-Great Danes do NOT eat puppy food, even as puppies. (Check out this site for further information on that subject.)
-Ear cropping is optional, and was originally performed for their safety as they used to hunt Wild Bore who would go for the floppy ears of the Dane. My personal preference is the natural ear on my dogs, but I love to regal look of the crop.
-Their tail is a lethal weapon. It can also cause them injury, as much as it can to a person. Nothing like coming home, and in the happiness of your dog greeting you, they bust their tail open on a wall or door way and blood spatter makes it look like a murder scene. :)
-They are not like most dogs who view looking you/them in the eye as a threat. They will look directly in your eyes, not to challenge you, but to respect you.
-Their variety of colors is many, and most people have no idea how many combination's there are. Only 6 colors are show-able and they are harlequin, mantle, black, fawn, blue and brindle. Fawn is the most commonly known color.
-Dane that are born all white, or with very light markings have a higher chance of being deaf, blind or a degree of both, but its no guarantee. Just look at my Harley :) Many breeders, but not the good ones, will put them to sleep. Danes like Harley, even though he can hear and see just fine, should NEVER be bred. Breeding is only for the betterment of the breed.
-Zoomies are no joke... when they get them, get out of the way.
-Food is no longer safe on the counter. Or cooking on the stove for that matter. Getting a pub height kitchen table to try to deter the 'cruising sandwich grab' will only give your dog a good chuckle.
-For short haired dogs, they still shed. A LOT.
-A twin size bed is a good size bed for one Dane (unless they are Giant George!) but having two means you need to upgrade to at least a queen. You might be laughing, but other Dane owners know exactly what I mean, and why its necessary.
-Your butt develops magnetic powers with your Danes nose. If you stop abruptly while walking, changes are you are about to get a nice ram from your unsuspecting dog.
-Standard size cars are ok for single Dane families with no kids. However, the next time you buy a vehicle, you will find yourself looking for one that gives the dog more space. I did.
-All the Great Danes I have ever known have been AMAZING with kids. Yes, kids can get knocked down during a spell of play, or whipped with a wicked tail now and then... but lets be honest, a Beagle can knock over a kid too and kids adapt... mine have already learned to dodge the 'DANE-ger Zone' which is the area the tail can reach.
-You don't always need 6 foot fencing or a massive yard to own a Dane. We have a 3 foot fence with a yard that's about 30' x 14' (thank you military housing!) and not once has Kadence ever tried to go over it. She would much rather be inside with us.
-Even as a Dane owner, you may think you know your dog, but they are always waiting to surprise you. Kadence, even with her submissive tendencies, will stop at nothing to protect me and the kids, and she has proven that, even though I thought otherwise.
-Great Danes are the highest risk breed of dog to die from bloat. When you own a Dane, you need to become familiar with the signs of bloat so that you don't miss that small window of opportunity to save them.
To me, there is no other breed that measures up to a Great Dane. I can personally never see myself owning anything other than a Great Dane. Its been said that within a few days of living with a Dane, you will either be in love and never be the same, or a Dane is just not for you. There really is no in between. :) Im in LOVE...
If you have any questions, comments, or contributions please feel free to email me at ashleigh.e.jansen@gmail.com
