If you’re thinking about getting a Great Dane, you might be wondering whether they are better suited for indoor or outdoor living. While some breeds prefer the freedom of the great outdoors, others are better suited to staying indoors. Some people simply don’t like being cooped up inside, whether it be to explore or exercise.
Although Great Danes are capable of living both inside and outside, they are much more suitable as indoor dogs. They are not well suited to extreme temperatures because of their short hair and large bodies. Additionally, they need human interaction and cannot survive for long periods of time alone outside.
There are other factors that support the recommendation against leaving your Great Dane outside for an extended period of time in addition to their social needs.
Breed Characteristics:
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesnt necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Some dogs are just simpler than others; they learn faster and are more laid back. Additionally, they are strong enough to recover from your errors or inconsistent behavior.
Highly sensitive, independent-thinking, or assertive dogs may be more challenging for a novice dog parent to handle. If you consider your prior dog ownership when choosing your new dog, you’ll find the best match.
If youre new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
While some dogs take even a dirty look to heart, others will let a firm reprimand roll off their backs. Low-sensitivity dogs, also referred to as “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can cope better with a noisy, chaotic home, a louder or more assertive owner, and an irregular or variable routine. Choose a low-sensitivity dog if you have young children, frequently host dinner parties, participate in a garage band, or lead a busy lifestyle.
Some breeds develop strong bonds with their families and are more likely to worry or even panic when their owner leaves them alone. Barking, whining, chewing, and other destructive behaviors are all signs of anxiety in dogs. When a family member is present during the day or if you can take the dog to work, these breeds thrive.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. Short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, are also affected because they cannot sweat as effectively. If you choose a breed that is sensitive to the heat, you must keep your dog inside with you on warm or muggy days, and you must exercise it with extreme care.
Even if they have been raised by the same person since they were puppies, some breeds are independent and distant, while others form a strong bond with just one person and are uninterested in anyone else, and still others show love to the entire family. Breed is not the only aspect that affects how affectionate a dog is; dogs that were raised in a home with people present are more accustomed to interacting with people and bonding more readily.
A kid-friendly dog has a blasé attitude toward running, screaming kids and is patient with children as well as strong enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out. You might be surprised to learn that list includes American Staffordshire Terriers, which are classified as Pit Bulls but have a fierce appearance, and Boxers. Chihuahuas, which are small, delicate, and capable of snapping, aren’t always the most family-friendly dogs.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, not promises of how any particular breed or dog will act. Based on their prior interactions, socialization, and personality, dogs of any breed can get along well with kids. All dogs, regardless of breed or breed type, have powerful jaws and sharp, pointy teeth that they can use to bite when under stress. Young children and dogs of any breed should never be left alone together and should always be watched over by an adult.
Being friendly to humans and friendly to dogs are two entirely different things. Even if they are people lovers, some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs; other dogs would rather play than fight; and still other dogs would turn around and flee. Breed isnt the only factor. Dogs who spent a lot of time playing with other dogs while they were puppies and who lived with their littermates and mother until they were at least six to eight weeks old are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Some dogs are outgoing and will nuzzle and wag their tails when visitors arrive, while others are timid, uninterested, or even hostile. No matter the breed, a dog will behave better toward strangers as an adult if they were socialized and exposed to a wide variety of people when they were young. Keep in mind that even friendly dogs should be restrained in public by a sturdy leash like this one!
If youre going to share your home with a dog, youll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If youre a neatnik, youll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
When visiting you, drool-prone dogs may leave large, wet stains on your clothes and drape ropes of slobber on your arm. If you don’t mind your dog drooling, that’s fine, but if you’re a neat freak, you might want to pick a dog that doesn’t drool much.
Some dog breeds can be brushed and left alone, while others need to be regularly bathed, clipped, and otherwise groomed in order to stay clean and healthy. If your dog requires a lot of grooming, decide if you have the time and patience to do it yourself or if you can afford to hire someone to do it.
Some breeds are predisposed to specific genetic health issues, such as hip dysplasia, as a result of poor breeding practices. This only means that dogs of that breed are at a higher risk; it does not imply that all of them will develop those diseases.
It’s a good idea to research which genetic diseases are prevalent in the breed you’re interested in before adopting a puppy. You might also want to find out if your shelter or rescue has information on the physical condition of the parents and other relatives of your prospective pups.
Some breeds have robust appetites and have a propensity to gain weight quickly. Similar to humans, dogs who are overweight may experience health issues. Limiting treats, ensuring they get enough exercise, and measuring out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time are all necessary if you choose a breed that is prone to putting on weight.
Consult your veterinarian to learn more about your dog’s diet and what you should feed your canine companion to maintain a healthy weight. Gaining weight can worsen conditions like arthritis or cause other health problems.
From the Chihuahua, the smallest dog in the world, to the enormous Great Dane, size is not the only consideration when determining whether a dog is right for you and your home. Find the ideal sized dog for you by browsing these large dog breeds, some of which are surprisingly affectionate despite their size.
Dogs that are simple to train are better at quickly making the connection between a cue, like the word “sit,” an action (sitting), and a result (getting a treat). Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent, but they approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” mentality, so you’ll need to use incentives and games to make them want to follow your instructions.
Just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies, dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision-making, intelligence, and concentration, like herding livestock, need to exercise their brains. If they don’t receive the necessary mental stimulation, they’ll create their own work, typically using activities you won’t enjoy, like digging and chewing. Dog sports and careers like agility and search and rescue are great ways to exercise a dog’s brain, as are obedience training and interactive dog toys.
