If you’re puzzling over which breed to pick for your family’s first pet dog or simply contemplating adding a new furry canine to your brood, you’re probably considering a few breeds. Have you ever thought of the majestic Great Dane as a potential family dog?
Surprised? Well, it’s time to delve into the world of these gentle giants.
These noblemen of the dog kingdom are famous for their gargantuan size. Towering as high as 32 inches at shoulder height, Great Danes are larger than most full-grown humans when standing on their hind legs! Despite their intimidating size, they are known for their sweet, friendly nature, which has earned them the affectionate monicker of “Gentle Giants.”
Now, you might be asking yourself how a dog this big could fit into family life. The answer is quite interesting — Great Danes, despite their massive size, have some of the biggest hearts in the animal kingdom.
Let’s start from the beginning.
Great Danes date back to ancient times, with images of them appearing in Babylonian artifacts that are thousands of years old. But these oversized pups aren’t just antiquarian treasures. Today, their charm, patience, and deeply affectionate temperament have made them beloved family pets worldwide.
Great Danes are wonderful with children, being incredibly gentle and indulgent. The American Kennel Club pinpoints this breed as affectionate and excellent with kids, explaining that they are as protective as they are patient, demonstrating an intuitive love for the little ones in your family. Although their large size might make you hesitant initially, these dogs are aware of it and are generally careful not to harm or scare young or smaller members of the family.
Consider this – Within their massive chests lie hearts brimming with affection and kindness, and they lavish this love on their cherished humans. These are dogs that enjoy spending as much time as possible with their family. Despite their size, don’t be surprised if you frequently find them attempting to squeeze next to you on the couch for a bit of cuddle time!
Although Great Danes are usually friendly, social dogs, like any canine, they need consistent training and socialization from a young age. This allows them to mature into well-adjusted, behaved dogs that can handle new experiences with grace. Good news is, according to intellectual dog rankings, Great Danes are above average when it comes to intelligence and have a strong desire to please, making them fairly easy to train.
But there’s also a practical side to owning a Great Dane. Their large size means they eat more, produce more waste, and sometimes accidentally break things just by turning around too quickly in a small space. Planning for extra food costs and the occasional broken vase is part of the deal when you invite this gentle giant into your home.
In terms of exercise, Great Danes are generally less energy-intensive than other breeds. Unlike their smaller, more energetic counterparts, they’d prefer a slow stroll in the park over a high-speed chase with a tennis ball. But don’t be mistaken, they do need their daily exercise, just moderately, to maintain their health.
Health is a crucial factor to be considered while adopting any breed, and it’s no different for Great Danes. Unfortunately, their huge size can make them prone to certain health issues. The most notable one being Bloat (a severe and frequently deadly gastric condition), short life spans (6-8 years typically), and hip dysplasia. Regular vet check-ups and a diet monitored for quality and quantity can do wonders in keeping them healthy, though.
So, is a Great Dane a good family dog? Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for.
In conclusion, if you’re a family with lots of love to give and space to offer, and the dedication to raise a dog that is larger than life (literally!), the Great Dane could be an excellent choice. These lovable giants make an unforgettable addition to the family, providing years of companionable strolls, sofa-snuggles, and unconditional doggy love. Their gentle demeanor, loving disposition, and relative ease of care make them a gem among breeds.
In the company of these gentle giants, life becomes a little bit more joyous, a whole lot more interesting, and filled with unparalleled companionship!
