The Great Dane, also referred to as the Deutsche Dogge and the German Mastiff, is a German breed that may have descended from similar looking dogs from ancient Greece and Rome. This Medieval breed was created to be a boarhound. Today this breed is mainly used as a watch dog and as a pet.
The Great Dane is a large dog breed that stands between 30 and 32 inches tall and can weigh up to 120 pounds. They have a short, dense coat that comes in harlequin, fawn, black, brindle and blue. If you have children then a Great Dane can be a great family dog, however, they should be supervised when playing together. Because of the deepness of their chest cavity you will want to keep them quiet after they eat so that their stomachs don’t flip. Other health problems commonly found in this breed include hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart issues.
Because of their large size this breed often has a shorter life span. It is not uncommon for this breed to pass away from natural causes between 8-10 years of age. Consult with your vet about how to keep them healthy for a long life.
Great Danes are considered gentle giants and often referred to as the “King of Dogs” mainly because of their extremely large sizes and elegance. They have warm and friendly personalities which make them great house pets.
Origin of a Great Dane
It is believed that they have existed since ancient Egyptian times. There are drawings that resemble Great Danes on Egyptian monuments from roughly 3000 B.C. Ancient Chinese literature also depicted dogs like Great Danes. Images of early Great Danes were even found on Greek money that dates back from 36 B.C.
Eventually, the modern Great Danes we know of today were developed by German selective breeding, probably from a cross between the English Mastiffs and the Irish Wolfhounds. They were originally used by Germans to hunt boars and other large animals.
Great Dane Appearance and Abilities
Great Danes are extremely large dogs that may reach heights of 32 inches from the withers for males and 30 inches for females. They stand with nobility with robustness. They look very powerful and muscular.
Great Danes have short, thick and coats that have a smooth glossy appearance. There are six acceptable coat colors for Great Danes. These are fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin, and mantle.
Their gaits denote strength and power with long, easy strides resulting in no tossing, rolling, or bouncing of the top line or body.
Great Danes are versatile canines. Some of the Great Dane’s talents are tracking, guarding and carting.
Temperament and Tendencies of a Great Dane
Great Danes are dignified and sweet creatures. They are spirited, courageous, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or aggressive. Their gentle and loving dispositions make them excellent family companions.
Despite their immensely huge sizes, they are gentle and great with kids. But as with all dogs, they should be supervised around young children.
Great Danes love to be around with their people. They often seek human companionship and leadership. They are also courageous and loyal dogs. Owners can depend on their guarding instincts. They are protective of their owners and properties. However protectiveness should not be mistaken with aggressiveness. They will only warn their masters when unfamiliarity is at hand.
Great Dane Training and Care
Socialize Great Danes so they grow to become well-adjusted adult dogs. Managing Great Danes requires firm leadership. As owners, always maintain the pack leader status. Great Danes that know their order in the pack are highly cooperative and very manageable.
Always keep in mind that with Great Danes, you should start training and establish leadership early when they are still young and small. Fully grown Great Danes with dominance and social behavior problems are very difficult to handle.
Daily exercises, such as long vigorous walks, are essential for Great Danes. They have slow metabolisms and need all the exercise they can get. Even with their docile and somewhat inactive personalities, they are full of energy and need to vent out from time to time.
Their short coats are fairly easy to groom. Just comb and brush with a firm bristle brush and dry shampoo when necessary. Groom daily to limit bathing frequency. Because of their size, bathing can be chore.