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Getbig Misc Discussion Boards => Pet Board => Topic started by: Colossus_500 on October 12, 2007, 08:58:34 AM

Title: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Colossus_500 on October 12, 2007, 08:58:34 AM
My neighbor just adopted a Great Dane/Lab mix from a rescue center.  He's the coolest looking pup.  He's only 1 (they said he was 2, but his mom and I think he's much younger...acts much more like a 1 yr-old pup).  She has a 2 yr-old Bull Mastiff named Stella who she brings to the bus stop every morning.  Stella is the sweetest dog.  My youngest daughter is crazy about her.  Anyway, the Great Dane pup, Sirius, has been wearing Stella out!!!!  Sirius is so goofy and his legs are going every which way!  lol  He's so awkward right now, but had a fantastic disposition.  He's going to be a great dog. 

When I get a Newfoundland, I think I might get a Great Dane too.  Very cool looking dogs. 
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Butterbean on October 12, 2007, 10:20:25 AM
Great dogs Ro!  You should get the puppies soon so you can post their pics here  :)

Have you posted Maggie and Buster's pics on this board yet  >:(   (I think I have a pic of them somewhere)

  She has a 2 yr-old Bull Mastiff named Stella who she brings to the bus stop every morning.  Stella is the sweetest dog. 

Stella is a good dog name  :)

Ro, did you see Geo's niece-dog Stella:





Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Colossus_500 on October 12, 2007, 07:13:47 PM
Great dogs Ro!  You should get the puppies soon so you can post their pics here  :)

Have you posted Maggie and Buster's pics on this board yet  >:(   (I think I have a pic of them somewhere)

Stella is a good dog name  :)

Ro, did you see Geo's niece-dog Stella:

I haven't been able to find my pics of Buster and Maggie.  If you find the one I sent you before I do feel free to post it.   :)

Yeah, I like the name too.  Stella the Bull Mastiff represents the name well.  :D  She's a great pup. 

Can't get big dogs like that until the kids are much bigger.  I was supposed to get the Newfie for my 40th birthday, but we kept having kids.   :P   

Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: ~flower~ on October 13, 2007, 07:33:46 AM
Great Danes are GREAT dogs!!     :D  They are "puppies" til about 3 years, then they start to calm down a bit.    ::)

 They are good with kids but sometimes don't know their size and around young kids could mistakenly knock them down.  But lots of people do have them around young kids.   An older dog might be better around young children, one that has settled down a bit.   
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Dos Equis on October 13, 2007, 01:07:29 PM
I was just talking about getting a big dog this morning.  My little one and I were walking on the beach at sunrise and saw some HUGE dogs.  As big as a Great Dane, but different.

Are Great Danes high maintenance dogs?   

 
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: ~flower~ on October 13, 2007, 03:26:26 PM
Are Great Danes high maintenance dogs?   

 No.  They do need exercise but not as much as some dogs. Of course bigger dog means bigger bills, food, beds (or couches!), vetting, etc.   Having a vehicle big enough to transport them comfortably and fit other stuff in if you have too  ::).   Dane proofing your house is a bit different than with shorter dogs because they can easily reach tables and counter tops. Or a wagging tale can easily clean off an end table. 

 They do on average have a shorter life span, about 7-9 years, but I have heard of 11 and 12 year olds. 

  One of the top reasons people give up their Dane is "it got too big".   :-\ 
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Al-Gebra on October 13, 2007, 03:31:01 PM


When I get a Newfoundland

hope you live someplace cool.  One of my neighbors has one . . . and she also has an air-conditioned dog-house.
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: knny187 on October 13, 2007, 04:26:35 PM
Also.....if you want a Great Dane....you need a big couch.

They won't sleep, lounge, or nap on floors.

Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Vet on October 13, 2007, 04:39:42 PM
No.  They do need exercise but not as much as some dogs. Of course bigger dog means bigger bills, food, beds (or couches!), vetting, etc.   Having a vehicle big enough to transport them comfortably and fit other stuff in if you have too  ::).   Dane proofing your house is a bit different than with shorter dogs because they can easily reach tables and counter tops. Or a wagging tale can easily clean off an end table. 

 They do on average have a shorter life span, about 7-9 years, but I have heard of 11 and 12 year olds. 

  One of the top reasons people give up their Dane is "it got too big".   :-\ 

The "got too big" bullshit amazes me and is a testiment to human stupidity. 


