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Category: Great Danes

  • Is My Great Dane Being Aggressive or Playing?

    Is My Great Dane Being Aggressive or Playing?

    Is your Great Dane growling?
    Jumping?
    Attacking you or the kids?
    Is your Great Dane being aggressive at the dog park, or just playing?

    Are Great Danes aggresive? Great dane behaviour can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be!

    If you are trying to figure out if your Great Dane being aggressive or JUST playing, you’ve come to the right place! Are Great Danes aggressive?

    This is an important blog post and one that all Great Dane owners should read and bookmark for reference

    Aggression in Great Danes is no joke. They are giant dogs that can easily hurt a human or animal, so it’s important to have a great understanding of behavior when talking about healthy play vs. rude behavior vs. aggression.

    If the Great Dane behavior problems you are seeing is actually aggression, please seek professional help from a highly qualified balanced trainer that uses a lot of positive reinforcement. Reality television is not a good place to get your dog training information!

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    GREAT DANE PUPPY AGGRESSION AND HEALTHY PLAY

    Puppies growl, pounce, lunge, bite, tug, bark and generally act immature.

    99.9% of the time, this is completely normal!

    Even if they are chasing and ‘attacking’ kids, even if they grab your hand and growl and shake it, even if they are constantly biting you, even if they lunge at your face. That doesn’t make it ok, but it is an expected puppy behavior that is resolved with management, training and maturity.

    Puppies are immature and these kinds of things are a fun game for them. They are learning how to control their jaws and bite strength, and learning what kind of behaviors result in attention.

    Why does my Great Dane puppy growl at me?

    Chasing is fun. Biting is fun. Lunging is fun! As puppy owners, we often encourage this behavior by shouting, squealing and getting frustrated or scared. Learn more about puppy biting and how to control it here.

    It is rare for puppies to be truly aggressive.

    If you suspect, after reading more of the information below that your puppy is being aggressive and not playing, you need to seek professional help from a highly-qualified positive-balanced trainer immediately.

    Contrary to popular belief, Great Danes are not supposed to be aggressive, timid, fearful or scared.

    Contact your breeder or rescue if you are seeing truly aggressive behaviors, especially in Great Dane puppies under 6 months of age.

    Most ‘Great Dane puppy aggression’ is just wound-up, out of control normal puppy play. It’s time to get to training! Basic obedience, puppy playgrounds, naps, appropriate chews, mental enrichment, structure/routine and management (use a leash, crates and gates) can really help with those annoying puppy teeth.

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    ADULT GREAT DANES – WHY IS MY GREAT DANE BECOMING AGGRESSIVE?

    Dogs are like humans; many may never love or enjoy interacting with other dogs and that is ok.

    However, dogs that come from ethical breeders and that are well socialized from birth on are more likely to have healthy play signals and stable temperaments. These dogs will be able to calmly and safely interact or be around other dogs.

    It’s important to note that healthy, normal play between two dogs can LOOK like aggression!

    Maturity, genetics and positive socialization go a long ways here, and some dogs are just naturally more social than others. Don’t force it.

    Because Great Danes are so large, people are often afraid when they see how rough they play together!

    A GREAT DANE BEING AGGRESSIVE

    Here is a video of a Great Dane that is showing very typical signs of insecurity, anxiety, frustration and aggression that come from issues with temperament, socialization and training.

    Many dogs that are labeled as ‘aggressive’ are actually just ‘reactive’.

    A Great Dane that cannot regulate well is dangerous to itself, to humans and to other dogs, however.

    If your Great Dane is like this (or worse), working with highly qualified professionals is important! Following a thorough vet screening, we recommend finding a qualified balanced dog trainer that uses positive reinforcement.

    SEARCH FOR AN IACP BALANCED DOG TRAINER

    A Great Dane can become aggressive for a number of reasons, including:

    • Pain
    • Loss of eyesight or hearing
    • Internal medical problems
    • Frustration
    • Anxiety
    • Poor temperament
    • Lack of boundaries and direction
    • Harsh, punitive and aversive training techniques
    • Bad socialization experiences

    HEALTHY PLAY SIGNALS IN DOGS

    Here are some signs that the play you are seeing is healthy and normal.

    • Loose, wiggly body language. Dogs are ‘floppy’, their faces wiggle, their ears flop around, their whole spine, tail and abdomen are slack.
    • Play bows. This is a hugely important signal that says to the other dog ‘I’m just playing, I won’t hurt you‘. Play bows are when they put their bum in the air. The bow may be prolonged or it may just be a brief little bow mixed in with the other play that is happening. Both dogs need to play bow for the play to be healthy.
    • Tackling, Biting, Barking, Growling, Lunging, Jumping, Body Slams, Hip Checks. These are all NORMAL in healthy play when the two above signals are also present!
    • Self Handicap. In healthy play, a larger dog will modify their play to be more gentle to the smaller dog. Immediately break apart any play where this isn’t happening.
    • Trading Roles. In healthy play, both dogs take turns. “I chase you, you chase me” and “I bite you, you bite me“. One dog should not always assume the chase and bite role, they should be willing to give it up to the other dog for a bit too.
    • Respect. Dogs in a healthy play situation respect each others signals. If one dog is done with the game, the other dog says ‘OK’ and walks away. If one dog doesn’t want to play, the other dog says ‘alright, I’ll move on‘. A well socialized dog asks to play before engaging in it as well (play bow).
    • Breaks, Shake it Off. The dogs should be taking frequent breaks. You’ll see them play then stop for a moment, shake it off and then either walk away or resume playing. If you don’t see breaks and the play is escalating, BREAK IT UP!

    Here is a GREAT video of two Great Danes (one adult and one puppy) playing. You will see chasing, rolling, teeth, chewing, neck biting, pinning, wrestling, shake-off and more.

    The puppy is slightly more submissive than the older dog, who appears to be largely in control of the game. If you watch, the puppy is a little hesitant at times but jumps back in to try new things.

    The puppy is learning a lot from the older Dane!

    RUDE PLAY (ALL AGES)

    Rude play is unfair and can lead to fights.

    Monitor rude play, especially if you are teaching a puppy! If you see ANY of these signs, say ‘uh-oh’ and either give a time out (leash, down-stay until released) or leave the situation altogether.

    • Humping. This is not dominance, but it’s not acceptable. It’s rude and immature, and usually a sign that a dog is overstimulated. Never allow this behavior.
    • Rolling and pinning that is not accompanied by the healthy play signals listed above.
    • Trying to play with a dog that is clearly not interested (again, see above).
    • Running up and starting a play session (biting, chasing) without asking first (play bow).
    • Chasing or pestering a dog that is trying to get away (tail tucked, running, hiding, submissive posture).
    • Playing too rough with a smaller dog (or any dog)
    • Neck, ear, tail or leg grabbing/biting when not accompanied by healthy play signals listed above.
    https://www.hellodanes.com/product-category/dane-goodies/orthopedic-beds/

    Puppies especially need your guidance here!

    Do NOT let your Great Dane Puppy practice rude behavior and play signals, including staring, lunging, pestering, humping or jumping. Leave if you have to. Lower excitement levels. Advocate for your dog. Teach YES behaviors. Work with a highly qualified positive-balanced trainer.

    For more information and resources on preventing fights, including the ones that may be triggered by rude or immature behavior, the book FIGHT by Jean Donaldson is a great resource. 

    Are Great Danes Vocal?

    Great Danes may bark, growl and grumble. Most of the time, these things are not a sign of aggression!

    http://www.instagram.com/deardanes

    ARE GREAT DANES AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS OTHER DOGS?

    Aggression is serious, especially in Great Danes because they are so large and easily able to cause harm. Rude play behavior can escalate to aggression, quickly.

    Great Danes are not supposed to be aggressive, however! If you are seeing aggression of any kind, chat with your breeder or rescue and seek out the help of a HIGHLY qualified behavior professional.

    It is important to PREVENT aggression. If you are seeing your Great Dane aggressive towards other dogs, or if your dog is prone to aggressive behaviors, you must manage the environment.

    Avoid situations where aggression tends to happen. Use crates, gates, leashes, and yes…muzzles as management tools.

    There are not many Great Dane attack statistics that outline how often serious incidents have happened; however, many home insurance companies and landlords do not allow Great Danes for fear that they may contribute.

    The Great Dane breed standard states that Great Danes should be friendly and courageous. Aggression towards humans or dogs is out of standard and not acceptable, nor is it normal in the breed.

    SIGNS OF AGGRESSION IN GREAT DANES

    Here are some signs that your Great Dane is being aggressive and is NOT playing. This is a dog that is likely unable to consistently and safely interact without intervention, behavior modification and management:

    • Stiff body. This paired with ears forward or ears pinned indicate insecurity and fear or forward/aggressive posturing. Neither is good.
    • Hackles. Watch this. It can be a little insecurity and not always a bad sign, but needs attention if you see it often or see it paired with other signs of aggression. Keep an eye on it.
    • Stiff tail wags. A wagging tail is NOT always a good sign!
    • Tucked tail, shaking, extreme fear (fear aggression, can lead to snaps and bites if you push it).
    • Lunging and snarling, even if you think your dog has always been ‘good with other dogs’.
    • Hovering over another dog and then snarling/snapping at their face or neck.
    • Low growl, especially when not accompanied by the healthy play signals listed above.
    • Showing Teeth.  A grimace  with panting (fear, anxiety, frustration) or baring teeth/lip lifting (look at my teeth! They are sharp, back off!) are all signs that the dog may be uncomfortable and is likely to escalate.
    • Snapping is a serious warning.
    • Biting. This one seems obvious, but if your dog goes beyond a snap and sinks a tooth in, that is serious and requires professional guidance. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200, do not ‘try again’ to see if things improve. Do not ‘socialize’ your dog and hope he doesn’t do it again.

