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Great Danes => Great Dane Discussions => : mrsewe February 15, 2006, 01:54:35 PM
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Doing homework on GDs (looking for a family companion) and seems like danes can be costly heathwise....h ow true is that?
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everything gos by pounds!! Just had the vet here this week because Shyla had a rash, thinking mange I freaked out. Not mange but allergy, any ways it cost me 327.00 for one house call!! Not her fault, but the more a dog weight the higher the price for meds.
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I think the rule of thumb is that any of the giants can be costly to feed, medicate and take care of. It's just a fact of life. I have Newfs, not Danes, but I think no matter what the issue is, it's all in relation to size. Food, more. Medications, more. Vet visits, more.
It helps if you get a healthy dog to start with, but there are just some realities to have to accept.
Good for you that you are doing your homework before you pick up a pup. Once he/she has your heart, you'll hock the house to pay for puppy toys! ;D ;D ;D
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Hmm....I guess I didn't ask the right question...um. . ::) i understand that dogs will be dogs, some go to the vet more often than others big or small, but with Danes in general, are they more prone to health issues than say a Newf or Rottie? I read somewhere that they were, so I figured I'd ask ya'll. ;D
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Right....you need a Dane person to answer that question! Can't help at all! Sorry! :P
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I have 2 danes now and don't think they have had any more health problems than the labs I used to have. I do think breeding is very important to their health tho.
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I think if they are on a really great diet and you give them lots of love, I think they are just as healthy as any other dog. The hardest part with all the danes I have cared for was keeping weight on them.
But like others have mentioned, once they become ill it can be expensive for meds since they weigh a lot. But that's with any big dog. Oddly I have met a lot of danes who have had heartworms, but that is very preventable.
I say go for it! Their personalities are so awesome they make everything worth it! They are amazing creatures. ;D True family members.
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That's alot of help, thanks. Any aggressive traits I should be concerned about? They are generally friendly right? I can have friends and family over and not worry about having to put the dane outside? My son can have his friends over and they'll be ok? I've had dogs before, so I know to watch the kids..etc.
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You have never been around a Dane have you? They love company. Small people are their favorite's. The only thing you have to worry about is their drooling all over the company really. Just hand everyone a dish towel when they arrive and they will love your dogs!!!
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;D
We have had our 5yo rescued Dane, Star, for a few months, so this is my warning for prospective owners.
Don't get a Dane if you don't like:
constant gentle attention-seeking
adorable dog faces encouraging you to stop whatever you're doing and play
large dogs leaning/sitting on you, just to try to get a little bit closer to you
licks on any exposed body part
drool (although Star really doesn't drool much)
dog hair (though less shedding than my Akita/chow mix)
My son (6 years old) says he doesn't like Star because... she licks him. However, Star loves my son because he leaves a food trail behind him. No wonder she tries to lick him!
Hope this helps!
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;D you guys are getting me excited about this...more excited than i thought i'd be. I've never been around a dane and the biggest dog that I've been around was my husband's pit/st. bernard (who's no longer with us) and he was only about 100 lbs. we'll be checking out a 2 year old, black, dane today and I didnt know what to expect. any more info i should know?
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;D you guys are getting me excited about this...more excited than i thought i'd be. I've never been around a dane and the biggest dog that I've been around was my husband's pit/st. bernard (who's no longer with us) and he was only about 100 lbs. we'll be checking out a 2 year old, black, dane today and I didnt know what to expect. any more info i should know?
To know a dane is to love a dane! You should be excited! :D
Remember that some danes are "only" 100lbs too, and females can even can be a little smaller. They range in size quite a bit. You'll see once you go meet a few different ones. And prepare to be leaned upon!
Seriously, I think if your heart is open for a big dog, you will find that the dane's heart is open even more! :D Make sure and tell us how it goes with the one you're gonna meet!!!
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I'm excited for you!!!!!!!!!! You will never love a dog the same again. Its like having a child, your heart is taken over and will be a big dog lover forever. Please let us know how the meeting went. I'm so happy for you.
