Great
Dane
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 Description:
Referred to as the "Apollo of dogs",
the Great Dane combines such impressive physical
and mental characteristics as to make it one of
the most majestic breeds known. Pictures in Egyptian
tombs, dating as far back as 3000 BC, depict dogs
resembling the Great Dane; and, Celtic and Germanic
tribes used the early breed types as war dogs.
Authorities state that the breed was already established
in Britain before the Roman Conquest and that
Romans took the dogs home with them where they
were used as fighting dogs. Refinement and development
of the Great Dane, however, started in Germany
during the Middle Ages, and not in Denmark as
the name might imply. Founding of Great Dane Clubs
in Germany and England took place in the late
1800s. The breed, when it was introduced to America
in 1877, was markedly vicious. American breeders
were credited with transforming the Great Dane
into a sweeter, well-mannered breed by the early
1900s. The Great Dane continues to make a good
family protector and pet, and requires plenty
of room and exercise.
Height:
The height for a Great Dane is 32"
(81.3cm) for dogs, 30" (76.2cm) for bitches.
Weight:
The weight for a Great Dane is 100 - 120 lbs (44.6
- 53.6 kg)
Coat Type:
The Great Dane's coat is short, dense,
flat-lying, and shiny.
Color:
Colors of the Great Dane's coat include all-black,
brindle, fawn, blue, or harlequin which is a mix
of white with black patches. Very little grooming
is required for this breed.
 Temperament:
Although the Great Danes in Germany were
often bred and used as estate guards and still
maintain a protective instinct, the breed today
is a friendly and even-tempered one. Great Danes
are spirited, fearless, loyal and dependable.
They make superb family pets.
Health Problems:
Special nutritional needs must be met during the
critical growth periods of this slow-maturing
breed's life. Be sure to ask the breeder about
these requirements. The Great Dane, because of
its deep chest, is one of the breeds most at risk
for gastric torsion (bloat).
Special Interest:
One of the original uses of this breed
was as a hunter of large prey. Nobility often
gathered to hunt wild boar, and it is recorded
that in 1592, the Duke of Braunschweig arrived
at the event with a pack of 600 male dogs!
The Great Dane (along with the Irish Wolfhound)
is the tallest of breeds of dogs. In November
2009, a four year old Great Dane from California
named Titan was recognized by Guiness World
Records as the World's Tallest Dog. Titan
was officially measured at 42.25 inches (107.3
cm) from floor to shoulder.
A Great Dane also is in the Guinness World
Records for the largest litter with 23 pups
(in a tie with a Saint Bernard and an American
Foxhound); however the American Foxhound is considered
to hold the record since all 23 of its pups survived.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
ANKC: Group 7 - Non Sporting
CKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
FCI: Group 2 Section 2 Molossoid breeds
KC: Non-Sporting - Working Group
NZKC: Non Sporting
UKC: Guardian
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