Information – Great Danes of Burns

How big do Great Danes get?
Males according to AKC standards should not be less than 30 inches at the shoulders but preferable to be 32 inches or more. Weight for males range from 120-180 lbs. Females should not be less than 28 inches but preferable to be 30 inches or more at the shoulders. Weight for females range from 110-140 lbs or more. These are just estimated averages for weight and height, depending on genetics, health, and nutrition.

What other colors are Great Danes?
The approved colors by the Great Dane Club of America and AKC are: Black, Blue, Fawn, Harlequin, Brindle, Merle, and Mantle.

How much room do you need for a Dane?
Danes are very adaptable to any surrounding. They are NOT OUTSIDE DOGS! Your Dane needs daily exercise & socialization. They like to hang out inside but do need room to play and release some energy. A walk, or dog park are great examples. If your Dane gets bored or confined, they can destroy your home and act out, so be creative Danes are very smart and quick learners!

Feeding Great Danes?
Adult Danes should be fed QUALITY ADULT food!!! No supermarket dog food!!!! First check Protein level. Food protein level should be 26% or less and fat level should be 18% or less. Then check ingredients, NO CORN, WHEAT, SOY, meat meal or BY-Products!! If you see any of these words in the first 3 ingredients.. MOVE ON to another brand. Look for specific meats and meat meal (chicken,beef,lamb,salmon,bison ect.) and low grains. As some grains are cheap fillers and could cause allergies.
Puppies need to be fed multiple times a day at first and then down to 2-3 times a day as adults. Always feed at the same time to develop a schedule and helps with potty training. Always use elevated food bowls. No excessive play or water intake right before or after meals. Rest (in crate if crating) for 1 hour!
Quality food choices are:
Diamond Naturals; Enhance; Native; Pro Pac; Nutro Natural; Kirkland; 4 Health; Blue; Taste of The Wild; Nurti Source

BLOAT: Is a major cause of death in Danes! Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present). Usually there is an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach. Stress can be a contributing factor also. Bloat can occur with or without twisting. As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90 to 360 degrees. The twisting traps air, food and water in the stomach and cause severe pain and damage and possibly kill them quickly. We practice bloat prevention and require our puppy families to do so also. I do believe that bloat can be genetic and/or environmentally related. No heavy play or water intake after meals for 1 hour. Rest in crate. Elevated food bowls, divided meals daily is what we practice.

Bathing & Coat Care of Great Danes?
Danes need little bathing. I do brush them at least once a week to help with coat and minor shedding. Usually I bathe 1 time a month during summer months or if they get extremely dirty/smelly. During winter months I use a waterless shampoo if needed.

Health Problems in Great Danes?
There are some health problems associated with Danes. The ones of most concern and most common are: Cancers, Bloat, Thyroid Disease. Danes can also be affected by: Wobblers Syndrome, Cardiomyopathy, Eye problems such as entropion.

What is the Life Span of a Great Dane?
Average life span is 7-10 yrs. There are Danes that have lived past 10 yrs old. There are factors to longevity in Danes such as proper diet, exercise, Vet care and proper breeding. Breeders who do health testing on both male and females and educating new Dane owners on proper care are making it possible for Danes to live longer. All large & giant breeds are sadly prone to short life spans.

Are Great Danes Good with Children & Other Animals?
YES. Proper training and obedience of your Dane from puppy on do well with children and other animals. Danes love children and I strongly advise to monitor young children with Danes due to their size and tail. I advise to educate your children on proper behavior towards Danes also. Danes are true gentle giants but they can get excited and due to their size be dangerous to young children or smaller animals.

Are Great Danes Hard To Train?
NOPE. They are very smart and quick learners, if you are dedicated to training them properly! They are very willing to please you and do not like to disappoint their owners. You have to put forth the time and effort to properly train your Dane, taking obedience class is a great way. Personal dog trainers are another option who know the breed also is great. You will find that Danes have a lot of personality, and just like children, will want to ignore or test your authority. Due to their large size it is important that you never let your Dane be the leader! You are the pack leader!

What Are The Risks of Spay Neuter?

We are often ask this question, so let’s dive in and take a look.

Desexing removes hormone-producing organs (the ovaries or testicles) that researchers are now finding are actually quite important to overall health. Studies also indicate that the earlier a puppy is spayed or neutered, the greater the likelihood of health problems later in life. Here are examples of studies evidencing some of these potential issues.

BONE ABNORMALITIES

Studies showed that the hormone estrogen, which is no longer produced in spayed or neutered dogs, plays a crucial role in bone growth and development. The removal of estrogen-producing organs in immature dogs can cause growth plates to remain open. The dogs continue to grow and wind up with abnormal growth patterns and bone structure, which can result in irregular body proportions. (Shown in the photo example)

HIP DYSPLASIA

In a retrospective cohort study conducted at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and published over 10 years ago in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, results showed that both male and female dogs desexed at an early age were more prone to hip dysplasia.

(CCL) Injuries

A study conducted at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center on canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries concluded that spayed and neutered dogs had a significantly higher incidence of CCL rupture than their intact counterparts. And while large breed dogs had more CCL injuries, sterilized dogs of all breeds and sizes had increased rupture rates.

BONE CANCER

In a study of Rottweilers published in 2002, it was established that the risk for bone sarcoma was significantly influenced by the age at which the dogs were desexed. For both male and female.

Among the reports and studies pointing to health concerns associated with early spaying and neutering, you can also find mention of increased incidence of:

Adverse reactions to vaccines

Noise phobias

Fearful behavior

Aggression

Our recommendation is to wait until 2 years with responsible pet ownership.

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