[Oh No Its Me]

Well, I'm sure someone has input. This is Pcom afterall.

We've been looking into adding on to our family and have narrowed it down to a Great Dane or German Shepherd. I've done research online but I'm now interested in hearing what people who have owned one have to say.

Also, if you know of any reputable breeders that aren't far from Paulding, I'd be interested in the info. Before you go harping on me over shelter pets, we had our name on a shepherd mix puppy but the person ahead of us came so they got it. It was quite heart wrenching and honestly, I'm not interested in playing that "wait and see" game nor am I interested in putting my kids through it.

[SOLO]

I have had Danes all my life and love them. He is great with kids. I have 6 granddaughters ages 9 to 1 with 2 being under 3 and they hang all over him. I watch him closely when they are around for HIS sake not their.... They have been known to pinch , hit (pet ) and pull hair. Poor baby will walk away. They are goofy live bugs. They love their family and want nothing more than to be with them. They are not a dog to get and then dump in the backyard . They are an inside with their people dog. If you would like to see mine let me know . I would also not mind giving tips of do' s and don' ts. Oh and the vet will love you because they get to charge you so much more for such a big dog. A good breeder is the only way I would ever go with a dog that big.

[jmd]

I always loved Great Danes. These of course need to find reputable breeders. Some will say they have designer colors which isn't apart of the true colors of the Dane. Those are not true breeders. Check the parents for hip, heart, and stomach issues. Most will have them tested and if you check the background you will see it. I once was going to get a beautiful pup but they had to stop breeding them due to stomach problems that ran in that line. They are mischevious as pups and take alot of patience. When grown, if brought up right with a lot of love, they turn into these big lap babies that never leave your side. Harliquins usually are the bigger ones followed by the fawn. You can tell by their feet as a pup how big that one will be. I truly miss my danes. German Shepards are real smart. Danes are smart but not as intelligient as the german shepard. The german shepard can have hip problems also. The cost is more for a dane at times because of their size requires bigger doses of whatever like heart worm and such. They eat alot as pups but level out as adults and don't require as much food since they don't move around as much. And with a dane it usually isn't good to neuter a male at a early age because of the testorone it produces keeps it from growing too fast which can cause bone problems later in life. After it reaches it growth then its okay otherwise the growth of the bones is unregulated. The food is very important in the beginning pup stages of the dane also or the growth will be too fast. The male dane has always been my favorite. They are the most laid back.

[rockytopsmom]

We have had Danes for over 20 years. They are the most gentle amazing dogs! Be prepared for some destruction though - mine have always loved to eat furniture! Joey is our newest - he is 14 months old and weighs 140 pounds - I would consider him to be slim! Our largest weighed in at 210 pounds!!!

Attached thumbnail(s)

• 

[SOLO]

rockytopsmom, on 22 May 2012 - 07:19 AM, said:

We have had Danes for over 20 years. They are the most gentle amazing dogs! Be prepared for some destruction though - mine have always loved to eat furniture! Joey is our newest - he is 14 months old and weighs 140 pounds - I would consider him to be slim! Our largest weighed in at 210 pounds!!!

I have had only one that was a chewer and he is the one I have now. OMG the first two years were something else. Not a dog you want to let get bored. Thank God he grew out of it. But none of my others ever chewed . I have also been very lucky in potty training. Never took longer than a week.

[rockytopsmom]

he grew out of his first crate so quick and it took us a little time to save up for a giant crate - that's when most of the destruction happened! He loves his crate thank goodness! Potty training has always been a breeze!

[Oh No Its Me]

SOLO, on 22 May 2012 - 05:41 AM, said:

I have had Danes all my life and love them. He is great with kids. I have 6 granddaughters ages 9 to 1 with 2 being under 3 and they hang all over him. I watch him closely when they are around for HIS sake not their.... They have been known to pinch , hit (pet ) and pull hair. Poor baby will walk away. They are goofy live bugs. They love their family and want nothing more than to be with them. They are not a dog to get and then dump in the backyard . They are an inside with their people dog. If you would like to see mine let me know . I would also not mind giving tips of do' s and don' ts. Oh and the vet will love you because they get to charge you so much more for such a big dog. A good breeder is the only way I would ever go with a dog that big.

