Meet Sven

Updated: 4-17-2025

Sven is an approx. 5-year-old Great Dane who’s come a long way from his shelter days. Rescued by a Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue volunteer, he’s been learning how wonderful life in a loving home can be—and he’s soaking it all up. This affectionate, loyal boy is equal parts gentle giant and eager shadow. If you’re looking for a buddy who’s always ready for a snuggle or a car ride, Sven might just be your guy.

💖 Sven’s Best Qualities:

• Velcro Pup Energy: Sven wants to be with his people, always. He follows you from room to room, rests his head on your lap, and loves curling up (or flopping) nearby. He even sleeps in his foster parents’ room, complete with his own blanket and pillow. 💤

• Gentle & Loving: He’s not just big—he’s full of love. He responds well to affection and leans into his humans for connection.

• Smart & Trainable: Sven knows sit, down, stay, come, and hand signals. He’s treat-motivated and loves a good routine, especially when it includes cheese.

• Playful but Polite: He enjoys tug ropes and sticks but isn’t possessive. Fetch isn’t really his thing, but gentle play is right up his alley.

🚶 Outdoors & Training Progress:

• Powerful on Leash: Sven walks with a Halti head collar, which has made a huge difference. He’s strong and can be reactive, especially to other dogs, but he’s learning to focus and respond to calm leadership.

• Dog Reactive: While he’s improving, he still barks and lunges at dogs—especially if they’re close. With distance, he’s starting to sit or even lay down instead of reacting.

• Prey Drive: He’s highly alert to small animals (rabbits, squirrels, likely cats), so he should never be off leash in unenclosed spaces.

🏡 Life at Home:

• Crate Trained: Sven settles in his crate when needed and often chooses to rest there on his own.

• Separation Anxiety: He can get distressed if left alone for too long. A crate helps, as does a predictable routine and a calm, confident environment.

• Great Indoors: He’s respectful in the home with supervision—though he may get curious and paw for attention or chew a bit if under-stimulated.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sven & Kids:

• Best Fit: Older, Dog-Savvy Children: Sven lives with teenagers and a 7-year-old. While he’s done well overall, his size and physicality mean he’s not suited for households with very young or high-energy kids.

• Boundaries Are a Must: He can be pushy when seeking affection—leaning in or using his body to get attention. His foster family has worked with their youngest to recognize dog body language and reinforce boundaries, like moving away or giving Sven space when needed.

• Not for First-Time Dog Households with Young Children: Sven should never be left unsupervised with young kids. The ideal home will have children who are old enough to understand and respect dog communication—and adults who are confident in reinforcing those boundaries gently and consistently.

🚗 Bonus Sven Facts:

• LOVES car rides 🚙

• Barks when someone comes to the door but is improving with training

• Sleeps through the night like a champ

• Cautious around vacuums and running bathwater (we get it, Sven)

🌟 The Perfect Home for Sven:

• An experienced large-breed owner

• A calm, structured environment with clear rules

• A fenced yard for supervised play (on leash if reactive triggers are nearby)

• No other pets or small animals

• Older children or teens who understand how to interact respectfully with big dogs

Sven is an amazing dog with a huge heart. He’s come so far and is continuing to grow into the loving, loyal companion he’s meant to be. If you’re ready to welcome a big goofball who just wants to be loved and understood, Sven is waiting for you. 💙

More about Sven:

• Housetrained: Yes

• Crate trained: Yes 

• Needs a home with no children or older dog-savvy kids

• Reactive to other dogs

• No cats – has prey drive

• Basic Obedience Training complete – knows sit, stay, come, down, off and even hand signals

• Loves everyone

• Pulls when excited on leash – needs additional training

• Mild energy

If you would like to adopt or foster-to adopt Sven, submit your application on our website.  If you are already an approved family, reach Hollie at fostering@rmgreatdane.org or Candice at placements@rmgreatdane.org.