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Spend as much time around Danes as you possibly can. IN A HOUSE! (I'm kind of negative sometimes because I work in Dane rescue and see alot of people dump off their Dane's because they didn't really think it through). Seeing a 160 pound dog in the dog park is one thing, seeing it in your house is another. I love my baby, but he's constantly knocking things over with his big butt, not to mention the lethal tail. And you can't stop suddenly ever because you'll be prying a big blocky head out of your bum. They're the world's worst tailgaters, they won't leave you alone for a second. They are SOOOOOO sensitive so be very careful with their feelings. They do all have different personalities though. I saw you asked if they were all friendly. Some are. Some aren't. My boy is stand offish with strangers. Usually he'll warm up in about 15-30 minutes, sometimes not. Some Danes just want nothing to do with strangers. They're a very high maintanance breed emotionally.
If you have a Great Dane, you don't have a dog, you have a Dane, and there's no other way I can explain it. No other breed can prepare you for this one. best thing to do is research, research, research (I can give you a bunch of links if you're interested), and then after thinking about ALL the pros and cons, figure out if a Dane will fit with your family, and then take the plunge. :) Where do you live? Maybe you're close enough to someone around here that you can meet their baby!
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Spend as much time around Danes as you possibly can. IN A HOUSE! (I'm kind of negative sometimes because I work in Dane rescue and see alot of people dump off their Dane's because they didn't really think it through). Seeing a 160 pound dog in the dog park is one thing, seeing it in your house is another. I love my baby, but he's constantly knocking things over with his big butt, not to mention the lethal tail. And you can't stop suddenly ever because you'll be prying a big blocky head out of your bum. They're the world's worst tailgaters, they won't leave you alone for a second. They are SOOOOOO sensitive so be very careful with their feelings. They do all have different personalities though. I saw you asked if they were all friendly. Some are. Some aren't. My boy is stand offish with strangers. Usually he'll warm up in about 15-30 minutes, sometimes not. Some Danes just want nothing to do with strangers. They're a very high maintanance breed emotionally.Â
If you have a Great Dane, you don't have a dog, you have a Dane, and there's no other way I can explain it. No other breed can prepare you for this one. best thing to do is research, research, research (I can give you a bunch of links if you're interested), and then after thinking about ALL the pros and cons, figure out if a Dane will fit with your family, and then take the plunge. :) Where do you live? Maybe you're close enough to someone around here that you can meet their baby!Â
LMAO!!! This is way to true! If you get a Dane invest in some Vaseline to dislodge his GIANT head from your butt!! It is like having another child...I can't go to the bathroom without Tonka trying to dig his way under the door!
Also, I have a 4 yr old and a newborn and he is wonderful with both! My daughter is his playmate and he thinks my son is his puppy. I have never had such a gentle loving dog!
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If you are talking about monetary cost, I read an article about a study of the costliest breeds over their life span. Great Danes were at the top of the list. As far as I remember though, this study included everything from health care, food, toys, accessories, auto choice, etc.
From personal experience, I can tell you gastric bypass surgery is expensive ($3,000 give or take). My dane also became anemic and needed a blood transfusion and 4 night stay at a hospital and that exceeded the cost of the bypass surgery. Iclude antibiotics and other medication (they are not covered under YOUR health insurance like your children), and health problems can get expensive. Not that ALL Danes have health issues, but you do have to be prepared in a worst case scenario.
That being said, I wouldn't trade my Oreo for all the gold in Fort Knox. The emotional reward you get from a dane is unmatched by any other pet. Of course, I may be biased. ;)
Jason
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Quote:
That being said, I wouldn't trade my Oreo for all the gold in Fort Knox. The emotional reward you get from a dane is unmatched by any other pet. Of course, I may be biased.
Jason
That is so true! and I think my Collie mix has cost me more money in vet visits than both my Danes ever did but then Kayzer is only four months old so Im not sure what to expect. And I assure you that they are worth every penny and every heartache they cause us.
cuttles
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LMAO!!! This is way to true! If you get a Dane invest in some Vaseline to dislodge his GIANT head from your butt!! It is like having another child...I can't go to the bathroom without Tonka trying to dig his way under the door!
Also, I have a 4 yr old and a newborn and he is wonderful with both! My daughter is his playmate and he thinks my son is his puppy. I have never had such a gentle loving dog!