I will say, the Dogo I've got now is the biggest dog I've ever owned (he's filled out to about 126-127 lbs) and he is one BIG dog.   I've always been a big dog fan, but I can see where having one his size or bigger can present problems.   I used to load my lab (he weighed 90 lbs) and both staffies in my ranger---with me and 190 lbs of dog in the truck, it was fully.   With the dogo, he simply won't fit in the ranger with any of the other dogs, even the puppy.   He also makes a great door standing on the steps when you try to move around in my house or off the back porch.   ;D
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: ~flower~ on October 13, 2007, 04:55:55 PM
Also.....if you want a Great Dane....you need a big couch.

They won't sleep, lounge, or nap on floors.

 LOL!!  Some people do enforce the no pets on the furniture rule.  But once you have let them do it, it is hard to stop them.  That goes for any dog, just with a Dane or other big dog they take up more room!
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: ~flower~ on October 13, 2007, 04:58:51 PM
The "got too big" bullshit amazes me and is a testiment to human stupidity. 


I will say, the Dogo I've got now is the biggest dog I've ever owned (he's filled out to about 126-127 lbs) and he is one BIG dog.   I've always been a big dog fan, but I can see where having one his size or bigger can present problems.   I used to load my lab (he weighed 90 lbs) and both staffies in my ranger---with me and 190 lbs of dog in the truck, it was fully.   With the dogo, he simply won't fit in the ranger with any of the other dogs, even the puppy.   He also makes a great door standing on the steps when you try to move around in my house or off the back porch.   ;D

 Yeah, people are stupid.  It's not like you don't know the average size beforehand. 

 The vet tech today told me she has an Irish Wolfhound.  I actually considered them at one point, but they are just too big.  
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Vet on October 13, 2007, 05:10:57 PM
Yeah, people are stupid.  It's not like you don't know the average size beforehand. 

 The vet tech today told me she has an Irish Wolfhound.  I actually considered them at one point, but they are just too big.  

LOL. I love wolfhounds.   When I was a vet student, one of the receptionists had one.  SHe was all of 4'10 and maybe 100 lbs and the dog was well over 3 feet to the shoulder and about 165 lbs.  He was a BIG wolfhound.  It was hysterical to see her walking him.   She said he was the best protection she'd ever had because no one messed with her or him becaue he was so big.   He was a great dog too.  ;D


I've considered wolfhounds, but feel like I don't have enough yard/room for them.   Once my wife and I buy our next place, they may be on the list of dog breeds to consider when I'm looking for another dog. 


I'm sure my homeowners insurance is going to love us---pits, dogos, wolfhounds, and all the other crap I've got   ::)
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: knny187 on October 13, 2007, 05:27:21 PM
well....Marmaduke had his own couch in the comic strips
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Dos Equis on October 14, 2007, 08:30:50 PM
No.  They do need exercise but not as much as some dogs. Of course bigger dog means bigger bills, food, beds (or couches!), vetting, etc.   Having a vehicle big enough to transport them comfortably and fit other stuff in if you have too  ::).   Dane proofing your house is a bit different than with shorter dogs because they can easily reach tables and counter tops. Or a wagging tale can easily clean off an end table. 

 They do on average have a shorter life span, about 7-9 years, but I have heard of 11 and 12 year olds. 

  One of the top reasons people give up their Dane is "it got too big".   :-\ 

Thanks.  The short life span worries me.  Few things more traumatic than when a pet dies.

I will not have an indoor dog, especially one as big as a Great Dane.  I guess they need a big yard too.
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: temper35 on October 14, 2007, 09:54:27 PM
Thanks.  The short life span worries me.  Few things more traumatic than when a pet dies.

I will not have an indoor dog, especially one as big as a Great Dane.  I guess they need a big yard too.

Not counting size issues because yes a Dane in a 1 bedroom apartment would be a little cluttered...

the size of a house or yard is irrelevant to owning any dog.  Exercise should come from proper walks, no dog goes into a yard and exercises himself.  Playing fetch and frisbee, etc. is a bonus, albeit a very helpful bonus, and a bonus that every dog should have the privilege of, but walks should be the focus and centerpiece for every dog.  A mastiff can live in a one bedroom apartment, with no yard, for his entire life and be completely fulfilled in every way.

