FH and I went to the breeder yesterday and had our interview which went very well. We are now on the waiting list!! FH wants to get a Harlequin Great Dane (spotted like a dalmation), but they can reach 130-165 lbs. The dog that is currently pregnant almost knocked FH over, it was so big I thought it looked like a small horse. I was wondering if anybody had any experience with the breed, if there is anything we should know???
My old roommates boyfriend had one and she used to stay with us sometimes...
she was older 10 ish...and she died at 11 or so...
but she was so kind and gentle...she had a spot that was her own and never ever thought about jumping on a person...the couch or the bed...
my sister and BIL are thinking about one...and I showed them www.petfinders.org
there are tons on that site...b/c I think people don't realize how big they are and then get rid of them...something you may want to consider...
ETA: my college mascot was a great dane and the one they had at football games was HUGE...like a small horse!!! but always very gentle ith all the people that would come up to it
Rob-luvs-me
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Re: anybody have a Great Dane?
My aunt and uncle got TWO they waited until he graduated med school (he went to columbia U and they didnt' think it was right to have them in a small city apartment) but they moved to LA to do his residency - and so they had a house and a place for them to run) my parents have memories of them running around and drooling on all the furniture. They were WONDERFUL dogs - but I believe they had a problem with them when my cousin was like 3 or 4 - (I wasn't born then so I have only heard stories) so they had to get rid of them. My parents say they were supposedly nice and friendly dogs though
Robeymuse
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Re: anybody have a Great Dane?
We have done a bunch of research. The main thing I was concerned about is that they only live 7-10 years usually. Once they are highly trained they seems to be very friendly and good natured. But the first time I saw one I was shocked by just how big they really are. Good. The next litter is due March 7th and she keeps them 8-10 weeks. Hopefully we will get one in that litter. We wanted to want until after the wedding.
Spot12905
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Re: anybody have a Great Dane?
One of my friends had a great dane. They were nice dogs.
kmcwed
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Re: anybody have a Great Dane?
x
Robeymuse
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Re: anybody have a Great Dane?
Posted by kmcwed
I say if you really love the Great Danes, and are going to train it well, you should go for it! You may only have 7-10 years together, but just think of how wonderful those years will be.
Thanks!!! One of the main reasons I am getting it is b/c FHis a fireman and isn't home alot. I wanted a big dog We also don't plan on having kids for quite a few years so I thought a dog would be perfect!
Icey
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Re: anybody have a Great Dane?
Just remember they are a very large dog .I know someone who ran a Great Dan resque(sp) Most of the time dogs ended up there because people thought they we're adorable puppies but neve relized how big they get.Do buy some books and do research . They do need to have their food soaked to avoid bloating. Which can be a costly nightmare.All in all the dogs I've seen have all been well behaved and easy to get along with .Out of the 10 or so she's had through her home only one had aggressive behavior(sp?) but that was because he came from an abusive home. Good Luck !
HappyEverAfter
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Re: anybody have a Great Dane?
Our neighbor had a great dane, it was a great dog. HUGE though, my 90 lb lab looked like a midget compared to him. He was so well trained though, never barked and had such a sweet disposition. My Onyx would carry on and bark at him, and he would not bark back or anything. He humored Onyx into thinking he was the more badas* dog LOL. They had a baby too, and told me the dog was very sweet w. her.
