Great Dane owners - talk some sense into me please

[BettySuarez]

We already own a large dog (Weimaraner Pointer cross) but have had heart set on GD for years.

Not planning to get one now (will wait until current dog 'expires' ) but looking for info from other GD owners.

Do they need lots of exercise?
The ones I have met have been quite placid - is this typical?
Monthly food costs?

Ha placid!

Mine spends his life vibrating with excitement at anything. A lap dog tragically trapped in a giant body. His tail leaves bruises on us and blood on the walls. Specialises in running flat out whilst looking over his shoulder so he can't see you as he thuds along towards you whilst you shout his name in vain. Walks miles, needs off lead daily somewhere safe...not the park as those excitable figure of eight play loops result in squashed dogs and alarmed owners!

Good with dogs and people although there are plenty who aren't great with dogs, little ones in particular. costs a fortune to feed and insure and still they bloat, get bone cancer and DCM and die early and unpredictably. In fact my current who looks and races as though in his prime may well not see the year out. Costs, hmmm loads have sensitive tums mine eats raw only and eats about 3kg food a day and sometimes much more. He is intact and generally a lively lean boy. Cheapest raw -Per day= couple of pounds but up to a fiver if I need to visit pets at home. About £500 for good insurance at around 4-5years and more later.

Tons in rescue. I like the gt Dane adoption people in Boston lincs. There are placid ones ... I believe. Actually he is very settled in the house and a fine snorer.

Well, I can't speak for all of them but my 2 are very placid!

Cons:
They are quite expensive to insure (my 2 cost about £70 a month for both)
Their vet bills are expensiveif they get ill
There are quite a few in rescues because people often don't realise how big they get/how strong they get/how much they eat etc.. and get overwhelmed
They are (in my experience) not great at being left alone - they hate being left alone, not destructive but get very whiny and upset if left for too long. Ours hate it even if you pop into a shop and tie them up outside for a few minutes!
If you don't train them well when young they can get a bit unmanagable when they get bigger
As a breed they do have a larger than average number of associated health risks and don't tend to have very long life spans.

Having said all that....

Pros:
They love their families and are protective of them - I would pity the burgler that broke into out house!
They're really cuddly, they love to be close to you
They're sensitive - my DS2 is autistic and both of mine are fantastic with him, they give him space when he wants it and lets him to pretty much whatever he likes to them but they play with my DS1 in a completely different way (they can definately tell the difference and are pretty good and reacting to your moods)
They don't need as much excercise as you might think - ok this does vary depending on the individual but my 2 are quite happy with a short-ish (1/2 hour) daily walk or run about and they are knackered.
They're pretty lazy and don't really seem to care if they don't get walked for a few days, especially when it's cold and wet
They don't cost as much to feed as you might think - I probably spend no more than £15 a week for both of them
Mine are very calm and placid, not excitable or jumpy (unless they're outside!)
Don't need much grooming (v. short hair)
They don't bark much
Not really big chewers/clawers
They can be really funny :D
Great with kids (they take pretty much anything my 2 dish out and never react or get snappy)
They get a LOT of attention when they go out, people constantly come up and talk to you about them so they are good for socialising!

Obviously I can only speak from my own experience and every dog is different but all in all, they are sweet, beautiful, lovely dogs and the pros (at least for me) easily outway the cons - you'll never forget them if you have them!

Sorry, so many typos in there but it's awkward trying to type with DS2 climbing all over my back!

our big girl is very placid. we got her from great dane adoption in lincs as a puppy. great with our children and other dogs.
Loves to lean against you and likes a sleep on the settee.
Very loyal. beautiful nature

Awww.

I live vicariously through all you lot who have dogs - I would love a dog (any dog) but my absolute faourite dog would be a great dane.

So sad that so many are in rescues.

When we had our homecheck with great dane rescue, the homechecker brought his male Dane with him so we got an idea of how big they are and how much room they take up!
He said many people hand them in to rescue saying 'we had no idea he/she would get so big!'

Danes have always been my favourites as my parents had 2 when we lived in South Africa, I spent my childhood listening to funny stories about them, I was overjoyed when we were finally in a position to own one :D

It breaks my heart when I hear about so many who have been given away because the owners 'didn't realise how big they would get'! They're giant breed dogs, what do you expect!

Its sad because they get so attached to their families when they get moved on a lot it is very distressing for them (as it would be for most dogs I imagine! )

I remember a great dane leaning against me when I was a child. he made me topple over and then he stood over me, looking bemused.

they are such lovely, kindly natured dogs.

They don't live very long though, do they.

I was told 10/11 was elderly and doing well

Aaahh I'd forgotten how lovely it is having a big warm Great Dane leaning against you. Would love one but cant afford a dog, we both work, have a baby with another on the way. Plus I am frightened of dogs*

Seriously, scared of all dogs except GDs. No idea why.