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.