Any Great Dane owners in Da' house? I'm considering...after I get

[xultar]

a bigger yard...
Tell me about your pup and your experiences with raising and training. Pictures would also be awesome!

[auburngrad82]

1. I don't have one for mainly for one reason.

They have a relatively short life span. Ten years is a very long time for a great dane. I love all dogs but I'd want one that's going to stick around. My favorite dog is a Newfoundland but I won't have one for the same reason. If they don't live long then you end up grieving that much sooner. That's just my opinion, based on the fact that I'm a wimp and don't want to have to deal with losing them sooner than necessary.

I have 2 mutts, a pointer, and two Australian Cattle Dogs. Three of them are over nine years old now. I hope to have them for another 5-6 years, if I'm lucky.

[xultar]

3. Solid Gold is Good Dane food. I heard that the lady who makes

solid gold has gotten her danes to live in to early teens.

She uses ingredients that the Germans use. German Danes live longer than our Danes.

[Lizzie Borden]

2. I used to have Danes.

This is the first time in 30 years that I don't and it's because I have a Neapolitan Mastiff instead. Danes are wonderful. They really don't need a whole lot of exercise, and can be happy in an appartment. Check to make sure your Dane's parents didn't ever have osteo chodritus dessicans. It's a bone pproblem that requires surgery. also be sure to ask about 'Wobblers Syndrome" There's not a lot you can do about that one. Then feed your puppy a good dog food but one that does'nt have a high level of protein. You want to prevent these pups from growing too fast as that is part of the problem with bone and joint issues in youngsters. Do not let a pup go up and down stairs, jump into a pick-up-truck or that kind of thing. Those things are very hard on joints. When your Dane is grown, he will ok to do all those things. If you don't move too fast, and look around, you should be able to find a wonderful pup, and they really do make great pets. Good luck.

[xultar]

4. Thanks for the information especially about the stairs. I think I'll

start looking for a good breeder to time receiving the puppy in Spring of 2006. I like to house train in the early spring through summer!

I cut it a little to close this year to look for a breeder and a puppy. I saw the most beautiful puppy @ the kennel on Wednesday.

[fudge stripe cookays]

7. Oooooooh!

Lizzie you have to send a picture of your baby to the DU gallery! (http://www.democraticunderground.com/gallery)

Those Neapolitan mastiffs are so adorable! They had one on the dog show the other night and they're so goofy looking with all those folds of skin. Is everything you own covered in drool? What a big goofy lovable droopy face. :loveya:

FSC

[flvegan]

5. Have one now, have had them most of my life. Couple things...

1. The life span. The life span is not 10 years, as has been mentioned. A dane's life span can be 13 and 14 years. The lesser numbers have come about because of crappy breeders and crappier food.

2. Great with kids and other dogs. Socialize him/her young. Training is a must.

3. A dane puppy (4-6 months through 1 year) is just like any other, except they're 3 times the size. Be ready for table-clearing, lamp knocking over, etc.

4. Good breeder. Good luck. Unless you want to spend a couple thou, then forget it. Besides, right now there are 691 Great Danes listed on petfinder.com that need homes. I adopted mine, and in the future would always go to a rescue.

IMO, danes are the best. Mine's about 5, now, still thinks he's a puppy more often than not. Likes to sit on my lap...real velcro dog.

[xultar]

6. Thanks I will consider pet finder. I looked, there weren't many in my

area, plus I also own chihuahuas and with a big dog I need to be careful. That is why I wanted to get a puppy from a breeder that I researched and knew. I don't want a Dane with a bad attitude in my family with Chihuahuas and cats.