Comparison To Other Breeds

How Much Do Great Danes Shed?

Most owners notice an increase in shedding during spring and fall. Because these are the periods when dogs naturally adjust their coat density to prepare for warmer and cooler weather.

Great Danes also shed daily in which old, damaged and dead hairs fall out and are replaced with new ones. And if your great dane is a senior dog, it can shed more due to slower cell regeneration and drier skin.

Causes Of Excessive Shedding In Great Danes

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

Diet plays a direct role in their skin and coat health. Great danes which are fed low quality kibble or diets lacking in essential nutrients suffer from dry hair that sheds more easily.

So to avoid their dry hair and excessive shredding you have to give them vitamins A, E and B-complex with adequate protein and zinc. And one of the most important nutrients for coat health is omega 3 fatty acids and biotin.

2. Allergies

Great Danes are prone to allergies which can lead to inflamed skin and also excessive shedding. These allergies may be:

• Environmental: Dust, pollen, mold and grass.
  
• Food related: Grains, chicken, beef or additives in commercial kibble.
  
• Contact based: Reactions to certain shampoos, detergents and fabrics.

3. Stress, Hormonal Imbalance, Medical Conditions

Dogs shed more when they feel stressed like people lose more hair when anxious. Stressors in a Great Dane’s life might include:

• Changes in the household (new pet, baby, moving)
  
• Loud noises (fireworks, thunderstorms)
  
• Boredom or separation anxiety

4. Parasites: Fleas, Ticks And Mites

External parasites are also a major cause of fur loss in dogs. If your Great Dane is constantly scratching, chewing or has irritated skin. You should check for:

• Fleas: Tiny fast moving insects that can cause flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
  
• Ticks: Can lead to hair loss and infections.
  
• Mites (mange): Can cause severe hair loss, redness and scabbing.

How To Reduce Shedding In Great Danes

1. Proper Grooming Schedule

You should brush your great danes coat 2 to 3 times per week with a bristle brush. And bathe your Great Dane with a moisture rich shampoo once a month. 

2. Best Brushes For Great Dane Coat Type

The best brushes are those that clean and massage without irritating great danes sensitive skin. Such as:

• KONG ZoomGroom
  
• Hertzko Soft Bristle Brush
  
• SleekEZ Deshedding Tool

Dealing With Shedding In Your Home

To keep your home fur free, you should use a high suction vacuum for trapping hair and allergens. Place air purifiers with HEPA filters in rooms where your dog spends the most time such as the living room or bedroom. Also wash your pet bedding weekly. Models designed for pet owners:

• Dyson Ball Animal 2
• Shark Navigator Lift Away
• Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog

The post Do Great Danes Shed? The Truth Most Owners Don’t Expect appeared first on United States Dog.

In this guide, we cover the history, temperament, appearance , food requirements and exercise needs of Corgi and Great Dane mix.

History Of Great Dane And Corgi Mix

It is a very unusual cross between Corgi and Great Dane that is done by breeders.Just  intentionally bred to combine the traits of both breeds and observe the outcome. Since it is a relatively new hybrid, it doesn’t have a long-established history. But before studying this Designer dog it is important to know basic history of Great Dane and Corgi:

Great Dane:

Great Danes are referred to as Gentle Giant because of their huge size. They are used for boar-hunting and guard dogs in germany. Great Danes are very loyal dogs. They have a huge build and are available in different colors like Fawn Great Dane, Brindlequin Great Dane, Blue Great Dane, Merle Great Dane, Harlequin Great Dane and many other colors. 

Corgi:

Full name of Corgi is Welsh Corgi. It is a small dog that originated from Wales used for herding cattle. Corgi have short legs with long bodies. Corgis are intelligent, active, and friendly dogs, and they easily adjust to families. They are available in these colors Brindle, Fawn, Black & White, brown, black & tan, Blue merle, Sable, and Tricolor.