    If your Great Dane is showing signs of aggression, the dog park is not an appropriate place to be. You cannot ‘socialize’ your Great Dane by hoping that the aggression will go away with more exposure to other dogs, or by ‘correcting’ the behavior instead of addressing the root cause.

    Find a legitimate, highly qualified dog positive-balanced trainer with Great Dane experience.

    Are male Great Danes aggressive?

    Some people believe that male Great Danes will be more aggressive than others. While some male Great Danes have problems with testosterone, a well-bred, properly trained and well-socialized male should not be aggressive.

    As above, if you are having problems with your Great Dane, seek out the help of a positive reinforcement balanced dog trainer to help you. Neutering MAY be among their recommendations.

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    ARE GREAT DANES MEAN TO CHILDREN?

    Well bred and thoughtfully socialized Great Danes make wonderful family pets. Temperament is largely genetic, so choosing the right breeder really matters when you want to bring a Great Dane into a home with children.

    We highly recommend that breeders use Puppy Culture and expose puppies to children from a young age. Then, positive training and socialization must continue as soon as the puppy is in a new home.

    Our Great Dane Puppy Socialization guide can help!

    WHAT IF MY GREAT DANE IS SUDDENLY AGGRESSIVE?

    Sudden aggression in Great Danes warrants a thorough health screening with a giant-breed experienced veterinarian. If you notice your Great Dane suddenly aggressive when they were always well-tempered before, health reasons are often to blame.

    Some causes of sudden aggression in Great Danes may include problems with the heart or thyroid, diabetes, painful joints, wobblers, reflux, tooth pain, arthritis, ear infections, tumors or cancer, hormonal or chemical imbalance and/or pain of any kind.

    Aggression can also be caused by improper, punitive and unfair training methods such as aggressive use of harsh shock collars, penny cans, alpha rolling, intimidation, choking, hitting and physical force.

    Never use a cheap shock collar on a Great Dane, and steer clear of outdated intimidation-based training techniques.

    Our dogs deserve better than this, especially when health problems are to blame for their behavior.

    Rage syndrome in Great Danes can be another cause of sudden aggression. This is often referred to as ‘idopathic aggression’ and is a serious (but rare) behavioral problem that requires the help of a Veterinary Behaviorist. You can find a veterinary behaviorist HERE.

    Great Dane Toys

    WILL NEUTERING STOP AGGRESSION?

    Many people will tell you that neutering is the answer for addressing all forms of aggression.

    There are times when neutering may help dogs that are amped up by their testosterone. Those dogs benefit from being neutered and owners may see a drastic reduction in rude behavior.

    However, there is NO one-size-fits all answer here and neutering may do nothing at all to help the problem. In other words, you cannot ‘magically’ fix genetic-based poor temperaments, socialization and training issues with surgery.

    While you definitely want to neuter a dog with behavioral problems (they should NEVER be bred and may benefit from the reduction in hormones), don’t expect miracles.

    Neutering is NOT a reliable catch all for reducing aggressive and rude behavior; many neutered dogs will mark and continue to display aggression and rude ‘dominant’ behaviors.

    A Great Dane being aggressive

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

    BAT 2.0 by Grisha Stewart for Reactive Dogs

    MINE by Jean Donaldson
    FIGHT by Jean Donaldson

    HELPFUL CONTENT: 

    Are Great Danes Aggressive?

    Dogs That Don’t Belong at the Dog Park

    Bark Busters, Sit Means Sit and Off Leash K-9 Training Review

    Reality Television and Dog Training

    The 2 Sided Debate: Great Dane Ear Cropping

    Is My Great Dane Puppy Knuckling?

    ALL ABOUT THE LIFESPAN OF GREAT DANE DOGS
    THE ULTIMATE GREAT DANE DIET GUIDE
  • How Do I Know It’s Time To Let My Great Dane Go?

    How Do I Know It’s Time To Let My Great Dane Go?

    Is it time to let my Great Dane go? How do I know it’s time?

    This is one of the hardest questions you’ll ever ask yourself as a pet parent. Making a decision about end-of-life care and humane euthanasia is difficult and heartbreaking. We are here for you.

    We recognize that this is an extremely emotional subject, and if you are reading this you may be wondering if the time has come for your Great Dane to pass on and cross the rainbow bridge.

    Our hope today is that we can provide you with some measure of comfort and confidence in your decision to let your beloved pet go. We are also including information about what to expect during the euthanasia process, which can help put your mind and heart at ease.

    If you have an elderly or unwell pet and are wondering if it is time to let your Great Dane go, this post is for you. We will cover behavioral euthanasia in another post.

    How do I know it's time to let my great dane go?

    Processing the Decision to Euthanize

    Nobody can make this decision for you. Recommendations from your veterinarian may be helpful, but you should never feel pressured.

    It may feel like it was just yesterday that you brought your Great Dane home.

    You have loved this dog and may be in disbelief that your once bouncy, active dog has lost her spark.

    It’s also possible that you feel guilt, wondering if you could have done something differently, or wishing you had spent more time with your dog while he was still full of life.

    Your dog does not think the way that you do!

    Dogs don’t live with regret, spite, or anger.

    They don’t live wondering what tomorrow brings or whether they’ve done something wrong in life.

    What they do know is that you are here, right now with them and that is what matters.

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    Companion Animal Hospice

    Companion animal hospice is a relatively new option and can be exceptionally helpful for elderly pets or for pets with degenerative disorders such as wobblers disease.

    A veterinarian technician or trained professional may be able to visit or talk with you and help provide some quality of life to your dog.

    Pain medications, dietary guidance, emotional support, and orthopedic assistance can be helpful in providing and ensuring quality time with the days that you have left with your pet.

    Working with a hospice and palliative care veterinary professional can make the process much easier on everybody, especially your dog. A qualified hospice professional can help guide you through making the decision to let your Great Dane go, as well.

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    LEARN ABOUT HOSPICE CARE FOR PETS

    International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care

    Find a provider ↗

    Choosing Dignity for your Pet

    One of the most beautiful parts of choosing euthanasia for our pets is that we can let them go with dignity.

    We can say goodbye when they are still able to function enough to have their last days with us be the best days of their lives, not the worst.

    Every pet owner and every veterinarian will tell you that you will not regret making the decision too soon, but you may regret making it too late. Veterinarians consider humane euthanasia to be one of the most important gifts we can give our beloved pets.

    Hold onto your dog as long as possible, but don’t be afraid to say goodbye before your dog is truly suffering.

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    How do I know that it’s Time?

    Only you will truly know the answer, but here are some common ways people determine that it’s time to let their Great Dane go:

    • Your dog has stopped eating or drinking, despite receiving medical and palliative care.
    • Your pet ‘tells you’. Many dog owners say their pet lets them know in some way that it’s time.
    • He or she has more bad days than good days.
    • You notice that your dog is clearly in pain or is suffering, despite receiving medical and palliative care.
    • Your pet is unable or unwilling to get up.
    • Your pet has been diagnosed with a catastrophic illness or injury and you want to avoid a traumatic ending
    • You have to clean up often because your pet soils himself/herself
    • Death is imminent and your dog is struggling
    • You are worried that the choice to euthanize may have to be made suddenly following a sharp (and possibly traumatic) decline in health.
    • Your pet is no longer responsive to you or is becoming agitated, scared or withdrawn.

    The unfortunate reality is that our dogs will never live as long as we want them to. Prolonging their time with us must be done thoughtfully and humanely.

    At some point, it is up to us to choose their comfort over ours; that decision can be extremely heart-wrenching, and it is ok to feel emotional.

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    The Best Last Day Ever

    Once the decision has been made, we recommend giving your Great Dane the best last day ever (assuming that your dog is in good spirits and can participate).

    • Hire a professional photographer to document your dog at home and with your family.
    • Visit your dog’s favorite place such as the beach or a park. Sit on a blanket and enjoy this time.
    • Spend all day with your dog, even if it means laying on the floor all day long or sitting in the grass together, just watching the world go by.
    • Talk to your dog. Tell stories. Look at old photos. Touch your dog all over and remember every spot, the shape of the paws and the tail. Tell your dog how special they are, and what they mean to you.
    • Make a clay imprint of your dog’s paw.
    • Give your dog the best treat ever. If your dog can handle it; raw meat or a hamburger are favorites.

    It’s ok to be emotional and sad. Talk to your dog, they understand more than you know.

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    What to Expect During Euthanasia

    Whenever possible, we highly recommend using an at-home euthanasia service.

    Ideally, a veterinarian will come to your house or meet you in a park and help your dog make this transition on his or her own bed, in the comfort of your arms.

