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Great Dane Shopping Guide

Wednesday, January 9, 2008 |

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Great Danes are the �Gentle Giant� of the dog world � happy, easy going and comical. They are one of the tallest dogs in the world (the only breed that stands as tall is the Irish Wolfhound). Thought to be nearly 400 years old, the Great Dane developed as a formidable hunting dog able to take down boars, wolves and deer. The Harlequin Dane, white with black blotches, were often represented in art going to war beside a king or general.

As pets, they need only moderate exercise, do not require complicated grooming, and are quiet and easily entertained. They are great with children and other animals and make good watchdogs although their gentle nature means they do not have the follow through of a guard dog. Like many giant breeds, their lifespan is comparatively to smaller breeds short at less then 10 years. Health concerns include hip dysplasia, cardiac issues, and early onset arthritis.

The Dane Puppy to Adult

Dane puppies are just like any other puppy, just taller, ganglier and growing like a weed! When shopping for products for this puppy, you want to keep their eventual size in mind so you do not have to buy twice.

Feeders � consider that your Dane pup could eventually stand as high as 42� at the withers when buying dog bowls and feeders! The High Rise Mesh Dog Bowl Feeder is an excellent choice for your growing pup. The removable 3 quart bowl can be used on its own when he first comes home from the breeders at eight weeks old but within the month or two, he will appreciate the extra 18� of height the stand allows.

Danes need special consideration when purchasing a bed. Their extra long bodies and limbs need adequate support and these dogs are not as comfortable curled up � they require real estate to get comfortable! The Giant Orthopedic Dog Bed with Headrest is just what the doctor ordered. Big enough for the growing Dane and designed to keep him well supported and comfortable his whole life!

Traveling with a Great Dane takes a little forethought. They don�t fit comfortably in many compact vehicles and if they do, they are not necessarily safe. For back seat travel, the waterproof and machine washable DG DLX Pet Travel Hammock is an excellent solution to keeping your car clean while protecting your Dane with easy access to the seat belt for harnessing. If you would prefer him in the back of your SUV, the Deluxe SUV Dog Cargo Mat pads the hard floor and protects the carpet from dirt and fur. Keep him safe and contained in the back with the Pet Barrier. It is also highly advised to limit the jumping your Dane does throughout his life. Make getting into the back of your SUV more comfortable for both you and him with the Pet Step Loader � it will save your dog�s joints and your back from additional wear and tear!

In both your Dane�s puppyhood and later in life as a senior citizen, stairs can add unnecessary wear and tear on those long limbs. For outside stairs like from the porch to the backyard, the Outdoor Dog Gate is an attractive and functional addition to keeping Fido where you put him. Inside, the Lockout Dog Gate with the Height Extender will keep him from running up and down the stairs helping to keep his young body developing normally or his senior body from unnecessary damage.

The house training days can be particularly trying for a giant breed � when they have an accident on the carpet, there is substantially more pee then with a toy breed! The Pet Friendly Stain and Odor Remover Combo Pack is the perfect solution to keeping your house looking great and smelling wonderful!