What’s the Big Deal with Big Dogs?

Katie is a 7 y/o Fawn Great Dane. photo by Kimberly Perkins McCarty

I like all dogs, but I honestly had not had much personal experience - as a dog walker, trainer, or owner - with very large breed pups. Sure, I’d met a few at the various dog parks throughout the city, but when I decided I needed to learn more about our furry friends of the XL variety, I asked fellow dog trainer and large dog owner, Kimberly Perkins McCarty of South Bay Dog Training, to answer some of my more burning questions. Here’s a recap of our big dog convo.

C: Hello, Kimberly! Thank you, and welcome!

K: Hello, and no problem. Happy to help! I currently have two Great Danes but have had many over my lifetime.

C: Tell us a little about them.

K: Katie is a Fawn Great Dane, aged seven years. Katie was given to us at age three because her elderly guardians could no longer care for her. She was aversively trained so we had a lot of work to do to help her feel safe and comfortable. We showed her that she would never be hurt again, and we have enjoyed watching her blossom under our rewards-based household. We adore her! 

Murphy is a Black Great Dane, aged four years. Murphy came to us as a puppy from a very reputable breeder. He is the life of the party for our family. Murphy makes us laugh every day. He’s a strong boy but has the sweetest temperament. He loves everyone he meets. If you’re looking for Murphy, you can always find him on the couch. He’s the baby of the family, and we couldn’t love him any more than we do.

The whole crew. photo by Kimberly Perkins McCarty

Here’s the crew, along with our Golden Retriever mix rescue from Taiwan, who is the glue that holds us all together.

C: What makes larger breeds different from smaller breeds, aside from the obvious?

K: Giant breeds are like no other. Not just their size, obviously, but their humanlike qualities that I haven't found in other smaller breeds. Eyes that can look directly into yours without you crouching. There is just something about that....it's a connection like no other.

C: Are there any special grooming considerations that need to be taken into account?

K: I actually haven't found too many differences in care requirements. However, you do need to consider their shorter lifespan and potential health predispositions, but that is true for many breeds. For the Great Dane, cooperative care is no different than for any other dog.  We started early with body handling and giving them a choice to say "no" and making it positive. This way, you are paving the way to easier handling when they become giants.  Grooming for the Dane is very easy.  Baths every couple of months, nail grinding once a week, ear cleaning with baths, and watching for plaque buildup on teeth.

C: What silly stories can you tell us about your pups?

K: So many funny stories!  From sitting on the sofa with their butts on the couch and front feet on the floor, to taking a leaf blower into their jowls and blowing up those big cheeks like a balloon!

C: Now for the really burning question everyone is wondering! Do the big dogs sleep on your bed?

K: Lol. So “mostly” they do not sleep in our bed. But Murphy will creep up around 5:30 a.m. and make himself as small as possible at the foot of the bed. We are totally okay with it!  He’s the reason I’m always late to work. It’s hard not to cuddle with that cutie. 

Special considerations for my giant breed, Great Dane, is to make sure you have enough room on your sofa and bed. They are absolute couch potatoes! 

Seriously though, giant breeds are strong.  You must be strong enough to handle training, walking, and greeting, especially during their adolescence.  Start them very young with socialization so that they understand how to make themselves smaller when playing with smaller pups.

C: Thank you, Kimberly, for helping us learn a bit more about our giant furry friends and for proving that love, indeed, comes in all breeds, colors, shapes, and sizes!