Overview
Group: Working Group
AKC Breed Popularity Rank: No. 16 of 195
Height: Male – 30-32 inches; Female – 28-30 inches
Weight: Male – 140-175 lbs; Female – 110-140 lbs
Life Span: 7-10 years
Temperament: Friendly; Dependable; Very Patient
The Great Dane – dubbed by dog lovers as the “Apollo of Dogs” – can indeed be considered a god in the canine world. Recognized as the largest and tallest dog breed by the American Kennel Club, its massive size is matched by its gentle heart.
History
The earliest ancestors of Great Danes existed as early as 3000 B.C. in Egypt. Monuments dating back to that time period showed drawings and carvings of dogs that resembled the Dane.
Originally, Danes were used as boar hounds because of their massive size. Such was their popularity that German noblemen began breeding them in large numbers as hunting companions and protectors of their homes. They were called “Kammerhunde” (“chamber dog”) or “Deutsche” (German) dog.
So how did a German bred dog get associated with Denmark? The name reportedly did originate from the latter country. A traveler named Buffon noticed similarities between the slimmer varieties of Boar Hounds with the Greyhound. He commented that the Danish climate resulted in the transformation of the Greyhound into the “Grand Danois”. From this inaccurate observation, the dog became known as the Great Dane.
Great Danes have appeared in a number of cartoons and movies, most notable among them are Marmaduke and, of course, Scooby Doo.
General Appearance
Despite its gigantic size, the Dane’s lean, compact body evokes strength, stamina, and endurance, as well as nobility, elegance, and dignity. Well-balanced and smoothly muscled, it runs with a powerful drive, long reach, and grace. There is nothing at all clumsy about the Dane.
It has a short but thick coat which is always clean, giving the surface a glossy sheen. While the Dane’s coat comes in a variety of colors, such as blue, black, white, fawn, and brindle, one popular pattern is the harlequin, wherein you have a patchwork pattern of black and white spots.
The Dane is a sweet, alert, and dependable watch dog for the home. Its massive size is deterrent enough for robbers and home intruders. While the Dane is very patient with children, they should be trained not to jump on small children and frail seniors because of their size.
Nutrition
Great Danes can thrive on home prepared or commercially manufactured high quality dog food. Ideally, Danes should get 23% proteins and 12% fat in their diet. Avoid giving your dog table scraps and other human foods that are not safe for dogs.
Because they are at very high risk for bloat, a Dane should be given smaller meals throughout the day instead of three big meals. Vigorous exercise is not allowed one to 2 hours before and after a meal.
Grooming
Their short, smooth coat makes the Dane very easy to groom. Brush your dog once a week with a rubber grooming mitt or medium bristle brush. During shedding season, it is best to brush your Dane daily to keep hairs out of the furniture.
Danes only need the occasional bath, particularly when they get very dirty. Make sure to trim its nails regularly as long nails may cause your dog pain while walking or running.
Exercise
While the Great Dane may seem more content to plop its massive body on the entire length of your couch, it still needs to be exercised daily. It is sufficient to take them out for a brisk walk or a jog two to three times a day. Always remember to keep your dog on a leash or harness. Because of its keen sense of smell, the Dane may get a whiff of an attractive scent and run off after the source, dragging you along with it. If you want your dog to play in your yard, make sure that you have a tall enough fence.
You may also consider using dog training facilities in your area so your dog can participate in sporting events, such as obedience, agility, tracking, flyball, and weight pulls.
Training
It is recommended that Great Danes undergo training and socialization when they are still puppies. It is important to expose them to a variety of people, places, and situations so that they grow up well-adjusted. Obedience training is a must. Because of their affectionate nature, Danes love to give hugs and kisses to their humans by standing on their hind legs. Teaching your dog to sit instead will prevent your kids and frail seniors from getting pinned down by its weight.
Because of their intelligence, friendliness, sociable, and eager to please nature, Danes are easy to train as long as you are firm and consistent.
Health
The No. 1 killer of Great Danes is Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) or bloat, wherein the stomach suddenly fills with gas and twists. Owners should be aware of the symptoms of bloat and no what to do in case it occurs.
While a preventive measure is to restrict vigorous exercise and other activities one to two hours before and after meals, you may opt for a surgical procedure called Prophylactic Gastropexy to prevent more serious complications of bloat.
Other medical conditions that you should watch out for include hip dysplasia, joint problems, eye diseases, cardiac conditions, and thyroid diseases.
Costs
The average cost of a Great Dane is $1,100, but top-quality puppies may cost you $2,500 to $10,000. Yearly upkeep starts at $2,000 to $3,000 on its first year then drops to $1,000 in succeeding years. Take note though that costs may increase dramatically if your Dane develops bloat and other diseases.
The gentle and lovable Great Dane is one of the best family dogs to own. With its huge size, it’s like having a giant teddy bear at home.
SOURCES:
1) Great Dane https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/great-dane/
2) 9 of the World’s Largest Dog Breeds https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/9-of-the-worlds-largest-dog-breeds
3) History of the Great Dane https://greatdanerescue.org/history-of-the-great-dane/
4) Best Dog Food for Great Danes: Why You Should Be Careful When Feeding Your Dog https://www.jpost.com/PromoContent/Pets/Best-Dog-Food-for-Great-Danes-Why-You-Should-Be-Careful-When-Feeding-your-Dog-445980
5) Bloat in Dogs: Symptoms & Prevention https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_bloating
6) Great Dane Puppies for Sale https://www.nextdaypets.com/Great-Dane.htm
