Thinking of getting a Great Dane

[DarthOcellaris]

We've been talking about getting a dog and we ran into one at Petsmart today. We fell in love with it and have been looking online at rescue societies for one.

Anyone here own one? Ever have? Ever will? What are the pro's and con's? What are the 'gotchas' I should know before making a decision about getting one?

[dobejazz]

They don't live long enough

[DarthOcellaris]

think I read they live around 12 years?

[dobejazz]

Hmm that may be a bit optomistic
the large the breed the faster they age
My dobes tend to get to the 12-13 year mark but they are elderly for the last 3 years or so.

I've never had a Dane although I've always wanted one (I like the black and white ones like a Boston Terrier)

[Hop]

Many of the large breeds have been mis-bred in America. So the Great Dane, like the rest have hip and joint problems. They usually have great dispositions though and can make a great family animal

Going the rescue route is a great thing and if the dog is over a year or so old, you can have his/her hips and elbows x-rayed and a qualified vet will tell you how they look. This way you don't get attached to a dog and feel obligated to spend tons of money to try to extend it's quality of life

Hope that helps without sounding too negative!

[know-it-all]

Personly too big for me
but they do look very cool
like having a small horse around

[DarthOcellaris]

Originally Posted by know-it-all

Personly too big for me
but they do look very cool
like having a small horse around

'small'? LOLd

[DarthOcellaris]

Originally Posted by Hop

Many of the large breeds have been mis-bred in America. So the Great Dane, like the rest have hip and joint problems. They usually have great dispositions though and can make a great family animal

Going the rescue route is a great thing and if the dog is over a year or so old, you can have his/her hips and elbows x-rayed and a qualified vet will tell you how they look. This way you don't get attached to a dog and feel obligated to spend tons of money to try to extend it's quality of life

Hope that helps without sounding too negative!

Not negative at all We've not read about the mis-breedings. That's some good info

[DarthOcellaris]

Originally Posted by dobejazz

Hmm that may be a bit optomistic
the large the breed the faster they age
My dobes tend to get to the 12-13 year mark but they are elderly for the last 3 years or so.

I've never had a Dane although I've always wanted one (I like the black and white ones like a Boston Terrier)

Is that where the 'dobe' comes from in your name?

[Hop]

The problem is that Americans breed dogs for money and AKC stuff. Overseas in countries like Germany and a few others, breeding is controlled by the government and they selectively eliminate breeding of dogs that do not meet a minimum criteria. This is why a lot of service dogs are imported As they are bred for disposition as well as drives and health.

[dobejazz]

Originally Posted by DarthOcellaris

Is that where the 'dobe' comes from in your name?

Yep my only one right now is an approx 11 year old named Jazz

[DarthOcellaris]

awesome I'm sure you have a pic, right?

[dobejazz]

Originally Posted by DarthOcellaris

awesome I'm sure you have a pic, right?

Of course

[dobejazz]

and my favorite

[Hop]

Does Jazz know you are posting the pics of him wearing pink wings? He may be humiliated

Great pics And a good looking pooch!