I've never heard a truer statement about a dog!! I've only had Boo since September but she is a constant companion. If you don't want a dog that WILL find a way into the bathroom with you (doesn't matter what you're doing in there) then you may not want a Dane. And not to be disgusting, but if you don't want a dog who is going to try and sit on your lap WHILE you're on the toilet, then you don't want a Dane!!! They want to be with you every minute of every day no matter what. I walk from room to room putting clothes away or cleaning and picking up and she will follow me every where. I feel bad b/c as soon as she lays down, I'm off to another place in the house and she jumps right up and comes along. I don't know if every Dane does this but Boo gets the "zoomies" sometimes and runs full bore through the house around the coffee table, around the dining room table and just keeps going. Probably not a good idea to have breakables around with a giant dog doing that ;D But like everyone else has already said, I wouldn't trade her for anything. She knows when I need a kiss or just need someone to hug. She's the most loving animal I have every been around. There isn't much that can compare to a Dane. OH and also be prepared for a million questions every where you go. Good luck and I know you'll find a Dane that will absolutely steal your heart!! ;)
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LMAO!!! This is way to true! If you get a Dane invest in some Vaseline to dislodge his GIANT head from your butt!! It is like having another child...I can't go to the bathroom without Tonka trying to dig his way under the door!
Also, I have a 4 yr old and a newborn and he is wonderful with both! My daughter is his playmate and he thinks my son is his puppy. I have never had such a gentle loving dog!
I've never heard a truer statement about a dog!! I've only had Boo since September but she is a constant companion. If you don't want a dog that WILL find a way into the bathroom with you (doesn't matter what you're doing in there) then you may not want a Dane. And not to be disgusting, but if you don't want a dog who is going to try and sit on your lap WHILE you're on the toilet, then you don't want a Dane!!! They want to be with you every minute of every day no matter what. I walk from room to room putting clothes away or cleaning and picking up and she will follow me every where. I feel bad b/c as soon as she lays down, I'm off to another place in the house and she jumps right up and comes along. I don't know if every Dane does this but Boo gets the "zoomies" sometimes and runs full bore through the house around the coffee table, around the dining room table and just keeps going. Probably not a good idea to have breakables around with a giant dog doing that ;D But like everyone else has already said, I wouldn't trade her for anything. She knows when I need a kiss or just need someone to hug. She's the most loving animal I have every been around. There isn't much that can compare to a Dane. OH and also be prepared for a million questions every where you go. Good luck and I know you'll find a Dane that will absolutely steal your heart!! ;)
That is hilarious, Kayzer does the exact same things and if he gets into the bathroom while I am taking a shower,my husband thinks its funny to let him in!!! He has figured out how to open the shower doors. If he cant get in he sits at the door whining till I am done. They need to be near you at all times. I love it! I wouldnt trade him for the world!
cuttles
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i had my date w/the dane last night, my first time ever, and...(drumroll please) I LOOOOOVE HIM! ;D :) ;D absolutely & completely! By the time we (my husband, 5 year old son and I) came home, I think I had said, "I really like that dog" 10 times (it was a 15 minute drive). I know I made the same statement five times before bed and this morning to my husband as we got ready for work. I even told him that when the owner calls him, he needs to make it VERY clear that I WANT DEXTER! That's his name...let me tell you about our wonderful date last night.
Here are his stats: Dexter's black with a white chest (tuxedo) w/some white on his paws. He's 2 and his last visit to the vet was about 4 months ago and everything looks good (the owners will provide vet records). He will be going to the groomers tomorrow. He is a full breed, but no papers (papers, shmapers, who cares!) and we can visit the breeder (about 20 mins away from our home) and ask questions about his parents. His momma's from San Diego and his pop is from here (Sacramento) because the breeders wanted to make an extra precaution of not inbreeding.
