Frequently Asked Questions
How big do they get?
Males weigh about 145 to 185 pounds and are approximately 34 to 36 inches at the withers. Females weigh about 110 to 145 pounds and are about 31 to 33 inches.
What kind of home is needed?
Owner commitment is a BIG requirement for a Dane home. A securely fenced yard is a must for all dogs, but especially important for a breed as large as a Dane. A five foot minimum is suggested.
Are they good in the house?
Danes are house dogs and make excellent house-pets. They are a "people" breed. They are not an outdoor breed and do very poor without human contact.
Do they make good watch dogs?
Danes, by virtue of their size, are enough to scare off most intruders and excessive protectiveness should not be encouraged. A good-tempered Dane should be able to use good judgement in determining friend or foe.
How much do they eat?
Males eat about 8 to 12 cups per day and females eat around 6 to 10 cups. This caries with age and activity level.
Do they need a lot of exercise?
Danes are "average" on the exercise scale. Older, settled adults can be quite content being a couch potato; but young Danes must have adequate exercise.
Are they hard to raise?
Danes are generally easy to train and housebreak. However, they do need structure, training and socialization at a young age to prevent later problems.
What is their temperament like?
The Great Dane standard states: A Dane must be spirited, courageous, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or aggressive. Reputable breeders strive for this standard.
Are they good with children?
These "gentle giants" are generally good with kids, but due to their size, we do not recommend first-done homes if there are small children.
Are they good with other animals?
This depends greatly on both the individual temperament of the dog and also how it has been raised, trained, and socialized. Some Danes "play well with others" and some don't. Some have a high prey drive which can put others smaller pets at risk.
Do they shed?
Yes, Danes shed more than most people realize. However, because of their short coat, daily brushing only takes a few minutes and keeps the coat nice.
Do ears have to be cropped to be shown?
Danes can be shown either cropped or uncropped. Cropping should only be done by a qualified, Dane-experienced vet, at the proper age and with correct follow-up care.
What colours do they come in?
Danes come in six Standard colours; Fawn, Brindle, Black, Harlequin, and Mantle. Anything other than a standard colour is a mismark – not a "rare" colour.
How do I find a breeder?
We suggest contacting your local Dane Club or the Great Dane Club of America for breeder recommendation. Dane Outreach has literature available on what to look for in a breeder.
What is their life span?
Great Danes have a short life span, averaging just 7 to 10 years.
How much do they cost to care for?
Danes are a very expensive breed to care for; because of size alone, upkeep is more expensive. Pet insurance is strongly recommended.
What health issues do they have?
Serious problems include cancer, bloat and torsion, wobblers, and heart disease. Less serious include allergies, skin problems sensitive stomachs, and thyroid problems. Any Dane can have health issues, but purchasing from a breeder who does health testing as recommended by the GDCA will help minimize problems.
Cute Is Only The Beginning.
Regal Black puppies are amongst the most adorable creatures. Their four legs will carry love, joy, and energy to each corner of your home.