Should I get a great dane? I never had a dog of my own...?

Question

i've helped my bff take care of his Maltese but i never had hands on experience wit such a large breed. I've always loved danes, and I've been doing my research about them. Plus, I live in a apartment in NYC! Should i just get another breed?

Answer 1

Great Danes are very large dogs and you have to be sure that you are prepared to really care for one. Despite other posts, Danes can actually live in apartments, they just need to be walked once every single day for exercise(about half hour too much brisk walking is VERY bad for their joints). They do not need a huge backyard to run in. In fact, Dane breeders and vets discourage letting your Dane sprint or run for too long, as it causes hairline fractures in their bones and can lead to arthritis. Health issues are going to be your number one concern. Danes need a special diet, too much protein in their food will cause them to grow too fast which leads to many health problems like hip dysplasia. You have to be prepared to spend the money for a premium GIANT breed formula (not large breed formula) food. It is going to be expensive because premium foods use better ingredients, and because Danes eat alot due to a fast metabolism. Do some more research because Danes require someone who is diligent to their needs for a long and healthy life.

Answer 2

If you are interested in a Dane, I would recommend doing LOTS of research on the breed. Get books, spend loads of time online, call breeders, talk to people with Danes, visit the breeders and spend time with the dogs, get a feel for thier needs and requirments. There are quite a few things that you must do differently for a Dane as opposed to other smaller breeds.



There is no cut and paste rules for a Dane, every situation is unique, but there are some basic, non negotiables regarding the breed.



While I wouldn't rule out a Dane in an apartment, you need to be aware that the dog may become destructive if not exercised properly on a daily basis. They are not overly active indoors, but they do take up a huge amount of space. When sprawled out those long legs do stick out quite a bit!



RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH!!!!! Lots more research!



As much as you love Danes, I think it would be best to maybe find another breed, more suited to apartment living. A Danes dog doody could rival the height of your coffee table.

Answer 3

That depends on you! GDs are actually not bad apartment dogs despite their size. They are (generally) pretty low energy for the majority of the day --lazing around on the furniture-- and then they are wild pups when it's play time. As long as you have a good exercise outlet, the apartment isn't really the problem (assuming you are, and always will be, committed to finding an apartment that will allow such a large dog).



With a GD as a first dog, you will have to be VERY committed to doing your research. Large dogs have a lot of health concerns and need specialized feeding and care. They are also much more expensive in general. Not just food, but flea meds and heartworm meds and any other medication. Also, they often do not live as long as smaller breeds.



I would contact GD rescues and get an idea of what to expect. Breed rescues are very helpful and, more importantly, HONEST when it comes to explaining the benefits and drawbacks of their breed. They genuinely want to place the pup in a forever home and it's not about the money with them.



I would also recommend looking for an adult dog to start off. Puppies, especially large breed puppies, are so much harder and not for a novice dog owner. An adult dog will likely come to you housetrained and socialized (one from a rescue anyway). You will know whether they will be high, medium, or low energy and can pick one that suits your lifestyle. Many breed rescues will work hard to match you with a suitable dog. Not to mention, you will be saving a dog's life! Even if a dog in a breed rescue is already safe, by adopting a dog from them you are allowing them the resources to rescue another dog in need!



Check out this site: www.bigdogsporch.com



It's a forum specifically for people with large breed dogs. There are several very nice, helpful GD owners on there who would love to give you advice! Not to mention, there are wonderful photos! Two in particular have gorgeous Danes.

Answer 4

Danes are very good dogs and do make very good apartment dogs. Danes are not a high energy breed and don't require a lot of exercise. As puppies you don't want to give them forced exercise such as jogging, a lot of hiking etc, but as adults they can go hiking, jogging, camping, do tracking, search/rescue, compete in obedience/rally, do carting, weight pulling and other activities. They have an average life span of 10 years which is the same as a Golden, Lab, GSD, etc and a well bred, well cared for Dane can and often does live into their teens reaching 14 -16 years of age. Danes do not have any more health issues then any other breed/mix. If you get a puppy from a responsible breeder who does health testing and breeds for proper conformation, health, temperament and longevity and you feed a good quality food and get annual vet exams you stand a wonderful chance of having a happy, healthy Dane into their teens. Danes don't eat as much as people think they do if they are fed a good quality food. Heartworm & flea meds do cost more since they are based on weight as is spay/neuter. As far as vaccinations & exams the cost is the same as any other dog. Danes do need to be properly socialized and trained (but so should any dog regardless of size).

With all of that said as a first ever dog with no dog experience??? Probably not..I suggest finding a Dane rescue near you and volunteering, go to a few dog shows and meet Dane people, get to know some real Danes, learn all you can about them, meet as many as you can, join some of the online Dane groups and gather as much info as you can.

Answer 5

Ummmmm NO I wouldnt recommend you get a great dane



1, you live in an apartment

2.You have never had your own dog and they can be very demanding



I would start out by getting a smaller dog like a chihuahua

they are good dogs they dont take to many people but they love there owners alot and acan be spoiled but not in a bad way if you get what im saying Or maybe try a bull dog they are a little bigger so you can play with them but still apartment ready they arnt to hard to handle

These are only a few suggestions

Answer 6

Wait until you have more experience with dogs and I don't think you live in an appropriate house to have such a large one. Get a less maintenance dog. I have had a few dogs and also want a great dane but I don't think I am ready for one.

Answer 7

If I were you, I'd look up and see if there are any Great Dane rescue groups around you and look into fostering dogs. That way you can see how a Dane would fare in your apartment, and what goes into having a dog that size. Personally, I love them too. Why not take a trip to the ASPCA and look around? Ask people there?

Answer 8

Actually dane with consistent day-to-day undertaking do first-class as adults. They are a a lot more laid again breed than the vast majority of colossal/big breeds. Certainly they could do greater than GSD & labs in an apt. Retired greyhounds additionally do good. For both breed you relatively will have to appear into getting an grownup as a substitute than a dog. A dog will take plenty extra paintings, coaching, time & can do tons of harm notably in a situation you're renting & in charge for each little factor adding ground/carpeting from potty injuries. With an grownup you are going to be in a position to pass judgement on persona & conduct. There are each breeds to be had via a rescue to get a utterly vetted puppy saving their existence & giving them a 2d threat as many humans have given up colossal puppies because of charges.

Answer 9

It's great you are doing your research. Great Danes are big dogs that need big space. You would probably be better off with a smaller breed because of your limited space

Answer 10

DO NOT GET A GREAT DANE IN AN APARTMENT! They are HUGE dogs and they need a lot of space (like a big backyard) to run around in! I would say get a small dog if you want a dog. Like a chihuahua or even a maltese since you have been around them before. Small dogs are amazing too. And you get to hold them!

Answer 11

It depends. If you don't mind your apartment smelling like dog, drool on every square inch, or hair in your food, then a great dane can live to be fine apartment dogs.

Answer 12

that's the wise choice of dogs believe great dog to have