    You will find that your veterinarian is very compassionate and will give you as much time as you need.

    When you are ready, the veterinarian will often first administer a sedative.

    This is done by injection and simply makes your pet comfortable and relaxed. Your pet will feel sleepy and all of the pain will be gone. Most pets quietly go to sleep.

    Many people will say at this point how grateful they are to see their pet looking so comfortable, especially if the pet had been in a lot of pain or suffering.

    At this time your veterinarian will allow you to use this time to say goodbye to your pet before performing the actual euthanasia.

    For some pets who are especially ill, the sedative may be enough to euthanize them. However, in most cases, your sedated, sleeping pet will still be breathing.

    When you say that it’s time, the actual euthanasia will be performed.

    In most cases, the veterinarian will shave a bit of hair off of a leg and will insert a small catheter tube. This does not hurt your dog because your dog will be sedated.

    The euthanasia drug will be administered through this tube, and the veterinarian will listen to your dogs heart.

    Most dogs pass very quickly and quietly once the euthanasia drug is administered.

    Your dog may shudder or let out a loud breath. This is not a sign that your dog is in pain, and is a normal part of even a natural death process. Once your veterinarian determines that there is no heartbeat, they will leave you with your pet to say your final goodbye.

    The entire process should be very calm, respectful, and peaceful. Your dog should feel no pain or fear.

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    Processing Grief when Losing a Pet

    There is absolutely nothing that will take away the hurt and pain of losing a loved pet. Everybody will process this grief in their own way.

    You may feel that the house feels quiet and empty. Your other pets may act distressed or sad. Children may be especially heartbroken; it is ok to talk about this and to seek professional help if needed.

    Each day that goes by will get better and better. Your dog will always be in your heart.

    The decision to get a new dog is yours and yours alone. Some people may get a new dog very quickly, others need more time. Both choices are ok and are not an indication of love or healing.

    If you are struggling to make a decision about wheter or not it’s time to let your pet go, know that you are not alone! This is a complicated and emotional decision with no wrong or right answer.

    We hope you find peace in your decision, and that helping your dog transition is a peaceful process full of love.

  • Is My Great Dane Puppy Too Small?

    Is My Great Dane Puppy Too Small?

    If you recently got a Great Dane puppy, you may be wondering if your puppy is growing well and the right size!

    We’ve recently seen many people with extremely small 8 and 9 week old Great Dane puppies asking this question, and it turns out that one of three things is happening:

    a. Their puppy was sent home very young (an extremely unethical breeding practice, especially if the breeder is lying about age). A 6 week old Great Dane is too young to leave the litter. 

    b. The puppy is either poorly bred (bad genetics) or mixed somewhere in the line, and the breeder lied about it.

    c. The puppy has parasites, a congenital disorder (such as megaesophagus) or is failing to thrive in some way.

    In some cases, puppies are just small and that is ok too! Female great dane puppies are often smaller than males as well.

    Read on for more information about whether or not your Great Dane puppy is too small or just right.

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    HEALTHY DANE PUPPIES

    A healthy 8 week old Great Dane puppy that was thoughtfully bred, well socialized & properly cared for while still with the breeder will:

    • Have huge feet and ideally, tight knuckles
    • Have ‘heft’ and be weighty to pick up (plenty of ‘substance’ and ‘bone’), won’t  feel scrawny
    • Be curious, not timid or fearful
    • Have trimmed nails
    • Have bright, neat clean eyes and large clean ears
    • Weigh between 15-30lbs

    If you are concerned, chat with your veterinarian! They can easily tell you if your Great Dane puppy is healthy and growing on track.

    You can also reference our Great Dane Growth Chart HERE.

    Chances are, your Great Dane puppy is perfect! Each dog is different. Even from the same litter, sizes can vary, especially when comparing males to females or looking at a known runt that is still trying to catch up.

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    RED FLAGS

    Here are the red flags that your puppy is actually behind, underage or struggling to thrive:

    • The puppy isn’t gaining quickly and may appear scrawny and weak: see a veterinarian.
    • The puppy has a large, round distended tummy: parasites and worms may be a problem.
    • The puppy has sores and infections; chat with your veterinarian. You may also need to report the breeder to animal control.
    • The puppy lacks energy while awake.
    • The puppy has low muscle tone, flat feet, weak pasterns, weak hips and a weak core.
    • The puppy is vomiting, shaking, and/or has diarrhea (see a veterinarian immediately).
    • The puppy is extremely fearful and timid.

    .A puppy that is under 15 lbs may just be a small puppy, especially if it came from a particularly large litter. If your puppy is otherwise thriving, don’t stress! He or she will likely catch up.

    Some small puppies are not actually full Great Dane; study the pedigree and ask questions. Look at the parents and compare them to the written standard for Great Danes. Unethical breeding practices are resulting in a lot of ‘papered’ Great Danes that don’t really look like Great Danes. If this has happened to you, it’s ok! You have a wonderful family pet and that is what matters.

    There is never a reason to sell a puppy prior to 8 weeks of age. If your puppy is small and immature, chat with your breeder!  This practice is highly unethical and some breeders may even lie about age to get the puppies out of the house.

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    PROPER GROWTH

    Do not overfeed or supplement your puppy to make it grow faster.

    With Great Danes, slow growth is key.

    Over-nutrition and fatty foods can cause pancreatitis or increase the risk that the puppy develops hip dysplasia and other bone and growth disorders such as knuckling, HOD and Panosteitis.

    Bigger is not better! Forcing growth on a Great Dane and promoting overweight and oversized structure is painful, unhealthy and unfair.

    If your Great Dane puppy is actually struggling to thrive, see a veterinarian with Giant Breed experience.

    No matter what, love the dog in front of you!

    It is OK to have a smaller Great Dane! Your dog does not have to be larger than life to still be a very large, wonderful dog.

    If you are concerned about the health of your Great Dane puppy, chat with your veterinarian!

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    The information contained in this post is for informational purposes only. We do our best to present the most up-to-date research, however it is up to the reader to make decisions regarding the health and well-being of their dog. We make no claims here to prevent or treat bloat or any other condition related to Great Danes. Find a veterinarian with GIANT breed experience, and chat with them. 

    Some of the products we list on our website contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, we may receive a small commission for referring you. We only recommend products that we truly believe in. This commission does not affect the price of the product and is used to fund our content and expenses related to operating this website. We are powered by YOU! 

  • 5 Ways to Strengthen Your Great Dane’s Feet

    5 Ways to Strengthen Your Great Dane’s Feet

    Today we are sharing five ways to strengthen your Great Dane’s feet! Weak feet that knuckle, bobble, flop, and turn out are a common problem with fast-growing giant breed dogs.

    The feet are the foundation for the whole body, and these dogs have HUGE bodies. So yes, this matters.  

    When their feet are weak or flat, it’s not only an aesthetic problem; it’s a functional one.

    The development of the feet is especially important in growing puppies (read our article on puppy knuckling here). However, in adolescent and adult dogs, poor structure and weak joints could lead to pain, early arthritis, and permanent joint damage.

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    How Genetics Affect Foot Structure in Dogs

    Genetics play some role in the overall structure, shape, and direction of the feet on your Great Dane.

    The written standard for Danes states that the feet should be straight and parallel when viewed from the front. The feet should be ‘well knuckled’ and the pastern should have an 8 degree bend.

    Deviations from this, including ‘East-West’ feet, splayed toes, bone deformities and otherwise are considered faults. These faults are often genetic and can be made worse by environmental factors such as nutrition.

    The written standard is based on building an appropriate structure for such giant dogs, which must be built correctly for longevity, movement, and overall comfort.

    Angular Limb Deformities (caused by damage to the growth plate) are another form of incorrect feet and joints that typically requires surgical intervention.

    If you are concerned, always ask your veterinarian first!

    From the written standard, this illustration outlines common feet in Great Danes. Hare foot, flat/down in pasterns and splayed feet are unacceptable.

    “The strong pasterns should slope slightly. The feet should be round and compact with well-arched toes, neither toeing in, toeing out, nor rolling to the inside or outside. The nails should be short.”

    Read the written standard here.

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    1: Trim Your Puppies Nails

    We cannot stress this enough. Overgrown nails are extremely common and a major reason so many Great Danes have splayed toes, weak knuckles, and flat pasterns.

    Nails that are allowed to grow too long (touch the ground, click on the floor) alter the shape of the foot and how your dog walks.

    With time, it leads to pain, arthritis, and irreversible joint damage. 

    Start trimming nails the first week you bring your puppy or dog home, and make it a weekly or bi-weekly habit!  If your dog is resistant, work with a trainer and learn how to condition your dog.

    We recommend Millers Forge Trimmers with the Red Handle for taking slivers and length off and a battery-powered Dremel tool with a fine grit sander OR a diamond bit.

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    Miller’s Forge Dog Nail Trimmers

    These cut through thick nails extremely well. Take small slivers off at a time and avoid cutting through the quick.

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    Battery-Powered Dremel for Dog Nails

    Start training your puppy to accept a Dremel as early as possible. This is the BEST tool for full-grown large and giant breed dogs with thick nails.

    Buy on Amazon

    The Millers Forge cut through nails like butter, eliminating much of the pressure into the nail that many dogs find uncomfortable. They also stay sharp FOREVER! The Dremel is fantastic for rounding the nail off and helping the quick to shorten (which will be important if you need to shorten the nails a lot).

