Our beautiful Great Dane, Maggie, has been with us for a little over a month now. She’s just turned 12-weeks-old, and Maggie is honestly the biggest sweetheart (even though at times she drives me mad). So, I thought I’d share some of the ups and downs of what it’s like being a puppy parent to this adorable, enormous breed.
So Much Growing.
Well, duh. The Great Dane is the largest breed of dog in the world. The first thing people always say when they see her is, “Look at those paws!”, or, “She’s how old?”. These two photos are only taken four weeks apart, crazy right? At the moment, Magz puts on an average of around 2kgs a week and eats about six cups of food a day—and those numbers will continue to increase until she’s around 12-months-old. Adult female Danes weigh anywhere from 45kgs-65kgs, can stand up to 81cm tall, and aren’t fully mature until they’re two-years-old, so our girl still has a lot of growing to do!
So Many Puppy Naps.
Because of her crazy growth rate, Magz sleeps a lot. Obviously all puppies sleep heaps, but Dane pups get tired really easily because their bodies are working hard to get all that growin’ done. Twenty minutes of play could mean a three hour nap for Maggie. She also sleep-barks—it’s frickin’ cute.
So Much Sass.
I can’t say this is true for all Danes, but Maggie is super sassy. She knows what ‘no’ means, and she does not like being told off. Like, she will argue back with a series of growly-barks, as if she’s trying to justify why she was on the couch (she’s not allowed on any furniture). To be honest, I kind of love her sassy nature. It’s so hard not to laugh when I hear her and my husband arguing in the next room. I think, “Don’t talk back”, is his new catch phrase.
So Much Poop.
Like, ten a day. So. Much. Poop. This morning I picked up three before 9AM, how is that even possible?
So Many Cuddles.
Danes are super sociable as a breed, and Maggie just loves to cuddle. She absolutely adores people; she’ll greet anyone that comes to our door with a wagging tail and will happily let strangers pet her. If you sit on her bed, or even just on the floor, she’ll plonk herself down next to (or on top of) you and snuggle in. It’s utterly endearing, and the cure for even a hint of human sadness.
So Much Shadowing.
Maggie is like my little shadow. If I get up to grab a drink, she’s sitting at my feet in the kitchen. If I’m in the bathroom, she’s laying by the door. She’s absolutely a Velcro Dog (and I love it). Surprisingly, her separation anxiety isn’t too bad. Most puppies will experience separation anxiety, but Great Dane puppies are particularly affected because they’re so people oriented. When we first got her, I’d hear her crying from the street as I drove away (it broke my heart, guys), but now she’s used to being left alone and doesn’t whimper at all when I leave the house—what a little champ.
So Much Laziness.
Thank goodness, right? Part of the reason we were so interested in getting a Great Dane is because of their lazy, chilled nature. Maggie is rarely hyper, and even when she is, her crazy mood doesn’t last long. When she isn’t sleeping, she’s more than happy to just lay down wherever the people are. But . . . when she is crazy and bitey and jumping on me and absolutely annihilating my curtains, part of me is like, Okay, how can I return you? Where is the nearest pound? But, that’s okay, right? You’ve thought that about your dog at some point . . . Yeah?
Maggie graduated puppy school. She obviously cannot contain her excitement . . .
So Much Training.
Some people say Danes are intelligent and easy to train, but mostly what I read and hear is that they’re of average intelligence. That’s not to say they’re dumb, but training just takes a little more patience and persistence. That’s what we’ve found with Maggie, anyway. She nailed ‘sit’ in a day, but ‘down’ took almost three weeks, and even now she kind of only does it when she wants to. ‘Roll over’? You’re having a laugh, mate. She knows ‘come’ and ‘wait’, but only does them when she wants to (it’s super annoying). And sometimes I say a command and she just gives me the sassy-argue-bark, and I’m like, I will choke slam you (I would never do that and do not endorse violence against animals, but sometimes I think it. Don’t judge me.)
So Much Love.
Maggie is literally all I think about when I’m not at home. Like, What is she doing? Is she safe? Is she warm? Is she having fun? Did she get the treat out of the Kong? I hope she did, she really deserves it. She’s so cute. I miss her.
I show people pictures of her when they are clearly not interested and haven’t asked to see them. Sorry, but you will admire my dog and listen as I tell you about her. Maggie is a dream. She’s well behaved (most of the time), friendly, gentle, loving and goofy. I never thought I’d be so obsessed with her. A few days ago my husband said, “I knew I’d love having a dog but I never thought I’d love her this much,” and I completely agree.
About Ashleigh Elizabeth
Ashleigh is one of our regular writers and Her Happy Heart's resident artist. You can get to know her over at our "About Us" page!
