Because a 25 pound eight-week-old male puppy will generally grow to
about six times that weight, special consideration needs to be given before acquiring a puppy. Dogs are abandoned every day because their
owners didn't realize that their cute little puppy would grow up to be
a very large dog with real needs. Therefore, anyone considering a Dane
as a pet (puppy or adult), should first spend time with adults of the breed, and then ask themselves the following questions:
Question: Will I be able to provide enough food for a giant breed dog?
Answer: They eat about three to six cups of high quality dog food twice each day.
Question: Can I afford the other expenses involved with
owning a dog of this size?
Answer: Medication, crates, bedding, equipment, supplies, toys, etc., all cost more for a giant breed dog.
Question: Am I prepared to provide a Dane with the companionship and exercise he requires?
Answer: Am I able, and willing, to provide positive and consistent training, beginning as soon as my Dane enters my home?
If after considering all of these questions, you are still determined to add a Great Dane to your family, then do consider adopting a homeless dog from a rescue organization. Danes of both sexes, and all colors and ages, are often available for adoption. If you must have a puppy, then screen breeders very carefully before buying. Make sure that any puppy that you consider, has been bred and reared to have a correct temperament, and that the parents have been screened for genetic defects. An aggressive Great Dane can be a very dangerous dog, and a crippled or chronically sick Dane can be more of a burden than a pleasure. Remember that your decision to acquire a Dane, is a decision that will affect you (and your Dane) for a lifetime.