    Need to learn how? The Facebook group ‘Nail Maintenance for Dogs’ is a fantastic resource. Getting nails trimmed back to an appropriate length may take time and dedication. Be patient.

    Think your dog’s nails are ok? Here is an example of overgrown nails:

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    2 – Play on Soft, Varied Terrain

    Great Danes and especially puppies benefit greatly from lots of free-play and exploration on soft, varied terrain. This movement strengthens the tiny muscles and tendons in the feet.

    Structured walks on hard surfaces are hard on the joints and should be limited, especially if the nails are overgrown.

    Slick surfaces in the home (tile, hardwood, laminate) are also hard on the joints. Use runners and yoga mats.

    Purposefully seek out hills, grass, dirt piles, sand, soft pea gravel, and even the trampoline! Use a long leash so that your dog can move and explore safely and supervised without restriction.

    We believe in modern E-Collar Training for Great Danes because it provides them with freedom of movement and no pressure on their face, neck, or chest.

    We highly recommend that puppies be exposed to various surfaces and textures and encouraged and challenged to explore and use their bodies safely. Ramps, tunnels, and even splashing in a pool are all great for building confidence AND making those feet extra strong!

    AVOID INJURY! It’s important that your puppy or adult dog not make a habit of jumping off things (beds, furniture, etc.). Damage to the growth plates is serious and may be expensive and painful to address properly.

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    3- Canine Fitness to Strengthen Puppy Feet

    Dogs are no different than humans! They require movement and exercise to stay strong.

    Find a dog trainer who offers a Canine Fitness or ‘Fit Paws’ class, and learn how to use balls, peanuts, and teeter boards to help your dog develop balance and strength.

    My favorite foot-strengthening exercise involves a simple wobble disk (find it on Amazon here) and some treats.

    81NYumZS LL. AC SL1500

    Balance Disk for Dog Fitness

    This is an inexpensive knockoff of the popular Fit Paws balance disk. Choose the Fit Paws version if you have the budget; it will be more stable and last longer. Otherwise, this is a great alternative for home use!

    Buy on Amazon

    Put this flat on a surface and ensure that it won’t slide. Lure your dog to put both front feet onto it.

    The disk will wobble, and your dog will balance.

    If you do this right, your dog will quickly learn that standing with two front feet on the wobble disk is SUPER fun! Gently lure your dog to the treat so that he stands up tall on the knuckles of the feet.

    Don’t spend too much time on this, and don’t ask. your dog to stretch super far. You don’t want your dog sore or injured. It is helpful to work with a Physical Therapist or qualified fitness trainer.

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    4- Other Balance Games

    Balancing requires humans (and dogs) to activate our tiny muscles tendons and ligaments.

    To help your dog strengthen these muscles, encourage activities that require balance!

    Be safe, and chat with a veterinarian and Canine Physical Therapist for help.

    Here are some ideas to get you started:

    • Standing on beds and couches
    • Walking on a trampoline
    • Using balance pods
    • Walking across a ‘plank’ of wood on the grass
    • Sit-Stand-Down-Stand ‘pushups’

    For puppies especially, we love the ‘puppy playground’. Use tunnels, ramps, gym mats, couch cushions and more to encourage exploration, body awareness and confidence building.

    Remember, supervise and keep your dog safe! NEVER force a dog into an activity or pick them up and place them on an unstable surface. Encourage your dog to use their choices and body to do these activities, and reward them with praise and treats. 

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    5 – Nutrition + Foot Structure

    Nutrition plays a key role in developing sound orthopedic health in puppies, especially large and giant breed ones that grow quickly.

    Many believe big puppies should be fed a nutrient-dense “holistic” adult or puppy diet with lots of protein and calcium. This is the worst thing a puppy owner can do!

    Puppies that receive too much nutrition will grow too fast and can develop major problems with their bones, ligaments, and tendons, affecting them in adulthood.

    DO NOT:

    • Feed nutrient-dense “holistic” diets.
    • Give adult food to a large or giant breed puppy.
    • Choose regular “puppy food” that contains extra nutrients.
    • Offer a diet with more than 1.5% calcium (ideally, 1.2% or less).
    • Add vitamin or mineral supplements.
    • Top the food with too many goodies, which unbalance the diet.

    DO:

    • Feed a well-formulated large or giant breed PUPPY or all-life stages formula with 1.2% or less calcium.
    • Verify that the food meets AAFCO guidelines for large-breed growth
    • Monitor intake and don’t overfeed.
    • Tread cautiously with outdated information encouraging you to feed adult or nutrient-dense “holistic” foods.
    • Ask your veterinarian for advice.

    Contrary to popular old beliefs, adult food is NOT the correct choice for growing giant breed puppies!

    We only recommend research-backed large and giant breed foods from Royal Canin, Purina, Hill’s Science Diet, and Eukanuba. They have been heavily tested, researched, and formulated correctly for the growth of large and giant breed dogs, then subjected to further peer-reviewed science as we learn more.

    A dog struggling with food may have excess gas, loose stools, a dull coat, poor muscle tone, inappropriate weight (over or under), and/or low energy.

    Inappropriate nutrition for growing Great Danes can lead to knuckling, hip dysplasia, heart disease, and more.

    Chat with a Giant Breed experienced veterinarian to find a diet appropriate for your Great Dane. Here is our list of recommended foods:

    Foods for Great Dane Puppies:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    Foods for Great Dane Adult Dogs

  • Is My Great Dane Too Skinny? 5 Things You NEED to Know!

    Is My Great Dane Too Skinny? 5 Things You NEED to Know!

    We have so many people who send us emails to ask us “is my Great Dane too skinny”, that we thought it was time for a blog post! This is a common question.

    Great Danes are a lean and athletic breed, though people expect them to be heavy and stocky.

    I thought it would be helpful to share some photos of dogs that are emaciated, thin, and overweight so that you can make real-life comparisons about whether or not your Great Dane is too skinny.

    Always, always consult your veterinarian if you are unsure either way. Dogs can gain and lose weight quickly and may have underlying health problems, including parasites and diabetes.

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    What do Healthy Weight Great Danes Look Like?

    The following images are of Great Danes that are at a healthy weight. Click on any image to view larger and in full.

    Notice the defined waist, tuck in the abdomen, muscle, and even the presence of a rib or two. These dogs all appear to be offered plenty of free exploration time on varied terrain (which helps develop strength in feet, hips, and abs!). They enjoy running, playing, and being active.

    You may feel that some of these dogs are underweight! Unfortunately, overweight dogs skew our perception of what is healthy in Great Danes.

    Chances are, if you think your dog is too skinny, you may find that your dog actually belongs in this group!

    Many times, lean dogs actually need more muscle development, not more fat. Keep that in mind; if your Dane is active and moving, they will develop muscle and can fill out in a healthy and strong way. Do not overfeed your Great Dane!

    Underweight Great Danes

    An underweight Great Dane is malnourished. These are dogs that are either neglected, have been fed unbalanced and incorrect nutrition, or have underlying health problems (cancer, megaesophagus, parasites, etc.) that require veterinary care.

    DCM (heart disease) can also cause a loss of weight and muscle.

    A dog that is underweight may show the following signs: spine and/or hip bones jutting out, temples sunken in, prominent ‘knowledge bump’ on top of the head, low energy, no muscle tone, and muscle wasting.

    Skinny Great Dane Puppies

    Growing Dane puppies can look positively gangly at times.

    An otherwise energetic and bright Great Dane puppy that is a little ‘ribby’ during a growth spurt is NOT an underweight or malnourished Great Dane. 

    This is normal, so long as the dog is showing signs of robust health: shiny coat, bright eyes, muscles, energy, tight feet, properly growing bones, and free of parasites, growing pains, skin conditions, and gut health issues (vomiting, loose stools, etc.).

    Ethical breeding and nutrition play a key role here.

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    We do not recommend feeding adult food to Great Dane puppies. Adult food lacks the nutrients that they need for growth and robust muscle development; this is one reason so many Dane pups look malnourished as teenagers (because they essentially ARE).

    The most up-to-date science, research, and formulations in dog food have made it safe and appropriate to feed large and giant breed puppy foods to Great Danes.

    The companies that have participated in this research include Purina, Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Eukanuba. We only recommend large and giant breed puppy foods from those brands.

    I’ve linked to an article below on Great Dane puppy feeding, that will be of interest to you if you have found this article because you’re worried about your skinny Great Dane puppy!

    Don’t mistake ‘filling out’ with getting fat. Filling out involves developing the breadth of the chest and hips, in addition to muscle mass. A dog that gets fat following spay/neuter around age 2 is not filling out, it’s just becoming heavy and overweight.

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    Great Dane Puppy Has Ribs Showing

    If you see early signs of hips and spine showing in a previously healthy dog, chat with your veterinarian. If you are concerned about the amount of spine/ribs/hips showing your veterinarian can help you with safe ways to help your Great Dane gain weight.

    The best food for a Great Dane to gain weight can be recommended to you by a professional. Do not add fatty foods, ‘Satin Balls’, or home-cooked food to fatten your dog up.

