HOW BIG DO GREAT DANES GET?

Males according to AKC standards should not less than 30 inches at the shoulders but preferable to be 32 inches or more. Weight range from 120-180 lbs. Females are should not be less than 28 inches but preferable to be 30 inches or more at the shoulders. Weight for females range from 110-140 lbs. These are just estimated averages for weight, there are Danes that can weigh more, depending on size, bone, health, nutrition.



How much room do you need for a Dane?

Danes are very adaptable to any surrounding. Danes are NOT OUTSIDE DOGS! Remember to exercise your Dane on a daily bases, this is important because Danes like to hang out in the house but they do need room to play and run. A good long walk is great for a Dane if you live in an apartment setting. Just remember exercise is very important, a Dane can destroy your home if they are confined and cannot release built up energy. Playing with you Dane in your home is not proper exercise!


What other colors are Great Danes?

The Approved colors by Great Dane Club of America and AKC are: Black, Blue, Fawn, Harlequin, Brindle, Mantle. Merle is not approved by AKC.


FEEDING GREAT DANES?

Adult Danes should be fed a QUALITY dog food, not one from a supermarket! Make sure the brand you choose has a protein level of 22%-26%. Do not feed more than a 26% protein level to Danes. Fat levels should be between 15%-18%. This is to ensure that the puppy can grow at a slow rate since their bones and body grow very rapidly. Always make sure your Dane has access to fresh water at all time!! My Danes eat 2xs a day, so NO it does require large amounts of food to own a Dane.


*Bloat: Is when the stomach swells and/or rotates cutting off blood supply to other body organs. You need to seek medical help immediately if this occurs. This is a major killer among Danes.

*Some owners prefer to feed the BARF, (biologically appropriate raw food) diet to their Danes. This is only an option if you are totally committed and research the proper diet guidelines to feeding BARF.


Bathing & Coat Care of Great Danes?

Danes need little bathing. I usually only bathe once a month in the summer, and use a waterless shampoo in the winter, usually when they start to look dirty and just need a good bathing. If you keep their coats brushed on a regular basis you will minimize the shedding and loose hairs, and helps keep their coats shinny and smooth.


Health Problems In Great Danes?

There are some health problems associated with Danes. The ones of most concern and most common are; Cancers, Bloat, Thyroid disease. Danes can also be affected by; Wobblers Syndrome, Cardiomyopathy, Eye problems (ex: Entropion).


CRATE TRAINING IS IMPORTANT!

It is advised to crate train your Dane from the start as a puppy. This helps them adjust to their new environment plus provides them with a sense of security. Do not use a crate as a form of punishment! It will take patience until your Dane puppy will get the hang of his crate.

You can feed him in the crate, give him chew toys, or any favorite toy that the puppy likes. Have him take short naps in his crate during the day. That way you do not have a puppy running loose in your house at all times, using the bathroom at free will and chewing up things he is not suppose to chew on.


What is the Life Span of a Great Dane?

Average life span of a Dane is 7-10 years. There are Danes that have lived longer. There are factors to longevity in Danes, such as proper diet, exercise, Veterinary care, buying from a responsible breeder who does health testing on both male and female.


Are Great Danes good with Children and other animals?

Yes. With the proper training of your Dane they do well with children and other animals. Danes love children, you must monitor them with younger children though due to their size and weight, even as a puppy, they chew and can knock young children down. Danes tails can be a weapon to a young child and hurt when getting hit by a Dane tail, especially a very excited Dane!


Are Great Danes hard to train?

No, if you are dedicated to training them properly! They are very willing to please you and do not like to disappoint their owners'. You have to put forth the time and effort to properly train your Dane, taking a training class with your puppy/Dane is a great source to learn how to properly train your new friend. You will find that Danes have a lot of personality, you have to remember how big this dog will be at full growth, that is why you never let your Dane "think" he/she is the leader!!!