The very first thing to come to grips with is they are big dogs! Well duh, you know that but do you really know that? Have you had 100+ lbs. of happy puppy jump on you and want to play like they play with other dogs, with their mouths open and all those sharp pointy teeth (also known in some crowds as pesky mandibles).
All of our Danes (we are on #4 now) have come from rescues or as with K’Ehleyr, a private re-home. I frequently get surprised responses from people about the number of re-homed Danes. I believe it is because people don’t really understand what they are in for when they get a dog which might end up weighting more than they do.
They are “gentle giants”
Cue the smile and nod. They can be, eventually. But they frequently start out as huge, clumsy puppies who don’t know their size or strength. All of them are lap dogs. I’m not talking about sitting next to you and snuggling, I’m taking about sitting on you. Sometimes trying to entirely fit in the same chair as you with no regard to what body parts they may be stepping on or squishing.
OK, you get the picture, they are big. This also means they eat a lot! I used to laugh when someone would offer me one of those little sample bags of dog food to try. “I have a Great Dane, could I please have 5 of those?” The other consequence of large size is large dosages of medications. Usually human dosage amounts.
They can reach just about everything in your house. Don’t think that counter tops are safe places for anything and if you have a coffee table take all the breakables off it. One tail swipe and it will be clear. This not to say that your Great Dane will be a bull in a china shop her whole life. You will be training him to not take things off the counters. The tail swipe isn’t intentional so you do have to move breakables anyway. (Martok at 2+ years is still jumping over our coffee table).
Let's take a step back
Great Danes are hunting dogs from Germany, From what I can find they got the name Great Dane from a French naturalist who first saw them in Denmark in the 1700’s. He called them “le Grande Denois”. Usually if you say Great Dane to a European they will give you a questioning look. When you say “Deutsche Dogge” they will understand you. Apparently the Germans banned the name Great Dane sometime in the 1880s. They were bred to hunt boar by the German nobility at least 400 years ago leading the British to call them German Boarhounds. There is some evidence that the breed first appeared ~3000BC in carvings on Egyptian monuments. It is believed that they were brought to Europe when it was invaded by the Alanis in the 5th century. Anecdotal stories mention that Danes were used as war dogs to intimidate peasants but I can’t find any proof of this. To hunt boar the breed needed to be fast, strong and aggressive. During the 18th-19th centuries, the breed moved away from hunting and more to guarding. German breeders focused on promoting good temperament and friendliness.
Here we are today
Today’s Danes are affectionate, devoted, sensitive and friendly guardians. They most certainly are also indoor dogs. I have found the most effective punishment is to be put outside alone for 5-10 minutes.
It is true they are good apartment dogs but they do need exercise. Guess what, its good for you too. So walk your dog a couple of times a day and it’s a win-win. The rest of the time they will be sleeping on your couch.
If you are still with me here, and I hope you are, and you still want a Great Dane then go for it. Just do it, knowing what you are in for, and commit to them for their entire life. I alway wonder if our Danes remember their first families? Would they recognize them? I know K’Ehleyr remembered her first mom, we had a play date once. Do they think they will be abandoned again? We once boarded Selar, our first Dane, at the rescue she came from. She started shaking at the front gate and didn’t eat the entire time we were gone, luckily only 4 days. We never boarded her again and had a dog sitter stay with her.
One more thing
When you walk down the street with a Great Dane you will get attention. You will be asked the same questions over and over. And you will hear the same snarky comments. So practice that smile and nod.
Another one more thing
Please, please, please consider rescuing. Check your area, there most likely is a rescue and if not the local humane society or animal shelter might have one looking for his or her forever home. Social media is also a resource but be careful and do your due diligence first.
The rescue I recommend in the San Diego area is Indian Dane Rescue.
Great Dane information posts
Paddle Boarding with a Great Dane
GREAT DANE FITNESS AND EXERCISE GUIDE
Canine enrichment ideas for your Great Dane
Three identifications for your Great Dane
Multiple Great Dane Family
Great Dane Cancer
Incontinence in Great Danes
Adopting a Great Dane
Posts with Great Dane product suggestions
Canine enrichment ideas for your Great Dane
Are Tuffy Toys Great Dane tough?
Adopting a Great Dane
9 tasty types of treats your Great Dane will love
DIY Great Dane folding elevated bowl shelf
Do Great Danes like cold weather?
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I’ve had three Danes in my life. Best pets ever. I don’t have a lot of money but I want a Dane in my life. I live next to a big park. Also have a lot and a half yard.
Hi Michael,
I would suggest you look for rescues in your area. All of our Danes have come from rescues and the cost has been less than $400 each. Reputable rescues just want to cover their costs while finding a good home, they aren’t looking to make profit off the dogs. Please don’t get a dog off Craig’s List or from any sort of backyard breeder. You will pay for it in the end with health issues and it just keeps the market for bad breeders going.