Things They Don’t Tell You About Owning A Great Dane

There were some things I knew when I committed to adding a Great Dane pup to my home.  I knew his temperament would make him the perfect family pet.  I knew our new little love was going to eat….a lot.  I knew he would be work and the cuteness factor was going to be ridiculous.  Just look at that face!

So what didn’t I know when I brought home that little bundle of joy?  This:

*Great Danes may start out small, but seeminlyg grow up overnight.  The puppy days go by in the blink of an eye.  From just a few pounds at 5 weeks to almost 160 pounds at 9 months!

*Great Danes are truly huge and have a heart to match.

*A Great Dane’s crate would be big enough for for five teenagers to sit in.

*These pups may be big, but that doesn’t make them brave.  This giant baby is afraid of hot air balloons, thunder, bubbles and nail polish.  Yes, nail polish, he hates when the girls of this house paint our nails, and barks at those teeny nail brushes.

*Danes make you invisible.  When you walk down the street with a Great Dane it doesn’t matter what you wear or how you look.  Not one person in the world will ever look at you again; it’s all about that miniature horse you are leading around on a leash.  PS Put him in an adorable coat and people will get whiplash trying to get a look at that dog!

*Great Danes think they are people. They sit on the furniture and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.  If you are sitting on said couch, they will sit on you.  These pups seem to have no idea how large they really are, somewhere in that giant brain of there’s they truly believe they are a lap dog.

*Danes need their people.  If you are sick, they will bring you their toys.  If you cry, they will snuggle up beside you and snuggle until you feel better.  Sniffling at a movie?  They don’t like that and want to make you feel better. They are loyal beyond compare and feel your sadness and pain right along with you.

*Drool. Ug, there is the drool.  They drink from their water bowls with gusto and then prance away without a care…a river left in their wake.  When a Great Dane gets excited.  Drool.  Stressed.  Drool.  Runs.  Drool.  It’s part of the package.  My advice.  Keep towels handy.

*Danes Hug:  The Great Dane “Lean”.  Great Danes love to be touched more than any other breed of dog I have ever met.  Not petting them?  They will amble up beside you and LEAN on you.  If you are not prepared for up to 200 lbs of dog coming in for a hug you are going down!  Beware of the lean.

*A Great Dane does not believe in personal space. Not even in the car.

*Hardwood Floors Are Their Kryptonite: Remember the scene with Bambi on ice?  That’s my Great Dane on hardwood floors.

These are but a few of the discoveries I’ve made since welcoming a Great Dane pup into my life.  The house that was once kinda quiet during the day, is now full of more love, life and yes drool than I ever thought possible.  It’s true what they say, life is just better with a dog.