[MadRiverTurtle]

My S/O and I are thinking of finally getting a dog. I grew up with dogs whereas he's never really owned any pets. My cat is technically his first experience caring for an animal and he absolutely loves her and is great with animals.

Now, I don't think he really understands what he's getting into if we get a dog. Granted I've never owned my own dog but my family always had at least 1 or 2 dogs throughout the first 20 years of my life. What I know of owning a dog is that it's more of commitment than a cat. They have to go out to go potty, a cat has a box. You can leave a cat alone for a few days, the dog a few hours. I think we can do handle all that as we're homebodies.

I suppose what I'm asking is for any tips or info about what to expect and be prepared for. The impression I get is that it's the closest thing to having a baby. Or does that sound silly? He thinks I'm taking it too far.

One question I have in particular concerns housing issues. Should you own your own house? Would a breeder turn you down if you rent? And yes, I know rescues are just as awesome as pure breds but we know we don't want to take that route.

And the compromise we came up with the breed is a Great Dane. I want a Newfie but he doesn't like them. He wants a chihuahua but that's a big 'hell no' from me. I can't have anything under 50 lbs. Big breeds only.

[mooniegoogoo]

Lots of space for that great dane, thats for sure. No I dont think a breeder would turn you down for being a renter, but they may ask about space for that doggie.

[huenemegirl]

I have two dogs and yes your life will change 4 sure, no doubt! your time will now revlove around that dogs needs and wants and opps did i do that looks! :)the puppy part will be trying at times but well worth it . hang in there :)if u are homebodies you guys will ajust just fine no worries . have fun with it. it will bring many laughs,and a friendship like no other. you'll find they get you out a little more too, park, walk , beach just to see them have fun , is rewarding all by its self.( kina home body too:).) good luck i hope you enjoy it as muh as i have !!!peace

[rix]

Puppies chew everything, big time !

Mrt, Elvis aint feelin the love over here

[brokeneckdog]

MRT,

Congrats on deciding to get a new puppy. Yes, they require a lot of time and attention. It pays....Just look at my "CryBaby" in my albums.
If you choose an extra large breed such as a GD, be prepared for the cost involved. Vet bills are high. Quality feeding is a must. A GD can and will consume about 3-5 pounds of food each day. Man, that adds up quick.
I no longer feed kibble to our girl. She eats what is known a raw prey model diet. It is all raw. No veggies or grains. I am able to feed this cheaper than the MAN'S poisonous kibble. Our furry friends are 99.02% wolf, no matter the breed. The other 0.98% is designer packaging, e.g. Boxer, Great Dane so forth so on.

So, unless you have a large yard, or you plan on stepping up your own personal exercise routine to accommodate you animals needs. Consider a smaller breed that doesn't require so much area to be as active as you fur kid needs. At least 2-4 hours of strenuous activity for your dog each and everyday. Frisbees and tennis balls, YEAH!.... NO Tug-A-Puppy <tug-of-war>, been known to heighten aggression in a lot of breeds.
An active and busy dog that feels like it is helping its master/s is a happier and less aggressive dog. And in turn, dogs that don't get proper diet, exercise, and attention will remind so by being very nuisance. Chewing, barking, biting, and just plain mean sometimes.

Puppies are biters and chewers by nature. They are toughening up teeth, jaws, and gums so they are able to crunch and munch bones and the like.

I have tons of info on dog behavior, plus you can find groups on Yahoo and ICQ that all they talk about is new pet owner and soon to be owners.

Also, check the AKC.org website for more breed specific information and to help find breeders in your area. Please steer clear of the puppy mills.

Good Luck to you and your S/O on your doggie hunt.

[mooniegoogoo]

You really will love every minute. Well, maybe not the accidents.

[SUITE 215]

One thing i know is a Great Dane is a clumsy dog. To big to be indoors. A big breed is better off outside. A nice Bull Terrier, or a Mastiff.

[BabyBoomer]

Put in the breed, or large dog breed rescue and your zip code in a web search.

Go to classes with your dog, they are so much fun.

Get a trainer if needed.

Thank you for giving a fur kid a forever home.

[cephas]

Yup Dogs are like babies, that never grow up and get self-sufficient. The best tips I ever got on how to bring a new pup home came from Alexis at Pet Orphans of SoCal (don't think she's there anymore though, shame.).

1) Hand feed the pup for a few days, helps them to bond and know you are the provider. Keeps dominance issues to a minimum.

