DaneLover233 Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Hi all! I'm new to the forums, Megan is my name! I wrote a quick hi in the welcome section. Anywho, I'm calling all dane owners/lovers to please tell me random facts about your gentle giant! I've wanted one since I was about 5, my parents would take me to mixed dog shows & I would stare up in awe at all the Great Danes. My husband and I will be on the hunt for one in a year or 2 & I found these forums so thought id jump on & try & find out anything & everything I don't already know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danois Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 There is a Dane thread in breed 101 and there is a Dane thread in the breed subforums too. However most people spend more time in Danes Downunder (search for Ozzie Danes) and Aussie Danes (I prefer the first one) on Facebook these days. My facts - research research research the breeder first. Do not be tempted by BYB or breeders who produce lots of puppies. - diet is so important to a growing puppy - no Dane owner finds references to horses amusing. Most of us with smile and nod our heads but we have generally heard all the jokes and find the horse references somewhat offensive - it's like calling someone's chi a rat. - owning a Dane is unlike owning any other breed - boys tend to be sooky and the girls more dominant - I have only had boys and will continue to do so - don't get a Dane if you don't want to share your couch and home with them - they are not a breed for the backyard/ away from their family - get used to bruises on the top of your feet from being stood on and bruises on the thigh from tail whip - and final point, research research research research research and be prepared to wait for the right puppy from the right breeder (yes I repeated this point). Also - head to Great Dane Rescue and Rehoming website and download the guide there to owning a Dane including how to find a good breeder etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaneLover233 Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 Thanks for your reply Danois - I had already checked out the threads you mentioned but I will check out the Danes Downunder fb page :) My facts - research research research the breeder first. Do not be tempted by BYB or breeders who produce lots of puppies. - I would NEVER buy from a BYB!! - diet is so important to a growing puppy - I definitely want to learn more about what to feed them , I currently feed my dogs on Blackhawk but realise this may not be best for a GD - no Dane owner finds references to horses amusing. Most of us with smile and nod our heads but we have generally heard all the jokes and find the horse references somewhat offensive - it's like calling someone's chi a rat. - I get annoyed when people call my friends massive bull arab a horse so I can understand this one hahaha - owning a Dane is unlike owning any other breed - I sure hope so! - boys tend to be sooky and the girls more dominant - I have only had boys and will continue to do so - we know that we 100% want a boy already for this reason - don't get a Dane if you don't want to share your couch and home with them - they are not a breed for the backyard/ away from their family - couch time is a MUST - get used to bruises on the top of your feet from being stood on and bruises on the thigh from tail whip - hahahaha ok, ouchies! - and final point, research research research research research and be prepared to wait for the right puppy from the right breeder (yes I repeated this point). - this is why we want to start our reseach so far in advance, you can never know too much especially with such a different breed Also - head to Great Dane Rescue and Rehoming website and download the guide there to owning a Dane including how to find a good breeder etc - I already have this website favourited and always drool over the danes needing new homes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danois Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Great work on the research! - Breeders that mass produce puppies are just as bad as BYBers in many regards too! Also it is best to find one who health tests. - Yes, Black Hawk is not suitable for a growing dane pup as it does not have the right calcium to phosphorous ratios (as important, if not more, than protein: fat) unless you look at the Fish one and then my personal view is that this product has not been in the market long enough for there to be reliable information about whether it is the right food for growing danes. Personally I would stick to a) the food recommended by your breeder and b) foods which have a long track record of growing lots of dane puppies slow and steady. - I laugh at your reference to "couch time" - you know the couch (and your bed) is theirs right?? I woke up this morning to sleeping on the side of the bed because there was a 65kg lump hogging the space and I lost out. - my other 'fact' - be prepared to put in a lot of work to training. Due to their size, any behaviours are really amplified! Not only that, to be a responsible dane owner you need to be able to control that big weight on the end of the lead - and let me tell you, if they are determined, they will pull you over! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaneLover233 Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 I think we have narrowed it down to 2 breeders, both of which I found on DOL and I follow one on facebook :) I do love Blackhawk, it really worked miracles on my boxer. I've heard Eukanuba is the one to go with, would you agree? May I ask what you feed yours (and where I can drool over some pics?!?!) I just laughed at your comment "you know the couch (and your bed) is theirs right??" - i'm more than happy to have a giant snuggle bunny....the bigger the better in my opinion, no point wanting a small GD right lol As for training, that's something i'm extremely passionate about and can't wait for this!