The Great Dane is not Danish at all. The breed originated in Germany. Great Danes were developed from Irish Wolfhounds, mastiffs and greyhounds to create a dog that could hunt boar and serve as a guardian during the 1300s. The Great Dane was dubbed the national dog of Germany in 1876. In 1887, the American Kennel Club recognized the Great Dane as a member of the working group.
The Great Dane is the second tallest dog breed, topped by the Irish wolfhound. Great Danes stand 28 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and tip the scales at 100 to 190 pounds. The powerful dog exudes a noble appearance. A Great Dane is covered in a short, smooth and dense coat that may be blue, fawn or black in color, or exhibit brindle, harlequin or mantle patterns. Their tails are long and whip-like, and the ears are either cropped to stand erect or left alone to hang downward naturally. The Great Dane is great in all respects, this dog breed has long legs that give it an athletic look. It has a short and smooth coat, which needs minimal attention.
Personality
Great Danes are gentle giants. While puppies are more exuberant and active, adult Great Danes tend to be quiet and laid back. They love children, but they need to be trained to interact safely so that smaller children and other pets are not accidentally knocked over or whipped by a wagging tail. Despite their large stature, Great Danes make excellent candidates for apartment dwellings, as long as there is ample room for them to lie down comfortably on a thick, soft bed. Great Danes do need some daily exercise, but their needs for physical activity are minimal and can be satisfied with daily walks. When indoors, the Great Dane is happy to assume the role of couch potato and television-viewing companion. Great Danes are easy to train and housebreak. Great Danes may look intimidating and overpowering but they are gentle giants. They are sweet-natured, gentle and calm. Although they might look like they need a lot of exercise, this dog breed has a medium energy level and its exercise needs can be met with moderate walks or romps. It is very friendly towards children but may be unsuitable as a playmate because of its size. They are friendly towards strangers and other dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Mastiffs |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Working |
| Life Span: | 8-10 Years |
| Nicknames: | German mastiff, Deutsche dogge |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Great Dane Build Information
The Great Dane is the second tallest dog breed, topped by the Irish wolfhound. Great Danes stand 28 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and tip the scales at 100 to 190 pounds. The powerful dog exudes a noble appearance. A Great Dane is covered in a short, smooth and dense coat that may be blue, fawn or black in color, or exhibit brindle, harlequin or mantle patterns. Their tails are long and whip-like, and the ears are either cropped to stand erect or left alone to hang downward naturally. The Great Dane is great in all respects, this dog breed has long legs that give him an athletic look. He has a short and smooth coat, which needs minimal attention.
| Size: | Giant |
| Length (Male): | 27-33 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Cropped |
Behaviour and Personality
Great Danes are gentle giants. While puppies are more exuberant and active, adult Great Danes tend to be quiet and laid back. They love children, but they need to be trained to interact safely so that smaller children and other pets are not accidentally knocked over or whipped by a wagging tail. Despite their large stature, Great Danes make excellent candidates for apartment dwellings, as long as there is ample room for them to lie down comfortably on a thick, soft bed. Great Danes do need some daily exercise, but their needs for physical activity are minimal and can be satisfied with daily walks. When indoors, the Great Dane is happy to assume the role of couch potato and television-viewing companion. Great Danes are easy to train and housebreak. Great Danes may look intimidating and overpowering but they are gentle giants. They are sweet-natured, gentle and calm. Although they might look like they need a lot of exercise, this dog breed has a medium energy level and his exercise needs can be met with moderate walks or romps. He is very friendly towards children but may be unsuitable as a playmate because of his size. They are friendly towards strangers and other dogs.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Moderate Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
There is very little grooming to be done on a Great Dane. Using a grooming mitt once a week removes dead hair to minimize shedding and restore the coat’s luster. Brushing the teeth every other day will maintain oral and overall health.
| Colors: | Black, Blue, Blue Merle, Chocolate, Fawn, Red-Black Brindle, Tan Brindle |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Great Dane Common Health Conditions
At 7 to 10 years, the average lifespan of a Great Dane is shorter than most breeds. Great Danes have a high incidence of bloat, or gastric torsion, which is fatal if emergency veterinary intervention is not sought immediately. Another common health concern with great Danes is a heart condition called cardiomyopathy. Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, bone cancer and a bone condition called hypertrophic osteodystrophy have also been noted in the breed.
Great Dane Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
If your family is seeking a lovable giant that reminds the kids of Scooby Doo, the quiet and laid back Great Dane is a perfect family companion and protector. The Great Dane originated in Germany. The Great Dane is also known as a German mastiff and a Deutsche dogge. The Great Dane is a laid back and gentle giant that loves children and it is a protective watchdog for the family. The Great Dane stands 28 to 32 inches tall and weighs 110 to 190 pounds. Great Danes have a minimal energy level. Great Danes require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Great Dane is 7 to 10 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | Yes |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