2) After eating, or waking up, put the pup on a leash tied to your belt for a few days, when the pup starts to "go" in the house, it's really easy to just get up and walk outside very quickly, dragging the pup with you, to the "pee" spot. Makes training really simple, after the pup goes you can let him off leash to play without worry of accidents. Also teaches the pup that you are the leader in the house, in a very easy and friendly way.

3) When the pup is chewing on something he is not supposed to be chewing, don't yell or hit him. Grab a puppy approved chew toy (keep them close in the beginning), take the "bad" chew out of his mouth, while giving him the "good" chew. Eventually he will learn what he is supposed to chew and what he is not.

4) I'll also add, don't let accidents sit, clean immediately with anti-puppypee cleaner, or you will have a problem for life.

5) If you didn't catch the pup doing it, you can't punish him, he will not associate the punishment with the behavior so it's worthless. If you do catch him, at the most, a simple, and gentle, pat on the butt will stop the behavior normally. Start with a sharp exclamation, or a snap of the fingers, clap of the hands to distract the pup from the unwanted behavior. all you have to do is distract the pup and then give him something positive to do instead, he'll get the idea pretty quick.

Do a lot research before you get a Dane. Especially a puppy. That pup will quintuple, plus, in less than 12 months, the growth rate is so fast that if the pup is fed the wrong diet (too much protein I think) his/her bones will become brittle leading to a short, painful life and this has nothing to do with the breeder, but with how you feed the pup. Also a Dane will need a lot of expensive accessories, the floor is not enough for their large, delicate, joints...large supportive pet beds, places to sit, ramps to get in and out of the car, a very large car for transport, if you have a house with stairs or wooden floors, that is not recommended for Danes, could lead to hip problems (Deafness and Hip Dysplasia, bad joints, and cancer are major issues with Danes).... also don't forget you are talking about a possibly 7 foot dog (yeah, I want a Dane too, baaaaaad, someday maybe.), that will be very klutzy while growing into itself..he'll knock over a table with a mis-step, let alone a child, or maybe you...then there is the training not to lean....Danes tend to lean against people and go limp, they are so loving, the problem is when they are 300 lbs and leaning against a child, or small adult, they have accidentally killed children by doing this, training is very important with that large of a cuddle bug....

also, Danes have a very thin coat, because of this they sunburn easily which can lead to skin cancer issues, they need a lot of exercise and a very large area to run (grass or soft dirt, not asphalt or concrete, the hard surfaces are very bad for their delicate joints), but they should be primarily an indoor dog. Not true of all large breeds, but true of Great Danes.

I also highly recommend a "raw" diet for most dogs, but I think because of their special growth rates it is not recommended for Great Dane pups

Most breeders will require a letter from your landlord stating you are approved by him/her to have a giant breed.

I know you said you don't want to rescue, and that is your right. So you know though, there is a Dane rescue about 50 miles east of LA called Gentle Giants. They specialize in Danes and large breeds, they have raised some of the oldest, and largest, Danes in the world and are run by Burt Ward (Robin, in the Adam West "Batman") and his wife. They get a lot of the dogs from actors and others who realize they don't have the time for these pups...they almost always have litters of baby puppies available, and rescuing an animal is one of the best things you could ever do....


PS, I have adopted from show circuit breeders in the past, in my experience those dogs are no healthier, or better trained than rescues, the opposite normally. True if the dog is unhealthy many breeders offer a return policy, but do you really think you will be able to give that little guy back (knowing the breeder will most likely put him/her to sleep as it is worthless to them) after you bond with him for a couple days, let alone a year.....end lecture, sorry rescuing is something I feel very passionate about.

Regardless of what pup, or from where you adopt, get pet insurance!!!!! The most important thing you could ever do for the little guy, and yourself....

If you haven' thought about it look into Mastiffs, healthier than Danes and the size of a small bear! My bully is actually a pure beed, Olde English Bulldoggie. Which is an English bulldog crossed with Mastiff, and Boxer to get them healthier and larger like the English Bulldogs were a hundred years ago before all the in-breeding. He is "only" a 100lbs, and about 3 & 1/2 feet tall, about a foot and a half off the floor on all fours, and is without a doubt the best doggie ever! All the heart and love of a giant breed, loyal as possible, and paws almost as big as my hand, but he still wants to be a lap dog! He is big enough to be a large breed, but small enough to be able to excersize in a yard. Not to mention the bulldog personality, he is the easiest dog I have ever had to leave alone. He lays down and goes to sleep, that's it. Left him alone for 28 hours once because an accident kept me from getting home..nothing in the house was moved, he slept...didn't even eat the food I left out....but he is excellent protection, dude has canine teeth the size of a sabertooth tiger, about 5 inches long....he bears his fangs and everything runs. He also never barks (like most Mastiffs and Bulldogs)...a plus if living in the city.....if he does bark though, the walls shake....