Appearance And Characteristics 

Recognition Of Great Dane And Corgi Mix

This designer dog is not officially recognized By American Kennel Club (AKC). AKC just registered purebreds, not mixed breeds. But some mixed-breed dog registries recognized this hybrid dog, those registries are:

• Designer Breed Registry (DBR)
• International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)

Temperament Of Great Dane And Corgi Mix

The temperament of every mixed-breed dog can vary, depending on the traits inherited from each parent. In the case of corgi and great dane mix these are usually friendly, intelligent and energetic dogs. They easily get along with kids and pets and show a positive behavior towards family. 

Health Issues

As compared to other hybrid dogs, the mix of corgi and great dane also face health problems, some are inherited and some are natural. Those possible health issues are: 

• Hip and elbow Dysplasia
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (Possibility from Corgi parent)
• Bloating or Gastric Torsion (Possibility from Great Dane parent)
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Obesity 
• Skin Infections
• Cardiomyopathy
• Wobbler’s syndrome
• Von Willebrand’s Disease

Grooming Needs

Their grooming is relatively simple because of the short coat. Brush their coat 2-5 times a week  for better appearance and to maintain a healthy coat. Clean their ears once a week to help prevent infections. Bathe them only as needed, using a gentle dog shampoo.

Exercise Needs 

Exercise plays an important role in their life. As this is an odd mix but they need moderate exercise daily:

• 20-40 minutes of walk daily.
• Puzzles and other games for better mental health.
• Avoid high jumps.

Food Requirements

Food for a mix of corgi and great dane should be given according to their age and body requirements. However, we recommend the basic food should be high in protein, and must contain 7-10% fat. Always select a high quality dog food for them. Divide their daily food into 2 to 3 meals to aid digestion and reduce the risk of overeating or becoming overweight. 

Great Dane And Corgi Mix Puppy

Puppy of this designer dog is very adorable and a good option for any family to choose as a pet. Children love to play with dogs, and this helps create a strong and meaningful bond between the kids and the puppy. 

The post Great Dane And Corgi Mix : A Complete Guide appeared first on United States Dog.

Popularity  

Great danes are ranked among the biggest dog breeds. Fawn color gained popularity because it exhibits a warm and classic appearance. Great Dane Fawn colour also became famous due to social media exposure.

Appearance And Characteristics

Grooming 

Fawn Great Danes need low grooming. Use a soft brush or rubber curry brush on their coat. Other basic grooming needs like teeth brushing, bathing, and nail trimming should also be performed as per requirement.

Health Issues

Fawn great danes can face many health issues like other dog breeds. Those health issues are listed below:

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat):  This disease can decrease the lifespan of fawn great danes.
• Hip Dysplasia: Hip joint issues leading to arthritis.
• Wobbler Syndrome: This is a neurological disease that affects the spine and causes a wobbly gait .
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy: This is a heart disease which can weaken heart muscles.

Training Needs For Great Dane Fawn Colour​

Great Danes are gentle giants and intelligent dogs. Positive training is mandatory for them. Teach them good basic commands and also take them for a walk daily for a minimum 45 mins. Engaging in regular walks and runs helps keep their mind sharp and active. Play tug of war and fetch games with them.

Recognition By AKC

Great Dane Fawn colour​ is officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). This color of great dane is eligible for dog shows and also meets the breeding criteria. It is one of the 10 officially recognized colors in the Great Dane breed.

Temperament And Personality

Fawn Great danes have a good personality. They are gentle, loyal, protective and loving. These Great Danes can get along with kids as well as with other pets. Fawn Great danes can also be used as lap dogs. 

Food Requirements For Great Dane Fawn Colour​

As indicated earlier, great danes are immense and majestic dogs. So a diet with proper nutrition is very crucial for them. You can also use omega-3s which support their coat health. Approximately, they consume 6 – 10 cups of food daily. However, you can reduce their cups if they are facing bloating but must contact the vet.

Price Of Great Dane Fawn Colour​

The normal price range of Great Dane fawn colour​ is around $1100 to $2500 when you choose it from a reputable breeder. Their prices can fluctuate according to breeder reputation and dog lineage. But we have given a general idea of the price.

The post Great Dane Fawn Colour​ : Guide To The Fawn-Colored Gentle Giant appeared first on United States Dog.

