Is a Great Dane the right dog for me...

[Rugers-Kris]

Thanks Everyone. I will reply later as I am walking out the door right now. I will be back shortly. Iymala....I have room now.

 

[raechiemay]

A girl I work with has a 7-8 month old harl. He is such a goof! She posted a pic of him squeezed in behind her on a chair she was sitting in. Her caption was, "can't get much work done with this horse behind me"!

I don't know much about Danes other than I think they're gorgeous. I'd be leery of the potential defects the pup in question has, but if you feel that he's the one, follow your gut. Too bad they weren't born on May 26th. Then we could've shared a birthday.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

I have owned multiple Danes and DD described them very well. They are great dogs and a good bit more goofy and energetic than EMs. Every Dane I owned or fostered was hilarious.

Health testing is incredibly important and so is checking the temperament of the parents. Danes are notoriously poorly bred and are at a much higher risk than EMs for OCD, HOD, Hip dysplasia, heart issues DCM, and Wobbler's. Second, Danes can be very skitish and fearful unless they are soundly bred. This can cause a whole slew of issues.

On harl x harl breedings, I dont have a huge issue with it as long as the breeder is prepered to deal with deaf or blind puppy placement. The breeder should know the high risk of the pairing has to produce that and be ready to inform the potential owner. It shouldn't be a surprise and I do believe there are tests to check this once the puppy is older. A few reputable harl breeders have a waiting list for people to adopt blind or deaf puppies for a reasonable fee. The more white on a great dane the higher the chance of the dog to be either blind or deaf because of lack of pigment.

If that does become an issue and you still choose to take the puppy. I know someone who has only had blind/ deaf danes and could give you some input for training etc.

Thats my issue, I can't support a breeder or club who knowingly breeds pups with defects that avoidable, just for a certain Harl pattern. Yet quick to call foul on breeders who cross breed other colors.

Yeap Ruth, the GDCA allows this yet advocates "responsible" breeding. Those that haven't drunken the Koolaid know the deal, but I won't get into that on Kris thread.

In addition to what Iymala stated danes are pretty much like mastiffs but with a bit "more energy" some more than others. Other wise they are no different, health ( besides bloat), temperament etc.

They LOVE their families ( humans and dogs) and almost ALWAYS some part of them is touching you. Sit at a chair, guarantee their butt or leg is touching your foot, sit on the couch they are underneath you. Get on the floor and they will be all over you. When I clip nails on the floor both Stone and Mason have their heads in my lap. Even if the area you happen to be in is small/arkward there's no stopping them from trying to be with you. My first dane Duke climbed from my back seat to the front passenger just to be even closer to me. This dog was 36" inches at the shoulder and weighed 150. Thor would lay his head on my shoulder or by my arm rest. Like I mentioned that night Thor died the staff was amazed how I managed to get a dog that was "36 and over 200lbs in my vehicle. The breed is amazingly sensitive they will do anything for you.

Can't wait to see pictures.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

A girl I work with has a 7-8 month old harl. He is such a goof! She posted a pic of him squeezed in behind her on a chair she was sitting in. Her caption was, "can't get much work done with this horse behind me"!

I don't know much about Danes other than I think they're gorgeous. I'd be leery of the potential defects the pup in question has, but if you feel that he's the one, follow your gut. Too bad they weren't born on May 26th. Then we could've shared a birthday.

Raechie, thank you for giving another example of how close these guys want to be with their people! LOL

 

[raechiemay]

LOL no problem! I think it's amazing how sensitive they are. I thought my first EM was clingy...I see pics of Axel every few days & it's hard to tell where my co-worker ends & Axel begins!

 

[Iymala]

I completely agree with the sensitivity comments. My Dane was incredibly sensitive to my moods, commands, and very aware of my location. He was always touching me. They need to be near their people not just around them.

 

[Rugers-Kris]

I think I am going to need a bigger bed then....LOL. It is already getting tight in my king size bed with Ruger! LOL

A girl I work with has a 7-8 month old harl. He is such a goof! She posted a pic of him squeezed in behind her on a chair she was sitting in. Her caption was, "can't get much work done with this horse behind me"!

I don't know much about Danes other than I think they're gorgeous. I'd be leery of the potential defects the pup in question has, but if you feel that he's the one, follow your gut. Too bad they weren't born on May 26th. Then we could've shared a birthday.

