# Great Dane **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 15, 2021, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609 "2021-01-15T16:54:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/21 "2021-01-18T18:46:19Z")
> [@peedin](#): > > Huckleberry Hound! > > Congrats. He looks lovely. I always wanted a harlequin GD. I don’t think he would be classified as a harlequin (which are gorgeous) they are white with splotches of black. I think he would be classified under the “mantle” coloring or sometimes called “Boston” - like a Boston terrier. But his coloring isn’t perfect - it kind of went awry! He wouldn’t be able to be used as a show dog because of that. But that’s ok. ---
**Author:** ![FigNorton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fignorton/32/5619_2.png) [@FigNorton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FigNorton)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/22 "2021-01-18T18:52:34Z")
Two 1-hour walks might be a bit much, is what I’m saying. But every dog is different. Good luck and congrats. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/23 "2021-01-18T20:44:41Z")
Huck is gorgeous, your exercise schedule is perfect for a young dog and I think you guys will be very happy together. So happy this worked out for everyone! ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/24 "2021-01-18T20:52:45Z")
Missed the edit window, but wanted to add: A word about nutrition–one of my doggos was included in a study for boutique diets and dilated cardiomyopathy and she showed some possible early signs so I changed her diet because the food I was using had a lot of legumes in it. Legumes, like peas, chickpeas and the like, have been linked to heart problems in dogs so probably best, especially with a large breed dog, to avoid those diets. I did some research and the Kirkland Adult Dog formula has very little legume filler in it and is actually cheaper–about $30 for a 40lb bag. So if you have a Costco card I would recommend it. Additionally, feed other protein sources along with the kibble (I feed canned food and cooked meat–a mess I prepare of ground beef, pork and/or chicken with several eggs per kilo of meat, fed a heaping tablespoon per meal) and also supplement with fish oil and taurine, both of which are inexpensive and good for heart support. The fish oil is also good for the coat and taurine helps prevent retinopathy so it’s a cheap insurance policy for a large breed dog. Big dogs need solid nutrition to give them the longest possible lifespan. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/25 "2021-01-18T21:01:46Z")
He’s beautiful. Congratulations to him and to you. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2021, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/26 "2021-01-18T21:38:26Z")
I’m glad your story had a good outcome, and your dog has a good home. I am, however, sorry to hear that puppy mills are apparently doing a booming business. I suppose they aren’t all evil, but so many of them are that I just wish people would not do business with any of them. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2021, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/27 "2021-01-19T15:37:23Z")
I didn’t say he came from a puppy mill. All we know is the original owners bought him from a breeder. I have no idea what kind of breeder. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2021, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/28 "2021-01-19T15:41:33Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > Missed the edit window, but wanted to add: > > A word about nutrition–one of my doggos was included in a study for boutique diets and dilated cardiomyopathy and she showed some possible early signs so I changed her diet because the food I was using had a lot of legumes in it. Legumes, like peas, chickpeas and the like, have been linked to heart problems in dogs so probably best, especially with a large breed dog, to avoid those diets. I did some research and the Kirkland Adult Dog formula has very little legume filler in it and is actually cheaper–about $30 for a 40lb bag. So if you have a Costco card I would recommend it. Additionally, feed other protein sources along with the kibble (I feed canned food and cooked meat–a mess I prepare of ground beef, pork and/or chicken with several eggs per kilo of meat, fed a heaping tablespoon per meal) and also supplement with fish oil and taurine, both of which are inexpensive and good for heart support. The fish oil is also good for the coat and taurine helps prevent retinopathy so it’s a cheap insurance policy for a large breed dog. Big dogs need solid nutrition to give them the longest possible lifespan. Thank you for the tips. I’ve been researching dog food for the last few days. My head is ready to explode. A few different dog food sites rated Purina Pro Plan as good adult dog food and a good puppy food without breaking the bank. I researched and found out how much protein, fat, phosphorus, etc a large breed puppy should have and compared it with Pro Plan. It was right on the money except for about 2% high in protein. We have a Sam’s Club, but won’t have a Costco until next year. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2021, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/29 "2021-01-19T16:06:47Z")
I wasn’t talking about your specific dog, but from your OP where you said that all litters from breeders are spoken for months in advance. This means that unscrupulous breeders, i.e. puppy mills, will be doing good business to lots of people who are less than fastidious about the origins of their purebred dogs. That is not a good thing. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2021, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/30 "2021-01-19T16:13:28Z")
Congratulations, he’s gorgeous. I love Great Danes, so gentle and majestic. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2021, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/31 "2021-01-19T16:23:50Z")