Some Brindlequins can also have a blue or chocolate base coat. The inheritance of the Brindlequin coat can depend on these three genes:

• The Harlequin Gene (H)
• The Merle Gene (M)
• The Brindle Gene (K^br)

Other Variations In Brindlequin Colors

• Heavy Brindle Influence: 

This coat has prominent brindle striping with few harlequin patches.

• Strong Harlequin Influence: 

These coats are more white with scattered brindle patches.

• Mixed Mosaic Look:

This coat has a balanced mix of brindle and harlequin markings on the body.

Size 

Brindlequin Great Danes are classified as giant breed dogs. Their height and weight is as follows:

Height:

Males: 14 to 18 inches.

Females: 12 to 16 inches.

Weight:

Males: 60 to 90 pounds

Females: 40 to 80 pounds

Temperament

Brindlequin Great Danes have the same temperament as other Great Danes. There is no effect on their behavior because of their coat color and pattern. They are playful and loyal and also can bark to warn of strangers. If you will train them properly they can get along well with other dogs and even cats. As they are highly trainable.

Health Issues Of Brindlequin Great Dane

Like all Great Danes, Brindlequin Great Danes can also have health problems due to their large size and genetic background. Some common health problems in them are as follows:

1. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV)

In this condition the stomach twists and the blood supply is cut off. To avoid this you can feed them smaller meals and don’t let them exercise after meals. If this does not work then the vet may advise gastropexy surgery.

2. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

This is a genetic condition in which improper joint development happens. Joint supplements can help in avoiding this.

3. Heart Disease

In this disease the heart enlarges and reduces its efficiency. Symptoms of this disease are coughing, and difficulty in breathing. 

4. Deafness

Deafness is normally common in Harlequins but Brindlequins can also have it. So it’s better to test your puppy early.

5. Eye Issues

They can also have vision problems or blindness with time. So regular eye check ups can help to detect it early and treat it.

6. Skin Sensitivities

Brindlequin Great Danes can have dry skin, allergies, and sunburn because of their short coat. To keep them safe from these skin issues you should use a vet approved moisturizer. Also don’t take them in excessive sun.

Lifespan

7 to 10 years. 

Training 

You should begin training your puppy when he gets 8 weeks old. Discourage jumping on people because they can become dangerous when they’re full grown. Also expose them to different people, pets, and environments to build their confidence.

Exercise Guidelines by Age

Brindlequin Great Dane Puppy Feeding Schedule by Age

• 8 to 10 weeks old → 4 meals per day
• 3 to 6 months old → 3 meals per day
• 7 to 12 months old → 2 to 3 meals per day
• 1 year and older → 2 meals per day

Growth And Development Of Brindlequin Great Dane Puppy

Newborn (0-2 Weeks): They are dependent on their mother with eyes and ears closed.

2 to 4 Weeks: Their eyes open and they take their first steps.

4 to 8 Weeks: They start developing personality.

8 to 16 Weeks: Needs training.

5 to 6 Months:  Teething stage.

6 to 12 Months: They get near to adult height.

Brindlequin Great Dane Price

Brindlequin Great Danes are less common than fawn, black, or blue Danes. That’s why their price can be higher up to $6,000+ than the average price of great danes $2,000 to $4,000. As they are not available much so you may need to join a waiting list or travel to find it.

Brindlequin vs Other Great Dane Colors

The post Brindlequin Great Dane : Genetics, Health, Training & Cost appeared first on United States Dog.

Choosing a right collar for a Great Dane is necessary to make them comfortable and safe. When you go to the market you become puzzled about choosing a right collar for your Great Dane.

In this article, we will explain about types of great dane collars and materials used for collars. We will also suggest some best quality colors for Great Danes.

Types Of Collars For Great Danes

Following are the suitable collars for great danes:

Flat Collars

Flat collars are the basic ones. These collars are made up of leather, nylon and some other materials which makes these collars more durable.

Pros:

Easily available 

Comfortable collars

Flat collars are available in many sizes and designs

Cons:

Not good for pulling at training time

Provide less control

Martingale Collars

Martingale Collars are also called limited-slip collars. Nylon is mostly used in Martingale Collars.