[Pico+Barrington Collective]

Yes, it is comparable to parenthood. You have to teach them all sorts of things that you never imagined you had to...(like the word NO and stay off that!)...then there is potty training and dealing with them crying when you leave! but it is worth every dang minute!! Dogs are the best!

[luckydog]

Originally Posted by BabyBoomer

Go to classes with your dog, they are so much fun.

-Best advice yet BB beat me to it. Take at least one course. Most of the large pet stores have these type of classes (Petsmart , etc.). Being kinda nubes , you really need one of these classes.

- Read everything you can , especially anything breed specific.

- Make watching Cesar Milan a regular event... or buy his books.

From what I know about Great Danes ( my aunt who lived down the street from me growing up owned one, I was designated walker), they are easy animals to live with. Need lotsa food, but not excessive exercise.

Best of luck!

[MadRiverTurtle]

Thanks everyone!

We're open to other breeds than the GD. I really like Newfoundlands and will keep pushing for that. Labs are a choice, too.

The breeder thing wasn't really my idea, his. This idea maybe stems from ignorance than actual preference. We both have a lot of research to do (my family has had experience with both and all of the pets were fine- the rescue maybe more so).

Also a Dane will need a lot of expensive accessories, the floor is not enough for their large, delicate, joints...large supportive pet beds, places to sit, ramps to get in and out of the car, a very large car for transport, if you have a house with stairs or wooden floors, that is not recommended for Danes, could lead to hip problems (Deafness and Hip Dysplasia, bad joints, and cancer are major issues with Danes)

I'm down for buying all that! I'll get him his own couch if need be. My current car is way too small for any large breed but I know I'll be buying a new car before we get the dog.

But....I have two floors :(

Our situation with space is that we live in a townhome and we're probably going to be here for at least 2-3 years (and who knows after that, we're nomadic people which is why ). Our back patio is probably 12x12, which I know is not enough. BUT on the good side, our place backs up to a park and we have river access across the street so there's plenty of safe areas to go on walks. There's also a doggie park a couple blocks up the street. Maybe that suffices? I know I don't have a lot of time to be 100% sure that I can walk him but my bf says he's completely committed to giving the dog adequate exercise and I know I can count on him to do this when I can't.


Also, are there any big differences between males and females in regards to their dispositions?

[Fried Tofu Funk]

I grew up with a Great Dane, very cool dog. He lived about 10 years and had problems with hips I think. They need a BIG yard that's for sure! :)

I would recommend a AKITA, they are really intelligent and only bark when they are warning you of something. They are really protective and good around kids... good luck

[MariaJuanita]

As far as rescue vs. breeder, I concur with the others...
rescue is the way to go. You can find all breeds, sexes and ages. And your new best friend will be all set with shots, microchip and spay/neuter.
laanimalservices.com Petfinder.com Adoptapet.com

Another thing you may want to consider.... your kitty.
My kitty was the 2nd fur child and was raised in part by our minpin/chi mix, and is used to playing with dogs. If yours isn't, then crating the pup when you are gone would be an idea that may help interspecies relations. ;)

Training can help avoid and or alleviate many "issues" & will make a huge difference in your being able to bond & communicate effectively. Positive reinforcement has brought the quickest results in my experience. Your pup wants to please you and is taking cues from you on how to act.
Bluesmoon.net

Best wishes & have fun!
M.J.

[koudekirk]

Originally Posted by SUITE 215

One thing i know is a Great Dane is a clumsy dog. To big to be indoors. A big breed is better off outside. A nice Bull Terrier, or a Mastiff.

Sorry, but you are mistaken about Great Danes. They are clumsy only in the first dew months. Danes, in particular must be with people, and have too short a coat to EVER stay outside.
I've had Danes for more than 4 decades, and the are not for most people. The vet bills are thousands/year, and Danes are physically and emotionally delicate...you should never raise a hand or your voice to one as it can scar them forever.
Having Danes is a lifestyle - you should start with something easier.

