Great Danes: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Great Dane breed

25 16:45:36

The Great Dane!

The Great Dane is both regal and strong in appearance. It has a big muscular body, a square muzzle and a tapering tail, which is usually carried straight down. The ears naturally hang beside the head unless they are cropped, in which case they appear erect and pointed. Its size does not affect its general conformation that is so well balanced that it is able to move with a long reach and powerful drive and never clumsy. The short, glossy coat that covers its well developed body, its finely chiseled head and a firm neck that is set high and well arched combines to produce the distinctive majestic elegance associated with the Great Dane. Its ancestry is uncertain but is generally believed to be a cross between the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound. It was bred in Germany and not in Denmark as it name suggests. It is known as the “Apollo of All Dogs” and the “Gentle Giant”.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
8-11 years

Energy Level:
Gentle

Living Conditions:
Flexible, despite size.

Barking:
Average.

Exercise Needs:
Daily 25 minute walk.

Breed Group:
Working

Size:
Large & Tall

Height:
28 to 32 inches

Weight:
100 to 200 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
Fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin and mantle.

National breed club:
The Great Dane Club of America

Great Dane Skills

Early Danes were physically different in size and structure compared to the present Great Dane. They were formerly courageous and powerful hunters of wild boar capable of great speed and swift attack. The practice of many German noblemen in keeping them at their estates metamorphosed the breed into a reliable companion and protector. It has been used recently for therapy, service work and providing assistance to people with mobility problems. It also performs well in agility trials and schutzhund work. Talents include tracking, watchdog and carting.

Great Dane Personality

A Great Dane is gentle despite its size. It is spirited, courageous, friendly, dependable, loyal and intelligent. Timidity and aggressiveness are not acceptable traits for this breed. It especially loves being around people and is known to be playful and patient. However, it should be thoroughly obedience trained while still young for greater manageability once it is fully grown.

Exercise Needs

A Great Dane needs plenty of exercise or at the least a daily long walk.

Living Conditions

A Great Dane will find apartment life acceptable as long as it is given sufficient exercise. It may be relatively inactive thus a home with a large yard would be better.

Grooming Requirements

The Great Dane’s smooth short-haired coat is easy to groom. A firm bristle brush is used for combing and brushing this average shredder. Dry shampooing can be done when necessary and nails should be kept trimmed. Bathing a dog of this size can be quite difficult thus it is better to have a daily grooming routine to minimize the need to do so.

Health Issues

There are a number of health conditions that have been identified in the Great Dane. Some of which that can be identified through testing are cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and cataracts. Other health concerns include cancer, wobblers, hypertrophic osteodystrophy and panosteitis and bloat.

If you liked this dog…

...the Newfoundland is a good alternative. Like the Great Dane, the Newfoundland is a very gentle breed despite its size. It also belongs to the working group, originally bred to pull sleds and carry packs, but have evolved into an ideal companion for the family.