Anyone have /had Great Danes?

[Daddycaddie67]

My wife and I are wanting one. Any recommendations on a breeder? Any pros or cons to owning one? Can they be left alone or with another dog all day while we are at work?? Thanks E

 

[R.Morehouse]

Have not owned one but I do know that you want soft bedding. When Danes lie down they smack their elbows hard off the floor and that can compromise the bursa sac on the elbow which leads to joint problems and cosmetic issues as well. If you need a big dog, look into a Kengal.....

Regards
Rick

 

[joshb]

They only live 4-6 years. That’s too much heartache for my tastes. My cousin’s kid keeps three “in rotation”. One dies and he gets another puppy.

 

[bsekf]

I am sure there is a Great Dane Breeders organization. Google it. Because of their size I am sure they have HD problems, and a good breeder is your best friend.

 

[jelenko]

only live 4-6 years. That’s too much heartache

Like it's almost constant.

 

[358WCF]

A guy I used to work with had a few. I think he bred them for a short time. A large flat shovel & a wheelbarrow was part of his 2x weekly yard patrol. El Mongo Turdo.

 

[Tesoro]

In most 'pedigrees' the 'work genetics' have been bred out of them because they have been bred for so long only for looks in shows. I would say the Dane, on average, is probably the most retarded most useless big dog of all. And possibly dangerous due to biting strangers in the face. I saw that happen once to someone and it happened to me when I was 10. No love for them!

 

[tmwinds]

Lots of rescue animals out there that would appreciate a good home. They will be forever grateful.

 

[jwv2001]

As mentioned earlier, Hip Dysplasia is not in terms of "if" but "when". They are genetically compromised because of their breeding and their size. You don't want to wrestle a 100+ lb. dog that can't stand up. AKC and/or the powers that be shouldn't allow these dogs to breed or have "papers" until they can be proved to be sound. The same thing happened some years ago with Labs. They were bred for "show" conformation and, as a result, the breed got contaminated with dysplasia. Don't stay away from Great Danes, run away from them.

 

[22turborimfire]

I have a sister that shows Danes . As with most breeds they have faults and downfalls. While yes most have short lives she just put one down that was 11 . Here's a photo of her latest one .

 

[Capt Call]

We have had 3. They are very prone to hip problems and yes they have a short life span.
Our 1st lived 8 years then the 2nd and 3rd didn't make past 4 yrs old due to cancer. They can be very expensive to take care of. On the bright side all of our were very calm and VERY loyal. Best of luck with your decision.

 

[Thauglor]

I have had 2, one as as a teenager and one I had up until last July. The 2nd was a rescue from 2018 and was the sweetest dog ever. Look at a good rescue and ask questions from them. They will be able to tell you which ones are good eith kids, with other dogs or cats or any issues

 

[tnt50]

My wife and I are wanting one. Any recommendations on a breeder? Any pros or cons to owning one? Can they be left alone or with another dog all day while we are at work?? Thanks E

Big Con- tail is at the perfect height the hit you in the soft spot. And those tails are like a whip.

Pro - overall good family dogs

Con - that dog food bill

 

[Capt Call]

Forgot to mention that they can counter surf with ease.

 

[DiffEQ]

Lots of rescue animals out there that would appreciate a good home. They will be forever grateful.

^^ This. As far as rescue, look on Facebook in your area - they will have pet re-homing groups where you can get one that is still younger than 1 year. Beware of the scammers though.

You would think, "rescue = trouble dog", but the reality is they are so big, families have zero idea what it's going to be like when they get a puppy.
Seriously, think of a 180 lb couch potato.

My neighbor has gone through two rescue danes. An amazing breed, IMO, but the size is not for me. Their last one was eight -- they were surprised at how long he lived.

 

[joshb]

Try a longhair Dachsund! They think they’re Great Danes. I had one that raced out the door and chased the neighbor’s Rotwieler off our lawn.