    This dangerous practice can lead to health complications associated with unbalanced nutrition, not to mention pancreatitis!

    Overweight Great Danes

    Great Danes are a lean athletic breed. They should be graceful, robust, strong, and muscular.

    Overweight dogs have shorter lives and are more likely to suffer from heart problems, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. They are at higher risk for complications during surgical procedures and are also more prone to issues involving kidney and liver function.

    Even dogs labeled as ‘Euro’ should not be heavy.

    Most of the time, people are concerned that their dog is underweight. Unfortunately, being overweight is a much, much more serious health concern.

    Lean is best for Great Danes.

    Why Overweight Great Danes are a Problem

    7 Deadly Health Risks of Obesity in Dogs

    Overweight Great Danes carry excess and unnecessary weight that will affect their quality of life. Lean dogs live, on average 2 years longer than overweight dogs so if that matters to you, read on!

    Many people believe that because a dog is ‘Euro’ it should look and be heavy. This is not true. Even a ‘Euro’ dog should have a defined waist. Do NOT overfeed your dog because it’s ‘Euro’ and you think it should weigh 200lbs!

    Others, in pursuit of having the ‘biggest’ dog focus on the number on the scale. There is nothing to be proud of if your Great Dane is tipping the scales.

    An average, healthy-weight, well-muscled, and properly structured male Great Dane may weigh quite a bit; however, a solid majority of people claiming to have 175+lb dogs actually have overweight dogs.

    Extra pressure on the joints, heart, and lungs is a problem for dogs that are allowed to become heavy like this. As above, do not mistake ‘filling out’ with getting fat!

    Some dogs suffer from thyroid disease and autoimmune disorders that lead to excess weight; chat with your veterinarian for help.

    Because some of them are out of the standard ‘Euro’ type, people believe they should be bulkier and heavier and thus, allow and encourage them to become this way. The dogs are the ones who suffer because of this.

    Body Condition Scoring in Dogs

    Many veterinarians use body condition scores to assess whether a dog is at a healthy weight or not.

    Your veterinarian might never really tell you that your dog is overweight! Keep in mind that your Veterinarian is first operating a business, and that includes not upsetting clients by saying things about their dog that may be perceived as judgmental.

    People become very defensive and are often in disbelief. It’s a losing battle for Veterinarians. If you’ve ever wondered ‘why is my Great Dane so skinny’, you are not alone. But, we hope this information helps!

    We encourage you to bring the subject up to your veterinarian, mention your concerns, and show that you are an educated owner willing to learn!

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  • Great Dane Colors

    Great Dane Colors

    Great Danes come in a variety of gorgeous colors. 7 of them are considered ‘standard’ colors, and all others are considered ‘off-standard’ colors. Being ‘off standard’ is not necessarily a bad thing, and if your Great Dane is considered ‘off-standard’ or ‘mis-marked’, it just means they cannot be shown.

    There is a growing movement of people who believe more colors should be considered acceptable within the standard and at dog shows. Unfortunately, this is a complicated issue rooted partially in cosmetic preferences that also involve ethics and health. More discussion is definitely needed!

    At this time, the standard colors for Great Danes are: Harlequin, Merle, Mantle, Black, Fawn, Brindle and Blue. Each of those colors has even further direction on its presentation, and dogs can fall on a spectrum between fully ‘mis-marked’ to ‘show marked’.

    black and white people street animal
    Photo by Stefano Parisi on Pexels.com

    Off Standard Colors in Great Danes

    Off standard colors in Great Danes may include ‘Fawnequin’, ‘Chocolate’, ‘Tan Point’, ‘Lilac’, ‘Merlequin’, ‘Brindlequin’, and variations of all of the above (including ‘Lilac Merle’, ‘Lilac Brindle’, ‘White’, ‘Lilac Fawn’, ‘Piebald’, etc.).

    Unfortunately, many breeders that focus on creating ‘designer’ colors don’t necessarily focus on health, structure and temperament, and that’s a problem. (See below; lilac fawn merle and fawnequin puppies from an unethical breeder; these puppies have severe edema, which may be indicative of internal health problems).

    Screen Shot 2021 05 06 at 9.50.03 PM

    Flashy colors equal sales, and that’s what some of these breeders want; your money.

    Some off-standard colors occur naturally when otherwise thoughtful breeders pair dogs appropriately in their program. Those colors (Fawnequin is a good example) are a good place to start when it comes to considering the addition of more acceptable colors to the written standard.

    Off-standard colors can be gorgeous and flashy; make sure you are choosing ethical breeders that are focused first on longevity, structure, and eliminating painful and expensive problems from their pedigree (including bloat, allergies, aggression, dysplasia, heart problems and disorders of the eyes, thyroid and blood).

    We have no problem with off-standard colors from ethical breeders.

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    DOUBLE MERLE DANES

    Some off-standard colors in Great Danes are produced by pairing two dogs that carry the Merle gene. Dogs that carry merle include Harlequin, Merle, White, and any coat color ending in ‘quin’.

    If a breeder pairs a Merle to a Harlequin, some of the puppies may be ‘Merlequin’, a popular off-standard color that is unethically produced.

    Each puppy in the litter will have a 1 in 4 chance of receiving a copy of the merle gene from each parent, making them ‘double merle’.

    Double Merle Danes are often deaf or blind and may also have significant, expensive and painful health and temperament problems.

    Double Merle Great Danes are 100% preventable. Ethical breeders genetically test all of their dogs (even the ones with solid colors) to confirm the presence of absence of the Merle gene.

    Treat cautiously with backyard breeders who will tell you that a white or Merlequin puppy is ‘rare’, and desirable. Entire Great Dane rescues are set up around helping these dogs, who often require veterinary care and training beyond what the average family is able or willing to provide.

    It’s also important to note that the breed clubs sometimes encourage breeders to euthanize Double Merle puppies by 5 weeks of age, effectively allowing breeders to pair merle-gened dogs in pursuit of ‘show quality’ or ‘show marked’ Harlequin dogs, with an ‘out’ when they produce unhealthy dogs as a result. We do not support or condone this practice. 

    5

    HARLEQUIN GREAT DANE

    Harlequin Great Danes are very popular, and also the hardest color for breeders to produce both ethically and correctly!

    Harlequin dogs most often come from Harlequin + Harlequin (double merle pairing, unethical) OR from Harlequin + Mantle (ethical).

    A properly marked Harlequin dog will have a white base coat with torn black patches with a white chest, feet and collar. Some merle patches may also be present and are considered acceptable.

    A ‘heavily marked’ or ‘blanketed’ Harlequin will have excessive black and large black patches, which is less desirable in the show ring.

    3 1

    MERLE GREAT DANE

    The Merle Great Dane only recently became a standard and acceptable color in the GDCA standard, and can now be shown.

    Merle is very similar to Harlequin, except with a grey base coat instead of white. Solid Merle (no white) OR Mantle markings (white socks, chest and full white collar) are considered the ideal markings for Merle Great Danes.

    A white dog with patches of merle and no black patches is NOT a merle, but rather a Merlequin and is the result of a double-merle (unethical) breed pairing.

    Read more here.

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    MANTLE GREAT DANE

    The Mantle Great Dane is sometimes called a ‘Boston’ Great Dane. It is not to be confused with a mis-marked black Great Dane (Black with white markings) or a piebald Great Dane.

    A properly marked Mantle Great Dane has a pure black coat that looks like a ‘blanket’ over the dog, with white socks and/or legs, a white chest, a full white collar, and white on the muzzle. A white blaze on the head is also considered acceptable as are small black spots or ticking in the white areas.

    Mis-marks in Mantle Great Danes may include excessive white or excessive black. Brindle Mantle & Merle Mantle are different colors.

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    BLACK GREAT DANE

    A black Great Dane can come from Harlequin, Blue or Black genetics, stressing the importance of genetic color testing before pairing black dogs.

    Black Great Danes are pure black with a striking and shiny coat, however mis-marks (white patches on the chest & feet) are not unusual.

    Black Great Danes are very common and come from many ethical breedings, however there is an unfortunate truth to the fact that they are often passed over for adoption and purchase. People always want the flashier colors, and may find Black Great Danes to be intimidating.

    We think black Great Danes are gorgeous!

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    FAWN GREAT DANE

    Fawn Great Danes are the most famous color. They have a solid golden fawn coat and should have a solid black ‘mask’ on their face that includes black markings around the eyes and on the muzzle.

    Markings or colors that appear ‘dirty’, as well as white or black on the chest or feet are considered less desirable.

    We’re recently heard that the breeders are seeing less and less of the proper black mask in the fawn lines, perhaps because of indiscriminate breeding practices leading to fewer dogs carrying the necessary genes. Ethical preservation breeders will work to make sure the Fawn mask sticks around.

    Untitled design 5

    BRINDLE GREAT DANE

    Brindle Great Danes are in the same color family as Fawn.

    The coat should have a fawn base layer with evenly distributed black stripes. Brindle Great Danes should have a black mask with black near the eyes and possibly on the ears and tail tip. White patches are considered a mismark,.

    Brindle can present in a range of patterns, with some brindle Great Danes showing darker than others. Evenly distributed stripes are preferred.

    Off-standard versions of Brindle include Lilac Brindle, heavy or lightly marked Brindle, Mantle Brindle and Brindlequin.

