We made a list of things we think anyone should consider before you get a puppy or a pet. Much of the points may seem negative but that is not the intent. We just want our puppy's or any Great Danes to go to a well prepared home. It is long list trying to stick to key points. If we added all the good things, it would be ten times longer.

Anyone considering taking a Great Dane into their home (Regardless of whether a puppy or adult) should talk to experienced breeders, experienced Great Dane owners and find out about the breed and take in as much information relating to the breed as possible. Then answer the following questions most apply to all dogs though some are more for Great Danes. All things below should be asked of yourself / family before bringing any pet into a home:

 

  • Will you be willing & able to provide enough of the CORRECT food for a giant breed of dog? Minimum about $125.00 a month per Great Dane.
  • Can you afford the other expenses involved with owning a dog of this size? - Medication, bedding, equipment, toys and a suitable vehicle, costs are more for a giant breed. Great Dane sized things are hard to find, so you can think out side the box. Good ideas for bedding are futon mattress, toddler beds and such just stay away from metal springs and stick to foam or other soft stuffing only.
  • Are you prepared to provide a Great Dane with the companionship and exercise he requires?
  • Are you able and willing to provide positive and consistent training, beginning as soon as the Great Dane enters your home?
  • Do you live in a house, or apartment?
  • Does your lease allow you to keep a dog?
  • Do you have a separated (i.e. not communal) fenced yard?
  • Do you get along well with your neighbors and are they tolerant of a large dog? (Farmers with livestock &.many people with young children are not)
  • Are you prepared to be interviewed and possibly have your home vetted?
  • How many permanent members of your household are there?
  • Is there anyone reluctant to take part in this purchase?
  • Is the puppy to be a surprise?
  • Will there be someone at home for the greater part of each day?
  • How long is your puppy expected to regularly be left on his own?
  • Have you thought about provision for the dog when you are away? e.g. holiday, business, illness?
  • Is there a secure, safe area where the puppy can be left for short periods?
  • Is this an area where the puppy would not get into trouble and end up being hurt or perhaps punished for chewing, scratching, digging, accidentally soiling etc?
  • Is there a member of the family that may get upset if something should become damaged or broken in your house or yard?
  • Are you prepared for some accidental soiling or damage until the puppy has learned to be clean and behave?
  • Is everyone prepared to tolerate slobber & dog hairs for the rest of the puppy's life?
  • How does everyone visualize the long-term life-style and environment for their puppy? Great Danes are very much a house dog they cannot deal well with temperature being high or low.
  • Will the puppy be left with 'staff for any length of time? The Nanny, Gardener, Baby-sitter etc may resent having to look after the puppy and may not treat it well.
  • Is there a swimming pool, garden pond or other hazard to the puppy? - If so, have you considered what do you intend to do about it.
  • Does everyone fully appreciate the running costs of a Great Dane? E.g..vaccinations, vets fees, Insurance, accessories, Boarding, Transport.
  • Do you permit pets on Furniture? Great Danes are called couch potatoes for good reason they love a soft comfortable couch just like you.
  • Is there an elderly or disable person, living within or frequently visiting the household, who may be knocked-over or injured? This mainly applies to people with balance problem or weakening bones. Great Danes like to lean in to people and sit on laps. Danes also bump into things sometimes.
  • Is everyone prepared to make the time and effort to bath, groom, clean his teeth & trim his nails regularly? Train him properly and ensure that he is a pleasure to live with and never a source of irritation to others? Give him regular exercise, if necessary transporting him to a place where he can run free? Clean up after him in public places and not cause a nuisance in anyway? Is everyone fully committed and prepared to love and care for your Great Dane for all of his life and not just while he is a cuddly puppy? Do they appreciate that dogs, like people, grow old and infirm and may need special care and attention?
  • Do you own a dog at present?
  • Would he or she be compatible with another dog?
  • Have you thought about how you would deal with a bitch in season or un-neutered male?
  • Has anyone in the household had a Great Dane or other large breed? If so did they experience any problems?
  • Are you willing to listen to the advice given to you by the breeder and stick to those guidelines regardless of advice given to you from any other source. Are you willing to consult the breeder in the first instance should any changes in your dog's circumstances become necessary.
  • Is the family relationship secure? Great Danes bond to most any person or pet in the household and never like someone to leave even for a short time.
  • Are there any plans for children in the near future? Many animals are cast aside when new babies come along.