Ash, I Love this post, it made me laugh so much. My parents have had four Great Danes, and I totally agree with that comment about sass! We call them the Primadonnas of dogs. I think it’s because they are so big, they think they are human. Maggie looks gorgeous and so much fun xx
What a great post! I have a 7 month old Great Dane. His name is Patton and at 92 lbs and sounds much like Maggie. He knows commands but sometimes gives me the look.. like yeah right… but so lovable and definitely a Velcro dog! It’s the passing gas that gets me though. Yuck! Unfortunately we started and rule and he does get on the furniture and sleeps in our bed. Thank God it is king size
I have a Great Dane puppy, Izzy, that is only a couple weeks older than your pup. I can relate to so many of these things! Such an amazing breed of dog!!
Oh my gosh! We just got a Great Dane pup 2 weeks ago, he’s now 13 weeks. I’m nodding my head to EVERYTHING as I read this. I told him ‘No’ this morning for trying to use me as a chew toy and then listened to about a minute of arguing! But he’s such a lover when he’s not trying to chew on me. Such a cool breed!
Great post. My Denali is just over 9 months now. She is an odd one out. Lots of energy ALL day, stubborn, and loves finding where I’m going to sit and get there first (I have to squeeze in). You’re “little one” will be a big one soon. Mine is already 120 but has lots of ribs like I never feed her
Enjoy your baby….so much fun to come
Love the breed, we have two right now, Jaxson, harlequin is 5yrs old and Bo, mantle, who is 2yrs old, they are #5 and #6 for us. Only breed we will have. Sadly they don’t have a long life expectancy with the hip dysplasia, but they are truly the best breed of dog! Good Luck with your pup!
Hi Jul, I have a 23 week old Great Dane, and Lily is everything everyone has else has said, sasses ALL the time. Anyway, my point, you mentioned hip dysplasia, I’ve been reading as I was planning on getting her spayed at the end of November. Since then I have changed my view, from everything I have read; dogs who at 43 pounds at adult weight and larger (we all know most Danes are triple that weight) should NOT be spayed or neutered until they are at full adult weight and growth. It was a study done by UC Davis and in Today’s Veterinary Business (August 14, 2020) it makes me think that would be useful information for those who plan on getting their Danes neutered or spayed.
Madoosa (medusa) my great dane, who I have loved and mothered since she was 9 weeks old, and now after 10 yrs she went to sleep for the last time just over a week ago now. She was exactly like what you say. Shes velcro, ok on there own, lazy as all hell, chooses when to follow any command that she knows…. but so gentle that you cant help but shrug your shoulders and laugh when they just wont do their commands. So gentle and as they get a little older they are so calm and loving that commands besides stop or wait and sit seem to be irrelevant for great danes almost.
However they are not the largest breed of dog in the world. Irish wolfhound is the largest and they are taller and a bit longer then great danes but have the best ugliest shaggy hair, I love them! Anyways be patient when it comes to house accidents, the body speeds all its energy growing in hieght as a puppy that there organs actually dont keep up till they reach there full hieght. Then there body spends its energy growing all the organs inside.
Be very careful that he/she does not do anything for a while after otherwise it can cause serious health problems, like the kind that can kill them. I believe it is called bloat but I dont remember what exactly the term is for this problem that they do have. It’s best to have nap time after eating. Also pumpkin puree helps with diarrhea, nausea, and they love it on it’s own or mixed in with there food. Also raw chicken drumsticks with the bone in is a wonderful and healthy treat for them. As its raw the bone will not splinter like chicken bones do when cooked and they can eat raw meat as they do in the wild. It does wonders for there fur and helps them maintain a healthy weight if you are ever having issues with them keeping a healthy weight on.
Enjoy your puppy because 10 yrs does go to fast and all you’ll want is your puppy back. That’s all I wanted, was to have my madoosa back. Spent a good amount if years researching and talking with vets and others from the great dane society for any help or ideas or just to talk about them.
When my heart doesnot hurt so much i will be looking for my new great dane puppy.
I am so sorry for your loss! Our dog babies are so special, which makes it so hard when we have to say goodbye 🙁
Thank you for these additional tips! I’ll be sure to make sure Ash sees them. Maggie is a few years old now – that little pup is a big girl now!
I know the feeling on some of the comments. My GD Girl passed away a few years ago but I miss her so much. My husband got me early birthday present and adopted a 6mnth old GD Girl. But as soon as she met our son of almost 4years, I lost my present. You cant believe the love she has for that little boy. Oohhh and she does take chanses and try to get on the bed or couch with him. She looks a lot like Maggie. We named her Dinky like Dinky the GD on Youtube, my son loves those videos.
I have a 3 month old female Great dane. now she has to sit on my other dogs head all the time. Sometimes she straddles her and sits on her that way. Will she stop that. It’s cute to see
I love reading all these comments because I’m about to pick my Great Dane puppy next week! We are so excited for him to be here and for all the snuggles lol not so much the poop but that comes with the snuggles lol
Ash, I Love this post, it made me laugh so much. My parents have had four Great Danes, and I totally agree with that comment about sass! We call them the Primadonnas of dogs. I think it’s because they are so big, they think they are human. Maggie looks gorgeous and so much fun xx
Thanks Jodie! She certainly is a lot of fun!