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    BLUE GREAT DANE

    Blue Great Danes are a dilute black that shows up as a beautiful steel blue grey color.

    Solid blue is preferred; white, mantle, black, patches or other markings are not desirable. Dark, charcoal or ‘dirty’ blue is also considered a fault.

    Some people say that blue Great Danes are more susceptible to skin conditions, bloat, clotting disorders and tumors, however as with any genetic condition indiscriminate breeding for profit is a significant contributing factor.

    Choose your breeder carefully, in other words. AKC registration and ‘Euro’ lineage do not automatically make a dog breeding quality.

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    OTHER RESOURCES FOR GREAT DANE OWNERS

    Great Dane Club of America Written Breed Standard

  • Euro Danes: A Huge, Droopy Problem

    Euro Danes: A Huge, Droopy Problem

    I’m going to go there. We need to talk about Euro Danes.

    I will preface this by mentioning that I believe, fully, that every dog deserves love and a home. No dog should be cast out because it doesn’t fit some mold we’ve created. As a matter of fact, both of my Danes are true underdogs. Love the dog in front of you.

    Euro Danes

    What is a Euro Great Dane?

    The term ‘Euro’ is used to describe Great Danes with a certain look. These are the traits commonly associated with the ‘Euro’ Dane:

    • Shorter and more stocky build
    • Larger head
    • Lower Energy/calmer
    • Huge jowls
    • Excess drool
    • Droopy face
    • Extra skin/baggy
    • Large chest
    • Saggy eyes, redness
    • Overall heavier frame

    Many people love and prefer the ‘Euro’ look in Great Danes, and purposefully seek it out when choosing a breeder.

    What Does Euro Mean in Great Danes?

    Great Dane breeders that sell ‘Euro’ Great Danes typically make it very clear on their websites and social media that their puppies are ‘Euro’ or have a percentage of ‘Euro’ in them.

    Euro Danes

    Are Euro Great Danes European?

    Many breeders will import ‘Euro’ Great Danes from other Countries for their program, however, ‘Euro’ Great Danes aren’t actually a reliable or accurate representation of actual European dogs.

    If we look at the written standards for Great Danes, both ‘American’ (GDCA) and ‘European’ (FCI) Great Danes are nearly identical.

    If a breeder is breeding dogs according to the written standards outlined by nearly every Country (including Europe, the U.S. and Canada), they look like Great Danes, Apollo dogs. Not the ‘Euro’ Great Danes as we know them.

    Bad Breeders
    Scam Breeders: What to Look For
    Breeders: Shady Business
    Should I Choose a Breeder or Rescue?

    (BELOW: European fawn and brindle Great Danes. Notice that they are not refined nor are they too droopy).

    Euro Danes

    Many European breeders that follow the written standard for Great Danes are understandably frustrated that the word ‘Euro’ has been attached to dogs from their Country, effectively changing the overall perception of what European dogs actually look like.

    Well Bred Standard Great Danes in Europe don’t actually look like this droopy Euro dog below.

    If they do, it’s because the breeder is breeding off-standard ‘Euro’ Great Danes, not because they are ‘European’. 

    The trend of ‘Euro’ look dogs is happening all over the world and is even pervasive in other breeds such as Dobermans

    Off Color and Designer Great Danes


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    An obese Great Dane with droopy eyes that was likely sold as ‘Euro’

    ‘Euro’ vs. ‘American’ Great Danes

    Great Danes were originally bred in Germany, and it is believed that they were a cross between English Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds or other sighthounds.

    A bred to standard Great Dane is neither ‘hypertype’ nor is it ‘hypotype’.

    Many people believe that ‘American’ Great Danes are too refined. However, a well-bred Great Dane that meets the written standard is a large, robust dog!

    Hypertype: Mastiff-like features, large, stocky, ‘Euro’

    Hypotype: Refined features, lacking substance

    Every breeder and Great Dane owner will have an aesthetic preference, and some variance of the standard is normal depending on the pedigree.

    ‘Euro’ and ‘American’ are simply marketing terms that indicate a dog was bred out of standard.

    Euro Danes

    There is a problem in desiring those things without regard to the overall health of the breed and the dog being purchased and without regard to the time-tested Apollo Great Dane breed type.

    Euro, the Catch-All

    The term ‘Euro’ has become a catch-all for dogs that are overweight, heavy, stocky, and often very poorly structured.

    CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENT TIME:

    Somehow, breeders have made the term ‘Euro’ sound desirable.

    The word ‘Euro’ is most often used by backyard breeders and often as a means to glorify or justify breeding dogs that often (though not always) have serious structural and health faults.

    Because there is no written standard for a ‘Euro’ Dane, there are no checks and balances. This is a key point. 

    Euro Danes

    Health, structure and temperament problems abound in Great Danes, and it all comes back to unethical breeding practices in both standard breeders and ‘Euro’ breeders.

    With the term ‘Euro’, anything goes.

    When a breeder imports a ‘Euro’ Dane to use in their breeding program, they often believe (as do the buyers) that being ‘Euro’ is enough to merit that dog as quality breeding stock.

    What we are seeing in the popularity of Euro Danes is a progressive issue that is absolutely devastating to the Great Dane breed. 

    Euro Danes are becoming more and more ‘Euro’, and are looking less and less like actual Great Danes. 

    Euro Dane Health Problems

    Great Danes are giant breed dogs that absolutely need solid structure and good basic conformation to live a comfortable life.

    Backyard breeders produce dogs who are susceptible to fearfulness, aggression, joint issues, cancer, bloat, and heart disease.

    Bad Breeders
    Scam Breeders: What to Look For
    Breeders: Shady Business
    Arthritis in Great Danes
    What is Bloat?
    Can You Prevent Bloat?
    Stomach Tacking: Pros and Cons
    Bloat and Gut Health
    The Scary Bloat Timeline

    This is the reason we have written standards (checks & balances); for the overall health and longevity of the breed.

    Euro Great Danes often suffer from: 

    • Cherry eye, entropion, vision obstruction
    • Painful joints and mobility issues
    • Obesity, allergies, infections & skin problems
    • Wobblers & other genetic disorders related to structure & movement
    • Flat feet, cow hocks, weak rear & front
    • Roach & other topline problems
    Euro Danes

    Recently we’ve begun seeing ‘Euro’ Danes that are so droopy that they cannot see because excess skin obstructs their eyes.

    The older they get, the more gravity does its job and the more likely they are to suffer from additional irritation and other preventable eye problems.

    The Great Dane written standard (both European and American) state essentially that eyes “shall be medium size, deep set, and dark, with a lively intelligent expression. The eyelids are almond-shaped and relatively tight, with well developed brows. Haws and Mongolian eye(s) are very serious faults.

    Roached backs, flat feet and cow hocks are also not uncommon in ‘Euro’ Great Danes.

    Fat Great Danes are not healthy nor are they normal. Fearful, anxious or ‘protective’ temperaments are not actually in line with the breed standard either, however, all of these things tend to be ‘common’ among breeders that promote ‘Euro’ litters.

    We cannot justify these health problems by saying that ‘It’s ok, he’s Euro‘. Being ‘Euro’ does not make it ok for a dog to be heavy, unable to see or struggling to move gracefully.

    Euro Danes

    A ‘Euro’ Great Dane with Droopy Eyes that may require surgical intervention

    Euro Danes

    A standard Great Dane with normal eyes

    Euro Danes

    EURO %

    Many breeders focused on ‘Euro’ type Great Danes will indicate that their puppies have a specific percentage of ‘Euro’.

    Short of actually genetically testing every puppy in a litter, it’s impossible to definitively state how much of the ‘Euro’ lineage one dog may have received from its ancestors. 

    This is a sneaky marketing tactic meant to make ‘Euro’ puppies sound more desirable and appealing than Great Danes that have a long pedigree of beautiful standard well-bred dogs.

    Ethical breeders care very much about health and structure before droop.

    Euro Danes

    CHAMPION LINES

    Some breeders will say that their dogs, Euro or otherwise come from ‘Champion lines’.

    Tread cautiously with this. Ask to see pedigrees and the titles that were awarded. Anybody can put a bunch of ‘Euro’ Danes into a weekender ‘dog show’ and award made up ‘champion titles’. The exotic ‘European’ names may be an additional draw.

    Not all breed and pedigree registries are created equal. Unfortunately, this practice may in some ways dilute the value of a true AKC or Canadian Kennel Club Champion titled dog.   

    Euro Danes
    A ‘European’ Mantle Great Dane, AKA ‘EURO’

    THE APOLLO OF DOGS

    A well-bred Great Dane from parents with a quality, studied pedigree is an absolutely stunning dog.

    They are elegant, athletic, robust, large, and have incredibly stable and confident temperaments.

    Some breeders are highly focused on preserving and improving the original Great Dane Breed type.

    They study their pedigrees and work to actively minimize and eliminate congenital and genetic problems in the breed, including bloat, wobblers, heart disease, eye problems and more.

    This is the work of a quality, ethical and thoughtful breeder.

    Euro Danes

    If you are interested in more of the ‘Euro’ look in Great Danes, make sure you are choosing breeders that first truly care about health, structure and longevity.

