Basic Things You Should Know About The Great Dane

The Great Dane (also known as the "German Mastiff") is a working breed of dog. They feature floppy ears, multiple coat colors and a giant size. The breed first appeared in the 14th century. They were originally bred for hunting wild boars or guarding houses. These days they are popular as a companion for confident owners. They can be recognized by their imposing size and appearance plus their gentle nature. They are thought to originate from Germany and are a descendant of the Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound and Greyhound.

They are classified as a giant sized dog. The recommended male size is over 32 inches high with a weight of 145-185 pounds, while the female size is over 30 inches high with a weight of 100-135 pounds. Their temperament is well-known to be calm and gentle. They are typically friendly with strangers, but their size makes them somewhat suitable as a guard dog. The breed is known to be fairly intelligent, and ranks equal 48th compared to all other breeds when learning new obedience instructions.

They are gentle with children, which can make them suitable as a family pet. They do get along well with other animals such as other dogs and cats they're raised with. Grooming them is an easy task. They need small brushing every week, and full grooming every 3 to 4 months. They enjoy having a large yard to run around in, but may be suitable for apartment life.

Like most giant sized breeds, they are primarily short-lived with a life expectancy of 7-10 years. Their most severe health concern is bloat, and they are also susceptible to skin allergies, heart conditions, hip dysplasia and "Wobbler's Syndrome". They enjoy hobbies like running around the park or yard. They have a moderate level of energy, which means they need moderate to long walks each day to prevent destructive behavior.

If you own the Great Dane you need to be prepared to be able to cope with their large size. They are less suitable for less confident owners, but highly suitable for confident owners or families who can handle a giant dog. One of the best things about this breed is that it is a giant sized dog but still has a gentle and loving nature that makes it a great companion.

If you want to learn more Great Dane information and other related topics take a look at this page.