We definitely want our pup to be an inside pup and we had already decided we would do some sort of training classes to where we can (hopefully) train the dog to walk on a leash etc. Are they really hyper? I may take you up on meeting your pup (would it be ok with bring my kids?) and would you happen to know of any reputable breeders? The only thing that puts my husband off about the breed is their short life span. His friend said they only live for 9 years?

[rockysmom]

Both those breeds rock but if you have to get a purebred, I can't stress enough, please go through a good breeder. Go to the AKC website and don't believe jack what breeders tell you unless they can back it up with paperwork.

If you go with the shepherd, understand that this is an aggressive breed. I love the breed but you have to understand that a poorly bred dog will have health as well as character problems. You DO NOT want a dog, of any breed, with character problems.

Good luck and take your time.

[Oh No Its Me]

jmd, on 22 May 2012 - 05:57 AM, said:

Hoss.jpgI always loved Great Danes. These of course need to find reputable breeders. Some will say they have designer colors which isn't apart of the true colors of the Dane. Those are not true breeders. Check the parents for hip, heart, and stomach issues. Most will have them tested and if you check the background you will see it. I once was going to get a beautiful pup but they had to stop breeding them due to stomach problems that ran in that line. They are mischevious as pups and take alot of patience. When grown, if brought up right with a lot of love, they turn into these big lap babies that never leave your side. Harliquins usually are the bigger ones followed by the fawn. You can tell by their feet as a pup how big that one will be. I truly miss my danes. German Shepards are real smart. Danes are smart but not as intelligient as the german shepard. The german shepard can have hip problems also. The cost is more for a dane at times because of their size requires bigger doses of whatever like heart worm and such. They eat alot as pups but level out as adults and don't require as much food since they don't move around as much. And with a dane it usually isn't good to neuter a male at a early age because of the testorone it produces keeps it from growing too fast which can cause bone problems later in life. After it reaches it growth then its okay otherwise the growth of the bones is unregulated. The food is very important in the beginning pup stages of the dane also or the growth will be too fast. The male dane has always been my favorite. They are the most laid back.
Hoss.jpg

Wow!! Thanks so much! This is all great to know! I've been loving the grey ones with the blue eyes and the Merle ones. I see prices from breeders starting around $800 and going up to about $2,000 though I think I'm starting to notice it varies depending on the lines, color/s and if you will be showing or breeding it which we wouldn't be doing either.

I think German Shepherds are the smartest dogs though I may be wrong. My husband seems to prefer that slightly though the fur worries me. The Great Dane seems to have a much less fuzzy coat.

[Animal]

Ok here is my take,I have worked around animals my whole life. The great dane is known as the gentle giant,there real good with kids and people. They are big and require more food and love to be included in everything.

Now the german shepard is very intelegent and a very loyal dog,how ever there agressive and tend to be very territorial don't like anyone in there area. I love them but to be with children I would be very watch full. We use them at work and they work hard. If I was the only owner I would have one.


For your family and that would be his life I would take a lab any day
Not to mention I have one. There mild love people and kids there the best,I have had three in the past there full of energy and eager to please.

You asked

[Oh No Its Me]

rockysmom, on 22 May 2012 - 08:33 AM, said:

Both those breeds rock but if you have to get a purebred, I can't stress enough, please go through a good breeder. Go to the AKC website and don't believe jack what breeders tell you unless they can back it up with paperwork.

If you go with the shepherd, understand that this is an aggressive breed. I love the breed but you have to understand that a poorly bred dog will have health as well as character problems. You DO NOT want a dog, of any breed, with character problems.

Good luck and take your time.

Ohh I didn't think to check the AKC website. I just keep looking online and seem to find the same few websites.

When you say agressive what exactly do you mean? I'm just curious because I do have kids (though they are older and I don't anticipate them tormenting an animal nor would I allow it).

