The Basic Great Dane

 

The Great Dane originated in Germany from a mastiff type dog and a greyhound and was bred to hunt wild board.  They kept the ears cropped so the tusks of the boar would not shred the Great Danes ears during the hunt. However the Great Dane that we know today originated in Europe in the 1800’s and was declared the national breed of Germany in 1876.  As a boarhound, the Great Dane then was very different in temperament and structure from the Great Dane that we know today. The Great Dane became a companion only after they were no longer used for hunting.

The Great Danes body should be as long as it is tall, with substantial bone, a long tail, a reasonable long neck, as well as a rectangular head. A fully grown adult male will stand at about 33 to 36inches at the shoulder and weight about 140 to 175 pounds. Females tend to be smaller they stand about 31 to 33 inches at the shoulder and weigh about 110 to 140 pounds. There full height is usually reached at 12 to 15 months of age; however a Great Dane is not fully mature until about three years of age.

Great Danes come in six recognized colors Fawn (tan with a black mask), Brindle (tan with black stripes), Black (solid black), Blue (steel blue), harlequin (white with evenly disrupted torn black patches), and Mantle (black head and body, with white on the muzzle, collar, feet/legs and a white-tipped tail).  You can find pictures of the different colors in our photo gallery.  Also there are two unrecognized colors merle and white.  The white come with many health issues (deafness or blindness just to name the major concerns).  The Great Danes with colors or markings that are unrecognized may be registered, but not shown and generally speaking should not be bred.  Regardless of color, all Great Danes make fine family pets.

Great Danes make great family pets for families that want a large, affectionate, short-haired dog that will offer a good amount of protection.  They are very people friendly and have a need to be a part of the family.  Great Danes do not do well in kennels or kept out doors for long periods of time.  Also there coat was on made for extensive time out doors in cold weather.  They must be kept in doors in the colder climates.

Great Danes are a very loving, affectionate, intelligent and easy to groom.  They are also easy to housebreak as they have a sense to please their owners.  It is recommend that Great Danes be well trained and socialize at a young age.  Socialization is a big key with this breed as it does have a sense for protecting its home and family.  Great Danes that are raised around children will be gentle with them as they get older.  But it is recommended that you do not leave young children alone with any dog.  As accidents can occur any time, no matter how well trained the dog is.

A negative thing that comes with this breed is there short life span, ranging from 7 to 10 years.  Great Danes come with a few health issues as well as many other large/giants breeds.  To list a few bloat, cancer, as well as heart problems.  Also puppies and growing Great Danes may develop growing or bone problems.  A few of these health concerns can be avoided with the proper diet, which consists of a protein level of no greater than 21 %.

Some Great Danes can become aggressive with livestock, as well as other animal in the house hold, due to there prey drive instincts.  Some adult makes can be prone to prostate infection and females to false pregnancies and uterine infections. It is recommended that spaying or neutering you pet is a good idea as it lessens the chances of some health concerns occurring.