Here's Shrek (225lbs)

[Eazy]

Originally Posted by SUITE 215

One thing i know is a Great Dane is a clumsy dog. To big to be indoors. A big breed is better off outside. A nice Bull Terrier, or a Mastiff.

I lived with a black great dane named Tony along with my cat and her cats, both black cats, mine...chocolate brown long-haired, almond eyes, I called her PK (pretty kitty). The two boys got it goin' with PK, she had kitties...on this chick's favorite red dress that PK took out of the closet and drug into a little opening under her waterbed, n' the bed couldn't be moved so you couldn't get to the kitties, and then one day, they and she came out and there were freakin' kitties everywhere. Tony didn't eat them. But, it didn't look good, so...the kitties went to a pet shop on Topanga and they found good homes for the kitties.

Tony was clumsy indoors, but when he was outdoors, he was quite agile. If you ever came upon an agile great dane that don't like you, you've got quite a fight on your hands, the dog is huge and can be quite vicious too. Indoors, you can knock his fucking lights out before he hurts you, but outside...out on the street our out in the wild, tough fight.

The breed has a huge appetite too. Be prepared to spend some bucks on his food and vet bills and such, think...big everything, big meaning big price tags too.

If he pukes, shits, or pisses in your house...be prepared to clean up a pretty large pile o' whatever.

great danes like to hump legs too...uh-oh. n'...don't cut his balls off, please.

Most of all, love him. He'll want to be petted and cuddled and ...he'll want to...eat your arm or leg during play time, but don't be too frightened. If he didn't like you, he'd have attacked you already.

great danes are a huge responsibility, no less than a...giant toddler. Call him Todd, short for toddler cuz...that's what you'll have.

Also, try to find a smart great dane, you *do not* want to a big, dumb monster wrecking your house and tearing up your yard and chewing on everything in site.

...when they get old, it's sad...it's like losing a child.

Todd. ha.

[zbestwun2001]

Originally Posted by MadRiverTurtle

I The impression I get is that it's the closest thing to having a baby.

If it's a puppy maybe sorta yes, MINUS THE NURSING.

Originally Posted by MadRiverTurtle

One question I have in particular concerns housing issues. Should you own your own house? Would a breeder turn you down if you rent? And yes, I know rescues are just as awesome as pure breds but we know we don't want to take that route.

I never heard of that type of housing restrictions ever. As long as the house has a yard, that is not a small pup you are getting, you should be just fine.

By the way, you might check the Yellow Pages for Newfoundland Rescues.
Just a suggestion but they do have breed specific rescues everywhere.. You could kill (pardon the pun) two birds with one stone.

... by the way a Newfoundland is a great breed.

Look at how much fun that midget would be to wrestle with...I would pet sit a Newfie for a friend for free just to play with him.

Just a suggestion, get a kitten also.. the two of them together will provide you HOURS of enjoyment.

Enjoy the new pup AND NEW KITTEN... I am assuming you are looking for a pup not adult?

[koudekirk]

Any dog (or child) will misbehave if not properly trained, or if trained badly. The bad behaviors described above have nothing to do with the Great Dane breed.

It is never ok to hit, punch, or kick your dog. Positive training works just fine.



Excalibur, Mickey Mouse, Shrek, and Spirit

[viridis]

The decision to adopt/purchase a family dog is awesome, I can't imagine living a life without my fur pets. Dogs have been my professional career for over 30 years now and I'm pretty passionate about them.

A couple things stand out for me in your posts here so far.

Rescue.... yes, everyone will scream go to rescue first. Rescue is great for experienced dog owners. I think that there are times when this is not the best choice, this would be one of those times imho. Rescue dogs can be absolutely perfect with no health or mental issues, but more often than not the majority of rescue dogs will be more appropriate for people with more dog owning experience. We are currently owned by 3 rescues, 2 of them have "issues" that would definitely not make them suitable for most people. Rescue groups try to work hard generally to place dogs appropriately, but they are also eager to find homes.

By going to a really good reputable breeder and purchasing a puppy you should have an endless source of information and help for the lifetime of your dog. The breeder should know their bloodlines and be able to help you to be the best owner possible for the dog they bred. Especially with the giants you want to make sure that the breeders have the parents genetic testing done. You don't even want to bring home a puppy that isn't going to be able to walk without pain by the time it's only 2.

