Great Danes make Great pets! However, If you are considering buying a Dane make sure you do your home work first!

I recommend you purchase a few books or at least go to your local library and research the breed.

I will try to give you a brief summary of what you will find.

First.. Realize these are Giant dogs not just Big dogs,the dogs most people consider big look small compared to a dane. With Giant dogs come giant responsibilities! These dogs need more room than the average dog,not just to exercise,but to move around. If say, you live in a small house and would like to own a dane, you may run into problems when your dane stretches out on the floor and you have no room to get around them. Or say they decide the couch is the best place to be (and most do) so you cant sit down. well I think you get the picture. All danes love to be with their people,and you are going to have this problem. Its not fair to the dog or yourself to have such a magnificent animal if you don't keep it by your side. The weather is another factor,these are short haired dogs and people in colder climates need to have adequate shelter when the dog spends time outdoors.

Now, on to what to expect when you own a dane. When you take your dog out with you, expect to receive allot of attention! Most people haven't seen a dane or are just fascinated by them. You will get lots of questions about what they weigh and how much they eat. Take it all in stride as this is part of owning a giant dog. Training is also very important,you don't want to have your dog leading you. Socializing is another important step,these dogs tend to be protective and the more places they go and people they meet,the friendlier they are. Not to say they aren't friendly, just that they need exposure to people and places other than home.

My male goes just about everywhere with me, he loves it! I get to talk to many new people and he gets all the attention he needs. My guy loves kids, and kids are fascinated with the big dog,most say "He's big enuff to ride"and there again is a problem. I have had people try to climb on his back,not good as they are not built to hold allot of weight. But when it comes to the kids he just puts his head down and lets them mall him all over. He is very careful not to hurt them and if by chance he steps on a foot, why it hurts him just to here the "OUCH!"

Danes are very loving and as I said want to be with their people, so when you sit down, don't be surprised if they turn around and sit right down "in your lap". They think they should be lap puppies. About the worst thing I can think to say about the Dane is.."Watch out for the tail!" A happy Dane is a dangerous Dane,for that tail can strike like a whip,even tho they don't realize how hard they wag. My dog tries to be so careful around the house,when he plays with a toy or ball,he wont get near the furniture if it goes under it,he waits for someone to retrieve it from where it went so he can continue his play.

So you see there is allot to be said about this breed,and if you are sure you want one go find one,for I don't think you will be sorry.Just research your area and find a reputable breeder and check out some books and you will have a memory that will last a lifetime!

Here are some books I would recommend....

Great Danes..A Complete Pet Owner's Manual..by Joe Stahlkuppe

A new Owner's Guide to Great Danes...by Jill Sweedlow

Guide to Owning A Great Dane..By Garth Lorg

Great Danes..by Diane McCarty

Dr.Ackerman's Book of Great Danes..By Dr. Ackerman