I really do appreciate all of the information. I think I have decided that a Great Dane IS the right dog for Ruger and I. I just went to visit him again and make the decision and his daddy was all over me and leaned on me the whole time I was there. He was as sweet as sugar! I will post the couple photos I have in just a little bit. He has the heart on his back and a black spot by one of his back legs.

Thats my issue, I can't support a breeder or club who knowingly breeds pups with defects that avoidable, just for a certain Harl pattern. Yet quick to call foul on breeders who cross breed other colors.

Yeap Ruth, the GDCA allows this yet advocates "responsible" breeding. Those that haven't drunken the Koolaid know the deal, but I won't get into that on Kris thread.

In addition to what Iymala stated danes are pretty much like mastiffs but with a bit "more energy" some more than others. Other wise they are no different, health ( besides bloat), temperament etc.

They LOVE their families ( humans and dogs) and almost ALWAYS some part of them is touching you. Sit at a chair, guarantee their butt or leg is touching your foot, sit on the couch they are underneath you. Get on the floor and they will be all over you. When I clip nails on the floor both Stone and Mason have their heads in my lap. Even if the area you happen to be in is small/arkward there's no stopping them from trying to be with you. My first dane Duke climbed from my back seat to the front passenger just to be even closer to me. This dog was 36" inches at the shoulder and weighed 150. Thor would lay his head on my shoulder or by my arm rest. Like I mentioned that night Thor died the staff was amazed how I managed to get a dog that was "36 and over 200lbs in my vehicle. The breed is amazingly sensitive they will do anything for you.

Can't wait to see pictures.

I have heard that same thing about Ruger and I several times. LOL

LOL no problem! I think it's amazing how sensitive they are. I thought my first EM was clingy...I see pics of Axel every few days & it's hard to tell where my co-worker ends & Axel begins!

Thanks for everything. The decision has been made. I put a deposit down on him and as long as all seems well (maybe even if there are hearing or vision problems) I will be bringing him home in July.

I completely agree with the sensitivity comments. My Dane was incredibly sensitive to my moods, commands, and very aware of my location. He was always touching me. They need to be near their people not just around them.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Congrats Kris, on your new baby boy. Quite opposite of the Fila, lol. I'm sure Ruger will be happy to have a new playmate.

Welcome to the minority of dane owners on the forum, haha!

 

[Rugers-Kris]

Thanks! I am pretty excited about him. July seems a lifetime away. LOL He will eventually have a Fila brother, too......If I can just get moved out to my property. I think Ruger is going to be thrilled. My sone brought his puppy over the last couple Sundays and Ruger was SO good with him and so happy to have him here.

Congrats Kris, on your new baby boy. Quite opposite of the Fila, lol. I'm sure Ruger will be happy to have a new playmate.

Welcome to the minority of dane owners on the forum, haha!

 

[ruthcatrin]

Congrats, he sounds like a cutie!

 

[Rugers-Kris]

Thank You, Ruth. He definitely is...Of course being that his little eyes aren't even open yet, it is hard to imagine him as he will look just yet. I don't know how a puppy who can't even move around or open his eyes yet has manged to win me over but God help me, he has! LOL

 

[raechiemay]

Kris, trust me when I say everything you have felt with this pup & are going to feel is exactly what Daisy did to me. Barely 2-3 weeks old, struggling to climb up on my shoe & I swear I just turned into a pile of mush. It's so amazing how quickly they grab your heart & you're a goner!!

 

[Rugers-Kris]

Ruger was my dog soulmate. I knew it was meant to be the minute I laid my eyes on him but I didn't see him at this age and I was taken aback by how strongly I felt about getting this puppy. even after hearing of the possible complications with his being white, I wanted him. It is kind of crazy.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Ruger was my dog soulmate. I knew it was meant to be the minute I laid my eyes on him but I didn't see him at this age and I was taken aback by how strongly I felt about getting this puppy. even after hearing of the possible complications with his being white, I wanted him. It is kind of crazy.

LOL, it is crazy. That's how I felt about Mason, though not as young either. I wish I could have seen the pups at that age. Soon as I picked him up I felt something I can't even describe, felt like Thor all over again.

