Tips to Adopting a Great Dane
Tips for Adopting a Great Dane
Woof! Hi there, future human! It’s me, your potential Great Dane buddy, and I need to share some vital information with you before you bring me home.
First things first – I’m HUGE! I know, shocking, right? Make sure your house has tall ceilings because when I stand on my back legs to give you kisses, I might accidentally redecorate your ceiling fan with my slobber. And that fence in your backyard? It better be at least six feet tall, or I might accidentally step right over it while chasing a squirrel.
Now let’s talk money (don’t worry, I won’t ask for an allowance). Taking care of me costs about $2,000 every year. I eat A LOT – like, imagine feeding a small horse, but one that also needs fancy vet visits and might get something scary called bloat that requires emergency trips to the animal hospital.
If you’ve never had a giant dog before, the rescue people might give you the side-eye. They want to make sure you know what you’re getting into, which is basically a four-legged tornado of love and drool.
Speaking of rescue people, they’re going to ask you a million questions, check out your house, call your vet, and make you wait forever. It’s like applying for college, but furrier.
Don’t worry, though – I’ll be worth the wait! Just read the guide below to get ready for the best adventure of your life with me!
Key Takeaways
Hey Future Human! A Great Dane’s Guide to Adopting Me
So you want to bring home one of us magnificent Great Danes? Woof! Let me tell you what you need to know from a dog’s point of view.
First, make sure your house is big enough for my massive paws! I need tall ceilings – at least 8 or 9 feet – because when I stand on my back legs, I’m basically a furry giant. Your doorways better be wide too, or I’ll get stuck trying to squeeze through like a cartoon character. Oh, and that backyard fence? It needs to be at least six feet tall. Trust me, I’m not trying to escape – I just accidentally step over short fences sometimes.
Your wallet will feel lighter after you adopt me. I eat A LOT. We’re talking $200-400 every month to keep me happy and healthy. Food costs, vet visits, my special medications, and those surprise trips to the animal hospital when I eat something I shouldn’t have (sorry in advance).
The adoption agency is going to ask you tons of questions and require a lot of paperwork. They want to make sure you’ve handled big dogs before because, well, I’m basically the size of a small horse. This entire process takes anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. I know, I’m worth the wait.
You absolutely must train me with treats and praise. I’m basically a 150-pound puppy in a giant body, so if you don’t teach me manners, I might accidentally knock over your grandmother or develop separation anxiety when you leave.
Finally, find a vet who knows about us, Great Danes. We have special health problems like bloat and wonky joints. Your regular dog vet might not know how to handle all my magnificent greatness.
Trust me, I’m worth all this effort. I give the best hugs!
Understanding Adoption Requirements and Eligibility
Woof! Let me tell you what happens when humans want to adopt one of us magnificent Great Danes. It’s quite the process, and trust me, we’ve opinions about it!
First off, these rescue folks are pretty picky about who gets to take us home. They want to ensure you’ve enough space for all this greatness. And by space, I mean REAL space – not some tiny apartment where I’d knock over your coffee table just by wagging my tail.
We’re basically four-legged furniture movers, so your living room better be ready for us!
We’re basically four-legged furniture movers, so your living room better be ready for us!
The money talk is also important. Look, we Great Danes are like fancy sports cars – we’re awesome, but we come with some expensive maintenance. Our hearts are as big as our bodies (literally), and sometimes they need special attention.
Plus, our stomachs can get all twisted up, which sounds gross but is pretty serious. So yeah, your humans need to have some cash saved up for vet visits.
These adoption agencies will also verify if your family has experience with large dogs. We’re not your average Golden Retriever. When we’re puppies, we’re already the size of most adult dogs, and we keep growing… and growing… and growing.
We need people who understand that we’ll accidentally knock over small children and steal sandwiches off the counter without even trying.
The yard situation is also a significant issue. We need a fence tall enough that we can’t just step over it like a hurdle. Trust me, if we see a squirrel on the other side, we might try some impressive jumping moves that would surprise even us.
They’ll probably want to visit your house to make sure it’s safe for a giant like me. No glass coffee tables at tail level, please!
And if you’re renting, you better make sure your landlord is cool with having a horse-sized dog around. Additionally, the ideal living situation includes a house with a fenced yard, which is crucial for our safety and overall well-being.
Preparing Your Home Environment for a Great Dane
Hey there, future human! It’s me, your soon-to-be Great Dane buddy, and I’ve got some important stuff to tell you about getting our place ready for my arrival.