Pros:

Provides good control

Good to use at training time

Cons:

If they are not fitted properly then they can be risky

Padded Collars

Padded collars are durable and comfortable.

Pros:

Good for dogs with sensitive skin

Adjustable according to neck size of dogs

Cons:

Great danes feel bulky after wearing Padded Collars

Require regular cleaning

Head Collars

Head collars cover both the nose and neck.

Pros:

Perfect for strong pullers

Dont cause pain

Cons:

Can’t wear all day cause irritation

How To Choose The Right Collar For Your Great Dane?

You can choose the right collar for your great dane on the behalf of their neck size by measuring it. Always go for a collar made up of good quality. Collar should be durable and provide safety to your great dane. Because bad quality collars increase the risk of injury.

Top 3 Best Great Dane Collars 

On the base of our knowledge and experience with our dogs these are the 3 best collars for great danes:

1. EzyDog Neo Classic Wide Dog Collar
2. Black Rhino Comfort Collar
3. PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar

The post Great Dane Collars​ : Top 3 Best Collars In 2025 appeared first on United States Dog.

Merle Great Dane is a stunning variation of the Great Dane breed, recognized for its unique merle-patterned coat. Great Danes have a powerful and pleasant temperament. People often call them the gentle giants of the dog world. Breeders first bred them for hunting, but now they cherish them as beloved family companions.

Physical Traits

Coat Patterns And Color Variations Merle Great Dane

The Merle coat in Great Danes is categorized by asymmetrical black/ dark grey spots on a light grey/off-white background. A specific gene causes this pattern, the Merle (M) gene, which is responsible for the marbled effect. Every Merle Great Dane acquires a unique coat pattern, making no two dogs look identical.

Genetically, each Great Dane with a Merle coat contains one copy of the (Mm) Merle gene. However, if a dog inherits two copies of this gene (MM), it becomes what’s known as a double merle, which can result in significant health risks such as hearing and vision impairments. This underscores the crucial importance of responsible breeding when the merle gene is present in a Great Dane’s lineage.

There are several recognized merle variations based on genetic combinations:

• Merle: With grey and black spots.
• Blue Merle: A stunning variation with a bluish-grey base instead of the standard grey with black or dark grey spots.
• Merle Mantle: A combination of the Merle and mantle coat.
• Merlequin: Often confused with harlequin, merlequin Great Danes have a white base with merle-patterned patches, making them visually striking but not recognized by the AKC for show purposes.
• Fawn Merles have brown colouring with Merle or grey spots. Don’t get confused with Fawn Harlequins, which have a white base coat with brown spots.
• Chocolate merles are similar to fawn merles in that they have a tan/brown coat. Yet they have chocolate / red irregular spots all over.
• Brindle Merles have a more distinct pattern, combining the traditional Brindle and Merle patterns. The Brindle pattern features multi-coloured stripes.

Suitability For families, Children And Other Pets

Merle Great Danes may be the best choice if you’re trying to have family pets. Their kind and loving natures contribute to this statement. They are excellent at developing strong bonds with their owners. 

However, this comes with the drawback of requiring ample space at home. Simply put, they are not suitable for small places like apartments, so to accommodate your Merle Great Dane, prepare a good yard for them to play in. Training your Dane can make your life easier. They may get a bit violent while on walks or out playing due to their size. 

But with proper taming, your Merle Great Dane will be aware of the boundaries and be easier to control. Fortunately, this breed tends to stay calm and usually doesn’t cause many issues, except they might drag you around if you haven’t trained them well.

Common Health Issues In Merle Great Danes

Grooming And Care

Merle Great Danes require minimal grooming effort. Due to their short coat, brushing once or twice weekly to remove loose hair will be enough to maintain their smooth appearance. Try bathing them after 4 or 6 weeks. It will be adequate to keep their skin healthy.

Use hypoallergenic shampoos to prevent irritation. Repeated ear cleaning and nail trimming are vital for maintaining overall hygiene and well being.

Grooming Checklist For Merle Great Danes

Weekly brushing to reduce shedding.

Bathing every 4-6 weeks.

Regular ear cleaning to prevent infections.

