GREAT DANE
APPEARANCE
The Great Dane is an impressively large yet elegant breed with a muscular and well-built body. The Great Dane has a very short and thick coat, which should retain a glossy appearance. Danes come in at least 7 different color patterns (brindle, blue, black, black-masked fawn, harlequin, or mantle) and there are several other variations within those. The height of the Great Dane is around 30-34 inches for females and 33-38 inches for males. The weight of these dogs is 100-140 pounds for females and 145-190 pounds for males.
PERSONALITY
The Great Dane’s large and imposing appearance belies its friendly nature; the breed is often referred to as a gentle giant. He is proud, kind and affectionate; he loves anybody and always wants to be around people. The Great Dane is a very playful and loyal breed. The Great Dane is best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership, as they can be stubborn and bossy.
TRAINING
The Great Dane should be thoroughly obedience trained while still young for greater manageability once it is fully grown. The Great Dane is also characterized by an independent streak that can potentially make training difficult; it is important to demonstrate one’s control and position of dominance, as this will make training the dog much easier.
EXERCISE
A Great Dane needs plenty of exercise or at the least a daily long walk. A common misconception is that they are slow and docile and don’t need walking; this is incorrect and in most cases Great Danes are full of energy and need regular walking. The Great Dane was bred to hunt wild boar and guard the manor. They are robust, alert and agile when needed to be.
SOCIALIZATION
Early socialization is important. The Great Dane is good with children when raised with them, but his size could cause a problem if you have very small children. They can do well around other dogs, but should be socialized to prevent them becoming dog aggressive, especially with dogs of the same sex. The reaction of the Great Dane around strangers can also vary, and can depend upon the individual personality of the dog.
LIVING CONDITIONS
A Great Dane will find apartment life acceptable as long as it is given sufficient exercise. large sized yard would be better with a plenty of exercise room.
GROOMING
The Great Dane’s short coat requires little care, and a weekly brushing should keep it looking good. Rubber brushing also does well in removing any loose hair. Bathing a Great Dane can be difficult due to his size, but is a relatively clean dog.The dog’s toenails should be trimmed about twice a month. The Great Dane is a medium shedder, and can shed all year round and more heavily at certain times of the year, so he may not be the best choice for allergy sufferers.
HEALTH ISSUES
Great Danes generally live 8-10 years, but with responsible breeding and improved nutrition they can live to be 12-14. Health issues particular to this breed include gastric torsion, osteosarcoma and heart problems. Other health concerns include cancer, wobblers, hypertrophic osteodystrophy and panosteitis and bloat.
HISTORY
The Great Dane originates from Germany and was developed as a dog of war, a guard dog, and a hunter of wild boar. The Great Dane was registered with the AKC in 1887.
