Why owning a 70kg Great Dane is worth it

Baxter the Great Dane may shed a lot of hair and do poos that take “two hands” to pick up but his owner says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Baxter the Great Dane may shed a lot of hair and do poos that take “two hands” to pick up but to his owner Nicole Brandon says owning a giant dog is worth it.

The six-year-old pooch weighs about 70kg and stands as tall as most miniature ponies.

“He just loves to be around anyone and anything as long as he’s the centre of attention he is in his element,” she said.

“He loves people, loves dogs, as long as someone is patting him he is absolutely in his zone.”

He has lived with pigs, horses and currently lives with three sheep, Stew, Baaarbara and Rosemary.

Baxter, with 3-month-old Bear deLeon, is a “big softie” who loves kids. Picture: Jamie Hanson

Eating 500g of pork mince a day, as well as three cups of biscuits, Ms Brandon said Baxter was on a special diet for giant breeds.

“Some Danes may eat eight cups of biscuits a day but boys in particular seem to be quite particular with eating,” Ms Brandon said.

Baxter gets fed 500g of pork mince every day, plus three cups of biscuits.

She said the biscuits cost her about $120 and last about a month, while the pork mince is $6.50 per kilo and cleaning up after him can be a big job. “When he does poo it’s bigger than humans, if we have to pick it up it’s a two-hand job.”

Nicole Brandon and Baxter on a day out at Bunnings. Picture: Supplied

When it comes to sleeping arrangements, Baxter sleeps “wherever he wants” and Ms Brandon often finds him stretched across her bed sideways of a morning, leaving her in a corner.

Despite his calm, friendly temperament his imposing size has made Ms Brandon extra alert with small dogs around. “You’ve got to train them well and get them really well socialised as puppies.”

Baxter often sleeps where he wants. Picture: Supplied

The Great Dane’s shedding means Ms Brandon has to vacuum every day, as his white hair sticks to all the furniture. “They shed a lot but he’s got such a big heart you get over it. When people come over he’ll be all over them on the couch but you’ve got to take the love from him.”