Nail trimming every 3-4 weeks.

Favourite Activities Merle Great Dane

• Gentle games of fetch.
• Leisurely walks or hikes.
• Puzzle toys to engage their intelligence.
• Chew toys to promote dental health.
• Short rounds for running or strolls to maintain fitness

The Recommended Diet For Merle Great Dane

Merle Great Danes need a careful diet as they are prone to many of the diseases discussed earlier. For instance, Puppies diets should be filled with 26% protein and adequate fat to boost their growth. 

On the other hand, adults’ diets should contain 18-20% protein to support muscle without overburdening their joints. It’s essential to feed them high-quality, balanced meals and avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate joint issues.

It is advised to feed them smaller yet frequent portions of meals. This is done mainly to reduce the risk of bloating/gastric torsion. You can add Supplements like glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain joint health and glossy coats.

Pros And Cons Of Having Merle Great Dane

Final Words

Understanding the genetics of Merle colouring in Great Danes is not only an interesting topic but a very important consideration for anyone considering owning or breeding these beautiful dog’s breed. 

The merle gene, which creates the unique mottled coat pattern, has the potential to affect the appearance and health of the dogs significantly. 

Careful breeding techniques, including genetic testing and awareness of the gen animal’s overall health & wellbeing, ensures that Merle Great Danes will not suffer from any related health issues, like hearing or visual impairments etc. 

By prioritizing the dog’s physical health and general formation, breeders can be helpful to assist in making this dog’s breed longer living and more lively while proudly showcasing their distinct and unforgettable coats.

The post Merle Great Dane : Characteristics & Behavior appeared first on United States Dog.

These splotches are distributed unevenly across the body. They are similar to silver merles. In 2019 American Kennel Club (AKC) formally recognized merle as a standard color for Great Danes. 

Blue Merle is not officially recognized by all kennel clubs yet. But it continues to grow in popularity among dog lovers for its marbled appearance. If we talk about eyes in Blue Merles, they can be brown, amber or blue.

Health Issues

Merle coated and Blue Merles have irregular patches of pigmentation on their skin and coat. These areas are more susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Also in dogs with thin coats and exposed pink skin around the nose, ears or belly.

So Blue Merles are at higher risk of sunburn. In rare cases also skin cancer occurs in summer months. Preventive care for this is to apply dog safe sunscreen to sensitive areas. Or use protective clothing and shaded outdoor spaces.

Another concern specific to Blue Merles is Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA). It is a genetic condition which affects dogs with dilute coat colors like blue and fawn. In this hair thinning and bald patches happens and it starts around 6 months to 3 years of age.

But not all Blue Merle Great Danes will have CDA. And it is not life threatening but frustrating. So you have to avoid excessive bathing of your dog and use moisturizing shampoos. We think there is no proper cure for CDA but vets can transplant hairs maybe.

Diet And Exercise

Blue Merles benefit from a diet formulated for large or giant breed dogs. These formulas are balanced to promote slow growth and reduce the risk of issues such as hip dysplasia and panosteitis.

So controlled calcium and phosphorus levels. Moderate protein and fat, omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids (for coat health). And joint supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin are needed. For exercise they can walk, swim or light jogging daily for 30 to 60 minutes.

Temperament Of Blue Merle Great Dane

Blue Merles are highly intelligent and emotionally expressive. And can do best in households where they receive consistent attention, gentle training, and daily interaction. They can also be good with other dogs if raised alongside them.

Also good with childrens but supervision is key if the kids are younger. These dogs are indoor dogs. But tiny apartments are a poor match because of their size. And also their lean bodies make them sensitive to cold weather. 

So they require indoor warmth in the winter and shaded areas in summer. Moreover this is a dog which can easily top 140+ pounds and still want to curl up in your lap.

Misconceptions Of Blue Merle Great Dane

One of the common misconceptions about Blue Merle Great Danes is that they are extremely rare and difficult to breed. And some also mistakenly believe that Blue Merle Danes are less trainable.

Price

So if you want to buy a blue merle great dane, you can expect to pay between $1,500 to $3,500+.