Nutrition is an area you don't want to skip, the "RAW" diet is generally considered the ultimate for our dogs, but it's also time consuming and a lot less convenient. There are premium diets available and I would seek help from breeder also making sure you get the right one for a giant breed puppy. You don't want to build them up too much with bulk/muscle and make extra sure they are getting adequate calcium supply to build upt their bones and they grow, especially the joints going from cartelege to bone. Diet is incredibly important for any giant breed.

Spend extra money on the front end (puppy purchase price) to save a LOT of money long term on vet costs. Good quality puppies from reputable breeders are usually fairly expensive but well worth the extra price in the long run.

Now... I have zero experience owning giant breeds, just what I know from my work experience and dog show experience and as far as giants go some of the healthiest, most stable temperament breeds I've seen IS the great dane and I LOVE working with these dogs. I also am very fond of the mastiff breeds in general..... but oh dear, the health issues with those are 10 fold what we see in the Danes.

I've also spoken with many Dane owners that adamantly say that Danes do NOT need a massive area for excercise at home. That they are indeed quite content with their housedog pet status and are quite calm and when brought up right from puppyhood are one of the least destructive dogs. Regular excercise at your dog park and good walks are usually quite fine for these guys.

The Kuvasz, Newfies and other giant double coated breeds are going to be an INCREDIBLE amount of hair to deal with and much higher maintenance. If the owners aren't prepared to do the upkeep on those coats and they have to go to professional groomers.... it's going to be BIG bucks on regular basis to maintain healthy coat/skin conditions. Any coated large breed is actually pretty high maintenance.

I like your choice for a Dane for your situation, basic obedience training is SO important BEFORE you start having any problems. I agree with those above, even the obedience classes at PetSmart will help give you the tools that you will need to train your new dog to be the best family member he can.

You mentioned sex. Both can be great dogs, but overall I like neutered boys and wouldn't keep anything else around here. The females tend to be more aloof and "snippy" overall. Either way have your new puppy spayed/neutered at age that your breeder will recommend. Toy breeds are generally ready to be altered at a much younger age than the giants, but you don't want to wait too long for those hormones to kick in either.

There's been some real good info here, I'd be careful about listening to any advice online about the dogs in general, there's so much misinformation passed around on the net it's not even funny. Stay away from the dog forums!! Seriously!!! Find a good breeder, or have someone with experience help you find one. Vets, groomers, trainers are all good sources to help find good breeders. The breeders tend to get a bit of tunnel vision and sometimes can't see beyond their own bloodlines.

When you do find a good breeder, you will find that their help over the lifetime of your dog is worth more than you can imagine:)

Guess I'm rambling, but am so passionate about dogs and responsible pet ownership that when I saw your serious, well thought inquiry I just had to respond!

I'm sure there's a few of us that are excited to see what you wind up with!! Don't be in a hurry and you should be able to find the perfect dog. Good luck!!!

[zbestwun2001]

The above is some excellent insightful information..

As far as the sex... I have had both.

I had a female Dane and her son.

I also had and still do up in Yucca a female shepherd that I recused off the freeway.
As far as being more aloof I not sure, more protective I might say yes.
Snippy, not ever in my experience have I noticed our females snippy.

Personally I always had males until the freeway rescue and that dog is the best dog I ever had to pleasure of having. To this day.. I miss her dearly.

[plisskin]

I just got my first puppy and let me tell you it is time consuming. if she wasn't so pretty I don't know if i could do it. I would imagine this is a lot like having a kid because you can never leave the pup unsupervised unless she is in her crate. And when you travel you have to have - the crate, the leash, the bowl, sum food, sum water and sum toys.

Although people claim boys are more fun and bonded to the owner, I find my girl is rambunctious and never wants to leave my side. She was a rescue that I bought in a target parking lot for 50 bux. For less than an 8th I got a gorgeous purebred black lab puppy. I couldn't resist.

The first two weeks were the hardest - laying down the rules and learning the routines around the house. I only got this dog because I just moved into a house on a quarter acre of land and I work on a ranch where she can run all day. So I knew I had room and in the middle of nowhere a dog can be a good companion and a good tool, ie protection and an alarm system.

If I were you I would stop looking at giant breeds with all types of needs. Consider a lab or a german shephard. Those are sum loyal dogs that are fun, friendly and they will not hesitate to put themselves between you and any danger they sense. (they are also the best looking). But with a lab you will have to give her lots of daily excercise.

Do a lot of research. And don't listen to biased owners (including me, however there must be a reason that Labradors are the most popular breed in america).