    It may seem exotic and unique to import a dog or to choose a dog from imported lines, but we encourage you to take a good look at what ‘Euro’ actually means.

    A little extra droop in the jowls is one thing, but hiding poor genetics and breeding practices behind the word ‘Euro’ is another. 

    Euro Danes

    HOW TO FIND A REPUTABLE GREAT DANE BREEDER

    Look for and verify:

    • Full health testing of both dam & sire, including x-rays, echocardiogram, eye exam and blood panels in addition to genetic screening.
    • Focus on health and temperament, including bloat, cancer, eye problems and heart problems
    • Puppies stay with the breeder until 8 weeks of age and are thoroughly and thoughtfully socialized (Puppy Culture or otherwise).
    • A contract & owner education.
    • Lifetime breeder support and a return contract that keeps Danes out of rescue.

    We encourage you to be patient and thoughtful when searching for a breeder for your next Great Dane, especially if what you want is purposefully bred out of standard in some way (designer color, ‘Euro’, mixed breed Dane, etc.).

    GREAT DANE RESOURCES

    This list of resources will be helpful to you if your idea of ‘Euro’ vs. ‘American’ Danes has been challenged by this article! We are here to educate and help:

    The Great Dane Club of America Written Standard

    The FCI (European Written Standard)

    The Federation of Deutsche Dogge Clubs

    The Great Dane Club of Canada Written Standard

    The Time Traveler (Book, the History of Great Danes)

    The Apollo of Dogs – Great Dane Preservation Society Group on Facebook 

    Great Dane Conformation Clinic Group on Facebook

    READ MORE

    Miniature Great Danes: The ‘Pocket’ Version of a Great Dane

    Screen Shot 2022 03 30 at 2.11.34 PM

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  • The 12 Best Leashes for Great Danes

    The 12 Best Leashes for Great Danes

    For those times when your dog cannot be off-leash, you need information on finding the BEST leashes for Great Danes!

    Believe it or not, you are NOT limited to the cheap nylon leashes and clips available at the chain pet store.

    Many options are available to you and include everything from quality inexpensive leashes to Biothane, leather, and handcrafted show leads.

    This is an ever-evolving blog post and we will add more as we find quality products to recommend!

    A good leash for a Great Dane feels nice in your hands, has quality finished that will hold up to our giants, and looks beautiful too.

    The Best Leather Leashes

    The Best Leashes for Great Danes
    The heavy-duty FAIRWIN Leather Dog leash: see it HERE: https://amzn.to/3HUhusg

    We love a nice leather leash for our Great Danes! Leather leashes hold up forever, they feel nice in your hand and they look great.

    Pro Tip: if your clip ever goes bad on a leather leash, take it to a leather worker (or DIY)! You can change the clip out when needed.

    I’ve looked at many leather leashes and there are some quality options out there (linked below). For the DIY crowd, we have a special trick!

    How to Teach a Great Dane to Walk on Leash

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    How to make your own leather dog leash

    Purchase a set of Weaver Leather split horse reins. These are 8 feet long and will allow you to make a set of TWO gorgeous leather leashes for around $40.

    These leashes do not have a hand loop, but you’ll find that you don’t need it!

    Add a study, secure clip to the end of each. I love these clips.

    If you are not interested in DIY, want a shorter leash, or would like a hand loop, here are some fantastic leather leash options to choose from!

    71gWCQIPEL. AC SL1500
    Traditional Leather Leash
    61GVwLLQZuL. AC SL1500 1
    Multi-function leather leash
    71TUn8uGhUL. AC SL1500
    Leather Slip Leashhttps://amzn.to/3xY2zbY

    The Best Nylon Leashes

    Nylon leashes are among the most common and easy to find. They can come in a variety of colors and patterns, are easily washed, and are sturdy!

    We recommend 3/4″ – 1″ width nylon leads for Great Danes.

    We always recommend choosing the highest quality leash you can afford for a Great Dane or other giant breed dogs. Why? Because inexpensive clips break easier, and our big dogs are strong!

    Why is Leash Training so Hard?

    5 Leash Training Tips

    Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training

    A 6 foot leash is ideal. View our favorites below (links open to Amazon).

    81iVRqs9wpL. AC SL1500
    Heavy Duty Fashion Leash
    61DzFjlnckL. AC SL1000
    Max & Neo Basic Nylon Leash
    81ewhoY6coL. AC SL1500
    Nylon Leash with Traffic Handle

    The Best Biothane Leashes

    Biothane leashes are amazing because they are waterproof, don’t knot up, last forever and feel good to hold. If you need a long leash for recall training, a 15-30 biothane leash is the way to go.

    We are particularly fond of Beau & Nora!

    Their biothane leashes and collars look like leather and are finished in beautiful colors with fashionable details. Beau & Nora are also compatible with FI GPS trackers or E-Collar Technologies receivers for when you are out on adventures with your Great Dane!

    You may also like these Biothane leashes from Amazon:

    817GySHiAPL. AC SL1500
    33 ft. Tracking Lead
    71ZDYIOXfzL. AC SL1500
    4 ft. Quick Slip Lead
    91RplnWKfNL. AC SL1500
    Basic Biothane Leash

    The Best for Going Off-Leash

    At Hello Danes we are huge advocates for modern off-leash remote collar training. If you are ready to ditch the leash and give your dog freedom like never before, you’ve found your people!

    E Collar Myths

    9 Reasons to E Collar Train Your Great Dane Puppy

    Is the Gentle Leader an Abusive Tool?

    Things that are More Aversive Than an E Collar in Training

    E Collars are NOT Shock Collars

    We offer free shipping on E-Collar Technologies remote systems so that your dog can be safely and humanely off-leash without shock, fear, or stress.

    Read our E-Collar training guide for more.

    Looking for more information on how to choose a leash or other training tool for YOUR dog?

    Read here for more!

  • Pandemic Puppies and Great Danes in Rescue

    Pandemic Puppies and Great Danes in Rescue

    Pandemic Puppies are real.

    You may have one…heck, I do! Figaro, my mantle Dane came to us in August. He’s been the most beautiful and welcome distraction from COVID and shuttered school buildings.

    In the middle of the lockdowns, thousands of people ran to shelters, rescues and breeders and brought home puppies. At the time, it was the perfect idea!

    Everybody was home to raise the puppy and train it, without work schedules getting in the way. People were lonely, frustrated and desperate for something fun and beautiful in their lives.
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    PANDEMIC PREDICTION

    People celebrated when the shelters and rescues started to run out of adoptable dogs. The rescues and shelters, however, were alarmed. 

    They predicted two things:

    a. An influx of intake/surrenders in 2021, from people who didn’t properly socialize or train their pandemic puppy and had become frustrated or unable to live with their dog anymore.

    b. Backyard breeders capitalizing on the desire for pandemic puppies and increasing their ‘production’ to meet demand, fueling an already large and existing problem of carelessly bred dogs with health and temperament problems.

    Adding insult to injury here is the fact that many people unknowingly purchased their pandemic puppy from unethical and backyard breeders with NO return guarantee, education or support. 

    Already set up to fail by poor breeding practices, these dogs are often more difficult to train and socialize.

    Then the lockdowns largely prevented people from socializing the exact kinds of puppies that so desperately needed it. Those puppies are now 7-9 months old and have become boisterous, snappy, belligerent, fearful, anxious, aggressive, high-strung or otherwise out of control teenagers.

    With no breeder to turn to for support or to return the dog to, the rescues are seeing the exact thing that they feared: a massive increase in intake requests. Piles of under socialized, poorly trained Great Danes from questionable genetics with nowhere to go, from families that were under-supported and in over their heads.
    5

    YOUR PANDEMIC PUPPY

    This isn’t to say that all Pandemic Puppies, or the decision to get a puppy during lockdown was a bad idea! For many people it’s been a wonderful experience. For others, it’s been a nightmare.

    As lockdowns end and people return to work, separation anxiety seems to be a hallmark trait.

    Many dog trainers have seen an increase in requests for help with teenage puppies that cannot be left home alone, are terrified to be out in public and may even be reactive or aggressive.

    Unfortunately, the shelters and rescues are now being overwhelmed again, and it’s not pretty.

    HOW TO HELP

    We are providing some resources and ideas below. If you have a pandemic puppy that has become a problem for you, or if you have the resources to help, read on.

    TRAIN & SOCIALIZE

    If you are struggling with a pandemic puppy, we encourage you to first exhaust all options before choosing to surrender your dog to a rescue.

    • Consult with your breeder or rescue for advice.
    • Hire a highly qualified and Great Dane experienced dog trainer.
    • Learn how to properly socialize your Great Dane through positive exposure to a vast array of experiences.
    • Manage the environment to minimize existing behavioral issues: crates, gates, leashes, muzzles and food/puzzle toys are your friend.
    • Watch Youtube for training videos that can help you teach your dog. Kikopup, Larry Khron, Susan Garret and Tyler Muto are some of our favorites.

    VOLUNTEER & DONATE

    If you have the time and resources, volunteer and donate! Our Great Dane rescues are doing amazing things and many have become overwhelmed.

    If you must surrender a dog, they can help as well.

    SUPPORT ONLY ETHICAL BREEDERS

    Robust, thoughtfully bred dogs from ethical breeders are much less likely to end up with health and behavior problems, even when poorly socialized or trained.