Mouthiness refers to a propensity to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, generally painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin), which is prevalent in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages. Mouthy dogs are more likely to grab or “herd” their human family members, so they need to be trained to understand that chewing on chew toys is fine but not on people. Mouthy breeds typically enjoy a good chew on a toy that has been filled with kibble and treats as well as a game of fetch.
(Picture Credit: Haydn West – PA s/PA s via Getty s)
Terriers and other hunting-bred dogs have an innate desire to pursue and occasionally kill other animals. That instinct can be triggered by anything speeding by, including cats, squirrels, and possibly even moving vehicles. When dogs are outdoors, they should be leashed or kept in a fenced area. Your yard also needs a high, secure fence. These breeds typically don’t do well in homes with smaller animals that could pass for prey, like cats, hamsters, or small dogs. When there are birds flying by, you may find it difficult to get the attention of breeds that were originally used for bird hunting because they generally won’t chase.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. Consider how frequently the dog vocalizes with barks or howls when selecting a breed. If you’re considering a hound, consider whether you find their distinctive howls amusing or irritating. If you’re considering a watchdog, consider whether a city full of suspicious “strangers” will put your pup on constant alert. If the local wildlife literally drives your dog crazy, consider whether you should choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Siberian Huskies and other Nordic breeds of dogs were developed for long-distance travel, and given the chance, they’ll pursue anything that piques their curiosity. Even if it means leaving you behind, many hounds simply have to follow their noses or that bunny that just ran across the path.
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. They were originally bred to do a specific canine job, like herding livestock or retrieving game for hunters, and they have the stamina to work all day. They need a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation, and they are more likely to jump around, play, and explore any new sounds and smells.
Dogs with low energy levels are the canine equivalent of couch potatoes, happy to doze off all day. Consider your own level of activity and lifestyle when choosing a breed, as well as whether you’d find a boisterous, active dog energizing or annoying.
A dog that is energetic may or may not be vigorous, but whatever they do, they do with vigor: they pull on the leash until you teach them not to, try to push through barriers, and even take big gulps of food and liquid. These dynamos require extensive training to develop good manners, so they might not be the best choice for a household with young children or an elderly or frail person. On the other hand, a low-vigor dog takes a more passive approach to life.
Some breeds can manage a leisurely evening walk around the block. Others, particularly those who were bred to perform physically demanding jobs like herding or hunting, require daily, vigorous exercise.
These breeds could gain weight and release their pent-up energy in undesirable ways, like barking, chewing, and digging, if they don’t get enough exercise. Breeds that require a lot of exercise are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or those who want to train their dog to participate in a high-intensity dog sport, like agility.
While some dogs are perpetual puppies who constantly beg to play, others are more somber and sedate. Even though a playful puppy sounds adorable, think about how many fetch or tag games you want to play each day and whether you have children or other dogs that the dog can play with instead.
Is A Great Dane a Good Family Dog?
Understanding Great Danes and their needs is crucial before discussing what makes a good family dog. These enormous dogs can make wonderful family pets, but purchasing a dog of this size involves some serious considerations. Although Great Danes are renowned for their gentle nature, if they feel threatened enough to defend their families, that nature may change.
Are Great Danes Good Guard Dogs?
Great Danes are affectionate and gentle, but they have the ability to become guard dogs if necessary. If you want to train your dog, you should start early. A Great Dane typically won’t attack strangers unless they threaten or physically harm their owner. However, if necessary, you can teach them to sound off as an alarm or an attack.
Although they keep very quiet during fights, it’s not unusual to see a Great Dane take advantage of their size. They can and will use enough force to bring down an adult who is fully grown.
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is to never purposefully put your dog in danger. Some owners prefer to train their Great Danes to be aggressive and protective, but if an aggressor tries to hurt them, this can be a major problem. Try your best to diffuse a potentially problematic situation.
In conclusion, Great Danes are excellent guard dogs, but they can also serve as a frightening protector. It’s enough to make potential attackers and robbers nervous to see such a large dog, but it’s always comforting to know that your Great Dane is prepared to defend you when you need it the most. Are Great Danes good family dogs.
Don’t expect your Great Dane, even if you’ve always shown them love and provided for them, to suddenly turn into a vicious guard dog. A guard dog must undergo months or years of training before becoming responsive.
FAQ
Can a Great Dane be an indoor dog?
Although Great Danes are capable of living both inside and outside, they are much more suitable as indoor dogs. They are not well suited to extreme temperatures because of their short hair and large bodies. Additionally, they need human interaction and cannot survive for long periods of time alone outside.
Can Great Danes be left alone?
Great Danes need to go on a few short walks each day and have some time off-leash to run around and play in the yard because they are typically couch potatoes with short bursts of activity. However, some Danes can be destructive when left alone.
Are Great Danes high maintenance?
Great Dane Great Danes are relatively low maintenance dogs despite their enormous size. As one of the few low-maintenance outdoor dog breeds, their size can actually be advantageous compared to small dogs, which may need to be kept indoors for safety.
Can Great Danes be left alone for 8 hours?
Adult dogs (those older than 18 months) can stay home alone for between four and eight hours. Adult dogs are probably accustomed to spending time alone at home, so they will likely lie down and sleep until you get home.