First things first – that fence of yours better be at least six feet tall! I know what you’re thinking: “But you’re such a good dog!” And you’re right, I am! But sometimes I see a squirrel or the neighbor’s cat, and suddenly I turn into a furry Olympic pole vaulter. Trust me, I’ve surprised myself with my jumping skills more than once.
Now let’s talk about the space inside the house. I’m not exactly what you’d call “pocket-sized.” When I stretch out for my seventeen daily naps, I basically become a living area rug.
And when my tail gets excited? Well, let’s just say your coffee table decorations might become flying objects. I don’t mean to knock things over – it just happens when you’re built like a miniature horse with the enthusiasm of a puppy.
Make sure I’ve room to zoom around when the “zoomies” hit me. Yes, even us gentle giants get the sudden urge to race around like maniacs. It helps me stay happy and avoid stress.
Plus, watching me try to take corners at full speed is pretty entertaining – for both of us! Remember, I require two hours of physical activity daily to stay healthy and content.
Your wallet might be crying, but your heart will be full when I move in!
Safe Fencing Requirements
My Humans Keep Building These Giant Walls Around Me
Hey there! My name is Yeti, and I’m a Great Dane. That means I’m a horse disguised as a dog – at least that’s what my neighbors keep saying when they peek over at me. I’m here to talk about something that affects all us big dogs: those enormous fences our humans seem obsessed with building.
So get this – apparently I’m 32 inches tall at my shoulders. I had no idea I was being measured! My humans are always going on about how I can jump high. Well, duh! When you’re this size, stepping over things comes naturally. It’s not like I’m trying to escape or anything. I just saw something interesting on the other side and thought, “Hey, that looks fun!”
My humans decided they needed what they call “structural integrity” in their fence. I call it “the giant wooden wall that blocks my view of the mailman.” They opted for solid wood because chain-link fences make me too excited about everything happening outside. Fair point – I do get pretty worked up when I see squirrels plotting their next bird feeder raid.
The fence is now eight feet tall. EIGHT FEET! That’s taller than most basketball hoops. My humans learned the hard way that four-foot fences are just suggestions to dogs like me. I never meant to cause trouble, but when Mrs. Peterson’s cat was clearly in distress (okay, it was just napping), I felt it was my duty to investigate.
Here’s the weird part – they buried part of the fence underground, too! Twelve inches down, they tell me. I guess they think I’m going to start tunneling like some kind of giant mole. I mean, I’ve tried digging a few times, but that was just because I buried my favorite tennis ball and forgot where I put it.
The gate has a super complicated latch now, apparently because I’m too smart for regular ones. I figured out how to open the old gate after watching my humans do it a few times. It’s not rocket science – you lift the little metal thingy and push! But now they’ve some Fort Knox-level security system that even I can’t crack.
My humans also do these “structural inspections” where they walk around shaking the fence posts and looking very serious. I usually follow them around during this process, offering moral support and occasionally pointing out spots where I’ve tested the fence’s durability with my paws.
Look, I appreciate that my humans want to keep me safe. I do! But sometimes a Great Dane wants to say hello to the delivery person without causing a neighborhood panic. Is that too much to ask?
At least the eight-foot fence gives me a good workout when I stand up against it to see what’s happening in the world beyond my kingdom. And hey, it keeps those sneaky squirrels from getting too comfortable in MY yard. Additionally, having a secure space is crucial for mitigating risky behaviors that can arise from an uncontrolled environment.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go test the gate latch again. You know, for security purposes.
Indoor Living Space
My Indoor Kingdom: A Great Dane’s Guide to Living Large
Listen up, humans! While you’re busy worrying about keeping me safely contained outside, let’s talk about the really important stuff – making sure I can fit inside your house without destroying everything I love (which is pretty much everything).
First things first – I need room to move! You know how you feel cramped in an airplane seat? That’s me trying to navigate your narrow hallways. I’m a furry tornado with legs, so please give me some space to work with. When I get the zoomies, I don’t want to take out your coffee table… again.
What This Big Guy Needs:
| My Must-Haves | Why I Need It |
|---|---|
| Tall Ceilings | My head is way up here – 8 or 9 feet gives me breathing room |
| Wide Doorways | Nothing says “awkward” like getting stuck sideways in a door |
| Non-Slip Floors | Trust me, watching me slip on hardwood is only funny the first time |
Here’s the thing about us gentle giants – we’re bulls in a china shop, except we feel really, really bad about it afterward. So do us both a favor and move those fancy vases up high. Anything below six feet is in what I like to call “the tail zone of destruction.”