[dana]

rockytopsmom, on 22 May 2012 - 07:19 AM, said:

We have had Danes for over 20 years. They are the most gentle amazing dogs! Be prepared for some destruction though - mine have always loved to eat furniture! Joey is our newest - he is 14 months old and weighs 140 pounds - I would consider him to be slim! Our largest weighed in at 210 pounds!!!

How adorable your Dane is !

I prefer the Dane over the Shepard mainly because of the temperament. The really are known as gentle giants. Good luck on whichever one you choose!

This post has been edited by dana: 22 May 2012 - 08:47 AM

[Barbed wire]

Labs & German Shepherds tend to have a heavy undercoat. You will spend your life vacuuming! I have had shepherds and have a Lab now. I love her, but she sheds more than the other four dogs put together. (A Cocker Spaniel, Mastiff, and two Pitbulls)

I've never owned a GD, but their personalities are much like the Mastiff. They are giant lap dogs and will not do well if they are not part of the family.

[Gotcha Lookn Good]

I've had both,My Dane was nothing more than a GIANT Lap Dog, if anyone can have a lap that large..lol..
My fav was my Shepherd she was the most loyal & sweetest dog Ive owned in a long time,smart and eager to please u..

[rockysmom]

Oh No Its Me, on 22 May 2012 - 08:39 AM, said:

Ohh I didn't think to check the AKC website. I just keep looking online and seem to find the same few websites.

When you say agressive what exactly do you mean? I'm just curious because I do have kids (though they are older and I don't anticipate them tormenting an animal nor would I allow it).

If well bred they are brave, strong and VERY protective. If I had kids, I would make sure that the dog was brought into the house as a young puppy. They need to grow up together.

Shepards are classified as an aggressive breed. Some are, some aren't. To me, they are more protective than truly aggressive.

I seem to remember a well thought of breeder in this area but I can't think of their name, maybe someone else can chime in.

But, be aware that even with a good breeder, it's still a crap shoot.

[surepip]

In one of my former lives I bred shepards. I had an Alpha male who went 150+, and was just one of those "special" dogs. He lived to be 17 and had more than 300 offspring I know of.

He was extremely protective, to the point no one could even appear to be aggressive towards Melissa or I. Not even raising your hand like you were going to throw something. Shepards tend to be protective of their family members.

At the same time, his best buddy was a cat who would snuggle up to him. He would also carry kittens in his mouth.

They are also extremely smart. If you get lucky and get a good one they train very easily other than the chewing up stuff until they mature.

The AKC has about destroyed the breed though thru incestuous breeding. Smaller, thin snappy dogs with hip displasia and other genetic faults.

Go for a large frame dog whose parents are classic proportions and big. 70 to 80 pounds for a female, and 90-100+ for a male. This is generally a sign of proper breeding. The mother-son sort of breeding tends to shrink the animal over successive generations.

[pugmama]

Oh No Its Me, on 22 May 2012 - 08:39 AM, said:

Ohh I didn't think to check the AKC website. I just keep looking online and seem to find the same few websites.

When you say agressive what exactly do you mean? I'm just curious because I do have kids (though they are older and I don't anticipate them tormenting an animal nor would I allow it).

Instead of the AKC page, I would start by contacting the GA branch of the Great Dane Club
GDC of the Mid-South
Website
Secretary:
Gabrielle Kostiuk
1318 Baileys Corner
Marietta, GA 30062
770-971-0058
gkostiuk@comcast.net

or the GSD club of ATL
http://www.gsdcatlanta.org/


The AKC is merely a registry and even BYB's can register their dogs with them. The club people will have a much better line on a breeder that produces the type of dog you are looking for.
When researching breeders, make sure you LIKE the breeder you choose. A good breeder is your BEST asset getting thru the puppy stage, various illnesses, shot protocols and the like. A good breeder has a vested interest in the future health of your dog and should state in the contract that if you EVER decide not to keep it, the dog goes back to them.

