What would you consider the ideal home for a Great Dane?

I have 3 danes in an average sized house. They generally are pretty lazy, and are very graceful in navigating furniture,so space isn't usually as big of an issue as people think. Daily exercise is good, but not absolutely vital- a walk a couple times per week is fine. Danes are usually ok free-feeding, but feeding them twice a day is good for establishing a "dominance" type thing. They don't eat as much as you think, because they are very lazy. Feed them, via the directions on the bag, according to the meal sizes for a German Shepherd or Labrador.

Danes are very sensitive. Positive reinforcement will go a long way, while tough discipline may do more harm than good. They aren't usually biters, and I find they're generally pretty easy to potty train.

Danes are large- females I've had have usually gone about 100-120 lbs, and males about 150-200, standing between 30-36 inches at the shoulder. Now, slobbering. Some danes drool, some don't. Some drool more, some less. It depends on the individual dog- more droopy lips usually means more drooling. Danes tend to dislike water, compared to many other breeds. Again, it's an individual thing, but don't be surprised if your dane will never tolerate water. They leave HUGE piles in the yard. They have a short lifespan, sometimes only making it 7-8 years. I have had one male make it to almost 13 years, though.

Common health issues to look into: bloat, HOD, hip dysplasia, arthritis, and "wobbler's". Wobbler's is a nervous system disease, which causes the dog to lose much control over it's hind legs. Wobbler's is entirely genetic, so make sure to ask your breeder.

Pups should not be taken on long (+30 min) walks. Save longer walks for once the dog is about 18 months old. Until then, their bones are still growing and fusing, so vigorous exercise can help cause HOD, a bone disorder. Danes are incredibly gentle around children and all people. It's rather uncommon for them to knock into a child hard enough to knock him/her over, but young children should always be supervised. They can reach onto counters, so make sure to train them and keep food out of reach.

Danes can tolerate most weather conditions, but should never be outside dogs. They are very much people-oriented, and love to be with their families.

You will need to do some of your own research aswell, although I can recommend a few breeds that I personally would have around my kids. 1st. Poodle, poodles are great dogs, there highly intelligent, easily trained, great with kids and they also don't shed. 2. Labrador / Golden Retriever. Both great dogs, excellent personalities, energetic, love kids and people in general ! 3. Boxer. Another breed with an awesome temperament. They are like giant babies, forever ! lol, very friendly, love being active ( if that's what your looking for ) and also intelligent and easily trained aswell! All the best with your choice, just as long as you pick the right breed to suit your family and your needs then all is good. Narrow down your choices and then do some of your own research. I also recommend buying your pup either from a lost dogs home or a reputable breeder, as pet stores can be a source for puppy mills ! :( GOOD LUCK !

Most Danes tend to be fairly low energy, and are more interested in hanging around their human companions then running around. So there is no reason why you would need a large expanse of land to keep a Dane. This assumes you are giving a Dane enough exercise(walks) and providing for its bathroom needs, there is no reason why you couldn't keep a Dane in a good sized apartment. With that being said, there are considerations to take into account with a dog of that size. You will have to "dane-proof" your home or face the consequences of a goofy clumsy dog on your knickknacks and fragile furniture.

A large home with very little nick nacks! lol.. They're sweet dogs, very kind but they can and will knock everything over. So if you have a nice collection, keep it high... And children, they are not good for children. Not due to any aggression reasons, quite the opposite they're sweethearts and very rarely aggressive! But just like tables and decor, they can and do knock children over, especially toddlers. Danes love to love, which is great in a dog, but their shear size alone will hurt a child... So I'd really keep kids in mind, if you have any or plan to, a dane is probably not the best choice.

A fairly large house, with a large backyard. The Great Dane will adapt, just like any dog, as long as you give it pleanty of exercise. The best way to figure out if the Great Dane is best for you or not, is to figure out how much exercise it needs. The Great Dane need about 1-2 hour walk in the morning, 1-2 hour walk at night, aswell as about a 30 minute walk, or playtime in between. Any dog will succeed with the correct ammount of exercise. But, you must remember that it wouldn't be safe for you to walk it until its 4 months old (when it gets its adult shots). So, during those 4 months, puppies can be hard work! Especially giant pups! So, a big yard (with lots of grass and shade) would be idea so that during your lunch break, or while your home you can take him out, play some fetch, catch, maybe some school training. Secondary to exercise, you just wanna make sure your dog is being stimulated. If you don't feel you would be home enough (especially for the first few months) this dog probably isn't for you.

Here is some information about the breed: From this website: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greatdane.htm

The Great Dane has a good disposition, often called a "gentle giant". Charming and affectionate, they are playful and patient with children. They love everyone and need to be around people. The Great Dane does not bark much and only becomes aggressive when the circumstances require it. They are reliable, trustworthy and dependable. Courageous and loyal, they are good watchdogs. The Great Dane does not stay little for long and consistent training and rules should start right from puppyhood. This giant dog should be taught not to jump or lean on people. The objective in training this dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a success. Dogs who know their place below humans in the pack order will be good with children. If you are not a firm, confident, consistent pack leader who knows how to correct the dog when he is showing signs of aggression, the dog can be dog-aggressive. Owners who know how to properly handle their dogs will not have this issue.

This breed also does not live as long as others. Usually not past 12 years at the latest. Most pass at 8-10 years.

Grooming is easy with this dog. Just make sure you get those paws clipped regularily so they don't scratch you.

Also, you will need to set aside money to find a good trainer in your area that you trust that can help you with training from about 10 weeks plus. Petsmart usually has good trainers, but its worth checking out, for sure!

Be willing to live with a dog thats head can clear anything off of counters, and tables. Your stuff is never safe! So, you would need to have a VERY puppy and dog proofed house. Be willing to live with giant paws, and giant teeth that may bite IF you don't train properly. Be willing to lay down the law to your dog! Don't be afraid to be dominant. Otherwise, im sure you and your fiance would love a great dane. They are known as the "gentle giants".

Also, may I add one more thing? Please, don't ever use "training" collars on your dogs. NO MATTER WHAT your trainer says. Train your great dane through love when its a puppy. They can get easily out of control, and alot of trainers will say "oh, well a shock collar can fix that" its inhumane! So, when looking for a trainer, consult them and talk about their methods through email a bit!

Every dog needs some type of training. The first class I ever took a dog to was https://tr.im/HHIpy

It's a very basic kind of class. They will help you with your dog, and show you how to work with your dog at home.

They'll also answer any questions you have about your dog's particular problems and how to handle them. The most important thing in dog training is to be consistent and work with your dog at home on the lessons. The PetSmart class teaches sit, down, come, and the very basics every dog needs to know. They will also help socialize your dog. You are unhappy with an untrained dog, and believe it or not, the dog is actually unhappy to. You need to take your dog now, as the older he gets, the harder it will be to correct your dog's bad habits. Plus the classes are fun for you and your dog. My dog went from that first PetSmart class on to advanced obedience classes. You might also contact your local humane society. The one in my area offers obedience classes with a very good trainer at a reduced price.

a large house

A farm or ranch.