And please, PLEASE get me a proper bed. My joints already creak like an old rocking chair, and sleeping on your tiny dog bed from Costco isn’t helping. I need something that supports my massive frame – think less “cute puppy pillow” and more “luxury mattress for giants.” It’s also essential to be aware of my common health issues to ensure I stay as healthy as possible.
The best part? When you set up our home right, we both win. You’ll incur fewer vet bills, and I’ll get to live my best life without constantly bumping into things or accidentally knocking over your grandmother’s lamp collection.
Navigating the Application Process and Timeline
Woof! Let me tell you about this whole adoption thing from my perspective – it’s like a really thorough job interview, but for finding my forever family!
First, my human helpers at the rescue will walk your family through the paperwork dance. Trust me, there’s more paperwork than treats in my food bowl! You’ll need to fill out an application, obtain references from your veterinarian (if you have other pets), and yes, there’s an adoption fee ranging from $200 to $800. I know that sounds like a lot of kibble money, but hey, I’m worth it! Additionally, it helps cover all my medical expenses and supports the rescue operation.
Now here’s where things get interesting – these rescue folks are pretty picky about who gets to take me home. They’re like overprotective aunts who want to make sure I’m going to the perfect family.
They’ll visit your house (I hope you have an oversized couch for me!), call your references, and even assess my personality to ensure we’re a good match. I mean, you wouldn’t want to end up with a Great Dane who thinks your flower garden is the perfect bathroom, right?
The whole process usually takes about 2-6 weeks from when you first say “I want that adorable giant dog!” to when I finally get to drool on your couch. It’s essential to remember that adopting a Great Dane means committing to a gentle giant who thrives in a loving environment and needs proper training and socialization.
Sometimes it’s faster if everything checks out quickly, but sometimes it takes longer if they need to do extra detective work or if I’m being super picky about my new family!
Application Requirements and Fees
Woof! The Paperwork Trail to Finding Your Perfect Human****
Hey there, future human! It’s me, your potential four-legged buddy who’s taller than most kindergarteners. Let me tell you about all the stuff my rescue friends and breeder pals make you humans do before you can take one of us home. Don’t worry – it’s worth it!
First up, you’ll need to fill out more paperwork than a tax return. These applications ask everything about your life – where you live, if you’ve had dogs before, and whether your vet thinks you’re fantastic. My current humans say it’s like applying for college, but way more fun because the reward is ME!
You’ll also need to prove you can have a giant like me in your home. If you rent your place, you better make sure your landlord is cool with a dog who might accidentally knock over their favorite lamp with my enthusiastic tail wags. Trust me, it happens more than you’d think!
The money part is pretty simple. Rescue groups typically charge between $25 and $100, while breeders request $200 to $500 upfront. Think of it like holding your spot in line – except the line leads to puppy kisses and slobbery faces! This cash often goes toward your final adoption fee anyway.
Here’s the fun part: some places want to visit your house! I know, I know – you’re probably thinking “Will they judge my messy kitchen?” Don’t stress! They want to make sure you have enough room for my long legs and that your yard is escape-proof. We Great Danes are surprisingly sneaky when we want to be!
Oh, and don’t forget that ensuring your home is safe and accommodating for a large breed dog is extremely important for a happy transition.
My advice? Get all your papers ready early, because nobody likes waiting – especially not an excited future dog parent!
Matching and Pickup Process
So you think you’ve got through all the paperwork? Well, hold your horses (or should I say, keep your giant dogs)! Now comes the fun part where I get to decide if YOU’RE good enough for ME.
First up is the matching game. The humans at the rescue place become like doggy detectives. They look at how you live, what you know about us, gentle giants, and what kind of Great Dane personality you want.
Then they check that against my story – my mood, my health stuff, and whether I like to chase cats or steal sandwiches off counters. It’s like a dating app, but with more drool and bigger food bills.
The rescue personnel are pretty knowledgeable about this. They don’t just throw us together and hope for the best. They actually think about whether your tiny apartment can handle my enormous self, or if you’re ready for a dog who thinks he’s a lap dog but weighs as much as a small horse.
When they think we might be a good match, that’s when things get exciting! You’ll get a whole stack of papers about me – my shot records, what makes me happy, what makes me nervous, and probably a note about how I don’t belong on your new couch (but I’ll try anyway). Additionally, they take into account potential health issues such as common genetic conditions that I might face as a Great Dane.
