age complications
By miyuna
@miyuna (44)
United States
April 19, 2007 3:02pm CST
I have always wanted a Great Dane, but I heard that because of their immense size, most Great Danes have to be put down around the age of ten. Is this true? They are such beautiful animals, but it would be so hard to put a pet down after being with it for so long.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@peaceful (3294)
• United States
19 Apr 07
Given enough exercise and dietary care some Great Danes might live a bit longer than 10 years, but it's mainly due to inbreeding of the species that they don't make it to their teens...
It's sad thing to have your best friend not live as long as you do...
Here's a good site for dog lovers:
http://www.dogster.com
Thanks for a good discussion! :)
1 person likes this
@CritterKeeper (519)
• United States
30 Apr 07
I raise and show Great Danes! It's true that their life expectancy is generally only about 10 yrs or so at best but that's all the giant breeds that I know of. I would never live without a dane in my home though! They pack a lot of love and laughter into their shorter lives!!! I think they are well worth it! Plus there's quite a few things you can do to make sure that your dane has the best possible chance for living a long, healthy life! Let me know if you'd like a really long winded post on things you can do for them and feel free to have a look at my big baby (I think he's the most beautiful dog ever made! LOL): http://s153.photobucket.com/albums/s231/DaneDodger/
1 person likes this
@xenatessmocker (339)
• United States
20 Aug 07
A hight quality specifically for giant breed dogs can greatly extend their lifespan.
@coachjoan (2)
• United States
31 Aug 07
Unfortunately, Danes' lifespan is 7 - 10 years. I think it's because we lose so many of them to bloat, which can happen at any age.
I wouldn't trade mine, though. I'd rather have fewer years of the immense love a Great Danes gives, then more years with another dog.
@msmiata60 (14)
• United States
29 Nov 07
Yep, They have a short life. I actually have yet to meet one that has lived past 8 years. I talked to my vet and he said "you might love the Great Dane but consider mixing with another breed to extend his life". I did that and mine lived 10 years. He was a wonderful dog. My vet also said that the Danes don't live as long because of the size of their heart, it's very small. A great dane mix can be a fantastic way to go, you still get the loyalty, the nobility, great looks and ect. I guess it depends on what you mix with. I'm not saying do that, I just have a hard time letting go.... I love the Great Dane, I have a mix right now dane and lab we call her a Daneador!
She's great and all black and she will be 7 on this next 4th of July.
I definatley know why people love the Great Dane!
@murderslastcrow (44)
•
28 Jan 08
They are beautiful pets, and very worthwhile while they're around. My brother even once owned the daughter of the largest Great Dane on record to this day, and I must say that they are certainly great companions, no matter what walk of life you're on.
However, if you're more of a gentle person, you may want to be careful in how you train him or her.
