Newbie here from IL

[Mantis]

I am here to basically research if a Dane is compatible with myself and will be at least 3-4 months before I decide. I deem it a rather large decision. I am ready for a companion surely but I need to also evaluate whether rescue or buying from a breeder is the route to take. I am also going to utilize the excellent breadth of personal info. here to come up with a formative idea of what to expect in terms of responsibility. Financial and otherwise.... I have already seen so many beautiful dogs in just an hour. I really am partial to the bigger black and blue guys with the nicely cropped ears. I am a 25 year old male. I still have the idea of exhibiting my masculinity even through dogs!!

Foremost I want a loving/loved companion!!

Thanks for taking the time to read this post!!:)

[Dina Gbeck]

Hi and welcome to DOL. There's a wealth of information, good and bad reference whether or not a Great Dane might be a good fit into your family. Check out the "Buying a Great Dane" section and make sure to look through the archives.

There are a few threads related to what you might need prior to getting your Dane if you decide this is the way you want to go. You obviously like giant breeds, just try and remember sometimes giant problems go hand in hand with them.

Good luck in your research!

~ Dina and Cooper

Here's the "little" guy! http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4290313725

"Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail." ~ Unknown

[Jill]

Hi Tyler,

Welcome! I am also from IL- we're in a NW suburb of Chicago. Please take your time reading through the threads (archived and current).

If you need any assistance in breeder research, just let me know! Feel free to pm or email me.

Jill

[Pauline301]

Hi and Welcome To DOL. As mentioned above, there is a lot of information to be gathered here. Take your time and read through the threads. Good Luck with your search for that perfect friend.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid69/pddde4acc6d0e55ca1a84e3360dacdc01/fbb2e526.jpg

"Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative." – Mordecai Siegal

Linda, Dave, Jesse, and Kitties, Cassie, Pekoe and Emma

http://sites.centralpets.com/mammals/yuccabean/personal.html

[Mantis]

Thanks for the warm welcome commitee. Also I'd like to extend the thank you to people who have personally offered information if I need it. As I have always said it is easier to do something after you have already done it, thus making the pros and cons more apparent.

My reasoning in wanting this breed is actually for the size. I am a fairly big guy. Im tall but fairly thin. I dont want a Bichon Frise, no offense to the little Bichon owners!! I like all dogs but only want certain ones. I had it narrowed down to an English Mastif, Whippet, or Dane. Low and behold after doing some research I realized the reason I like the Dane is it combines attributes from both of those dog-types. I have been around large dogs plenty and feel they fit me more than a small one. As I said before, I have time to decide. I cant have dogs where I am now, I am moving in a couple days to DeKalb where I will live for 4-5 months during which time I will decide what is best.

Most of all $$$$. I want to be able to give the dog a happy life which involves time and money.

Besides who doesnt want a 180 pound living legwarmer for their couch?=)

[m0mof2]

Hi Tyler,

Welcome to DOL! I thought I'd be the first to warn you how addictive this place is! I, too, am in a NW suburb of Chicago. I'd also like to recommend a good book to read:

Jill Swedlow's Great Dane Book, 'Model of Nobility'.

Take your time and best of luck!

m0mof2

[mjm]

Welcome from another Illinoisan! I'm in Rockford and learned so much from this site and Jill Swedlow's books before I got my sweet boy from a great breeder. Do alot of research on ethical breeding and get to know them well before there are puppies available. If you decide to go with a rescue, then good for you. There are many who need rescuing. Good luck in your search. They are the best breed as far as I am concerned.

Marilyn --- come see Jack's pics http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4289562807

[MyDaneBaby]

Welcome, another IL person here. They are a fantastic breed, as you've been told there is a wealth of knowledge to be found here.

Best of luck in your search.

Marilyn we should get together, Crysal Lake here for a dane play date. Patti, when Andre's done showing, Gus could use a romp....


Mitch

Click here to see my boys
[http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4288799713]

[Jill]

Are girls invited, or is it just a boy thing? <wink, wink!>

Jill

[MyDaneBaby]

Bring her on, I think Gus can take her now. hee hee. By God's good graces he's past his sassy phase, whoo hoo. I'm seeing you Sunday right?

Mitch

Click here to see my boys
[http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4288799713]

[Jill]

Yes indeed!!

She's been such a sassy thing this week...don't expect miracles, but she's in good shape. : )

[m0mof2]

I'm sure Andre would love the romp too! He's going to be 'hitting the shows' pretty hard for the next two months though....

m0mof2

[dandy danes]

Welcome, I'm from your neighboring state of Iowa...Good luck with your decision but one word of advice...MAKE SURE YOUR READY FOR A LARGE AND GENTLE FRIEND FOR THE REST OF HIS/HER LIFE! I'm afraid too many people get danes because they seen one and thought it was a cool dog without actually researching what else comes with owning one. Research, research, research...I'm sure your hear it over and over...but it does honestly help...more than you'll ever know! But your always welcome here because we are all here to admire the breed that has captured our hearts, as I'm sure it soon will capture yours...just be certain you find out more before owning one. Of course you don't have to own one to love them, always remember that! please! Good luck!

Kari

My Kids: http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4288423965