry cotton ball or q-tip (Do not probe deeply into the ear...just where you can see

 What do I need for my New Puppy?

  • A travel carrier:  Your pup will weigh apx. 25- 30lbs at 8-9 wks, 125lbs is avg. for adults

  • Wire crate (one that can be sectioned off) that folds up for travel use, if you plan to crate the pup at night and/or pillow. 

  • Stainless Steel Bowls, one for water, one for food.  Start out small, you'll need to upgrade in size as your puppy grows.

  • Leash. A six-foot nylon lead is best for training a puppy. Use a thin light weight one at first, you'll need to upgrade this as your pup grows.

  • Adjustable snap collar. It is best to get one that will fit properly now, but can be enlarged. A 12"-19" collar works well for an 8 wk. old puppy.  Your pup will go through a LOT of collars during the growing stages. I recommend the snap collars because they will come off if your pup gets the collar caught on anything as opposed to being choked to death..

  • Food. Your Pup is on Pro Plan, Shredded Lamb & Rice (Adult formula).

  • Dog Clippers and/or dremmel to clip/sand the nails weekly

  • Puppy shampoo, I use oatmeal, there are many on the market

  • Have a Veterinarian appointment lined up for his puppy wellness check-up.

  • Line up some obedience classes like Puppy Kindergarten to be started after his third set of puppy shots at 12 wks of age.

  • Toys - Squeaky toys that are rubber seem to be every pup's favorite or "large" ropes.

  • Bitter Apple Spray - to keep your new puppy from eating your chairs, tables, books, etc.

  • Training Books - If you need some extra help

 

Weight:
1. One of the pups on the website is smaller than the other, will this be a small Dane when it is an adult?
2.  What should my Dane weigh?

1.  The only reason I list weights on the pup available page is so that you know the puppies are healthy by seeing that they are gaining weight within the suggested weight range for their age group, not losing weight.  A few pounds makes no difference in their adult weights.  Once the pups that weigh slightly less are placed in their homes and they get the food dish all to themselves they will catch up to the rest of the litter quickly.  The general rule is that any given pup in a litter should end up somewhere between Mom and Dads weight range.
 
2.  Remember all dogs grow at differing rates, slower is better.  Please do not over-feed your dog to try to get the biggest/heaviest dog on the block.  The chart below is to serve as a "guide".  Over the years, I have found this chart to be accurate.  If your dog falls under or over these weights and does not pass the "rib test/waistline" below please adjust his/her diet accordingly & include proper exercise.

Age Weight Height
Wk 8/Mo. 2 18 - 27 lbs 13"-17"
Wk 12/Mo. 3 30 - 45 lbs. 17"- 22"
Wk 16/Mo. 4 50 - 65 lbs.  21" - 25"
Wk 20/Mo.5 65 - 85 lbs. 25" - 30"
Wk 24/Mo. 6 70 - 100 lbs. 27" - 32"
Wk 28/Mo. 7 75 - 110 lbs. 27" - 33"
Wk 32/Mo. 8 80 - 115 lbs. 27" - 34"
Wk 36/ Mo. 9 85 - 129 lbs. 28" - 34"
One Year 90 - 135 lbs. 28" - 36"
Full Grown 100 - 190 lbs. 28" - 38" 
Males 140 - 170 lbs. 33" - 36"  is typical
Females 110 - 140 lbs. 30" - 33"  is typical
Credit to: Chromadanes for this Chart

To determine if your dog is fit.

1.  Waistline Test

 A.  First, have someone stand your dog in a profile view, then look at him from the side, or if you are alone, stand him in front of a mirror. Then look to the dog's loin (the indented waist area just past the ribcage before the hips). Does that area seem to "tuck up" towards the rear of the dog or can you run an imaginary straight line along the bottom of your dog's belly from chest to hind end. If there is no visible "waistline" then your dog is overweight.

B.  You can get the same view of the loin from above. Looking down over your dog's back is there a discernable indentation? A place where you can put your hands? Or does your dog look like a sausage, round with nowhere for your hands to fit nicely behind the rib cage?

2.  Rib Test

Gently place you fingers on your dog's side and run your hand from front to back along the rib cage, pressing gently. If you can feel your dog's ribs then he is in good weight, if you need to press down hard or cannot feel anything but flab between your hand and the dog's bones, it’s time to exercise your dog. Working in conjunction with your veterinarian, a sensible weight loss program for your dog will add years to his/her life and reduce the risk of injury to his/her bones.

3.  Under Weight:

To determine if your dog is underweight, you would easily see his/her protruding ribs (it is normal/good to have a “hint” of rib bones showing) and feel the deep grooves between them with your hand. His/her hip bones become pronounced as well when your dog is too thin.

Health:

Great Danes, as with any large breed, can be predisposed to the following health problems:  HOD, Pano, OCD, Hip Dysplasia and Gastric torsion (bloat) are primary concerns. Certain types of cancer, thyroid, heart disease, wobblers, low immunity, skin problems, allergies, deafness and eye problems also may appear in the breed.  Spaying or neutering pets is a good idea for the health of the dog, is required by most ethical breeders and is included as a requirement in our pet contracts.

Health Guarantee:  We offer a Lifetime Genetic Health Guarantee. 

Health Surveys:  Our pup families are encouraged to submit Health Surveys at the beginning of each new year.  

Credits: GDCA, Dane Logic, Suite101, pet education, Dog Play, caretakers network. org, wikipedia.org/wiki/Alans,

 
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