Families with very small children should probably not get a Great Dane. These gentle, yet massive dogs may unintentionally knock toddlers down and hurt them. Adults too, need to be aware of the power in a wagging tail belonging to a happy Dane.

In spite of the huge size, they are incredibly docile dogs. Unhappily, like all giant breeds of dogs, they do not live long enough, it's not uncommon for them to fail to reach double figures. Notwithstanding their size, according to the AKC, life in a large flat can suit a Great Dane quite well. They are not as high energy as most other breeds, but despite their couch potato ways, daily exercise is important. In spite of their size they are usually very gentle, devoted and loveable, making an excellent companion for both families or individuals.

Great Danes are low upkeep pets, with easy to manage coats. However, vets fees can be high and insurance companies may exclude more from the policy than they do with other breeds. Vets fees may be minimised by careful selection of a good knowledgeable breeder to get your dog from, and the use of good quality foods of the right kind. These dogs enjoy going for walks and cavorting in the yard. They are considered a giant breed of dog, yet they are as gentle as they are large, and hence are often referred to as gentle giants of the dog world. usually, affectionate with family members and self-confident with strangers. The Great Dane has a stable, easy-going nature, preferring to lounge on the couch near a beloved one to almost any other pastime.

Their physical and mental combination is the feature which gives the Great Dane the loftiness possessed by no other breed. Great Danes are not large, they are giants, only the Irish Wolfhound stands taller. The dog has an air of self-esteem and grandeur, but it also enjoys to romp and play. Great Danes are highly sensitive compared to other breeds. They can read the body-language of their owners so exactly that it seems as if their inner attachment to human beings is stronger than anything else. Great Danes are powerful, with a lean figure and smooth appearance. The ears on their long, rectangular heads are unfortunately often cropped into tall points.

These dogs are giant, powerful, yet very elegant and noble animals. They can weigh between 120-200 pounds as a male, and the females can weigh between 100-150 pounds. Unfortunately Great Danes are not a healthy breed although the majority of problems can be minimised by excellent nutrition and avoidance of accidents. Although large they are surprisingly fragile animals. Like other large breed dogs they commonly have medical problems related to their large size. The most common problems to which they are prone are hip dysplasia and bloat, the latter of which can be minimised by placing the food dish on an elevated platform at an appropriate height for the size of the dog, spacing meals throughout the day, and avoiding exercise immediately after meals. Feed them small meals. Contrary to their appearance, they can die from over-eating, and it's called gastric torsion. Familiarize yourself with the location and routes you can take to get to an emergency facility if your regular clinic is closed. Confer with your vet well in advance about all aspects of your dog's treatment - including tubing, surgery, and after care.

Puppies of all breeds learn quickest when they are youngest - so don't wait to start training. This breed is not the same as a golden retriever - they are not always the breed you want playing ball in the back yard with your kids. Also puppies need care, primarily because their rapid growth rate makes them injury prone. In fact you can do your puppy a favour by feeding with high quality food, and avoiding calcium supplements. This will help your puppy to grow slower. Puppies are normally fed 4 times a day decreasing to twice a day between 4 to 6 months. Puppies should appear lean; some ribs should be visible but shouldn't appear emaciated. After about a year they'll start to flesh out but the last rib should still be fairly visible.

Discuss an appropriate exercise program for young Great Danes with your breeder and a vet, and make sure a young Dane receives plenty of training. As I said earlier these dogs are intelligent and reasonably easy to train. They are usually aiming to please every chance they get. In fact, training is essential, especially training Great Dane puppies not to pull on their leash. Great Danes are a beautiful breed of dog and are very social and lovable, not mediocre dogs in any respect. They require above average commitment to train and care for them the right way. Breeding of Great Danes however is best left to an expert. Both for the sake of the dog and it's eventual owner.