Meet The Great Dane Puppy

There is no question about just how cute a Great Dane Puppy is. Many would call it the most handsome of all breeds, and if you are looking for a very large dog, sometimes compared in size to a small pony, the Great Dane might be the breed for you.

Your Great Dane puppy will turn into an excellent watch dog when he grows up and his large size makes him intimidating to a would-be assialant. This is a breed that is extremely devoted to its human family, one of the reasons it makes a good protector.

You might be surprised to learn that the Great Dane does not require a lot of exercise. In fact, it would just as soon be a couch potato, which means your Great Dane puppy needs to learn at a young age who gets the sofa – you or him. Cute as the puppy is when he sneaks up to your favorite seat, it will be a different story when you are sharing the space with a 100+ pound companion.

The Great Dane puppy loves to romp and play with kids. The only problem is that his size can be dangerous with younger children. He would not intentionally hurt a child, but puppies are very clumsy and extremely rambunctious, especially when wrapped up in the excitement of a game.

Great Dane puppies are slow to mature, as are many large-breed dogs, so you are going to have the puppy characteristics for a while. You need to socialize your young dog to avoid his having problems getting along with other dogs as an adult. They may be especially aggressive or aloof when it comes to dogs of the same gender.

The Great Dane will reach full size around two years of age, sometimes a little older. At full growth the male will be between 30 to 34 inches at the withers (shoulder) and the female between 28 to 32 inches at the withers. The male will weigh 120 to 200 pounds while the female 100 to 130 pounds.

You want to make sure the puppy you are considering purchasing has been tested for canine hip dysplasia. This is a debilitating and painful condition that develops when the dog is older. It is common to many breeds, often due to poor breeding practices. An X-ray may be needed to certify whether your dog is clear.

Great Danes are also susceptible to bloat, a condition many of the deep chested dogs suffer from and the second leading cause of death in dogs. This gastric condition moves fast and can kill within an hour of its being detected. There is not enough room in this article to go into detail, and we certainly don’t want to alarm you, but if you decide that the Great Dane breed is right for you, do be sure to learn about this condition, so that you can recognize it.

Hypothyroidism is also seen in the Great Dane. This list by no means suggests your Great Dane will suffer any of these conditions but they are known to the breed.

Helping Your Great Dane Puppy
Look His Best

Your Great Dane puppy really doesn’t need much grooming because of the short, glossy coat; however a weekly brushing can become a real treat and bonding experience. And if you start young your puppy will come to look forward to the time spent together.

You should brush your dog's teeth twice a week to help remove plaque and tarter which can cause cavities. Clip the toenails as necessary. This is a practice you should start early so your dog gets used to it. With proper nutrition and quality living conditions this breed lives 7 to 10 years.

The Great Dane is considered a "gentle giant" by many. If you are interested in purchasing a Great Dane puppy be sure to buy from a reputable breeder with a health guarantee. Click here for our free Dog Buying Guide to make sure you choose right!

Dog Supplies for the Great Dane Puppy

While it may be hard to find store bought dog clothes to fit a Great Dane, you can always knit your Great Dane puppy a sweater yourself!

Because keeping such a large dog under control and comfortable is important. Make sure you have a strong leash and a dog collar that fits well. Also, invest in a good dog bed that will protect his joints when he is resting.