The post Blue Merle Great Dane: Traits, Health, Temperament & Price Guide appeared first on United States Dog.

Great Dane Golden is also a friendly and active dog due to inherited traits. This mix breed is gaining popularity in recent years because of its astonishing look. 

In this article, we cover the history, characteristics, health issues, grooming, and more about the mix of Great Dane and Golden Retriever.

History And Origin

Before learning about the Great Dane Golden, it’s important to understand the parent breeds.

Great Dane History

The Great Dane is a giant dog which was developed 400 years ago in Germany. They are also known as gentle giants. Great Dane is an offspring that comes from the cross of Irish Wolfhounds and English Mastiffs. 

The main purpose of the Great Dane was to be used as a hunting dog. In 1876, it became the national dog of germany. In Germany they are known as Deutsche Dogge. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized this breed in 1887. 

Golden Retriever History

Golden Retriever comes from Scotland in the 1800s. A Scottish politician Sir Dudley Marjoribanks developed this breed. Golden Retriever is an offspring that comes from the cross of Tweed Water Spaniel and a Flat-coated Retriever.

This dog is primarily developed for hunting in land and water. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized this breed in 1925. Today, Golden Retrievers are famous family pets because of their loving and friendly nature.

Origin Of The Great Dane Golden Retriever Mix

The exact origin of the Great Dane Golden is not known, but they have been gaining popularity in recent years.

Characteristics

Recognition And Breed Status

Some major kennel clubs like American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC) do not recognize Great Dane Golden Retriever Mix. Reason is that this breed is not a purebred, it is a hybrid breed. Great Dane Golden is only recognized by hybrid dog registries.

Health Issues

This hybrid breed can face these health issues:

Raising A Great Dane Golden Retriever Mix Puppy

When Raising a Great Dane Mix Golden Retriever Puppy needs proper attention. Give a healthy diet which enhances the growth of a puppy. Give them basic training to teach good habits. Take them to various environments. Puppies may often require more care. They also need weekly vet checkups. 

Grooming Of A Great Dane Mix Golden Retriever​

This mix requires basic grooming. Some of them are given below

• Brushing: Brush them daily to reduce shedding. Brushing also maintains coat health. 
• Bathing: During bathing always use a good quality shampoo to prevent skin irritation.
• Nail Trimming: Trim their nails after every 3 weeks.
• Ear Cleaning: Clean their ears after 2 weeks to prevent infections and wax in ears.
  

Temperament

Great dane mix golden retriever​ is a friendly and loving dog. This mix is not overaggressive. They can easily get along with families, kids and other pets. This hybrid breed makes strong bonding with owners in very less time. 

Training Of A Great Dane Mix Golden Retriever

Great Dane Golden Retriever mix is a very trainable dog. This dog has vast learning skills. The best time to start training your Great Dane Golden is as soon as you bring him home. But you need to follow these training methods : 

• Teach them basic commands.
• Start with obedience training.
• Always show positive behavior.
• Avoid harsh training.
• Take them for a walk or running daily.

Food Requirements

Always give a balanced diet to the Great Dane Golden Retriever mix. Balanced diet will maintain energy levels and health. Estimated cost of their monthly food is $80 to $100.

Keep these points in your mind:

• Include high protein food items like fish, meat and chicken etc.
• Use high quality dog food from good brands.
• Don’t use low quality food.
• Use a food with balanced fats and carbs.

Feeding Guide

Price And Availability 

Price of a great dane mix golden retriever​ is around $1200 to $2000. However, this is not a fixed price. Mostly, the price depends on the breeder’s reputation. A good breeder who follows ethical practices of breeding always demands higher. 

Boulder Oaks Kennel breeds both Golden Retrievers and Great Danes. You can contact them to inquire about the availability of a Great Dane and Golden Retriever mix.

Reasons To Get A Great Dane Golden Retriever Mix

There are 3 main reasons to buy a Great Dane Golden:

1. Excellent family dog
2. Intelligent and easy to train
3. Good with Other Pets

Great Dane Golden Retriever Mix Black

Great Dane Golden Retriever Mix Black is very rare and difficult to find. They have a black coat. Mostly, their full body is black but sometimes there are some white markings on their body. They have the same temperament as other Great Dane Golden. 