Then comes the big moment – our first date! We get to meet face-to-face to see if we like each other. I’ll probably try to knock you over with enthusiasm, and you’ll hopefully think that’s charming instead of terrifying.
If we both give paws up, it’s moving day! You’d better bring a large car, because I don’t drive compact vehicles. The rescue people like to get this done quickly so I don’t have to stress about it.
One day, I’m wondering if anyone will ever want a giant goofball like me, and the next day, I’m riding shotgun to my new life!
Budgeting for the Financial Commitment
Hey There! Let’s Talk About My Expensive Tastes
Woof! Are you considering getting a Great Dane, like me? That’s awesome! But first, let me give you the scoop on something super important – I’m basically a four-legged money vacuum. Don’t worry, though, I’m totally worth it!
When my humans first brought me home, they thought they were prepared. Ha! They quickly learned that everything for a giant like me costs significantly more than what’s needed for those tiny dogs. My first vet visit, shots, adoption fees, and getting a bed big enough for my enormous paws? Yeah, that added up fast. And don’t even get me started on finding a collar that fits my tree-trunk neck!
Here’s the real deal on what it costs to keep me happy and healthy every month:
| What I Need | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| My Fancy Food (I eat A LOT!) | $80-120 | $960-1,440 |
| Vet Visits | $50-150 | $600-1,800 |
| My Pills and Vitamins | $30-80 | $360-960 |
| Pet Insurance (Trust me, get this!) | $60-120 | $720-1,440 |
The food thing is no joke – I can polish off a huge bowl in about thirty seconds flat. My humans joke that I should have my own aisle at the grocery store! And because us Great Danes can have some tricky health stuff, you’ll want to save up some emergency cash. When my stomach gets twisted or my joints act up, it’s not exactly a “wait until Monday” kind of situation, if you know what I mean. Additionally, maintaining a close relationship with a veterinarian is crucial for addressing health issues that may arise.
But hey, can you put a price on having a gentle giant who thinks he’s a lap dog?
Assessing Behavioral Compatibility With Your Family
Will I Fit In With Your Family? A Great Dane’s Guide
Woof! Let me tell you what it’s really like having a giant like me in your house. Sure, the humans call us “gentle giants,” but there’s more to consider before you bring home someone my size!
First off, I’m basically a 150-pound teddy bear who thinks I’m a lap dog. I love kids and I’m super patient, but here’s the thing – when I get excited and wag my tail, I might accidentally knock over your toddler. It’s not mean, I just don’t always remember how big I am!
The same goes for Grandma – I might bump into her while trying to give her kisses.
Let’s talk exercise. Good news – I’m not going to make you run marathons! I like a nice daily walk and some playtime, but mostly I prefer napping on your couch (yes, the whole couch).
I’m pretty chill compared to those crazy Border Collies who never stop moving.
Now, about training – this is super important! When I was a puppy, learning manners was crucial because an untrained Great Dane is like having a miniature horse in your living room. Positive reinforcement techniques can help make training more effective, ensuring I learn those important commands!
If I don’t know how to walk on a leash properly, I might drag you down the street chasing squirrels. And trust me, you don’t want me jumping on guests at the door!
One more thing – I might get sad when you leave me alone. Some of us get separation anxiety, which means I might accidentally destroy your favorite shoes or howl loudly.
But with the right family who understands us big dogs, we make the most loyal, loving companions ever!
Planning for Post-Adoption Training and Care
Hey there, future humans! It’s me, your soon-to-be Great Dane buddy, and I’ve got some important stuff to tell you about what happens after you take me home.
First things first – I’m HUGE! Like, really, really big. So when we start training together, please be patient with me. I might accidentally knock things over or step on your feet, but I promise I don’t mean to! Use lots of treats and praise when I do good things. I love snacks almost as much as I love you!
Teaching me not to pull on the leash is super important because I’m basically the size of a miniature horse. If I see a squirrel and decide to chase it, you’re coming with me whether you like it or not!
Please keep telling me the same commands over and over. My brain works great, but sometimes I get distracted by interesting smells or that cat next door who thinks he’s so cool. If you stay consistent, I’ll remember that “sit” means sit, not “jump on the couch and take up all the space.”
Now, regarding my health, can we please go to the vet right away? I know, I know, nobody likes the vet, but they need to check me out and make sure I’m growing properly. Speaking of growing, I’m going to need LOTS of food, but not just any food. My stomach can do this scary twisty thing called bloat, so I need special meals and eating schedules. To help with my weight gain, it’s essential to choose the best dog food that meets my specific nutritional needs.