 

[Asfad]

Though great danes have many health problems my aunt had a black Great dane which died in 13 years of age,she was healthy and didnt had any health issues.Vet said that he died because of age.So even danes can have long life spans.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Thanks! I am pretty excited about him. July seems a lifetime away. LOL He will eventually have a Fila brother, too......If I can just get moved out to my property. I think Ruger is going to be thrilled. My sone brought his puppy over the last couple Sundays and Ruger was SO good with him and so happy to have him here.

I completely forgot. I hope Ruger doesn't mind being a pillow for the dane. The touching applies to other animals too. They LOVE to lay on their human and doggy friends. Duke wasn't fond it, but tolerated if Thor did it. Thor was the same when I got Stone. Stone and Mason couldn't have named a better combination. Both are constantly laying on one another and playing rough. Despite Stone's brutish demeanor I am surprised at how he will adjust his playing methods for Mason.

 

[LizB]

It sounds like a done deal, but honestly, even if this pup has defects it still needs a good home and it still needs love and attention, and I think you'll provide that - you seem to grasp what you're getting into! It is worth it, it truly is.

My dane is VERY sensitive, and it took me a while to realize that, having bullmastiffs, who are not sensitive but rather have an independent nature and take your instruction under advisement, lol! Once we realized the soft nature of our dane it made a huge difference. They are absolute lovers and I will always want one in my home. Any giant breed is going to be expensive and have special issues. I can't wait to see pics!

 

[Rugers-Kris]

At least someone else knows what I am talking about. I have had a lot of dogs in my life and before Ruger there was just one, My APBT Duke...He owned me. After Duke there was never another like that. I loved all of my dogs but it was just different and then when I saw Ruger the first time.......It happened again. Now with this little boy, I just know that he is supposed to be with us.

LOL, it is crazy. That's how I felt about Mason, though not as young either. I wish I could have seen the pups at that age. Soon as I picked him up I felt something I can't even describe, felt like Thor all over again.

I am so glad that your boys are doing well together. I don't think Ruger will have any issue with it all. I am SO excited and July seems a lifetime away. I still want to see pictures of Mason.

I completely forgot. I hope Ruger doesn't mind being a pillow for the dane. The touching applies to other animals too. They LOVE to lay on their human and doggy friends. Duke wasn't fond it, but tolerated if Thor did it. Thor was the same when I got Stone. Stone and Mason couldn't have named a better combination. Both are constantly laying on one another and playing rough. Despite Stone's brutish demeanor I am surprised at how he will adjust his playing methods for Mason.

It is a done deal, for sure. Thank you so much. I do understand and I am comfortable with what comes with it.Ruger is really sensitive, too so I am used to that. He is not a real friendly dog to others but with his family, he is a sweet, kind, clingy baby.

It sounds like a done deal, but honestly, even if this pup has defects it still needs a good home and it still needs love and attention, and I think you'll provide that - you seem to grasp what you're getting into! It is worth it, it truly is.

My dane is VERY sensitive, and it took me a while to realize that, having bullmastiffs, who are not sensitive but rather have an independent nature and take your instruction under advisement, lol! Once we realized the soft nature of our dane it made a huge difference. They are absolute lovers and I will always want one in my home. Any giant breed is going to be expensive and have special issues. I can't wait to see pics!

It is definitely getting better for the breed.

Though great danes have many health problems my aunt had a black Great dane which died in 13 years of age,she was healthy and didnt had any health issues.Vet said that he died because of age.So even danes can have long life spans.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

At least someone else knows what I am talking about. I have had a lot of dogs in my life and before Ruger there was just one, My APBT Duke...He owned me. After Duke there was never another like that. I loved all of my dogs but it was just different and then when I saw Ruger the first time.......It happened again. Now with this little boy, I just know that he is supposed to be with us.

I am so glad that your boys are doing well together. I don't think Ruger will have any issue with it all. I am SO excited and July seems a lifetime away. I still want to see pictures of Mason.


It is definitely getting better for the breed.

Why I love dogs, Touch us in ways we don't even comprehend. So excited for you Kris! Ruger shouldn't have to wait long to have a wresting partner. These guys grow fast, lol. Mason was so small compared to Stone when I first got him now he's 31lbs at 12 weeks and half the size of Stone already. Mind you Stone is almost 32" at the withers at 14 months old.

I'll post some pictures of the boys soon.

 

[Rugers-Kris]

Now that I have decided it is a go......I just can't wait! I just started a new thread with his first pictures!!