Adopting a Great Dane is a big decision! Great Danes are gentle giants and make for great family dogs. They are loyal, protective, and intelligent. However, they are also one of the most expensive breeds of dog to own. In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of what to expect when adopting a Great Dane.
What to Expect When Adopting a Great Dane
Adopting a Great Dane is a big decision! Great Danes are gentle giants and make for great family dogs. They are loyal, protective, and intelligent. However, they are also one of the most expensive breeds of dog to own.
The Cost of Owning a Great Dane
Great Danes are not cheap dogs to own. They require a lot of food and their veterinary care can be expensive. If you’re thinking about adopting a Great Dane, you need to be prepared for the financial commitment involved in their care.
The Space Requirements for a Great Dane
Another important consideration when adopting a Great Dane is the amount of space required for them to live happily and healthily. Great Danes need a lot of space – both inside and outside the home – as they are very active dogs. If you live in an apartment or small home, a Great Dane may not be the right breed for you.
The Exercise Needs of a Great Dane
Along with their space requirements, Great Danes do need a lot of exercise, as some have huge muscle and energy to match. This means that they are not suited to owners who work long hours or who do not have access to open spaces where their dog can run around freely.
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The Training Needs of a Great Dane
Like all dogs, Great Danes need to be trained properly from an early age in order to become well-behaved adults. However, due to their large size and high energy levels, training a Great Dane can be challenging if you’re not prepared for it. We recommend enrolling your dog in obedience classes so that you can learn how to train them effectively from an early age. Great Dane puppies go quickly from cute, relatively small adorable pup to full size (still cute!) pets. As they grow quickly- training should happen early!
Typical Rescue Requirements for Adopting a Great Dane
Rescues often do not adopt Great Dane puppies to just anyone . They often search for families who bring different things to the table and understand what it may be like to care for a Great Dane puppy.
Great Dane Experience
It’s important to remember that Great Danes are not your average house pet. They are a giant breed of dog, and as such, require special care and attention. If you’re looking to adopt a Great Dane, it’s best if you have previous experience owning a large dog. This will make the transition for both you and your new pet much easier.
Fenced Backyard
A Great Dane needs plenty of room to run and play. If you live in an apartment or do not have a fenced-in backyard, rescues may agree that adopting a Great Dane may not be the best option for you.
All Other Animals Should be Spayed or Neutered
Great Danes are giant dogs with a lot of energy. Adding another animal to the mix can sometimes be too much for them to handle. For this reason, it’s recommended that all other animals in the household be spayed or neutered before adopting a Great Dane. Most rescues follow group laws for spay and neuter, and of course some will provide these services themselves.
Big Dog Knowledge
As we mentioned before, Great Danes are not your typical house pet. They require patience, love, and care just like any other dog; but because of their size, they also come with some unique challenges. Before adopting a Great Dane, make sure you do your research on how to properly take care of a big dog.
The Pros of Adopting a Great Dane
Danes are incredibly gentle, typically calmer than other breeds, smart and work hard, great with kids—adopting a Great Dane could save a life. If you’re looking for a new furry friend, here are a few reasons why a Great Dane may be the perfect pets for your family.
Great Danes are Gentle Giants
They typically weigh between 100 and 200 pounds and stand between 28 and 34 inches at the shoulder—making them one of the largest dog breeds in the world. And they grow quickly too- transforming into huge pets before you know it. But despite their size, they’re known for being gentle, loving and calm. In fact, many Dane owners say their dogs have the dispositions of adorable “teddy bears.”
A Great Dane Puppy is Usually Not As Energetic as Other Puppies
Great Dane Puppies are also typically calmer than other breeds, which make them great pets for families with small children or seniors. Great Dane puppies (or adults!) also intelligent dogs that work hard to please their owners, making them easy to train. So, not only are they adorable and cute, but the Great Dane, at times, enjoys just sitting with their owner on the couch or outside to watch people pass by.
Great Dane Puppies or Adults are Great Learners
Danes are also smart and work hard to please their owners, making them easy to train. In addition, Danes are patient and good-natured—which makes them excellent playmates for kids. And because they’re so big, they can provide a sense of security for their families.
Adopting Could Improve the Life of a Great Dane Puppy or Adult
Finally, adopting a Great Dane could save a life. According to the American Kennel Club, “Danes are often overlooked in shelters because of their size; as a result, many end up in rescues or on the streets.” If you have the space and patience to care for a large breed dog, consider adopting a Great Dane from your local shelter or rescue organization.
The Cons of Adopting a Great Dane Puppy
Just like there are a ton of pros, many can agree there are a few cons to adopting Great Dane puppies.
Some Rescue Great Danes Come with Health Problems
One of the biggest cons of adopting a Great Dane is that some of them come with health problems. While all dogs come with some risk of health problems, Great Danes are more prone to certain conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and bloat. This is something you should take into consideration before adopting a Great Dane puppy, as the costs associated with treating these conditions can be significant. However, it’s important to remember that not all Great Danes will have health problems and many go on to live long, healthy lives.
The Costs Associated with Great Dane Puppies
Another con of owning a Great Dane is that they can be expensive to care for. Great Dane puppies are particularly costly, as they need a lot of food to help them grow into their large stature. They also require specialized vet care and grooming due to their size. If you’re not prepared for the additional costs associated with owning a giant breed dog, then a Great Dane puppy might not be the right choice for you.
Great Dane Puppies and Adults Require Intensive Research and Care
Finally, it’s important to note that both Great Dane puppies and adults require intensive research and care. If you’re not prepared to put in the time to learn about everything from nutrition to exercise to obedience training, then a Great Dane might not be the right dog for you. They are intelligent dogs who require stimulation both mentally and physically, so if you’re not up for the challenge then you should consider another breed altogether.
Is Adopting a Great Dane Puppy Right For You?
Owning a Great Dane can be a rewarding experience but it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons before making your decision. Some Rescue Great Danes come with health problems which can be expensive to treat. They also require intensive research and care in order to keep them healthy and happy. If you think you’re up for the challenge then go ahead and adopt a Great Dane puppy! Otherwise, there are plenty of other wonderful dog breeds out there that might be a better fit for your lifestyle.
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