What a great post! I have a 7 month old Great Dane. His name is Patton and at 92 lbs and sounds much like Maggie. He knows commands but sometimes gives me the look.. like yeah right… but so lovable and definitely a Velcro dog! It’s the passing gas that gets me though. Yuck! Unfortunately we started and rule and he does get on the furniture and sleeps in our bed. Thank God it is king size
I have a Great Dane puppy, Izzy, that is only a couple weeks older than your pup. I can relate to so many of these things! Such an amazing breed of dog!!
Oh my gosh! We just got a Great Dane pup 2 weeks ago, he’s now 13 weeks. I’m nodding my head to EVERYTHING as I read this. I told him ‘No’ this morning for trying to use me as a chew toy and then listened to about a minute of arguing! But he’s such a lover when he’s not trying to chew on me. Such a cool breed!
Ahhh that’s great Kris! They are such beautiful dogs. Enjoy that gorgeous boy 🙂 he sounds awesome already!
Great post. My Denali is just over 9 months now. She is an odd one out. Lots of energy ALL day, stubborn, and loves finding where I’m going to sit and get there first (I have to squeeze in). You’re “little one” will be a big one soon. Mine is already 120 but has lots of ribs like I never feed her
Enjoy your baby….so much fun to come
Love the breed, we have two right now, Jaxson, harlequin is 5yrs old and Bo, mantle, who is 2yrs old, they are #5 and #6 for us. Only breed we will have. Sadly they don’t have a long life expectancy with the hip dysplasia, but they are truly the best breed of dog! Good Luck with your pup!
Hi Jul, I have a 23 week old Great Dane, and Lily is everything everyone has else has said, sasses ALL the time. Anyway, my point, you mentioned hip dysplasia, I’ve been reading as I was planning on getting her spayed at the end of November. Since then I have changed my view, from everything I have read; dogs who at 43 pounds at adult weight and larger (we all know most Danes are triple that weight) should NOT be spayed or neutered until they are at full adult weight and growth. It was a study done by UC Davis and in Today’s Veterinary Business (August 14, 2020) it makes me think that would be useful information for those who plan on getting their Danes neutered or spayed.
Awww love their names! Harlequin danes are so gorgeous too!
Madoosa (medusa) my great dane, who I have loved and mothered since she was 9 weeks old, and now after 10 yrs she went to sleep for the last time just over a week ago now. She was exactly like what you say. Shes velcro, ok on there own, lazy as all hell, chooses when to follow any command that she knows…. but so gentle that you cant help but shrug your shoulders and laugh when they just wont do their commands. So gentle and as they get a little older they are so calm and loving that commands besides stop or wait and sit seem to be irrelevant for great danes almost.
However they are not the largest breed of dog in the world. Irish wolfhound is the largest and they are taller and a bit longer then great danes but have the best ugliest shaggy hair, I love them! Anyways be patient when it comes to house accidents, the body speeds all its energy growing in hieght as a puppy that there organs actually dont keep up till they reach there full hieght. Then there body spends its energy growing all the organs inside.
Be very careful that he/she does not do anything for a while after otherwise it can cause serious health problems, like the kind that can kill them. I believe it is called bloat but I dont remember what exactly the term is for this problem that they do have. It’s best to have nap time after eating. Also pumpkin puree helps with diarrhea, nausea, and they love it on it’s own or mixed in with there food. Also raw chicken drumsticks with the bone in is a wonderful and healthy treat for them. As its raw the bone will not splinter like chicken bones do when cooked and they can eat raw meat as they do in the wild. It does wonders for there fur and helps them maintain a healthy weight if you are ever having issues with them keeping a healthy weight on.
Enjoy your puppy because 10 yrs does go to fast and all you’ll want is your puppy back. That’s all I wanted, was to have my madoosa back. Spent a good amount if years researching and talking with vets and others from the great dane society for any help or ideas or just to talk about them.
When my heart doesnot hurt so much i will be looking for my new great dane puppy.
I am so sorry for your loss! Our dog babies are so special, which makes it so hard when we have to say goodbye 🙁
Thank you for these additional tips! I’ll be sure to make sure Ash sees them. Maggie is a few years old now – that little pup is a big girl now!
I know the feeling on some of the comments. My GD Girl passed away a few years ago but I miss her so much. My husband got me early birthday present and adopted a 6mnth old GD Girl. But as soon as she met our son of almost 4years, I lost my present. You cant believe the love she has for that little boy. Oohhh and she does take chanses and try to get on the bed or couch with him. She looks a lot like Maggie. We named her Dinky like Dinky the GD on Youtube, my son loves those videos.
There is something SO SPECIAL about the bond between dogs and kids!
I have a 3 month old female Great dane. now she has to sit on my other dogs head all the time. Sometimes she straddles her and sits on her that way. Will she stop that. It’s cute to see
I love reading all these comments because I’m about to pick my Great Dane puppy next week! We are so excited for him to be here and for all the snuggles lol not so much the poop but that comes with the snuggles lol