This dog breed’s large size. There’s no question that the Great Dane falls into the “giant” category. But just how big do these pups get?
Are Great Danes good with kids? In large part because of their calm, even-keeled personalities. These dogs are truly gentle giants — they tend to be reserved pets who are quite content to play lap dog on the couch with their family members (even if they don’t really fit.)
Some high-energy dog breeds can be unpredictable around young children, but the Great Dane is generally very calm around kids unless it feels pushed beyond its limits. This is why it’s essential to teach your children how to interact with dogs safely and respectfully.
Great Danes also make great guard dogs, both because of their size and because they’re very loyal to their families. Your Great Dane will probably act as a watchdog and alert you of any activity they deem suspicious.
Note that while Great Danes usually get along well with other pets, they can have a jealous streak — proper socialization and training will be essential if you have other dogs in the home.
Great Danes are generally considered easy to train. They can be somewhat stubborn, and they don’t tend to react well to harsh training methods like shock collars. But when you rely on tried-and-true obedience training methods that use positive reinforcement, you’ll see good results.
You’ll want to teach your Great Dane about boundaries, especially if you have young kids, since these dogs can sometimes forget about their own large size. For instance, train your Dane not to run in the house, and teach them not to approach unfamiliar young children or strangers in public unless you give the go-ahead.
For some Great Dane owners, this big dog’s size alone makes training more difficult than it would be for, say, a Chihuahua. First-time Great Dane owners might want to consider professional dog training to make sure their pet turns into an excellent family dog.
The Great Dane is not hypoallergenic and probably isn’t the best dog for those with severe allergies. And because the specific protein in dander that causes reactions is also found in dog saliva, the Great Dane might not be a great choice — the breed is known for its drooling.
With all that being said, plenty of allergy sufferers live in harmony with Great Danes. You’ll just need to take a few extra precautions. Whether it’s air filters, allergy medication, or regular cleaning and vacuuming, keep allergens under control to prevent reactions.
Remember to brush your Great Dane regularly to contain loose and dead hair, and use Native Pet’s Omega Oil to boost Fido’s skin and fur health, minimize shedding, and alleviate itchy skin.
Your pet’s lifespan and health are important factors to consider when adopting a dog, too. And if you have young children who may not fully understand illness or death, you’ll want to think about how to approach it. That’s because the Great Dane, unfortunately, doesn’t have a very long lifespan. Like most giant dogs, this breed has a lifespan of about 7 to 10 years or less.
In terms of specific health issues, the Great Dane is susceptible to a condition called bloat, which involves a buildup of gas in the stomach that can cause the stomach to twist. Without quick treatment, it can be life-threatening for large dogs like the Great Dane. Watch your dog closely when they eat — don’t let them gulp down their dog food, as this can contribute to gas buildup, and feed them two or three small meals per day instead of one large meal.
Musculoskeletal health problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia are also common among large breeds like the Great Dane, especially as they age. Visit your veterinarian regularly to have your Dane checked out.