Customer Reviews

Great Danes

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3 star:		(3)
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I like this book to loan people who are considering getting a dane, as well as keeping a copy for myself. I think it explains how wonderful they truly are, but also explains the responsibilities of owning this breed. In many ways, they're more like an exotic pet and do have special care requirements, which he explains. He tells of the ups and the downs and makes you realize that your life won't be the same and you must be sure that this is what you want. Of the two people I've loaned my spare copy to, one got a dane and adored it & another decided against it. And I have another person who wants to borrow it, as they're considering a dane. Very helpful to a new or prospective dane owner. Also has many beautiful, naturally-taken dane pictures throughout.

I purchased a great dane and really was looking for something breed specific to find information to help me to care for my dane correctly. It answered my questions very well and in easy to read and understand language. A must for any first-time dane owner. Many beautiful Dane pictures. And very economically priced.

From the first sentence of the boook, there is a recurring theme that "Giant Dogs bring Giant Responsibilities." While this is certainly good advice, it was repeated so often throughout the book that I got the impression that the author was trying to discourage readers from getting a Great Dane. He spent a lot of time discussing health issues (always the problems the dog can get)but little time discussing what to do about them. AFter reading the book, it is enough to make a prospective owner consider opting for another breed. If you read the book, balance it with information from another Great Dane book, as this one is biased against new owners.

This was an ok Dane book. I bought Great Dane: Model of Nobility and that is the best book for anyone wanting to know about Great Danes. It gives all the info you could ever want. It is out of print, but you can get it from a marketplace vendor or you can go to the author's dane website. Just google Jill Swedlow and you will find it. She has where you can print it out for free off of her site.

For a potential Great Dane owner like myself, I found this book very informative. It gives you information on where to search for your new puppy to what to look for if you are looking for either a show or non-show dog. Tells you what to expect in the beginning years and all the other nuances of being a brand new dog owner.It opened up my eyes and has me doing even greater research to prepare me for the cost and responsibilities of owning one of these big majestic dogs.

I read this book in an afternoon, but could use it frequently for reference. Great for those considering a Dane. Author presents a well-rounded book about care of Danes as well as promoting the larger-than-life responsibilities that go with owning a Dane.
I thought the author did a great job describing the nature of a Dane and the essential need for training a breed this size.
Overall, good book for new owners and good refresher for anyone who hasn't owned a dog in a while.

I have my fair share of Boxer, Schnauzer and even Irish Wolfhound experience, but none with Great Danes. (Known as Grand Danois here in Sweden.) Perhaps it's just as good that I don't. I couldn't stand that Boxer, and the Great Dane somehow reminds me of a Boxer - except that it's much, much larger!

The two most famous Great Danes are both cartoon characters: Scooby-Doo and Marmaduke. The cursed hellhound in "Hound of the Baskervilles" is also a Great Dane, at least in the movie and TV adaptations. But what are real Great Danes like?

According to Joe Stahlkuppe, the "real" Grand Danois is a calm, well disposed and even sensitive dog. Like Scooby, they can be clownish and fun-loving. However, Great Danes are suspicious of strangers and can be trained to become guard dogs, or even aggressive attack dogs. The latter option, however, is not really in keeping with the dog's authentic character. The author of this book angrily suggests that maladapted dog owners who turn their Great Danes into vicious aggressors need therapy. A more serious piece of advice is to get a Rottweiler or Doberman - breeds better adapted for aggressive defence.

A well trained and well behaved Great Dane should be a great family pet, get along with both children and other dogs in the household, while nevertheless guarding the property against intruders. This dog is big enough to physically make an adult male fall over, and probably sit on him, too, until the police arrives!

"Great Danes" is a great (!) introduction to this particular breed. The book is directed at people who never had a dog or Great Dane before, and gives an overview of both obedience training, where to buy a Great Dane puppy, health problems, food issues, and - more than once - warnings not to turn your Dane into a monster. More humorous problems, at least to an outsider, includes the dog's "leaning" behaviour, a sign of affection that can be problematic if an adult Dane leans on a little old lady, child or even you. Letting the pup sleep in your bed is another no-no, since the adult dog might not want to break the habit. The wagging tail of a Great Dane can knock down a toddler or destroy your china. And so on...

The colour photos of Great Danes in this book are excellent, including several of the black variety, which does indeed look like a hellhound. I would think twice before entering a yard with two of *those* hanging around. Another variety is the Harlequin, which looks like an over-sized Dalmatian (it would have made Cruella De Vil more well-behaved). The funniest photo shows a Great Dane with a zebra-striped toy bone. The toy bone is large enough to be used as a weapon, in case your dog flunks!

OK, I admit I'm somewhat sceptical to the idea of a jumbo-sized Boxer. I wouldn't feel safe around a muscular doggie larger than myself. Something Big Slick Fido would probably spot, and then things would go downhill from there.

But that's me. ;-)

If you like dogs, and want to upsize, this little book might be a good way to start.

I got this book since we are adopting a Great Dane from a rescue. The information in the book is a little too basic for my tastes. As Great Danes has special feeding requirements and are subject to a lot of diseases (all deep-chested dogs are) I could have used more information. This is okay to give a kid or teenager to read or someone who wants a general idea about Danes, but I will be getting a more in-depth book before I get my Dane.

Service is great and the book arrived in new condition. Its a great resource for people willing to have a great dane puppy.