How to Rescue a Great Dane
Originating in Denmark and Germany, the Great Dane is known for its size and lively personality. It is the tallest recognized dog breed, frequently exceeding 3 feet at the shoulders. Sadly, Great Danes are often abandoned by owners who discover they aren’t prepared to deal with the responsibilities that come with having a very large dog as a pet. When these animals are rescued, they need loving people to adopt them. If you want to rescue a Great Dane, you can find rescue groups nationwide who place Danes in new homes.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Educate yourself about Great Danes and their requirements. Nicknamed the “Gentle Giant,” Great Danes form strong attachments to their owners and are loving and playful companions. But they are a handful, to say the least. If you want to give a Great Dane a good home, you need to have a yard and facilities suitable for a dog that is likely to weigh 200 pounds full grown. Great Danes have to be well trained, or their active personalities and large size can make for a destructive combination despite their well-deserved reputation for friendliness and gentleness. A Great Dane’s lifespan averages 8 years, though they may live to be 10 or even 12 years old.
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Find a Great Dane rescue group that has dogs for adoption. The American Kennel Club Breed Rescue website lists over a dozen major Great Dane rescue organizations. Use the link at the end of this article to go to their website and scroll down to the section on Great Dane rescue. You’ll find contact information and links for groups in your area.
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Contact one of the many state and local Great Dane rescue organizations. If none of the groups listed by the AKC is close to you, there are alternatives. The Great Dane Club of America provides contact information for groups in most states. You can reach Great Dane Club of America Rescue at 765-362-3239 or use the link below to go directly to the online listing of rescue groups.
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Rescue a Great Dane by adopting one who needs a home. If you have a good-sized home (and yard), you can apply to adopt from one of the groups in your area. Most rescue groups today have online tools so you can start the application process online. You will need to follow an adoption process much like you go through adopting from an animal shelter. Most jurisdictions require a dog to be licensed, and rescue groups charge adoption fees to defray part of their expenses. However, since Great Danes are recognized purebreds, spaying or neutering is not always required. Take the time to discuss the dog’s needs with the rescue group staff and be sure you can offer a suitable home.
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Participate in the ongoing effort to rescue Great Danes by supporting your local rescue organization. Breed rescue groups are nonprofit organizations and rely on the willingness of people to give of their time and money to make their rescue operations possible. Even if you already have a Great Dane or aren’t in a position to adopt one, you can play an important part in the effort to rescue Great Danes by donating or volunteering.
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