On the spay/neuter issue- BOTH breeds you are looking at have known possible hip issues. It is crucial you do not neuter that dog before it is full grown! Don't let the vet or anyone else bully you into any earlier. Also- make sure you discuss food with the breeder. You don't want anything too high in calcium for the same reason. Many large breed pups go straight to adult food for this reason (your breeder will guide you)
Do your research and have fun with your new pup!! :-)

[rockysmom]

Yes, finding out about the breed through the clubs is a good idea. Just stay away from dogs whose registration is through the CKC.

[fishnthec]

I have never seen an aggressive Dane. I had a childhood experience with a shepherd that lets me know that they can be aggressive. I guess all dogs can be, but I have never personally met an aggressive dane.

[smb90]

We have had GSDs or GSD mixes all my life. When my sister was little, our GSD would herd my little sister around if she got too far from my mom and dad

This post has been edited by smb90: 22 May 2012 - 07:43 PM

[Granny to 8]

We've had 2 danes both female and they are the most loving and loyal dogs. Angie our dane goes with us whenever she can. The girls at the vet Love for her to come. They are very needy in the love and pet me category.

Attached thumbnail(s)

• 

[SOLO]

Oh No Its Me, on 22 May 2012 - 08:30 AM, said:

We definitely want our pup to be an inside pup and we had already decided we would do some sort of training classes to where we can (hopefully) train the dog to walk on a leash etc. Are they really hyper? I may take you up on meeting your pup (would it be ok with bring my kids?) and would you happen to know of any reputable breeders? The only thing that puts my husband off about the breed is their short life span. His friend said they only live for 9 years?

Yes your kids would be welcome too. Any large breed has a shorter life span. I have had Danes 11 years and some only 8. They pack a lot in that time span.

[SOLO]

rockysmom, on 22 May 2012 - 08:33 AM, said:

Both those breeds rock but if you have to get a purebred, I can't stress enough, please go through a good breeder. Go to the AKC website and don't believe jack what breeders tell you unless they can back it up with paperwork.

If you go with the shepherd, understand that this is an aggressive breed. I love the breed but you have to understand that a poorly bred dog will have health as well as character problems. You DO NOT want a dog, of any breed, with character problems.

Good luck and take your time.

I have loved both of yours.

[SOLO]

[Paulding Yankee]

I absolutely loved our Dane! If you like lots of slobber, a tail like a whip, your toes constantly being stepped on, and a big dog sitting on your lap... get a Great Dane! They're very touchy-feel, loving dogs.

[Oh No Its Me]

I am loving all this info and input, thanks everyone! I'm going to re-read through everything and then talk with the husband. I'm loving that the Great Dane is a snuggle bug breed but on the other hand I love that the GSD is protective (have I mentioned that my neighbors stole copper from a church?! If they can stoop that low there is no telling what they'd do!).

[ChocoMare]

FYI: Be sure to check with your homeowner's insurance carrier on the GSD. Since they have been deemed an aggressive breed, you sometimes get zonked with a higher premium to cover the potential loss should the dog bite someone.

I love a Shepherd personally, but ABHOR the slunk down, creepy-crawly hips they're breeding now. Shameful. They are highly intelligent, quick learners (both good & bad) and need consistency from day one as a pup in your home. Solid, firm training with all members of the family involved.

And, yes, the hair can be an issue.... shaving them in the summer makes for a more comfie doggie unless you have them groomed regularly to remove the undercoat.

[jmd]

Believe me there will be no one that will come on your property with a dane. At one rental house I was at a long time ago I had taken care of a black great dane. He was huge. My front yard had a fence around it so you had to go through the fence to get to the front door. A friend of ours came over not knowing I was watching this dane. He walked to the house and the dane was just standing there in the dark just looking at him. My friend seen him when he got to the porch and was so scared he ran and jumped the fence. I wasn't home and wished I could of seen it. They are very good watchdogs. Being big,people will not know how the dog will react and will not take a chance with such a big dog. The bark alone will scare anyone.

This is my late max protecting me from my ex. He never really liked him and I didn't blame him. He used to go to the 4th of July at Taylor farm for many years and lay with the kids.