Anyhow, Linda repeatedly stated that Dexter is really Gary's dog but she knew his facial expressions to the T. She mentioned that he yawns when he gets stressed, he makes pouty faces when he gets scared and puts his head down the instant she raises her voice at him so she's careful of raising her voice even in general. He gives hugs & kisses on command only because Gary likes them, but Linda doesn't. He can rough house with Gary, but knows to stop anytime the second he's around Linda. They say he's very careful with his tail now, because at one point he had cut it on something, so even though he may still hit the wall, he will hit it once and move a little and aware of his surroundings. He grew up with kids (there was a little girl there that was about my son's age) and a small cockapoo; very friendly w/people, but still protective of "his" kids when they're out. He doesn't drool, mainly kept his mouth shut the whole time we were together, but of course he does shed. NO DROOL!! :P He sleeps on a memory foam pad, loves stuffed animals and toys and as you've all mentioned already, will follow you EVERYWHERE. Linda & Gary are very similar to how my husband and I are - I think Dexter is perfect! My husband and I even took him out for a short walk last night, I was able to walk him a short distance and he was fine. I think we would have to leash train him a little better to my size and pace (he's used to Gary who is about 6' tall, I am 5' and very light) but right now I am also 5 months pregnant and he listened to my commands prefectly. I hope they choose us to be his next family. They are letting him go because they are moving and Gary has a neck injury and won't really be able to play with him as much as they normally do. They're very torn about giving him up, but they know it's not fair to keep him under these circumstances. My husband said he didn't even look at their kids coz he knows how hard it must be for them.
So, that's what happened last night. I'm already thinking of things to get him and where to put his bed and toys. Of course, still holding a little back in case we don't get to have him.....keep your fingers crossed!
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That's AWESOME!!!! :D I hope it all works out!!! YAY!!!! ;D
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I'm glad everything went so well for you! I do want to clarify some things though, just to make sure. :)
He is a full breed, but no papers (papers, shmapers, who cares!) and we can visit the breeder (about 20 mins away from our home) and ask questions about his parents. His momma's from San Diego and his pop is from here (Sacramento) because the breeders wanted to make an extra precaution of not inbreeding.
When you see the breeder try and get a pedigree. Just because they live a ways apart doesn't mean they're not related :) Only reason I even suggest this is that in breeding if done by an inexperienced breeder can double up on herditary defects, and you don't want to have to deal with that.
 He doesn't drool, mainly kept his mouth shut the whole time we were together, but of course he does shed. NO DROOL!! :P
OK Danes, even ones that don't drool, have something we like to call bucket lips, whereby, they take a drink and a TON of water gets stored in their lips and they fling it all over the house. Also a dog that doesn't drool when calm might get slingers when they're playing, excited, stressed, hungry or tired.
This sounds promising for you and if he's the right dog for your family I hope you get him! :)
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When you see the breeder try and get a pedigree. Just because they live a ways apart doesn't mean they're not related :) Only reason I even suggest this is that in breeding if done by an inexperienced breeder can double up on herditary defects, and you don't want to have to deal with that.
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Good to know. I have no clue when it comes to breeders and breeding and that whole world is completely alien to me. What do you mean by "getting the pedigree"? I don't know how experienced (or inexperienced) they were, I just know that Dexter's current owners had nothing but great things to say about them and encouraged us to go visit them.
Our last dane didn't have the drool, but she had major eye boogers. She was famous for getting into the sugar bowl even if it was on top of the fridge - she'd stand on her back legs, front legs on the front of the fridge and pick up the sugar bowl in her mouth, gently lower it to the floor and clean it out, leaving the spoon in the dish. She also ate soap. She was extremely protective of her kids and loved other animals. She'd play mom to the baby goats that arrived every spring.
How well he follows instructions, I'm not sure, but Dexter's current parents raised him to not beg for food at the table or go hunting for treats/snacks. They keep his treat container on the floor in plain site and he's never gotten into it, but he's also not left unsupervised for long periods of time, so they said that he's probably capable of it, they just don't give him the opportunity. That's pretty cute though how your dane would clean out the sugar bowl! :D
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I think it sounds like a good match. If you love him already then he will love you also. Dont' worry too much about blood lines, I have a rescue with no idea what her blood lines are and don't care. Mine _ I have 2 danes- are both black with white on their chest and some on their paws. Not even close to show quality, but the loves of my life none the less. when will you find out if you get him? Let us know how it is going. Good luck.
Terri
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Yay I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you!
Hope everything works out for you! Sounds to me like you will be a perfect mommy for Dexter.
cuttles
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I think it sounds like a good match. If you love him already then he will love you also....when will you find out if you get him? Let us know how it is going. Good luck.
