🎬 When Hollywood Meets Real Life: What “The Friend” Doesn’t Show You About Great Danes
This weekend, the movie “The Friend” will hit theaters—and we couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and concern. As lovers (and protectors) of this majestic breed, it’s always exciting to see Great Danes in the spotlight. But behind every silver screen moment lies a much bigger, real-life truth:
🎥 Movies romanticize. Real dogs require responsibility.
We’ve seen this story play out before. A beautiful dog graces the big screen, people fall in love with the breed’s charm and elegance—and suddenly, everyone wants “one just like that.” But what comes next isn’t always a fairytale.
In the months that follow, Rescue Organizations like ours are flooded with surrendered dogs. Families realize too late that the reality of living with a Great Dane doesn’t always match the polished version they saw in the movie.
The canine star of The Friend, Bing, is a stunning Ambassador for the breed. He’s also well-bred, extensively socialized, and professionally trained. He’s calm, confident, and used to working on set. But here’s the thing: dogs don’t come out of the box like Bing.
Behind that polished performance is a tremendous amount of time, effort, and care—from genetics to early socialization to daily training. Great Danes are incredible companions, but they require dedication, resources, and a deep understanding of their needs.
âť—Why Are So Many Great Danes Surrendered?
We hear the same heartbreaking reasons again and again. People fall in love with the image of a Great Dane—but not the reality. Here are just a few of the common reasons Danes are rehomed:
🚫 “I didn’t know they got this big!”
Great Danes are giants in every sense of the word. A fully grown Dane can easily reach 150–200 pounds, with some even exceeding that. They don’t just take up space—they are the space. From blocking doorways with their bodies to taking up the entire couch (and sometimes your bed), having a Dane means adjusting your life to accommodate a dog the size of a small pony. If you’re not ready to live with a dog this big—physically and logistically—a Great Dane may not be the right fit.
🚫 “They eat too much!”
Feeding a Great Dane isn’t like tossing a cup of kibble into a bowl. Depending on age, activity level, and health, Danes may need 6 to 10 cups of high-quality dog food per day. That adds up fast, both in quantity and cost. Cheap food won’t cut it either—this breed needs proper nutrition to support their size and avoid issues like skeletal problems. If you’re not budgeting $80–$150 a month just for food (and more during growth spurts), this might be a shock.
🚫 “Vet bills are expensive.”
Every routine vet visit—vaccines, checkups, meds—costs more for giant breeds. Spay/neuter surgeries, dentals, and even anesthesia all come with a higher price tag due to size and special handling requirements. And that’s just the basics. Great Danes are also prone to serious medical conditions like:
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) – a life-threatening emergency common in Danes.
- Hip dysplasia & arthritis – large joints mean large problems.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy – heart issues requiring lifelong care.
Insurance helps, but if you’re not financially prepared for big dog health issues, it can be overwhelming.
🚫 “I don’t have enough space.”
Yes, Danes love to lounge, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need room. They can be clumsy, stretching out like giraffes, and moving about the house often resembles a “bull in a china shop”. Adolescent Danes, in particular, have bursts of energy that send them galloping like colts through your living room.
🚫 “I didn’t have time for training.”
Training is not optional with a dog this size. A 150-lb Great Dane jumping on guests, pulling on a leash, or ignoring commands isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Without structure, they can develop destructive habits, leash reactivity, or anxiety-based behaviors. Early and consistent training, including socialization, is essential. A Dane doesn’t have to be a perfectly trained dog, but they do need to be manageable—and that requires time, patience, and consistency from their humans.
🚫 “They’re too needy!”
Great Danes are famously affectionate and emotionally attached to their people. They’ll follow you into the bathroom, cry when you leave, and sit on your lap like they weigh 30 pounds, not 130. They’re not dogs that like being left alone all day. Without enough interaction, they can become depressed, anxious, or destructive. Danes are called “Velcro dogs” for a reason—and they need people who want (and can provide) that closeness.
🚫 “We had a baby/moved/got divorced.”
These are the most common reasons we hear—and the most preventable. Life changes are inevitable, but dogs are a lifetime commitment, not a placeholder until things get hard. Rehoming a Great Dane is especially difficult; their size limits housing options, transport needs are complex, and transitions are hard on them emotionally. If you can’t envision keeping your dog through all of life’s ups and downs, a Dane may not be the right fit.
đź’ˇ Thinking About Getting a Dane?
If “The Friend” made you fall for a Great Dane—we get it. Their giant hearts, goofy personalities, and soulful eyes are impossible to resist. But before you dive in, let’s talk about what it really takes to be a responsible Dane parent:
✔️ Do your homework – Go beyond the highlight reel. Learn about their size, lifespan, temperament, and the common health challenges they face.
✔️ Prepare financially – Big dogs mean big expenses—think premium food, larger doses of medications, and higher vet bills.
✔️Training isn’t optional – A 150-pound dog without manners can be dangerous. Early, consistent training is a must. Without structure, that size can become overwhelming fast.
✔️ Understand medical realities – Be prepared to spot and manage issues like bloat, joint pain, and heart disease.
✔️ Make room—in your home and life – Danes need space to stretch out, time with their people, and an environment where they can thrive.
We love that Danes are getting some time in the spotlight, but we also want to use this moment to educate, inform, and protect the dogs we care so deeply about. If you truly want to welcome a Great Dane into your life, do it with your eyes wide open—and your heart and home truly ready.
Still in love after learning what life with a Great Dane really looks like? Then you might be the perfect match for one of our gentle giants. đź’ś
Want to change a Dane’s life—and maybe your own?
👉 Head to rmgreatdane.org to learn more about adopting, fostering, or supporting our rescue efforts.
Written by Jessie Hillebrand, Volunteer at Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue
#GreatDaneRealityCheck #AdoptResponsibly #TheFriendMovie #RockyMountainGreatDaneRescue #DanesAreForever #NotJustWhenItsConvenient #VelcroDogLife #GiantBreedBigNeeds
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