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashsmum Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Another random fact - they LOOOOOVVVEE stuffies - a supply of stuffed toys MUST be available :laugh: Both the danes we've lived with have loved their stuffed toys. Both were/are female, so maybe not an issue with boys. If the current girl can't find her own stuffy, mine get stolen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwaY Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Check out how many litters each breeder is having HERE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwaY Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Dane Train will have the answers to all your questions and then some... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danois Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 I think we have narrowed it down to 2 breeders, both of which I found on DOL and I follow one on facebook :) I do love Blackhawk, it really worked miracles on my boxer. I've heard Eukanuba is the one to go with, would you agree? May I ask what you feed yours (and where I can drool over some pics?!?!) I just laughed at your comment "you know the couch (and your bed) is theirs right??" - i'm more than happy to have a giant snuggle bunny....the bigger the better in my opinion, no point wanting a small GD right lol As for training, that's something i'm extremely passionate about and can't wait for this!!! I have grown a puppy on Eukanuba and Holistic Select and was happy with both. Canidae is now on the market and that would be my first pick if I got a new puppy. I now feed PRO PLAN Sensitive - mainly as it is a fully fish based food and he seems to prefer this diet (I fed Canidae Pure Sea before that which I was very happy with). This is my boy, he is 6 in July and still acts like a puppy (damn it this photo made me sad - it was taken during a beach trip with Honey who is no longer with us ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaneLover233 Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 Another random fact - they LOOOOOVVVEE stuffies - a supply of stuffed toys MUST be available :laugh: Both the danes we've lived with have loved their stuffed toys. Both were/are female, so maybe not an issue with boys. If the current girl can't find her own stuffy, mine get stolen. Hahahahahaha duly noted!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaneLover233 Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 Dane Train will have the answers to all your questions and then some... Dane Train? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaneLover233 Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 I think we have narrowed it down to 2 breeders, both of which I found on DOL and I follow one on facebook :) I do love Blackhawk, it really worked miracles on my boxer. I've heard Eukanuba is the one to go with, would you agree? May I ask what you feed yours (and where I can drool over some pics?!?!) I just laughed at your comment "you know the couch (and your bed) is theirs right??" - i'm more than happy to have a giant snuggle bunny....the bigger the better in my opinion, no point wanting a small GD right lol As for training, that's something i'm extremely passionate about and can't wait for this!!! I have grown a puppy on Eukanuba and Holistic Select and was happy with both. Canidae is now on the market and that would be my first pick if I got a new puppy. I now feed PRO PLAN Sensitive - mainly as it is a fully fish based food and he seems to prefer this diet (I fed Canidae Pure Sea before that which I was very happy with). This is my boy, he is 6 in July and still acts like a puppy (damn it this photo made me sad - it was taken during a beach trip with Honey who is no longer with us ) Thank you :) I haven't actually heard of Canidae...something new for me to research! Oh my gosh he's gorgeous! That big fat head! I love it when they look like this rather than the more narrow face, does that make sense? What's his name? I'm sorry to hear you lost Honey, it's never easy xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danois Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 I think we have narrowed it down to 2 breeders, both of which I found on DOL and I follow one on facebook :) I do love Blackhawk, it really worked miracles on my boxer. I've heard Eukanuba is the one to go with, would you agree? May I ask what you feed yours (and where I can drool over some pics?!?!) I just laughed at your comment "you know the couch (and your bed) is theirs right??" - i'm more than happy to have a giant snuggle bunny....the bigger the better in my opinion, no point wanting a small GD right lol As for training, that's something i'm extremely passionate about and can't wait for this!!! I have grown a puppy on Eukanuba and Holistic Select and was happy with both. Canidae is now on the market and that would be my first pick if I got a new puppy. I now feed PRO PLAN Sensitive - mainly as it is a fully fish based food and he seems to prefer this diet (I fed Canidae Pure Sea before that which I was very happy with). This is my boy, he is 6 in July and still acts like a puppy (damn it this photo made me sad - it was taken during a beach trip with Honey who is no longer with us ) Thank you :) I haven't actually heard of Canidae...something new for me to research! Oh my gosh he's gorgeous! That big fat head! I love it when they look like this rather than the more narrow face, does that make sense? What's his name? I'm sorry to hear you lost Honey, it's never easy xx Thanks - Honey was not mine but a friend's but Boo adored her. She was THE Honey the Great Dane (of YouTube and blog fame). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaneLover233 Posted January 29, 2014 Author Share Posted January 29, 2014 I think we have narrowed it down to 2 breeders, both of which I found on DOL and I follow one on facebook :) I do love Blackhawk, it really worked miracles on my boxer. I've heard Eukanuba is the one to go with, would you agree? May I ask what you feed yours (and where I can drool over some pics?!?!) I just laughed at your comment "you know the couch (and your bed) is theirs right??" - i'm more than happy to have a giant snuggle bunny....the bigger the better in my opinion, no point wanting a small GD right lol As for training, that's something i'm extremely passionate about and can't wait for this!!! I have grown a puppy on Eukanuba and Holistic Select and was happy with both. Canidae is now on the market and that would be my first pick if I got a new puppy. I now feed PRO PLAN Sensitive - mainly as it is a fully fish based food and he seems to prefer this diet (I fed Canidae Pure Sea before that which I was very happy with). This is my boy, he is 6 in July and still acts like a puppy (damn it this photo made me sad - it was taken during a beach trip with Honey who is no longer with us ) Thank you :) I haven't actually heard of Canidae...something new for me to research! Oh my gosh he's gorgeous! That big fat head! I love it when they look like this rather than the more narrow face, does that make sense? What's his name? I'm sorry to hear you lost Honey, it's never easy xx Thanks - Honey was not mine but a friend's but Boo adored her. She was THE Honey the Great Dane (of YouTube and blog fame). "THE" Honey! I used to always watch her videos, such a smart funny girl...she was really big for a female too! I assume Boo is the boy in the pic, what an adorable name! The only downside to doing all this research is it makes me want one NOW...patience is not something I do well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwaY Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 Dane Train will have the answers to all your questions and then some... Dane Train? It has been renamed but you have already posted in it LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaneLover233 Posted January 29, 2014 Author Share Posted January 29, 2014 Dane Train will have the answers to all your questions and then some... Dane Train? It has been renamed but you have already posted in it LOL Oh ok haha I know what you're talking about now! Thank you :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullmastiff Addict Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 Hi there & Welcome Apart from doubling up on what Danios has told you already, my 2 cents worth are……. Apart from researching breeders, once you have picked one your happy with arrange to go and visit, meet their current danes and get a feel for what their's are like.. Forming a relationship now with a breeder is greåt. Drool towels are a must to have everywhere.. everything is more expensive as they need so much more, so be prepared Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pheebs Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 I will speak only from personal experience (dons flame suit). We have a Blue Female who will be 5 in June. We've had her since 8wks of age and bought her from a registered breeder. I adore this dog with my everything, but she is incredibly hard work. Yes, there are "gentle giants" out there, but there are also those that defy logic and many who have met my girl describe her as "broken" :laugh: I have had consultations with a few behaviourists who have described her as having a "f*** you" mentality. In fairness, I would also comment that she is the way she is as a result of both nature and nurture (I fell ill about 9 months after we adopted her so she definitely sees me as a bit of a weak target but would walk all over anyone really given the chance). I would (as has previously been advised in this thread) again strongly recommend meeting with your breeder of choice and meeting their dogs to see what they are like both in conformation and temperament. I know I'm biased but I feel she is an incredibly beautiful dog but very much bred for beauty, not brains or temperament. Please don't get me wrong - she can be incredibly smoochy, sweet and loving but at best she is highly strung, weak nerved, reactive (and please take this in the way in which its intended as I mean no offence to anyone) she has been described as being "autistic" and you never really feel like she connects with you (or anyone for that matter). I would also strongly urge that you ask the hard questions of any prospective breeder re: the incidence of bloat in their lines. In sum? They are a truly remarkable and special breed but I'm comforted that you're doing your research now as purchasing from a Registered Breeder only gets you so far :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danois Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 You just pick the wrong colour dogs GDG - black dog here and no slobber lol! You make a really good point Pheebs - making sure that you get the right temperament for you. Boo is an incredibly easy dog to live with now but by golly we had our moments when he was younger - harassing the cat when he was ill, shut down behaviour etc etc - there were tears, an impassioned plea (which got ignored) for a friend to come and take him, a consult with K9 Pro and heaps of advice from experienced Dane people. I had a puppy that had a soft temperament and some anxiety. I had to over socialise and I pay the price for that today as he does have a high value for other dogs but will recall away. I have also learnt that he is the perfect obedience/ rally o dog at home but training has way too many distractions for him and I can't get him to focus for love nor money nor roast chicken! My other piece of advice - never ever ever let them learn was ice cream is...there is no coming back from that one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullmastiff Addict Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 (edited) You just pick the wrong colour dogs GDG - black dog here and no slobber lol! :rofl: dead right there Danelover233… I've attached a pic of my current boy. he's 2 weeks shy of 9mths. he's lovely, nawty, and cheeky, but my god i love him. Previous to him i owned his 2 great grandfathers…. I'm a sucker for Harlequins & Mantles ( Spots & Tuxedos ) :laugh: Edited January 29, 2014 by greatdanegirl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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