Great Dane's

Moon · Apr 13, 2005

Great Dane\'s

Hey Guys,
I'm interested in general info on Great Dane's. My sister's daughter has a 9 month old GD that she can't keep any longer. ....yeah yeah, she should have known better, she was not well prepared for this purchase or care of such a large dog.
We have already agreed to take her (the GD) on a trial basis. I like the idea, but not sure what i might be getting into. We have the space for her to run for sure, and the time for caring for her which the neice did not have.
I'm aware of the hip problems and such ..but what else should I be aware of? I guessing the TBN knowledge base will come up with tidbits that a google search would miss.

Moon of Ohio

jpr62902 · Apr 13, 2005

Re: Great Dane\'s

Great dogs those danes. They're actually not all that active, but because of their build, they are highly susceptible to bloat. Don't let them run after they've had something to eat or drink.

Moon · Apr 13, 2005

Re: Great Dane\'s

( highly susceptible to bloat. Don't let them run after they've had something to eat or drink.)

Can you explain 'bloat'?
I figure the no running is so they don't throw up whatever they just ate or drank. Right?

Thanks,
Moon

jpr62902 · Apr 13, 2005

Re: Great Dane\'s

Bloat is a condition where the stomach actually flips over the intestines, twisting them. It kills a dog pretty quickly and Great Danes are highly susceptible to this problem. The preventitive key is to limit their activity after eating and drinking.

Freds · Apr 13, 2005

Re: Great Dane\'s

Yep, jpr pretty much summed up bloat. Lots of things may cause it, but it can't be pinpointed so you want to take advantage of any preventative measures. Feed two or three smaller meals as opposed to one large, feed a food that doesn't swell up when it gets wet along with jpr's advice. Even a little dog can get bloat, but large, deep chested dogs are the higher percentage. It used to be feed off of a raised surface, now "they" are saying not to do this.
At any rate the operation to save your dog can easily cost over $1000 and even though they will tack the stomach, once a dog has had bloat they will very often get it again.

GDs are calm dogs when raised correctly and one of the few large breeds that can be kept in a small house or apt with daily exercise. Unfortunately, they are not long lived. They also like to sit on things. It apparently is very comfortable for them to sit on the couch, but have all fours still on the ground. I'm not sure if this would bother you or not, but it is what I have heard.
Very noble breed.

Moon · Apr 13, 2005

Re: Great Dane\'s

Ahhh. I had heard of that, but didn't know the name of it. But ....didn't know that they were more susceptible to it after eating or drinking; but that makes sense. I understood that you do not want to teach large dogs to roll over as it can entangle the intestines.

Thanks ....I learned something already!

Moon of Ohio

Freds · Apr 13, 2005

Re: Great Dane\'s

Yep, VERY noble indeed!
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

fortyseven2n · Apr 13, 2005

Re: Great Dane\'s

Moon,
I had a Great Dane ( Olympia ) and she was one of the sweetest most gentle dogs I have ever had. She was truly a gentle giant but dumber than a box of rocks. She and my Dalmation were inseperable.

She was a great companion and loved everyoneand evryone loved her. You did not have to worry about her biting you. Slobering all over you was a different story.

Keep in mind that larger breed dogs don't usually live very long ( less than 10 years ) . Olympia was only 7 years old and it was a hard loss for us. That is the ONLY reason I will probably not ever have another Great Dane.

Just my .02 worth.

Good Luck !
Fortyseven2n

PS . They don't take cold weather very well either.

Bird · Apr 13, 2005

Re: Great Dane\'s

( a gentle giant )

I have a friend who has a huge Great Dane; says he's a great watch dog. If anyone turns into the driveway, the dog walks out to watch. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Of course his size makes most folks scared to get out of their car, but if they get out the dog actually isn't going to do anything but "watch". /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif He doesn't seem to care whether you pet him or ignore him. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Moon · Apr 13, 2005

Re: Great Dane\'s

Thanks Guys!
Riley (thats her name) lives in cleveland. When there was snow on the ground and they would ask if she wanted out, her teeth would chatter. They said it was the funniest thing. She does not like the cold. Also, she been described as being very 'sweet'. Very similar to what you all have said.
That's great. I think she'll fit right in here.

She'll be here tomorrow. Her ears are not docked. I guess they are doing that less and less these days, especially if they are not for show. I think she's to old to have that done now anyways (9 months).

Moon