Terri
Thanks! :-* I haven't been able to stop thinking about him today. I really hope we get him, he's just a perfect fit into our little family and our different personalities and needs. Well, Dexter's current dad will call my husband either today or tomorrow to give him the info on the breeders. We mainly want to contact them to ask about their health so we're not so blind going into this. So....hopefull y by the end of the weekend, I'll have some good news! :)
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I think it sounds like a good match. If you love him already then he will love you also. Dont' worry too much about blood lines, I have a rescue with no idea what her blood lines are and don't care. Mine _ I have 2 danes- are both black with white on their chest and some on their paws. Not even close to show quality, but the loves of my life none the less. when will you find out if you get him? Let us know how it is going. Good luck.
Terri
If you have the opportunity to research the bloodlines, do so. To do otherwise would be foolish, as this post is about the cost of giant ownership and some of the inherent problems with this breed can run in lines (hip dysplasia, Von Willibrants for example) and can be quite expensive. I have one breeder dane that I was able to research, and he is 4 and very healthy structurally and in general. I also have a rescue dane mix that I know nothing about that has had nothing but problems. He is now 13 months old and I have spent hundreds of dollars at vets because he was misdiagnosed with HOD, that turned out to be panosteoitis and some hip dysplagia.
I am not saying that your research should make the decision of whether to get this guy or not for you, and I am not saying that I love my problem child less because Of his problems. I am saying that if you have the opportunity to check him out genetically, you can at least be prepared for whatever may come in the future. Just my 2 cents.
Stella
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We got him! ;D :D I was moping around Friday night because I got this feeling that the family wouldn't chose us...my husband told me to give the owners a call to just see how they thought about us and if we even had a chance. I got voicemail, left a message and never got a call back. Saturday morning (as my prego cravings kicked in and sent my husband to store for bananas and milk), he called the owners and came home with good news for me. Dexter would be brought to the groomers and we can pick him up anytime after 3pm. We picked him up at 4 and went to the petstore to pick up a few necessities. We changed his name to "Dinger" after the mascot of the Sacramento Rivercats - my husband proposed between innings on the field. Anyhow, we ended up leaving the store almost 2 hours later and very exhausted. The amount of people that approached us to pet him or ask questions about him was very overwhelming for me. I guess you can warn a girl only so much, but I didn't get the full effect until it actually happened.
That night, we set up his bed in my son's room (the bottom of his bunk bed), but Dinger was crying. My husband ended up laying on the floor with him all night. By Dinger's second night he was fine.
He follows my husband everywhere and if he's not around, then he follows me. He rough houses w/my husband and not with me :). I am able to walk him just fine and he knows his basic commands which is awesome. At one point, my husband did raise his voice to him, which he pouted for about half an hour ignoring my husband. :D This morning I found him sleeping on the sofa and when I called him, he came but with his head down. He is very much like a kid. I'm sure I will have many questions still and as soon as I get my uplink chord thingy to work, I'll upload some photos...Thank s all for your input and advice. :-*
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Yay!!!! I am so happy for you! Yes, taking a Dane out in public can be very overwhelming! I try to be very patient with people and not get sick of them, because Great Danes really are quite a sight and people can't help but be in awe of their beauty!
I can't wait to see pictures of your new boy! :D
Congratulation s!!!
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That is such great news! Congrats! I love it when a big guy gets rescued and lands in his forever home! Cowboy and Chester send drools and tail wags to their new BPO virtually buddy!!!
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OK found this listed on DOL.
How much will a Great Dane Puppy Cost?
Basic Cost to Buy a puppy
Show Potential Puppy...$850 to $2,500 some are even $5000.
Companion Pup..... $500 to $1,200
Rescue - usually adult......$150 to $250++
*note: prices vary according to region, color, kennel, Gender,age,etc......
Cost of Shipping a puppy if out of state using Delta Cargo for a 6month old in a 700 series kennel. NY to CA $900. Smaller Kennels can be shipped counter to counter for less then $250 one way.
Pets must have a least one parvo vaccine and must have a Health Certificate and exam before Flying. Check your airlines regulations.No t all airlines ship pets.
