[Odinthebrave]

Hey all been a while since I been on the forums.

I was starting to look at getting Odin a playmate when he turns 2 which is around June. I was thinking of getting a great dane and was wondering how well dobermans and great danes do together. I was also thinking about another doberman.

Is there anyone who can give me suggestions about having 2 dogs and the pros and cons of having 2 dobermans and pros and cons of having a great dane and a doberman. Thanks

 

[Herb2relax]

I have no idea about a great dane. I only have Kyrah as a doberman. The one thing I had noticed when she was younger is that she herself could pick out another doberman quickly. I cant wait till the day I can get another dobie for myself and her.

 

[PatchworkRobot]

A well socialized dog should be able to get along with most other dogs, regardless of breed. You'll want to choose a breed, if you're wanting a playmate, that can safely play with dobies (so no "toy" dogs).

That being said I would pick a breed that is good for you and your family first and foremost. Pick a few breeds that you're interested and do your research to see what would work best. Also, I personally feel that people shouldn't get a dog for the soul purpose of a playmate for the first dog (you didn't say this specifically but I wanted to make sure it's said). Make sure that the whole family wants and is ready and able to take care of a second dog. I currently only have my one boy but I imagine two dogs is more work than one, especially if the second one is a puppy.

 

[Adara]

I think the most critical of things is to choose personalities wisely. If your dog has a stronger personality, I might pick a dog with a less strong personality. With a male, I'd go female. I'd look to see what kinds of dogs he's drawn to if any when he plays. I'd try to match energy styles. Of course, much of this can be a guess but a fantastic breeder or good rescue can go a long way in giving you an idea of temperaments.

When I got my last Vizsla, I flew from CA to PA to get this spunky fantastic girl I had my eye on but hadn't met. The minute I met her I knew that although she was my idea of fantastic she was my older V in a nutshell. I don't have a true alpha and this V has taken the role. I just felt it wasn't a good idea to bring in another one just like her. So I opted for a more easy going boy instead.

With dogs and kids 1 plus 1 seems to equal 4 not 2 Meaning they can get into 4 times the amount of trouble

 

[RottenVonSpotten]

I've never had a Doberman and a Great Dane at the same time, but I've had the pleasure of living with both.

I think the two breeds are compatible and have eerily similar traits (the good ones!). Your Doberman will have more energy, but the Dane will be able to keep up for sure.

Health wise, they are both expensive breeds so definitely take that into consideration.

Also, I would go with the opposite sex of whatever you currently have even if your Doberman is a female. I find that Danes get along best with the opposite sex.

Dobermans and Danes are my favorite breeds so I plan on having one of each in the future. I think it's a great combo :0)

 

[Odinthebrave]

It would still be a long way from now and things could change so right now I am just looking at the idea. I will probably just end up having just Odin for a while since he can be a hand full at times.
Great Danes are my second favorite dog and I always thought about getting one. I will do my homework before I decide anything. I do realize that the food bill will go up and more of my stuff will get eaten but the idea of two great dogs laying next to me does sound good. My sole purpose would not be for a playmate for Odin but would be nice if they did end up playing together. Thanks for the feedback and keep it coming.

 

[RottenVonSpotten]

My current Dane eats 4 cups a day (she is 115lbs) and my Doberman was eating 4 cups a day as well (between 75-80lbs). I think it depends on the individual dog and the quality of the food, not necessarily the size of the dog.

With that being said, my last foster Dane was skinny and no matter how much I fed him he stayed very thin (he got 6-7 cups a day). There are quite a few Danes that fall into that category.

 

[StarlightDobe]

I think for the most part danes are rather calm arent they? I dont know much about them other than what I have heard. You would need alot of room for a big dog! lol .. I also heard they can be couch potatoes sometimes lol.

 

[Maschka1]

I had a Dane and a Doberman. My Dober-boy was about 18 months old when I brought home a darling little, Harlequin, female, Dane. They loved each other quite a bit. Korbyn (the Doberman) would frequently roll her- we called it cow tipping, lol) and seemed to have a bit of an upper hand in the playing department, unless she used sumo style body slams and then just continued to lay on him.

I loved having a Dane, they are fantastic dogs, but very expensive. Vet bills usually doubled that of my Doberman. My little girl was from decent breeding, she had her CH. title in conformation, and was just about ready to start agility competitions when the unthinkable happened. She was about 3 years old when every vertebrae in her back fused over the course of 4 months. She was in incredible pain and the vets had no idea what to make of it. We went to several specialists who said they had never seen anything like it, before. When none of the therapy we tried, worked, we decided to help her go to heaven so she wouldn't have to continue feeling so much pain.

As much as I love Dane's, the cost and potential health problems are something to weigh very strongly in your decision. Aside from that, they are fantastic dogs, super easy to train, and actually have some very similar traits to Dobermans. I doubt you would have compatibility issues, especially if you get one of the opposite sex.

P.S. we have also fostered several Danes with our Dobermans- They all got along and played well.