Basic Needs of a Great Dane: Companionship: Great Danes long to please their owner. They are sweet and loving dogs that need to be around people. They can become depressed if they are without people too long. Great Danes are friendly to people, children, and other animals. Great Danes are pack oriented dogs that may find the need to challenge other dogs, especially if the other dog is showing dominance. Danes get along with other animals such as cats, rabbits and other household pets. Training may be needed at first.
Food: Great Danes are a large breed and need food specified for large breeds. (Small breed dog food may choke a Great Dane) Great Danes need plenty of nutrition and eat about five times a day. "They will grow from around twenty pounds at two months old (which may be when you bring one home) to sixty to seventy-five pounds by the time they are four months old, and around one hundred pounds by six months of age." (The Basic Guide to the Great Dane, p. 108)
Water: Great Danes drink a lot of water so it is best to keep a full water bowl for them at all times. Danes also love ice in their water bowl and will fish pieces of ice out. Danes tend to drool a lot after drinking due to their enormous jowls. It is best not to let your Great Dane drink a lot of water at one time and not to let them exercise right after eating or drinking. WARNING: Danes will vomit/bloat similar to humans if they intake too much food and/or water and exercise afterwards.
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Shelter: Great Danes can stay inside or outside. It is best if they stay inside because of their love of people. If they have an outdoor shelter, they need water available at all times as well as a shaded area. Great Danes will pant and sweat through their tongues when they are overheated. Great Danes need a large back yard when they are outdoors due to their love of running. Also, if your Great Dane is indoors they will need plenty of space to move around freely. "The Great Dane needs plenty of room in order to avoid injuries to his tail, which is particularly sensitive. Generally, he should not be kept on a chain, but allowed to run free. He craves his owner's attention and loves children. He is, however, a risky playmate for young children because of his size- unintentionally; he may knock a child over." (The Complete Puppy and Dog Book, p. 140) Danes also prefer couches and beds (soft surfaces) to hard wood floors; it is more comfortable to them.
Grooming: Great Danes are a low mantinance breed. They need baths about once every 2-3 months but can go longer. They have short hair that rarely needs brushing. Some Danes may have dandruff and may need special shampoo for treatment. Great Danes love water but is best to have your Dane on a leash while bathing (it helps to control them). Great Danes also need their ears cleaned out about every 1-2 months. This help with controlling the ear wax build-up that makes them itch. It also takes away the smell of the Danes ears. (Bottles of ear wash can be purchased anywhere from $10-$50 depending on quality and ingredients) Like all pets, flea and tick medication should be used on Great Danes. |
