Introduction
Scooby-Doo is one of the most iconic cartoon dogs in television history. He is the Great Dane mascot of the mystery-solving team known as “Mystery Incorporated”. Scooby-Doo first appeared in 1969 when the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! cartoon series premiered. According to [1], Scooby-Doo was designed by animator Iwao Takamoto and originally named “Too Much” until it was changed to Scooby-Doo. The lovable, cowardly dog quickly became the star of the show.
Over the decades, Scooby-Doo has remained popular through numerous spin-off series, films, and merchandising. Generations of viewers have grown up with the Great Dane, enjoying his antics and his catchphrases like “Scooby Dooby Doo!” and “Ruh-roh!”. Scooby Snacks have become iconic, and the Mystery Machine is one of the most recognizable vehicles in cartoons. Even after over 50 years, Scooby-Doo continues to entertain audiences today.
Great Dane Breed Overview
The Great Dane breed has a long and storied history. Often referred to as the “Apollo of Dogs”, Great Danes are one of the world’s tallest dog breeds with males reaching up to 32 inches at the shoulder and 175 pounds (1). Though massive in size, Great Danes carry themselves with elegance and nobility. Their smooth, easy strides reveal their regal nature (2).
Great Danes descend from ancient boarhounds bred in Germany to hunt wild boar and bear. Their ancestors likely included the English Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound. Centuries of selective breeding produced the graceful yet powerful Great Dane we know today (3).
Despite their imposing size, Great Danes have a friendly, devoted temperament. They form strong bonds with their families and do best as indoor pets. Though reserved with strangers, Great Danes are not aggressive by nature. Their calm, dignified demeanor earned them the nickname “the Apollo of Dogs” (2).
Great Danes come in various colors including fawn, black, blue, mantle, harlequin and merle. They have a short, smooth coat that lies flat against their muscular frame. Their regal stance and confident gait project the nobility of this grand breed (3). Though massive in stature, they move with smoothness and elegance.
Acquiring a Great Dane
There are a few different options when it comes to acquiring a Great Dane:
Purchasing from a reputable breeder is one route. Responsible breeders focus on breeding healthy dogs with good temperaments and will provide health clearances for things like hips and eyes. They will also be able to advise you on the breed and help match you with the right puppy for your lifestyle. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to over $3,000 for a Great Dane puppy from a breeder.
Adopting from a Great Dane rescue organization is another great option. Rescues take in Danes that have been abandoned or surrendered and work to find them forever homes. The adoption fee is usually under $400 and covers initial vetting and care. The benefit of adopting from a rescue is giving an adult Dane in need a second chance.
Finally, you may be able to adopt a Great Dane from your local animal shelter. The adoption fee is lower, often under $200, but you likely won’t know as much history on the dog. Shelters occasionally have Dane puppies available but mostly have adult dogs.
No matter where you get your Dane, be sure to meet the dog and ask about health and temperament. Responsible breeders and rescues will ensure the dog is a good fit for you [Buying or Adopting a Great Dane](https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/buying/greatdanes.html).
Great Dane Puppy Prices
A Great Dane puppy typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000 from a reputable breeder. However, prices can vary depending on factors like the puppy’s pedigree, location, coat color, gender, and whether it will be a pet or a show dog.
Puppies with top pedigrees from champion bloodlines can cost $2,500 to $4,000 or more. Rare coat colors like blue or black can also command a premium price. In general, male pups tend to cost a bit more than females.
Geographic location is another factor in Great Dane prices. In some parts of the country like the Northeast or West Coast, prices tend to be higher due to higher costs of living and demand. Prices are often lower in rural areas or the Midwest.
Puppies sold as pets with limited registration papers cost less than those sold with full breeding rights. Show quality dogs with potential to compete in conformation events are usually the highest priced.
It’s important to buy from a responsible breeder who screens for health problems and provides health clearances. Avoid puppy mills or backyard breeders who may have sick puppies or charge less but offer no guarantees.
Adopting an Adult Great Dane
Many pet owners choose to adopt adult Great Danes from rescue organizations rather than purchasing puppies from breeders. There are several benefits to adopting an adult Great Dane.
One of the main benefits is that adult dogs have an established temperament and personality, so adopters will have a good idea of the dog’s exercise needs, grooming requirements, and compatibility with children or other pets. Additionally, adult dogs are already housebroken and have some basic obedience training.
Another advantage of adopting is that rescue organizations thoroughly screen and vet potential adopters to ensure a good home. Rescues also typically provide medical care, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, and initial vaccinations for their adoptable dogs. This helps minimize adoption costs for new owners.
According to the Great Dane Rescue organization, typical adoption fees for adult Great Danes range from $100-$300 depending on the dog’s age and medical needs [1]. This cost is significantly lower than purchasing a Great Dane puppy from a breeder at $1000-$3000.
While puppies are cute, adopting an adult Great Dane can be very rewarding. Providing a loving home to a rescue dog saves a life and avoids supporting irresponsible breeding practices. If properly trained and socialized, adult Great Danes can make wonderful additions to any family.