,

Oh No Its Me, on 22 May 2012 - 02:13 PM, said:

I am loving all this info and input, thanks everyone! I'm going to re-read through everything and then talk with the husband. I'm loving that the Great Dane is a snuggle bug breed but on the other hand I love that the GSD is protective (have I mentioned that my neighbors stole copper from a church?! If they can stoop that low there is no telling what they'd do!).

[smb90]

ChocoMare, on 22 May 2012 - 03:11 PM, said:

FYI: Be sure to check with your homeowner's insurance carrier on the GSD. Since they have been deemed an aggressive breed, you sometimes get zonked with a higher premium to cover the potential loss should the dog bite someone.

I love a Shepherd personally, but ABHOR the slunk down, creepy-crawly hips they're breeding now. Shameful. They are highly intelligent, quick learners (both good & bad) and need consistency from day one as a pup in your home. Solid, firm training with all members of the family involved.

And, yes, the hair can be an issue.... shaving them in the summer makes for a more comfie doggie unless you have them groomed regularly to remove the undercoat.

lol I agree with you on a few things here. My homeowner's doesn't mind a GSD but my Dad's does. The hips...are disgusting and it is a PAIN to find them without it. And they are WAY too smart! I had to put locks on the back gates cause she learned how to flip them open. XD

[TMMG]

My husband had a Shepard when we met and I fell in love with him (the dog) he is so sweet and the most loyal dog I have ever seen my son was not raised with him but He always slept outside my son's bedroom door if he could not get in there to sleep in the bed with him. I love the breed look at a King Shepard aswell they are just as loving and loyal. A little on the ADHD side but great dogs to.

[Oh No Its Me]

ChocoMare, on 22 May 2012 - 03:11 PM, said:

FYI: Be sure to check with your homeowner's insurance carrier on the GSD. Since they have been deemed an aggressive breed, you sometimes get zonked with a higher premium to cover the potential loss should the dog bite someone.

I love a Shepherd personally, but ABHOR the slunk down, creepy-crawly hips they're breeding now. Shameful. They are highly intelligent, quick learners (both good & bad) and need consistency from day one as a pup in your home. Solid, firm training with all members of the family involved.

And, yes, the hair can be an issue.... shaving them in the summer makes for a more comfie doggie unless you have them groomed regularly to remove the undercoat.

This is good to know!! Thanks for the info! We're still debating back and forth. I think my cat knows because he has been acting up lately

jmd, on 22 May 2012 - 06:22 PM, said:

Believe me there will be no one that will come on your property with a dane. At one rental house I was at a long time ago I had taken care of a black great dane. He was huge. My front yard had a fence around it so you had to go through the fence to get to the front door. A friend of ours came over not knowing I was watching this dane. He walked to the house and the dane was just standing there in the dark just looking at him. My friend seen him when he got to the porch and was so scared he ran and jumped the fence. I wasn't home and wished I could of seen it. They are very good watchdogs. Being big,people will not know how the dog will react and will not take a chance with such a big dog. The bark alone will scare anyone.

This is my late max protecting me from my ex. He never really liked him and I didn't blame him. He used to go to the 4th of July at Taylor farm for many years and lay with the kids.

, max.jpg

Oh my goodness how sweet and scary LOL!!

TMMG, on 23 May 2012 - 07:57 AM, said:

My husband had a Shepard when we met and I fell in love with him (the dog) he is so sweet and the most loyal dog I have ever seen my son was not raised with him but He always slept outside my son's bedroom door if he could not get in there to sleep in the bed with him. I love the breed look at a King Shepard aswell they are just as loving and loyal. A little on the ADHD side but great dogs to.

that cracked me up!

We are making sure we take the whole thing slow and don't jump into anything without knowing as much as we can. Part of me would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous about the commitment a pup brings but I also feel like I can handle it. The kids are older now and not as needy (compared to a toddler). We also talked about signing up for training classes.

[Devon927]

Go to breed specific forums and you will find all the information you could ever want from actual owners of the breed. www.germanshepherds.com is awesome. When we got our puppy I learned SO MUCH from that forum. I'm sure there is one for Danes as well.