Is a Great Dane the Right Dog for You?

If you have adequate space, a generous budget for food and healthcare, and want a gentle, affectionate companion who doesn't need excessive exercise, a Great Dane might be the right dog for you. However, you'll need to accept a shorter lifespan (7-10 years), potential health issues, and the challenges that come with managing a dog that can weigh as much as a person.

Living with a Great Dane is like having a small horse that thinks it's a lapdog. Let's dive deep into what life with these majestic giants really entails.

Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds, standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder. Despite their size, they're surprisingly well-suited to apartment living – provided you can accommodate their basic needs. However, your furniture arrangement will need careful consideration, as a wagging Great Dane tail can easily clear a coffee table!

Contrary to what their size might suggest, Great Danes don't require excessive exercise. A couple of 30-minute walks daily usually suffices. However, they do need consistent activity to maintain their health, and young Danes especially require careful exercise management to protect their developing joints.

Great Danes are moderately easy to train, combining intelligence with a general eagerness to please. However, they can also exhibit an independent streak that requires patient, consistent handling.

Early Training is Critical

Starting training early is essential – you don't want to wait until your puppy is 100+ pounds to begin teaching basic manners. Focus areas should include:

• Leash training (before they're strong enough to pull you over)
• No jumping on people (crucial given their adult size)
• Basic commands like sit, stay, and come
• Proper door manners (preventing them from rushing through doorways)
• Crate training for safety and house training

Intelligence and Learning Style

Great Danes typically:

• Learn commands relatively quickly
• Respond well to positive reinforcement
• Can be sensitive to harsh corrections
• May take longer to mature mentally than smaller breeds
• Excel with consistent, short training sessions
• Can become bored with repetitive training

Training Success Tips

• Use positive reinforcement and reward-based methods
• Keep sessions short (10-15 minutes)
• Be consistent with rules and commands
• Involve all family members in training
• Consider professional training classes for guidance
• Socialize extensively during puppyhood
• Remember that mental maturity can take up to 2-3 years

Great Danes face several breed-specific health challenges that potential owners should understand:

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

This is perhaps the most serious and immediate health concern for Great Danes. Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow. It's a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgery. Many owners opt for preventive surgery called gastropexy, which attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent twisting. The cost typically ranges from $2,000-4,000.

Joint Issues

Their rapid growth and large size put significant stress on their joints. Common problems include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Arthritis at a relatively young age
• Wobbler syndrome (a neurological condition affecting the spine and neck)

Heart Disease

Great Danes are prone to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and can't pump blood efficiently. Regular cardiac screenings are essential, especially as they age.

Eye Problems

The breed can experience various eye conditions, including:

• Entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid)
• Cherry eye
• Progressive retinal atrophy

Cancer

Like many large breeds, Great Danes have an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly bone cancer (osteosarcoma).

Prevention and Management

To help manage these health risks:

• Feed a high-quality diet specifically formulated for giant breeds
• Maintain a consistent exercise routine without overexertion
• Schedule regular vet check-ups (usually every 6 months)
• Consider pet insurance to help with potentially high medical costs
• Learn the signs of bloat and have an emergency plan
• Keep your Dane at a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints

Owning a Great Dane comes with significant costs. Everything is supersized – from food portions to medication doses. Monthly food costs can range from $100-200, and you'll need to invest in heavy-duty toys, a sturdy collar and leash, and an extra-large bed. Medical expenses can also be considerable, particularly given the breed's susceptibility to health issues mentioned above.

Great Danes are people-oriented dogs who form strong bonds with their families. They're typically gentle with children, though supervision is essential due to their size. They're not typically excessive barkers, but they can be protective of their homes. Working full-time isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but Danes do need regular companionship and shouldn't be left alone for extended periods.

Before committing to a Great Dane, consider:

• Their shorter lifespan (typically 7-10 years)
• The drool factor (yes, they drool quite a bit)
• Travel complications (finding pet-sitters or dog-friendly accommodations for a giant breed can be challenging)
• The emotional impact of people constantly wanting to photograph and interact with your dog

A Great Dane might be right for you if:

• You have the physical space to accommodate a giant breed
• You can afford their considerable expenses
• You want a gentle, affectionate companion
• You're prepared for a shorter time with your pet
• You don't mind being a local celebrity (these dogs attract attention!)

However, you might want to consider another breed if:

• You're on a tight budget
• You live in a very restricted space
• You're away from home frequently
• You're not prepared to deal with potential health issues
• You want a highly energetic exercise companion

Remember, while Great Danes are often called "gentle giants" for good reason, they're a serious commitment requiring careful consideration. Take time to meet several Great Danes and their owners before making your decision. Consider fostering through a breed-specific rescue to get real-life experience with the breed. Whatever you decide, ensure you're ready for the unique challenges and joys that come with sharing your life with one of these magnificent dogs.