Great Dane Ownership Costs
Owning a Great Dane can be quite expensive, with costs averaging around $3,000 per year for food, supplies, veterinary care, training, and grooming. Food is one of the biggest expenses, with Great Danes requiring a high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds. You can expect to spend $960 to $1,800 annually on food alone, depending on the brand and your dog’s specific needs (source).
Veterinary costs are also significant for this giant breed. Routine vet visits, vaccines, preventatives like heartworm medication, and basic supplies like collars, leashes, beds, and toys will cost $400-$800 per year. Great Danes are prone to certain health issues that may require additional veterinary care. For example, gastric torsion (bloat) is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate surgery costing $2,000-$5,000 (source).
While Great Danes don’t require professional grooming, you’ll need to budget for supplies like shampoo, brushes, nail clippers, toothpaste, etc. They also benefit from obedience training and socialization classes as puppies, which can range from $150-$500. Altogether, supplies, classes, and miscellaneous costs add up to around $500-$1,000 per year.
Given their substantial yearly costs for such a large breed, it’s important to budget accordingly before bringing home a Great Dane. Their purchase price is just the beginning of a significant long-term financial commitment to properly care for them.
Great Dane Health Issues
Great Danes are prone to certain health conditions that prospective owners should be aware of. Some of the most common health issues seen in the breed include:
- Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV): Also known as bloat, this is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists on itself, preventing proper blood flow. It requires immediate veterinary care. To reduce risk, feed several small meals throughout the day and avoid vigorous exercise after eating (Source: PetMD).
- Hip Dysplasia: An inherited condition where the hip joint does not form properly, leading to arthritis and lameness. Great Dane puppies should have OFA or PennHIP evaluations done to screen for this (Source: AKC).
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): A heart condition seen in some large breed dogs like Danes where the heart becomes weakened and enlarged. An annual cardiac exam by a veterinary cardiologist is recommended (Source: AKC).
Prospective owners should have health screening tests performed and discuss hereditary conditions with the breeder. Keeping a Great Dane at a healthy weight, with proper diet and exercise can help minimize some genetic risks.
Caring for a Great Dane
Caring for a Great Dane requires providing ample exercise, training, grooming, and meeting their other care needs. As one of the largest dog breeds, Great Danes require plenty of physical activity and playtime. They should be walked for 45-60 minutes daily and have access to a securely fenced yard where they can run and play (Great Dane, PDSA). Additionally, Great Danes need obedience training and socialization from a young age to prevent problem behaviors.
Despite their short coats, Great Danes do shed and require weekly brushing to remove dead hair. Their ears should also be cleaned weekly to prevent infections. Due to their large size, Great Danes can be prone to joint issues later in life. Providing joint supplements and soft bedding can help keep their joints healthy as they age. Monitoring their diet and weight is also essential, as obesity can exacerbate joint problems. With proper exercise and preventative care, Great Danes can live happy, healthy lives.
Is a Great Dane Right for You?
Before bringing home a Great Dane puppy or adult dog, it’s important to consider if the breed will fit your lifestyle and living situation. Great Danes are gentle giants but they do require lots of time, space, training and care.
Great Danes reach an average height of 28-34 inches at the shoulder and can weigh 100-200 pounds. They need room to move around and should live in a house with a securely fenced yard. Small apartments are not ideal for this large breed.
While adult Danes are somewhat lazy and love napping, puppies are rambunctious and need extensive daily exercise. Be prepared to commit to long daily walks and active playtime if getting a Great Dane pup. Adults need a couple good walks per day as well.
Great Danes require substantial training from a young age. Like all dogs, they should be taught basic obedience commands but it’s especially important for this strong, powerful breed. Invest time in socialization and attend puppy classes if possible. Danes who are well-trained are wonderful family pets.
While Great Danes make affectionate pets, they can be prone to separation anxiety. They thrive when there is someone home most of the day. Danes should not be left alone for long periods.
Great Danes generally get along with other pets if properly socialized but supervision is still required due to their large size. Always supervise interactions with small children as well.
In summary, Great Danes do best in a large home with a securely fenced yard and owners who can commit ample time to exercise, training and companionship. With proper care, they make loyal and gentle companions.
Famous Pop Culture Great Danes
The Great Dane breed has become iconic in pop culture, with many famous Great Danes appearing in beloved films, TV shows, and cartoons. Some of the most notable Great Danes in pop culture include:
Scooby-Doo – Perhaps the most famous Great Dane of all, Scooby-Doo is the talking Great Dane who stars in the long-running Scooby-Doo franchise that began in 1969. Known for his cowardly yet loyal personality, Scooby-Doo solves mysteries with his human friends Velma, Daphne, Fred, and Shaggy.
Marmaduke – Featured in newspaper comic strips and later movies, Marmaduke is a messy but lovable Great Dane. Marmaduke was created by Brad Anderson and first appeared in newspapers in 1954. His antics destroying the house and yard show the breed’s powerful size.
Other famous cartoon Great Danes include Astro from The Jetsons and the clumsy Chin-Up from the Blondie comic strip. Live-action Great Danes have also made appearances alongside celebrities and in major films such as the Little Rascals.
The breed’s imposing yet loveable nature makes the Great Dane a recurring favorite in pop culture. Their appearances capture people’s imaginations and inspire many fans of the breed.