> [@TRC4941](#): > > I’ve been researching dog food for the last few days. A quality dog food is important. With a Dane I’d also think about how you feed the food. I’d suggest food be offered 2 or 3 times daily, and avoiding exercise for 30-60 minutes after each meal. I’d consider an elevated feeding station as well. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2021, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/32 "2021-01-19T16:45:03Z")
Right! We’ve always fed our dogs twice a day but might switch to 3 times, although timing-wise it might not work. I’m back and forth on the raised dishes thing. First I read that to prevent bloat, feed with raised dishes. Then I read the exact opposite - that raised feeding can cause bloat. So I guess I’ll talk to the vet. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2021, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/33 "2021-01-19T16:45:52Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > I wasn’t talking about your specific dog, but from your OP where you said that all litters from breeders are spoken for months in advance. This means that unscrupulous breeders, i.e. puppy mills, will be doing good business to lots of people who are less than fastidious about the origins of their purebred dogs. That is not a good thing. I’m sure they are! Puppies are flying off the shelf! ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2021, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/34 "2021-01-19T16:48:26Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > Congratulations, he’s gorgeous. I love Great Danes, so gentle and majestic. He is very gentle. When you first see him, you expect a dump truck coming at you. He has a bad habit of jumping up and putting his paws on your shoulders, _which we will correct_, but when he does it, it’s done gently. You expect to be knocked to the ground but it’s not like that at all. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2021, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/35 "2021-01-19T22:59:26Z")
I hear you on the 'splodey head thing! I hear good things about the Pro Plan (the vet in charge of the cardiomyopathy study feeds his hound dog that) and since it’s affordable and easy for you to get that’s probably your best option. One other thing I would suggest is to get your new doggo a slow-down dish and feed two smaller meals per day rather than one big one, since GDs are prone to bloat and gastric volvulus. You might check with your vet to see if prophylactic surgery to tack down the stomach is a good move but definitely follow the commonsensical tricks to avoid having it become a problem–I’ve attached a starter article to get you going. A young dog who’s been in the shelter is probably going to have some issues with bolting his food so slowing him down will be a good move right from the git go. [https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/great-dane-gastric-dilatation-volvulus-syndrome](https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/great-dane-gastric-dilatation-volvulus-syndrome) ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2021, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/36 "2021-01-20T15:20:11Z")
Thanks! I just ordered a raised dish from Amazon for him. Another head explosion researching that. There’s not a clear answer. Even how high the dishes should be raised was different on every website. 21", no higher than 15", raised dishes can cause bloat, dishes on the floor can cause bloat, dishes on the floor is a more natural way for a dog to eat, Great Dane’s are too tall to eat from dishes on the floor, UGH! I went with dishes that are 15" high. I figured it’s not on the floor and it’s not overly high. One thing with this guy that’s going to be tough is that he is not one bit treat motivated. He takes a treat as gentle as can be, rolls it around in his mouth, then drops it on the floor. My other dogs were easily trained because they LOVED their treats. Huck’s obsession is a tug toy. So I guess I’ll have to drag a giant tug toy around with me! ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2021, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/37 "2021-01-20T15:26:05Z")
> [@TRC4941](#): > > One thing with this guy that’s going to be tough is that he is not one bit treat motivated. One of our dogs will not eat traditional “treats”, so I buy turkey livers, cook them, then dice them into reward size pieces. She loves them! ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2021, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/38 "2021-01-20T19:02:15Z")
Not being treat motivated isn’t necessarily a bad thing–means he will probably not be a gobblehound and that’s good. I also find that dogs who aren’t all that into treats are usually more affection motivated and want praise and pets and those you never run out of! Also, his personality might change quite a bit once he’s out of the shelter, that tends to put a damper on a doggo and they flower once they know they have a real home. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.winston_oboogie/32/2945_2.png) [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Winston_OBoogie)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2021, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/39 "2021-01-20T19:14:45Z")
Now that it’s too late to turn back, I do have a warning for you - beware of spit on your ceiling. We had a Great Pyrenees. He was small for a pyr - only about 120 lbs. What do Pyrs and Danes have in common? Jowls. He’d drink water, then shake his head, and the spit would go EVERYWHERE. Yes, we had spit on the ceiling. In all seriousness, good luck, and enjoy him. I hope he lives a long life. I hear Danes have great personalities. A friend had one that would sit on the couch with them just like them - butt on the couch and feet on the floor. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2021, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609/40 "2021-01-21T16:18:42Z")
We’re kind of used to spit and slobber everywhere. We used to have a boxer and boxer/mastiff. I was always scraping hardened spit off of the TV screen. Huck was sitting with me on the couch and at one point got up to stretch and when he sat down again his butt was on the back of the couch - like it was a chair! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-dane/930609.md?page=3)