My dog won't even go in the yard by himself.  If i let him out in the yard he just follows me around, like he does every day in the house.  So if i shut the back door he will just look through the glass at me.  There's been times when I've left him outside for 5-10min and he will just lay down and wait.  It is kind of funny.  Dogs want to be with their owners, and next to maybe laying on the bed or the floor with you, lol, their #1 desire is to go for a walk with you.  Cherish that fact.
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Colossus_500 on October 15, 2007, 05:59:35 AM
Great Danes are GREAT dogs!!     :D  They are "puppies" til about 3 years, then they start to calm down a bit.    ::)

 They are good with kids but sometimes don't know their size and around young kids could mistakenly knock them down.  But lots of people do have them around young kids.   An older dog might be better around young children, one that has settled down a bit.   
Sirius seems like he would fit right in with my kids, at least my older three.  My 2yr-old needs a BIG dog and the goofier the better.   :D
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Colossus_500 on October 15, 2007, 06:02:30 AM
hope you live someplace cool.  One of my neighbors has one . . . and she also has an air-conditioned dog-house.
I'm actually relocating to a cooler climate, so that will be good.  Newfie's are great dogs. 

Thanks.  The short life span worries me.  Few things more traumatic than when a pet dies.

I will not have an indoor dog, especially one as big as a Great Dane.  I guess they need a big yard too.
Same here, bro.   :-\  I'm really attached to my dogs, and I'm having a hard time already with my two mutts getting older.  Not handling it well.  But I think the 7-10 years of joy that these bigger dogs could bring to my family is worth the memories. 
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Dos Equis on October 15, 2007, 05:34:59 PM
Not counting size issues because yes a Dane in a 1 bedroom apartment would be a little cluttered...

the size of a house or yard is irrelevant to owning any dog.  Exercise should come from proper walks, no dog goes into a yard and exercises himself.  Playing fetch and frisbee, etc. is a bonus, albeit a very helpful bonus, and a bonus that every dog should have the privilege of, but walks should be the focus and centerpiece for every dog.  A mastiff can live in a one bedroom apartment, with no yard, for his entire life and be completely fulfilled in every way.

My dog won't even go in the yard by himself.  If i let him out in the yard he just follows me around, like he does every day in the house.  So if i shut the back door he will just look through the glass at me.  There's been times when I've left him outside for 5-10min and he will just lay down and wait.  It is kind of funny.  Dogs want to be with their owners, and next to maybe laying on the bed or the floor with you, lol, their #1 desire is to go for a walk with you.  Cherish that fact.

Cool.  Thanks.  I was going to look into getting a Border Collie, just because they are supposed to be really smart, but I'll check into a Great Dane too. 
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Dos Equis on October 15, 2007, 05:37:23 PM
I'm actually relocating to a cooler climate, so that will be good.  Newfie's are great dogs. 
Same here, bro.   :-\  I'm really attached to my dogs, and I'm having a hard time already with my two mutts getting older.  Not handling it well.  But I think the 7-10 years of joy that these bigger dogs could bring to my family is worth the memories. 

Yeah.  I agree.  Right now all we have is two cats, which is kinda gay.  Not there's anything wrong with that.  :)

My daughter and I were laughing (to ourselves) at a guy the other day who was walking his poodle.  Real men don't own poodles.  Do they?   
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: headhuntersix on October 15, 2007, 05:44:33 PM
I looked into Newfi's but they drool, so i got a Bernese Mountain Dog, 22 on the smart dog list, big as hell, double coat, super with kids, pull wagons, DRY mouth...fuzzy and love to be hugged. She's 75 lbs at 7 months.
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: knny187 on October 18, 2007, 10:20:52 AM
Bernese Mountain Dogs are cool....


but you know what I like:   ;)

Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: temper35 on October 18, 2007, 08:49:19 PM
Bernese Mountain Dogs are cool....


but you know what I like:   ;)



In the face area, he kinda looks like those Bernese =P
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: knny187 on October 19, 2007, 08:33:45 AM
In the face area, he kinda looks like those Bernese =P

In the face...he looks like a Rottie

 ;)
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: ~flower~ on October 19, 2007, 10:44:03 AM
I will not have an indoor dog, especially one as big as a Great Dane.  I guess they need a big yard too.

 You mean never in the house?    :-\


  Unless it is a working dog (on a farm or something) why have a dog then?

   If I misunderstood, my apologies. 
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Dos Equis on October 20, 2007, 12:31:20 PM

 You mean never in the house?    :-\


  Unless it is a working dog (on a farm or something) why have a dog then?

