Positives/negatives? Discuss.
I am a researchaholic and will do plenty of asking/researching around/studying elsewhere. Just covering all bases by plugging into the COTH network as well, since I believe a few of you have Danes.
I’m also not heading off to go buy a puppy next weekend. This is a long-term research study. For one thing, my current dog dislikes other dogs. However, Hannah is starting to develop some issues. She is Bernese, just turned 8, and unfortunately, they are notoriously short-lived. The average lifespan, from what I have read is SEVEN! :eek: I’m just starting to realistically consider what type of dog I would want for my next dog whenever that comes up, though Hannah definitely has the role as long as she’s still around and enjoying life. Might be a year or more away. No rush; I’m just doing research.
But in preliminary research, I like the look of Danes, and I have always remembered the black one I met in childhood.
My dog requirements:
LARGE. As in, LARGE. I have always liked LARGE dogs, although all family dogs of my childhood were yap mutts. :no: I do realize that this carries some trade-off in lifespan, but sheesh, I want to at least beat seven for the breed average.
Black or mostly black. First, I think black dogs look cool. 
Second, I have read that a black dog is more intimidating than another dog same size to folks of a criminal mindset who are considering misdeeds. There’s a psychological effect.
Purebred and from a good, screened, health-minded breeder. I support shelters for cats. Not for a dog in the size I like them. Sorry, but I want 100% known genetics and life history. I realize this won’t totally guarantee anything, but I do think it helps stack your odds a little more.
LARGE bark. Something that sounds serious. Not an actual attack dog, but as a woman living alone, I want something that looks and sounds like it means business or at least could if required.
Bonded to their person. Something with a natural inclination to be near me rather than always racing off following the nose a la Beagles.
Coexisting peaceably with cats after socialized and acknowledging their rightful position as superior beings in the household. 
Will be trained, of course. In the size I like, you have to. I do have experienced help available and would attend classes also.
Short-haired. I have loved Hannah, but vacuuming up half a dog routinely gets old fast. My vacuum cleaner bag purchase rate exploded after she came. She also has a hard time dealing with summers here (I’m in the 100ish range summers, might have a few 0ish days winters but more likely 20s-30s). You can always add a dog coat, but hard to take one off. Tried shaving her this summer, and it made her skin sensitive. I think I need something a little more heat tolerant than she is.
Dog will be inside most of the time, out with me to do chores, basically be near me unless I’m riding. I work from home, here at least 90% of the time.
What do you think?