The vet will probably want to take pictures of my bones with those weird X-ray machines. Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt! They just want to make sure my hips and joints are developing correctly. Sometimes us big dogs have problems with our bones growing too fast.
Exercise is tricky for me. I need to move around and play, but not too much while I’m still growing. Think of it like this – I’m like a tall teenager who might trip over my own feet! Too much running and jumping could hurt my growing bones. But I still need walks and playtime to keep my heart strong.
Could you keep track of how I’m doing? Write down funny things I do, when I learn new tricks, and if anything seems weird about how I’m feeling. This helps everyone ensure I’m becoming the best Great Dane I can be.
Trust me, if you follow this plan, we’ll be the best team ever!
Building a Lifelong Relationship With Your Rescue Organization
Hey there! It’s me, your Great Dane buddy, and I’ve got some tail-wagging advice about staying friends with those awesome humans at the rescue place where you found me.
Just because you signed those papers and took me home doesn’t mean we should forget about my rescue pals! Those amazing people love hearing about how I’m doing, so please send them updates about my health checkups and tell them about all the silly things I do, like how I still try to sit in your lap, even though I’m basically a miniature horse.
They also send out surveys every year, and trust me, filling those out helps them help other big dogs like me find their forever families, too.
You know what’s fun? Going back to volunteer! You could help transport dogs (though maybe not in your tiny car – we Great Danes need SUVs, obviously), or you could foster other pups while they wait for homes. I promise I’ll share my toys… maybe.
You could even help teach people about how wonderful we gentle giants are!
The best part is that my rescue friends are like having a secret club membership. They know the best vets who understand big dogs, they can help if there’s ever an emergency, and they’ve classes and tips just for families like ours.
It’s like having a whole team of dog experts cheering us on! Additionally, they truly appreciate the special bond between rescue dogs and their owners.
Questions
Can I Adopt a Great Dane if I Live in an Apartment?
Hey there, human! I’m a Great Dane, and let me tell you – living in an apartment isn’t as ruff as you might think! About 70% of my Great Dane buddies do just fine in apartments, so don’t worry too much.
Now, I’m not gonna lie – I’m basically a miniature horse pretending to be a dog. You’ll want to make sure your apartment has enough space for me to stretch out without knocking over your coffee table (though I can’t promise that won’t happen anyway – my tail has a mind of its own!). Also, check those ceilings! When I stand on my hind legs, I’m taller than most humans, and nobody wants a concussion from my head hitting the ceiling fan.
Here’s the deal, though – I need my daily walks and runs, or I’ll go stir-crazy, and you don’t want that. A bored Great Dane is like a tornado in your living room! I also need a comfy bed that supports my joints because us gentle giants can have some creaky bones. Think of it as investing in a good mattress for your best friend who happens to weigh as much as a small person.
What Happens if My Great Dane Doesn’t Get Along With My Cat?
Woof! So you’re worried about me and that fluffy little roommate of yours not getting along? Let me tell you what’s gonna happen from my perspective!
First, my humans are going to do this whole “meet and greet” thing super slowly. They’ll probably keep me on a leash and let me sniff around while keeping that cat safe behind a baby gate or something. Honestly, I’m just curious about this tiny creature that smells weird and makes those funny chirping sounds!
If we still can’t figure out how to be buddies after trying hard, don’t worry – my family will set up separate spaces for us. Maybe the cat gets the upstairs and I get the downstairs, or we each have our rooms. It’s like having roommates who need their own space – normal!
But hey, if things get rough and I’m acting too much like a wild beast around my feline housemate, my humans might call in a professional dog trainer or animal behavior expert. These are like dog therapists who help us learn better manners. Sometimes us Great Danes forget how big we are compared to those teeny-tiny cats!
The most important thing is keeping everyone safe and happy. Trust me, I don’t want to hurt anybody – I want everyone to get along so we can all share the couch!
How Do I Transport a Great Dane Home From Out of State?
Woof! So you’re bringing me home from far away? That’s pawsome! Let me tell you what I need for this big adventure.
Ensure the car has sufficient space for all of us. My humans always forget about my tail until it starts whacking everything in sight.
The car needs to stay nice and cool because I overheat faster than a laptop playing video games. I’m basically wearing a fur coat all the time, so air conditioning is my best friend. If I get too hot, I turn into a giant panting mess that drools everywhere.
