What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)
Owner (not first time), and future Exhibitor
2. Where and why was the breed first developed?
Commonly believed in Germany, as boar hunting dogs. I have no information to the contrary!
3. How common is it in Australia?
Low-medium...sadly becoming more common...
4. What is the average lifespan?
7-10 years although much older and younger is also common.
5. What is the general temperament/personality?
Giant smooches. Danes are loveable clowns...needing your attention and companionship. At the same time they also can have high prey drive (need to chase) and be very slow to train and stubborn (particularly bitches)
6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?
10-20 minutes a day, dependant on age. Pups should only be given free play time parks until 6-9 months...from then on they can be taken for short walks (no longer than 20-30 minutes) until 12-18 months old. I realise that is a wide range however all dogs are different...Early socialisation is a must as this breed can be skittish amongst unknowns!
7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?
No (although there may be exceptions). A dane owner needs to be prepared to ensure that they are the leader of the pack, otherwise their dane will walk all over them! Plenty of training and socialisation is required of a puppy that will reach 65K+
8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?
I do not believe so, however it is all in the training. If your dane has been gradually left for longer and longer periods and is well acclimatised and exercised (and has enrichment programs/options in place) , then perhaps it is possible...however they are a 'people' dog...
9. How much grooming is required?
Not much, nails are the biggest issues...however the do shed, so the more you brush, the less shedding!
10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?
Yes, they can be...as a puppy they are very unaware of their size, so can be very boisterous until 2 years old, however as anything if adequate training is practised, then it can be managed.
11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?
Very many - firstly, backyard breeder stupidity and lack of knowledge! Breeding various colours together than can lead to blind and deaf danes.
Skin allergies
Hypo-thyroidism
Cardio Dilated Myopathy (heart problems)
Bloat
Temperament issues
Wobblers
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Ectropion
Entropion
12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)
Hip & elbow scoring
Heart
Eyes
Thyroid
see other posters for acceptable results...