VET COST-
Pet Ins........30+ a month. Will save you some money on Vaccinations, exams, x-rays & emergencies.
Heartworm pills .....$90
Puppy checkups and vaccines ....$100
Fecal test to test for parasites worm prescription from the vet
Worming paste from the local feed store (Safeguard)...$6.50
Tapeworm shot
Routine vet care - average ..$250
Advantage Flea and Tick control......
Spay/neuter .............. ..$200
Cropping (if not paid by breeder)..............$175-250
Bloat Surgery....... .$1000
PUPPY TRAINING
Baby Gate.......... .. $40
Collars, at least 2 will cost.... $25
Six foot leash ......$15
Crate (Size 700#) ...$134
Big dog wire crate 37wx54dx45h... ....$239.95
Crate Pad (for 700#)....... $50
ID tag........... ....$ 4
Dog license (pet=15 intact=40)....$15
Nature's Miracle, stain remover....... .$17.95gallon
Obedience Classes ........$250
Handling Classes $5 for each class (daily cost)
Pooper scooper....... .. $18
Anti-chew spray -Bitter Apple.......$4.99
Rolled up newspaper..... . 50 cents. Smack yourself with it when your puppy piddles on the floor.
You were NOT watching!
PUPPY FEEDING SUPPLIES
Dog Bowls (2)....... $30
Raised double bowl holder......$20 or use plant stands 9+Premium adult dog food ($2.00 per day)Innova dog cost about $32+ for a large bag.Eagle pac dog food $20-35
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid or ester) 500mg...100 TAB $6.95
Glucosamine Liquid, powder or Capsules 500mg
MSM 500mg
Grooming supplies
Nail Grinder, Dremmel ...$60
Nail clippers..... $10.00 for large dog
Shampoos and bathing supplies .......$40
Super Groom Message petting tool......$7.00
Brushes....... .. $5-10
Tooth Brush......... ..... 2.95
Tooth Paste......... ..3.95
Extras
Toys (4 toys) .........$40+++
Large Raw beef bones from the Butcher......2 .00
Fencing....... ..... $500-1000++
Books about great danes.....$20each
Boarding 2 weeks minimum....... ......$280 usually around $10-$12 a day.
Cleaning
Rent rug shampooer twice a year ......$50O
Cleaning supplies......$75
Ear Taping Supplies
2 People
Foam Backer rod -(Insulation for pipes) From Home Depot or Masonry stores.
Tape-Zonas Tape or Elastikon Tape by Johnson and Johnson.
1- 1 1/2inch............................................1.89
Sharp and Bandage scissors
Skin Bond-Helps everything stick to the ear better.
Medi-Sol - Adhesive Remover. Goo Gone works as well. Helps to remove tape and Skin Bond easier. 4 OZ. $11.95
Alcohol-To clean pups ears inside and out.
Cotton Balls and Q-tips-Use with Alcohol to clean ears.
Astringent Ear powder-If your puppies ears are wet inside. Helps reduce ear odor. This is good for uncropped ears as well.
Misc.
Treats........ ....$100
Bedding for dane size.....$30-90
You will need more then 4 toys ....$200
Chewed up reading glasses ....$200
A Suburban/Excursion to transport Danes ...........$45,000 (or other large vehicle)
New landscaping... ........$2,500+++
New Furniture after the other one get's chewed up
Remote controls- chewed up
Chewed up leather designer shoes
New Carpet
Carpenter work, replacing chewed up decks and wood around the house.
Paint.
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Congrats on your new addition. ;D Can't wait for pics. :D
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YEAH!! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE PICS
BTW-Ang, I love your new avatar :D
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If you are on a tight budget don't get a dane. Because of their sheer size costs for meds and routine vet care is much higher than say a lab. Plus even though I have very healthy danes they seem to need alot more vet visits than my labs ever did. They have thin coats and can get cut and hurt fairly easily. I would get pet insurance. It has saved me thousands of dollars. VPI has been excellent for us and Cooper has required extensive surgery and emergency care and they cut the final bill down to one third of its original ( and staggering) size. They are lovely dogs but I would say they are alot more expensive to care for than most breeds. ;)