1. What are Great Danes really like?
Great Danes live up to their "gentle giant" status. They are very people oriented and, although they love to run and play, they are not outside dogs as they need the companionship of a family.
2. What is the life span if a Great Dane?
Generally 8-10 years, although some live longer. We are seeing more Great Danes make it to 10-12 with the better food selections and veterinary care provided.
3. How big will a Great Dane get?
Great Danes are usually between 32 and 36 inches at the shoulder, between 120 and 180 pounds. This is large enough to take up the whole couch and peer over your dining room table/countertop.
4. How many colors do Great Danes come in?
There are now 7 recognized colors that may be shown in a competition. These are black, blue, harlequin,
mantle/boston, brindle, fawn and recently added merle. You will also see Danes in other colors, but those are usually from improper breeding.
5. How much does a Great Dane cost?
Our adoption fees vary but young adults are $400, puppies $450. Older adults and seniors are slightly less. See our Adoption Info page for more details. If you purchase a Dane from a breeder, expect to pay between $1800 and $3000 depending on whether a companion or show dog.
6. Why do you charge so much for the adoption fee?
We receive no government funding. Most of our funding comes directly from public donations. The adoption fee we ask usually ends up being much less than we have spent on the Dane getting it ready for adoption. We must ask for this adoption fee in order to continue our rescue work to save other dogs in need.
7. How much does a Great Dane eat?
Great Danes require a high quality food. A puppy may eat 8-9 cups a day, but after the age of 2 most Great
Danes eat about 6 cups a day.
8. How much does it cost to take care of a Great Dane?
In simple terms, a lot. As you can imagine, everything cost more for a Great Dane due to the size. It costs more for bedding, food, vet visits/immunizations, etc. You can estimate about $60-80 a month just for food. If you add toys, bedding, vet visits, etc, it can become quite costly.
9. Do I need a large house to own a Great Dane?
Not necessarily. A large fenced yard would be ideal, but a large house is not necessary. A couple of walks a day and a play session will be enough to keep your Dane exercised and happy.
10. What is the origin of the Great Dane; are they from Denmark?
The Great Dane as we know it today is actually from Germany. They were used as boar hunters and estate
guards.
11. Are Great Danes good with children and other pets?
As a general rule, Great Danes are wonderful with other pets and children. If you have very small children, any large or giant dog is cause for concern simply due to the fact that the child can be knocked over very easily by a 150-pound dog who is excited.