FAQs

Do Great Dane Golden Retriever Mixes Shed A Lot?

Answer: No, They are moderate shredders. 

Can Great Dane Golden Retriever Mixes Live In Apartments?

Answer: They are big dogs, so due to their large size they cannot adjust easily in apartments.

The post Great Dane Mix Golden Retriever : A Perfect Mix! appeared first on United States Dog.

In ancient times ear cropping in Great Danes helped prevent injuries during hunts. Because floppy ears are more vulnerable to being torn or damaged. People also used them as guard dogs because they believed that upright ears enhance the dog’s hearing.

Some dog shows and competitions prefer cropped ears because people find them desirable. Some owners believe that cropped ears give their dog a majestic look. 

Ear Cropping Procedure

A licensed veterinarian performs the ear cropping surgery under general anesthesia. The veterinarian will make lines on the ear to know the desired shape and length you wanted. And then he will remove a portion of the ear flap. But he will leave enough cartilage to make the ears stand upright.

The edges of the ear will be sutured. After it the ears are taped and shaped for some weeks to maintain the upright position. It can take 6 to 8 weeks for the ears to heal completely.

During the healing time, you should clean the ears and monitor them for signs of infection. The vet will prescribe antibiotics which will help in proper healing.

Great Dane Cropped Ears Cost

The cost of ear cropping for Great Danes depends on the veterinarian’s experience and location also. On average you can expect to pay between $300 to $800. According to us this cost covers surgery, anesthesia, pain medications, and follow-up visits for taping and check-ups.

Great Dane Ear Cropping Styles

Four ear cropping styles are as follows:

1. Show Crop:

It is the longest ear style which gives the ears tall appearance and is suitable for dog shows.

2. Medium Crop:

This style looks balanced and ears are less longer than show crop in this style.

3. Short Crop (Military Crop):

This short crop style has a bold look for the dog. This style requires less taping and is also easier to maintain.

4. Battle Crop:

This style is rarely used today because it’s very short and not as popular as others.

Pros and Cons of Cropping Great Dane Ears

Pros

1. Cropped ears give Great Danes an amazing look.

2. Upright ears improve air circulation.

3. Reduce moisture buildup.

Cons

1. It involves pain during surgery and recovery.

2. They require careful care otherwise there can be infection.

3. Many animal welfare organizations and veterinarians view it as an unnecessary thing.

Countries And Provinces Where Ear Cropping is Banned

• Germany
• The UK 
• France 
• The Netherlands
• Australia 
• New Zealand
• Newfoundland and Labrador

Cropped vs Natural Ears Look

Cropped ears give Great Danes a muscular look and their head shape looks alert. While natural ears look soft which shows great danes expressions are calm and are more approachable dogs.

Also Read: Best Food For Great Dane Puppy

The post Great Dane Cropped Ears : Procedure, Costs, Styles, and Pros & Cons appeared first on United States Dog.

Weight of great dane is around 100 – 180 pounds and their height is between 30 – 34 inches. Because of their big size they need a large house so they can easily adjust. 

Features To Look For In A Great Dane Dog House

These are some feature you must look before buying great dane house:

Size And Dimensions

Always choose a house which has enough space. So, a great dane can easily stand and lay down. Their basic house should be 44 inches tall and 36 inches wide.

Material

• Wood: House made up of wood is durable and provides insulation.
• Plastic: These houses are portable and easy to clean.
• Metal: Metal houses are strong but not good for insulation.

Insulation And Ventilation

Always choose an insulated house that provides good ventilation. This is helpful in controlling the house temperature. Insulation keeps temperature cool in summers and keeps temperature warm in winters. 

Custom-Built Vs Ready-Made Dog Houses

Here is the difference table between custom and ready-made dog house: 

Price Of Great Dane House:

Price of a great dane dog house depends on my factors such as material, quality, features and design. However, the standard price ranges from $50 to $2500. Mostly custom built houses are expensive. 

The post Great Dane Dog House – Top Features, Sizes & Prices appeared first on United States Dog.