Everyone knows that Great Dane dogs are large dogs, but there are certain things about this dog breed that is not part of the usual common knowledge. Many of these dogs have their ears cropped. At one time this was common practice with Great Danes because of the danger of having their ears ripped or torn when they encountered an animal that they were hunting. Today, it is purely for cosmetic reasons and this type of surgery costs about $350. It is done when the Great Dane puppies are about 7 weeks old and they are put asleep during the surgery.
In some countries, this surgery is illegal because of the fact that owners have to care for the dog's ears after the surgery and many of them don't. After the surgery and the removal of the stitches, the vet tapes the dog's ears into an upright position. This is a process that owners of Great Dane dogs have to do themselves every six months. The reason that the practice is illegal in some countries is that many owners neglect to do this and the result is a Great Dane with floppy, bent and disfigured ears. What difference does it make whether the ears are upright or normal? If you regularly enter your Great Dane in dog shows, it may make a difference, but if you have this regal animal as a house pet, why not leave his ears alone and don't put it through the pain of surgery.
Great Dane dogs do come in a variety of colors. Many people want a specific color when they try to look for one to buy. 
The black Great Dane is the most impressive color in this breed of dog, but even in this color it is possible to find white areas on the chest or the toes. According to the AKC dog standard, white markings are not desirable, but dogs with these marking are accepted. If you are buying one of these dogs to train for dog shows, the less white markings on the dog the better and will help increase your dog's chances of showing better in the ring.
In order to get pure black Great Dane dogs, you have to breed two black dogs. Even breeding a black and a blue Great Dane will produce markings. When you visit a breeder to inspect the puppies for sale, you should ask to see the parents and if possible check the breeding records of these dogs. If there are any blue genes present in one of the parents and you intend to breed the adult dogs you buy, you may end up with undesirably colored dogs. The color factor of Great Danes is one that breeders of show dogs take very seriously.
If you want to have Great Dane dogs as house pets, then it doesn't matter what color they are. You should be aware that these dogs are not suited to living in small spaces, such as apartments and that they do need exercise. If you work all day, then you need to be prepared to take long walks in the evening, no matter how tired you are. Great Dane dogs are very loving and will provide you with perfect companionship.