Speaking of water – I drink A LOT. Like, seriously, I could probably empty a kiddie pool. Stop every hour or two so I can gulp down some fresh water. My water bowl needs to be the size of a mixing bowl, not some tiny thing meant for a Chihuahua.
Oh, and I need to stretch these long legs! Regular stops help me shake out the wiggles. Plus, bathroom breaks are super important. Trust me, you don’t want me having an accident in the car. The cleanup would be… legendary.
Ensure the vet confirms I’m cleared to travel. Sometimes we big dogs have special needs, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Now let’s get this road trip started!
Are There Age Restrictions for Great Danes Available for Adoption?
Hey there, future human! It’s me, your potential Great Dane buddy, and I’ve got some inside scoop about adoption age stuff that might help you out.
So here’s the deal – different rescue places have totally different rules about who can take us home. It’s similar to how some schools allow students to use phones, while others don’t. Every place does its own thing!
If you’re considering adopting one of my puppy friends (those adorable little guys under six months), you’ll want to check out what the rescue folks call “puppy protocols.” Trust me, those little furballs are adorable, but they’re also tiny tornadoes who will chew your favorite shoes and need to go potty every five minutes. The rescue people want to make sure you know what you’re getting into!
Then there are my distinguished older pals – the ones over seven years old who’ve earned their gray whiskers. These senior Great Danes are absolute gems, by the way. They’re past the whole “let me destroy your house” phase and just want to nap on your couch and give you wise looks. However, different places have special “senior adoption guidelines” because, well, we older dogs sometimes require extra vet visits and special care.
My advice? Contact various shelters and rescues. Each one will have its own specific rules regarding age restrictions. Some places are super flexible, while others are pretty strict about it.
What if I Need to Move After Adopting My Great Dane?
Woof! So you’re thinking about moving? Let me tell you what us Great Danes think about that whole situation.
First off, we notice EVERYTHING. You think you’re being sneaky with those moving boxes, but I spotted them the second they came through the door. My super sniffer detected cardboard from three rooms away! And don’t even get me started on how those boxes are taking up MY space in the living room.
Here’s the thing about us gentle giants – we’re basically 150-pound babies when it comes to change. New places make us nervous! One day I know exactly where my food bowl lives, and the next day you’re telling me we’re going somewhere completely different? My brain can’t handle that kind of chaos!
If you absolutely MUST drag me to a new place, please do it slowly. Perhaps you could show me the new house first so I can explore and mark my territory (sorry, but it’s necessary). Let me meet the neighbors gradually – I don’t want to accidentally knock over any tiny humans or small dogs on day one.
And PLEASE remember to pack my vet records! I’ve worked very hard to train Dr. Peterson to give me extra treats, and I don’t want to start over with some new vet who doesn’t know about my charming personality.
Most importantly, please continue to feed me at the same time and avoid changing my sleeping spot too often. A stressed Great Dane is a dramatic Great Dane, and trust me, you don’t want to see my “wounded gazelle” act when I’m upset about moving!
Final Thoughts
Hey there, future human! It’s me, your potential Great Dane buddy, and I need to talk to you about something super important – adopting me (or one of my awesome cousins).
Look, I know what you’re thinking. “Wow, that’s a really, REALLY big dog.” And you’re right! I’m basically a miniature horse that barks and wants to sit on your lap. But before you decide to bring one of us gentle giants home, let me give you the inside scoop on what it takes.
First things first – your house needs to be Great Dane-sized, not hamster-sized. We’re not exactly apartment dogs, unless you enjoy having zero personal space and a 150-pound shadow following you everywhere. Trust me, when I get excited and start spinning around, your coffee table doesn’t stand a chance.
Now let’s talk money, because we’re expensive dates. Food bills? Huge. Vet bills? Even bigger. When the vet says, “That’ll be $50 for a small dog,” they look at me and add another zero. It’s like everything I need comes in jumbo size with jumbo prices.
Here’s the thing, though – research shows that 78% of families who do their homework before adopting us, the big guys, make it work! The secret? Planning instead of just falling in love with our adorable faces (which is pretty easy to do).
You also need to consider whether you can handle my personality. Some of us are couch potatoes who think we’re lap dogs, while others are bouncy goofballs who might accidentally knock over small children just by wagging our tails. Getting to know what kind of Great Dane you’re adopting makes a huge difference.
The families who prepare for everything – the space we need, the money we cost, and our quirky personalities – end up being the happiest. And trust me, a happy Great Dane family means lots of slobbery kisses and a dog who thinks he’s a tiny puppy even when he’s the size of a pony.
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