   If I misunderstood, my apologies. 

I always had dogs growing up and they were always outside.  Never in the house.  What's wrong with that?
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Al-Gebra on October 20, 2007, 03:54:12 PM
I looked into Newfi's but they drool, so i got a Bernese Mountain Dog, 22 on the smart dog list, big as hell, double coat, super with kids, pull wagons, DRY mouth...fuzzy and love to be hugged. She's 75 lbs at 7 months.

not the longest-lived or healthiest dog in the world though . . . :-\ makes for a lot of heartbreak if you have kids.
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: ~flower~ on October 22, 2007, 05:58:50 AM
I always had dogs growing up and they were always outside.  Never in the house.  What's wrong with that?

  I say why have a dog then?  Get a lawn ornament that doesn't poop instead.  Most dogs that spend their entire lives outside getting little attention. Now I suppose if you live in a climate where the weather is fine to be outside all the time, and adequate shelter is provided and are going to spend hours each day with the dog, and take it on walks and socialize with it, then it could work, but most people start out that way and then eventually they give attention to the dog only at feeding time.  Dogs are social animals.   Just because a dog is an "indoor" dog doesn't mean it has to have access to the whole house, mine don't.
 
   If it is going to be a chained dog then I definitely say why have a dog.
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: temper35 on October 22, 2007, 07:48:16 AM
  I say why have a dog then?  Get a lawn ornament that doesn't poop instead.  Most dogs that spend their entire lives outside getting little attention. Now I suppose if you live in a climate where the weather is fine to be outside all the time, and adequate shelter is provided and are going to spend hours each day with the dog, and take it on walks and socialize with it, then it could work, but most people start out that way and then eventually they give attention to the dog only at feeding time.  Dogs are social animals.   Just because a dog is an "indoor" dog doesn't mean it has to have access to the whole house, mine don't.
 
   If it is going to be a chained dog then I definitely say why have a dog.

I see alot of dogs when I walk plato that are outside 80% of the time.  I have the same exact view...why do you even have a dog?  What is the purpose of spending money on the dog, dog food, etc., to keep it in the yard and look at it?
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Colossus_500 on October 22, 2007, 10:42:35 AM
I looked into Newfi's but they drool, so i got a Bernese Mountain Dog, 22 on the smart dog list, big as hell, double coat, super with kids, pull wagons, DRY mouth...fuzzy and love to be hugged. She's 75 lbs at 7 months.
Great looking dogs, HH6.  A longtime friend of mine is dog-crazy (she owns at least 6) and she has two Bernies.  Great dogs. 
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Dos Equis on October 22, 2007, 11:06:24 AM
  I say why have a dog then?  Get a lawn ornament that doesn't poop instead.  Most dogs that spend their entire lives outside getting little attention. Now I suppose if you live in a climate where the weather is fine to be outside all the time, and adequate shelter is provided and are going to spend hours each day with the dog, and take it on walks and socialize with it, then it could work, but most people start out that way and then eventually they give attention to the dog only at feeding time.  Dogs are social animals.   Just because a dog is an "indoor" dog doesn't mean it has to have access to the whole house, mine don't.
 
   If it is going to be a chained dog then I definitely say why have a dog.

I've never had a dog that got very little attention and they all lived outside.  It's about 82-85 year round here, so weather isn't a problem.  I have a house full of kids, so attention isn't a problem.  Doesn't seem like a big deal to me.  My dogs were never neglected.  The puppy I'm probably going to get at the end of the year won't be neglected either and he or she will live outside.  (Not sure what kind yet.)   
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: ~flower~ on October 22, 2007, 01:00:51 PM
I've never had a dog that got very little attention and they all lived outside.  It's about 82-85 year round here, so weather isn't a problem.  I have a house full of kids, so attention isn't a problem.  Doesn't seem like a big deal to me.  My dogs were never neglected.  The puppy I'm probably going to get at the end of the year won't be neglected either and he or she will live outside.  (Not sure what kind yet.)   

 I don't personally agree with it.  And I can't see leaving an 8 week old puppy outside by itself and not expecting it to whine and bark.  I can't see most responsible breeders allowing someone to take a puppy that is going to be outside 24/7. 

  You do have a fenced yard I hope at least?  A chained dog is dangerous and cruel and in some places illegal to be chained for 24 hours a day.