I'm probably getting another pup when this one gets bigger, so the experience can't be that bad. Once you get thru the first two weeks the rest is downhill.

One thing about food, if you don't have the time or patience to feed the dog raw(which I don't) and you get normal dog food one note - don't get food with corn in it. It is a filler and the dogs don't digest it. You can't find food without corn at target or the supermarket you have to actually go to the pet store(its not that expensive). And its way better, I noticed a difference in her bathrooom habits immediately ie she stopped having the runs.

And give her a cool name, like Snake Plisskin or something. My dog is named Indiana.

[washgirl]

I think it is horrible that you would go to a "breeder" rather then a Dane rescue! There are thousands of pure breed dogs in rescues. I got my yellow lab with papers and my long hair doxie from rescues. My lab was three years old. Totally housebroken, trained and fixed. My doxie was a puppy four months old. (not fixed).

Let me just add this (if you are still reading) Yes it is like having a child, make sure you can afford all unexpected vet bills for you new baby, make sure you do have the time to spend with him/her, make sure you are willing to walk them two or more times a day and if you plan on leaving them outdoors all day make sure you have a safe secure spot from them so they don't have to be chained!

[koudekirk]

I agree with the principle of rescue, however it's VERY difficult to find a reputable Great Dane rescue (in SOCAL). PLEASE DO NOT GO TO GENTLE GIANTS!!!

I agree with most of what plisskin said.

Here's Excalibur:

[BabyBoomer]

Originally Posted by washgirl

I think it is horrible that you would go to a "breeder" rather then a Dane rescue! There are thousands of pure breed dogs in rescues. I got my yellow lab with papers and my long hair doxie from rescues. My lab was three years old. Totally housebroken, trained and fixed. My doxie was a puppy four months old. (not fixed).

Let me just add this (if you are still reading) Yes it is like having a child, make sure you can afford all unexpected vet bills for you new baby, make sure you do have the time to spend with him/her, make sure you are willing to walk them two or more times a day and if you plan on leaving them outdoors all day make sure you have a safe secure spot from them so they don't have to be chained!

Please read post #12.

We can all help with our knowledge and experiences.

[cephas]

I'm down for buying all that! I'll get him his own couch if need be. My current car is way too small for any large breed but I know I'll be buying a new car before we get the dog.

Sweet! You sound like me, I would rather buying something for the dogs than myself!

I would think a nice daily walk, a good romp in the dog park would be plenty of excersize, just make sure it gets done everyday, and the dog gets to play until he is obviously tired at least once a day.

If you really want a Dane (or any breed that tends to have hip and joint problems) and have stairs, are they at least carpeted? With a decent pad?

Assuming padded carpet, and a good healthy diet (just feed MSM, glucosimin (sp?) and Chondrotin (SP?) every day for life to be safe), and you adopt from a reputable breeder (my vote is to rescue though!), whose dogs do not have a history of joint problems, then the pup should be ok...as he ages there may be a problem, but there may be anyways also...so really that is not the biggest deal.

The big deal is to get proper training so he/she is a good citizen. Find a trainer with experience with your breed, and not someone who teaches yelling or using "a strong hand", If you can't get your dog to behave with positive reinforcement, then you cannot get your dog to behave regardless, hitting in any form (I do lightly pat my dogs on the butts for some things, but only enough to get attention, or to interrupt their peeing if it is inside, but a very soft pat only, more like taping someone on the shoulder to get their attention, then a smack), only scares them. Yelling scares them as well, once a dog is scared that dog can no longer listen to or learn anything...plus hitting, or angry voices, teaches aggression, not a good idea.

and get pet insurance, seriously, I would be homeless from vet bills without insurance ($9000 in vet bills just this year between a 100% torn ACL, the skin cancer removal, attacks from stray dogs, allergies, rashes, and just random accidents, granted even my vet thinks it is extreme, and my luck is just bad sometimes, but regardless, without insurance I would be hosed.)....

I have Pets First health insurance and really like them, even with all my claims they are still covering and NOT raising my rates (I did get the highest level of coverage though). But do the research there are a bunch of very reputable and affordable pet health insurance companies.

Also, find a good vet before getting your pup. Someone experienced in the breed you are interested in, and someone who seems to really care and not just run an assembly line style clinic. Having a trustworthy veterinarian to help you take care of your puppy is invaluable.... The best way to get recommendations is probably to contact the Great Dane owner's club in your area and ask them....they would also probably have a line a trustworthy breeder and or Danes in need of rescue in the area.