What are Great Danes really like?
Great Danes live up to their “gentle giant” status. They are very people-oriented dogs. Although they love to run and play, they are not outside dogs as they need the companionship of a family. 

2.  What is the lifespan if a Great Dane?
Generally, 8-10 years, although some live longer. We are seeing more Great Danes make it to 10-12 with the better food selections and veterinary care provided. 

3.  How big will a Great Dane get?
Great Danes are usually between 32 and 36 inches at the shoulder, between 110 and 160 pounds – though some can get much larger than that. Danes are large enough to take up the whole couch and peer over your dining room table/countertop.  

4.  How many colors do Great Danes come in?
There are seven recognized colors that may be shown in a competition. These are black, blue, harlequin, merle, mantle, brindle and fawn. You will also see Danes in other colors, but those are usually from improper breedings.

5.  How much does a Great Dane cost?
Our adoption fees vary but puppies are $400, young adults are $350, and seniors are $300. All our danes come spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated, and microchipped before adoption. If you purchase a Dane from a reputable breeder, expect to pay between $2000 and $4000 depending on whether a companion or show dog.  

6.  Why do you charge so much for the adoption fee?
We receive no government funding. Most of our funding comes directly from public donations. The adoption fee we ask for usually ends up being less than what we have spent on the Dane getting it ready for adoption. We must ask for this adoption fee in order to continue our rescue work to save other dogs in need.  

7.  How much does a Great Dane eat?
Great Danes require high-quality food. A puppy may eat 8-10 cups a day, but after the age of two most Great Danes eat about 6 cups a day.

8.  How much does it cost to take care of a Great Dane?
In simple terms, a lot. As you can imagine, everything costs more for a Great Dane due to its size. It costs more for bedding, food, vet visits/immunizations, heartworm and flea preventions, etc. You can estimate about $60-80 a month just for food. If you add toys, bedding, vet visits, etc, it can become quite costly.  

9.  Do I need a large house to own a Great Dane?
Not necessarily. A large fenced yard is ideal, so they can run at full speed, but a large house is not necessary. A couple of short walks a day and a play session will be enough to keep your Dane exercised and happy.

10.  What is the origin of the Great Dane; are they from Denmark?
Although Dane is in their name, the Great Dane as we know it today actually originated from Germany. They were used as boar hunters and estate guards, but over the centuries they have been bred to be much more family-oriented.

11.  Are Great Danes good with children and other pets?
As a general rule, Great Danes are wonderful with other pets and children. If you have very small children, any large or giant dog is cause for concern simply due to the fact that the child can be knocked over very easily by a 150-pound dog who is excited.