 To me a dog is part of the family, not an accessory. I hope your kids will realize that some people do allow dogs in the house and consider them family and might consider that if they have dogs when they move out.
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Geo on October 22, 2007, 02:12:30 PM
dog's should be able to go outside so they can do "dog things" that they can't do inside like play and chase balls and bark and stuff
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: temper35 on October 22, 2007, 11:00:22 PM

 I don't personally agree with it.  And I can't see leaving an 8 week old puppy outside by itself and not expecting it to whine and bark.  I can't see most responsible breeders allowing someone to take a puppy that is going to be outside 24/7. 

  You do have a fenced yard I hope at least?  A chained dog is dangerous and cruel and in some places illegal to be chained for 24 hours a day.

 To me a dog is part of the family, not an accessory. I hope your kids will realize that some people do allow dogs in the house and consider them family and might consider that if they have dogs when they move out.

Yeah flower I am not even going to touch this topic, haha.
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Al-Gebra on October 23, 2007, 08:38:09 PM

maybe beach bum was raised in the country? a lot of country folks i know have 24/7 outside (in fenced yard, usually) dogs . . . i even know of one dog that got bit by something (probably a rattler) and had to be put down. 
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: ~flower~ on October 24, 2007, 10:58:57 AM
Well..... if beach bum would provide that much attention to the dog and it wasn't going to be chained up I can't say that it is necessarily "wrong" but I still feel why have a dog then. 
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Geo on October 24, 2007, 11:07:20 AM
Well..... if beach bum would provide that much attention to the dog and it wasn't going to be chained up I can't say that it is necessarily "wrong" but I still feel why have a dog then. 

maybe you and beach bum can come to a compromise of sorts and beach bum can put his dog on a bungy cord or something
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: ~flower~ on October 24, 2007, 11:15:19 AM
maybe you and beach bum can come to a compromise of sorts and beach bum can put his dog on a bungy cord or something

 beach bum never said if the dog would be chained or not, I was just stating what would really make it unacceptable to have the dog out 24/7.
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Geo on October 24, 2007, 11:20:10 AM
beach bum never said if the dog would be chained or not, I was just stating what would really make it unacceptable to have the dog out 24/7.

dog outside.........

BOING !!!!

dog inside.........

problem solved !
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: ~flower~ on October 24, 2007, 11:44:14 AM

     ::)
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: JediKnight on October 25, 2007, 07:43:44 AM
Yo Beach Bum,,, You dont need to get a dog,,what you need is a good kick in your ass. You should pass on the dog. You dont seem like a very good pet owner or father figure. My dog is indoor and outdoor and even has his own temperpedic bed inside to sleep next to me.
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Dos Equis on October 27, 2007, 01:42:40 AM

 I don't personally agree with it.  And I can't see leaving an 8 week old puppy outside by itself and not expecting it to whine and bark.  I can't see most responsible breeders allowing someone to take a puppy that is going to be outside 24/7. 

  You do have a fenced yard I hope at least?  A chained dog is dangerous and cruel and in some places illegal to be chained for 24 hours a day.

 To me a dog is part of the family, not an accessory. I hope your kids will realize that some people do allow dogs in the house and consider them family and might consider that if they have dogs when they move out.

I never chained my dogs.  I won't chain the new one.  My neighbor has two dogs and they both live outside.  There are dogs all over my neighborhood that live outside.  I've never really heard anyone say keeping a dog outside is inhumane. 

My dogs were always my buddies when I was growing up.  I suspect the new dog will be smothered by the kids, the same way they smother our two cats. 
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Dos Equis on October 27, 2007, 01:43:51 AM
maybe beach bum was raised in the country? a lot of country folks i know have 24/7 outside (in fenced yard, usually) dogs . . . i even know of one dog that got bit by something (probably a rattler) and had to be put down. 

Well . . . I did live in the deep south for a short while.   :)
Title: Re: Think I might get a Great Dane too someday
Post by: Dos Equis on October 27, 2007, 01:46:09 AM
Yo Beach Bum,,, You dont need to get a dog,,what you need is a good kick in your ass. You should pass on the dog. You dont seem like a very good pet owner or father figure. My dog is indoor and outdoor and even has his own temperpedic bed inside to sleep next to me.

Yo Jedi . . . you can kiss where the sun doesn't shine.  Before you kiss your bed buddy dog of course.  :)