    Ethical breeders offer lifetime support and never want one of their puppies in rescue; they will stand by your side and help you even when things don’t go as planned.

    It’s not about needing a ‘pet, not a show dog’. This is purely about making sure that only breeders who truly care about the health and well-being of Great Danes are rewarded for breeding their dogs.

  • Unique Names for Great Dane Puppies: Great Dane Names You Need to Know!

    Unique Names for Great Dane Puppies: Great Dane Names You Need to Know!

    Selecting a unique name for your Great Dane puppy is a fun decision that reflects both your pet’s identity and your personal preferences. Choosing a name for your Great Dane puppy or rescue dog can be one overwhelming task that dog owners have to face!

    If you are looking for a unique name for your new Great Dane, start with our ever-growing list of beautiful and interesting puppy dog names.

    Some of these puppy names are based on pop culture, others are classics that are ready to make a huge comeback. We tried to find unusual names that aren’t seen on every list!

    If you choose one of the names from our list, please come back and leave us a comment! We’d love to hear from you.

    10

    Cute Great Dane Names for Great Dogs!

    Big dogs deserve a dog name that matches! Great Danes are some of the most adorable dogs, often being known as the ‘Gentle Giant’.

    But, what should you name your new Great Dane puppy?

    Here are a few of the best Great Dane names:

    Cute Female Great Dane Puppy Names

    • Juno
    • Astrid
    • Juniper
    • Matilda
    • Gigi
    • Hermione
    • Arya
    • Ivy

    Cute Male Great Dane Puppy Names

    • Murdoch
    • Astor
    • Obsidian
    • Jasper
    • Cobalt
    • Umberto
    • Amadeus
    • Jeppesen

    If none of those Great Dane dog names resonated with you, don’t worry– we have more!

    Funny Great Dane Names

    1. Cowabunga
    2. Butterball
    3. Biscuit
    4. Beanpole
    5. Noodles
    6. Pip Squeak
    7. String Bean
    8. Tiny Tim
    9. Shrimpy
    10. Waffle
    11. Snickers
    12. Dr. Doolittle

    If you’re not into the silly route, no worries! We have more ideas for you.

    Great Dane Names Inspired by History

    Your good girl and good boy deserve to be named after someone heroic!

    If you want a really good name for your pup that has inspiration from someone famous, maybe you should consider the following ideas as your perfect name:

    1. Princess Bride
    2. Country Coyote
    3. Goddess Names: Athena, Freya, He
    4. Napoleon
    5. Tower of London- Grendel, Beowulf
    6. Shakespeare- Macbeth, Romeo, Ophelia
    7. British Prime Ministers- Churchill, Thatcher, Major

    Names for Great Danes are tough. Let’s face it- your dog is PERFECT! So, they have to have the perfect dog name to match. You want them to have a really great name and we agree. So, let’s dive into some more dog name ideas.

    31

    Puppy Names from TV & Movies

    If you are into famous Great Danes or have a favorite show, you could always look for dog name ideas inside of those. Maybe the right name for your Great Dane dog is right under your nose!

    Here are a few ideas that could make the perfect names for Great Danes:

    1. Members of the Swiss Family Robinson: Fritz, Ernest, Franz
    2. The Addams Family: Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley
    3. Winnie the Pooh and friends: Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger
    4. The Beethoven movies: Beethoven, Buddy, Mr. Hinkle
    5. The Aristocats: Marie, Toulouse, Duchess, Berlioz
    6. Lady and the Tramp: Lady, Tramp, Jock, Trusty
    7. The Ugly Dachshund: Doxie, Danke, Gretchen
    8. Comic Strip: Garfield, Snoopy, Odie

    There are endless possibilities for names for your Great Dane. No matter the name you choose, your pup is going to be gorgeous!

    Traditional Great Dane Puppy Names

    Maybe you are looking for more traditional names for Great Danes. Your family might think that a more simple, traditional name would make the perfect name for your dog!

    Traditional Female Great Dane Names

    • Coco
    • Etta
    • Ida
    • Dora
    • Maple
    • Clover
    • Terra
    • Cassie
    • Joy
    • Aria
    • Sia
    • Zuri
    • Shiloh
    • Clementine
    • Poppy
    • Greta

    Traditional Male Great Dane Names

    • Fig
    • Dexter
    • Milo
    • Archie/Archer/Arch
    • Edison
    • Silas
    • Gideon
    • Whiskey
    • Stirling
    • Boeing
    • Ender
    • Mica/Micah
    • Wilder
    • Niko
    • Sullivan
    • Aston
    • Hudson

    Puppy Names Based on Colors

    You can’t forget that beautiful dogs come in all different colors. Gentle giants like Great Danes have multiple different colors!

    Maybe you should consider different and unique names for Great Danes depending on what color your pup is! There are an abundance of unique Great Dane names that match the color of your new dog. Blue Great Dane names will show off your dog’s beautiful coat color!

    Blue Great Dane Names

    1. Blue
    2. Sapphire
    3. Baxter
    4. Blue Cobalt
    5. Periwinkle
    6. Turquoise
    7. Bluebell
    8. Sky
    9. Navy
    10. Azure
    11. Cerulean

    Black Great Dane Names

    1. Raven
    2. Ebony
    3. Sable
    4. Coal
    5. Jet
    6. Onyx
    7. Licorice
    8. Midnight
    9. Shady
    10. Bear
    11. Zebra
    1. Gemma
    2. Layla
    3. Ivy
    4. Mia
    5. Ebony
    6. Raven
    7. Zara
    8. Jasmine
    9. Bella
    10. Harley
    11. Black Beauty

    Harlequin Puppy Great Dane Names

    If you have Great Danes, you know that they are some of the most recognizable dog breeds!

    Harlequin is one of the most popular patterns in the breed because of its unique and eye-catching appearance.

    If you have a Harlequin Great Dane, consider yourself lucky! You have one of the most beautiful dogs in the world. Here are some names for your special pup:

    1. Candy
    2. Checkers
    3. Patch
    4. Domino
    5. Tuxedo
    6. Dalmatian
    7. Oreo
    8. Panda
    9. Pepper
    10. Salt
    11. Speckles
    12. Spots

    Fawn Great Dane Puppy Names

    Fawn Great Danes are striking!

    Their brown coat sets them apart from the breed. Many people know these dogs from the famous ‘Scooby-Doo’‘.

    1. Lady
    2. Lassie
    3. Buttercup
    4. Dawn
    5. Bambi
    6. Tinkerbell
    7. Honey
    1. Scooby Doo
    2. Rascal
    3. Buddy
    4. Max
    5. Bailey
    6. Charlie
    7. Rocky
    8. Teddy
    9. Jake
    10. Cody
    11. Murphy
    8 3

    How to Choose the Right Name for Your New Great Dane

    Whether you have a Male Great Dane or a female Great Dane and no matter what color you have, many Great Danes go on to be the owner’s best friend and heart dog.

    You may think that searching for the right Great Dane name is the most important part of bringing your giant breed dog home, but what matters even more is the connection you have with your pup.

    Choosing the right name is a personal decision that only you can make for your dog, but here are some things to keep in mind when you are trying to choose the perfect name for your new furry friend:

    1. The name should be short and sweet. You don’t want a name that is too long or complicated because you will be saying it a lot!

    2. Consider your dog’s personality. If your pup is outgoing and playful, you might want a name that reflects that. If your pup is more laid back and relaxed, you might want a name that is more mellow.

    3. Choose a name that you will feel comfortable saying in public. You don’t want to choose a name that you are going to be embarrassed to say when you are out and about with your dog.

    4. Make sure the name is easy for your dog to understand. You don’t want to choose a name that is too similar to words you say often, like “sit” or “stay”.

    5. Avoid names that might make other people uncomfortable. You don’t want to choose a name that could be interpreted in a negative way by other people.

    6. Have fun with it! Don’t take the process too seriously. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you and your dog are happy with the name you choose.

    Bonus Puppy Names to Consider

    If you’re still stuck on what to name your Great Dane and feel like you’ve gone through hundreds of Great Dane names and can’t find one that works for you- keep looking and keep getting to know your Great Dane!

    The right name will click suddenly as you settle into life with your Great Dane.

    Here are a few final names that might stick for your Great Dane:

    FEMALE GREAT DANES:

    Female names for Great Danes are tough- but don’t give up. Here are a few options you may like for your Great Dane:

    • Alida
    • Alta
    • Norah
    • Topaz
    • Pebble
    • Stella
    • Nova
    • Avi
    • Ruth
    • Cricket
    • Moana
    • Apricot
    • Ocean
    • Penelope
    • Prada

    MALE GREAT DANE NAMES

    Male Great Danes are a giant and special part of the breed. Maybe you will like some of these ideas!

    • Orson
    • Tobin
    • Fidget
    • Frodo
    • Ibis
    • Gable
    • Newton
    • North
    • Pepper
    • Quirk
    • Yukon
    • Scotch
    • Hemi
    • Malachai
    • Seymour
    • Cricket

    No matter what you choose- you will end up with a very good name and your Great Dane will end up being your world! Let us know in the comments if you have any other ideas for Great Dane names.