The Great Dane is a genuine aristocrat of the dog’s world. He wins hearts with his majestic beauty, intelligence, affectionate attitude toward the household members, and excellent protective qualities.
| The name of the breed: | Great Dane |
|---|---|
| The country of origin: | Germany |
| Time of origin of the breed: | 1878 year |
| Weight: | 150-200 pounds (male) / 110-150 pounds (female) |
| Height (shoulder height): | 30-35 inches (male) / 28-33 inches (female) |
| Life expectancy: | 8 – 10 years |
At the first acquaintance, the Great Dane seems to be a formidable and even dangerous dog due to its outstanding physical qualities. However, the appearance of a harsh giant, in fact, conceals a calm and kind softy incredibly devoted to the family. He is not inclined to aggression unless the actions of a stranger provoke the dog to defend the life of the owners or his own.
It is believed that the Great Danes descended from one ancestor – the Tibetan Dane. This breed is considered one of the oldest service breeds. The first documentary evidence of its existence dates back to the 12th century BC. Huge strong dogs have been used for centuries to guard mountain monasteries, hunt large predators, and protect herds of nomads. Over time, the breed spread throughout the region. Tibetan dogs were very popular in India, Persia, and other Asian countries. In the same region, they began to be used as a military "weapon" on the fields of military battles, which significantly increased the value of animals. According to Persian law, killing such a dog was a crime even more serious than causing death to a person, which was reflected in the amount of the fine imposed on the culprit.
Archaeological finds indicate that Tibetan Danes took part in numerous campaigns of King Xerxes, including the suppression of uprisings in Egypt and Babylon and a protracted Greek campaign. It is possible that the winners received not only weapons and gold but also warlike dogs as trophies. Images of Tibetan Danes are found on the coins of Ancient Greece, and in Corinth, they even had a monument erected for their merits in the battles with the Peloponnese.
It is not surprising that his successor and one of the greatest commanders in world history – Alexander the Great – became an ardent admirer of Molossers (so hairy natives of Tibet were called in Europe). The Romans also liked the mighty dogs. In peacetime, Tibetan Danes were "kept in good shape", forcing them to fight in the ring on an equal footing with the most dangerous wild animals; during campaigns, they invariably accompanied the troops. Together with legionnaires and merchants, animals landed on the British Isles and ended up on the territory of modern Germany, France, and Scandinavia.
To participate in big game hunting, they needed the endurance and ability of runners. English breeders who crossed the Tibetan Dane with the traditional British hunting dogs achieved the most remarkable success here. Thanks to the genes of the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound, the representatives of the breed received a more graceful constitution and long legs. Boars and deers simply had no chance against a pack of such athletes. In parallel, the owners of the kennels realized that these giants have a powerful guard instinct, so European magnates and nobles actively used Great Danes as personal bodyguards and incorruptible guardians.
The Danes were the first who decided to monitor the purity of the blood of their giants. In 1866, the standard for the Great Dane was approved. Looking ahead, let's say that interest in this undertaking quickly faded, and today only the English version of the name ‘The Great Dane’ is reminiscent of this breed.
It was not until the late 19th century that German dog breeders united for a common goal: to create one breed based on motley Great Danes, which would incorporate the best external features and working qualities of animals from different regions. The initiative group first officially met in 1878 in Berlin, and two years later a standard appeared.
The first official breed standard was approved in 1880 but subsequently changed several times. Today the breed is recognized by FCI, CKC, AKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, UKC, ACR and is one of the most popular in the world. On January 12, 1888, the National Dog Club of Germany began its work, and soon the first volume of the breed's studbook was published. The kennels of Mark Hartenstein, Messter, and Karl Farber had the strongest influence on the formation of breeding lines.
To preserve the purity of the color, offspring were allowed to be produced only in strict combinations, otherwise, recessive genes could lead to lightening of tone or the appearance of unwanted spots. But that was in the first decades of the twentieth century. The Second World War significantly reduced the number of dogs and kennels, so in peacetime, the number of individuals and productive lines had to be restored by the whole world.
Great Danes are incredibly tall, stately dogs with strong and noble character. Brave hunters and working dogs in the past, today they are very kind, affectionate, and devoted pets. Great Danes love to spend time with their family and will not miss the opportunity to stretch out fully on the master's bed. These domestic giants combine stateliness, nobility, and exceptional devotion, for which Great Danes are highly valued all over the world.
A Great Dane is often called the king of dogs, and this is understandable: its size is truly amazing. These dogs are incredibly beautiful, strong, elegant, and have a noble character.
They have a strong, toned, athletic physique, developed chest, strong back, and robust, muscular limbs.
The neck is long, beautiful, and muscular, and the head is lengthened, with the expressed transition from the forehead to the muzzle.
The plane of the skull and the plane of the muzzle are parallel to one another, and the muzzle is rectangular.
Jaws are well-developed, and strong, teeth are large and strong, scissor bite.
Dogs have medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes, usually dark, but lighter eyes, and eyes of different colors are also permitted.
Ears shall be high set, medium in size, and natural hanging.
The tail is set high, broad at the base, and tapering down to the hock joint, falling straight when at rest, carried in a saber form just above the level of the back when active.
The dog's coat is thick, short, smooth, and shiny.
Despite their formidable appearance, Great Danes are very calm dogs with noble character. Yes, they are quite suspicious and reserved with strangers, but in the family circle, these giants are incredibly friendly and affectionate. Their devotion to the owner and reverent attitude towards children cannot but arouse admiration. No self-respecting dog will miss the opportunity to stretch out fully on the owner's bed.
With a calm and balanced temperament, Great Danes do not show aggression without a good reason and are peaceful towards others. Like any breed, Great Danes need timely training and socialization. Wrong upbringing can negatively affect the behavior of the dog, and the right one, on the contrary, maximizes the positive qualities that this unsurpassed breed is generously endowed with.
Great Danes have good health, but, unfortunately, like all giant dogs, they do not live long: on average, from 8 to 10 years.
Great Danes’ short coat doesn't shed much, which does not cause trouble for the owners. Short hair is recommended to be brushed regularly. Bathe dogs only when absolutely necessary.
Dog care is standard. Daily walks and proper balanced nutrition are necessary for dogs for harmonious development. Once a week, a complete home inspection of the dogs is recommended. The Great Dane's nails require special attention; they should be trimmed regularly because overly long nails can cause dog pain as well as problems walking and running.
Great Danes are one of the best breeds on earth, but they are not for everyone. When you are planning to buy and bring home a Great Dane, be sure to do your homework and carefully study all the information about the breed and potential breeders. We recommend buying from a breeder who breeds to the standards set by AKC or GDCA. Keep in mind that Great Danes are not cheap to keep, grow and maintain. Be wary of those who offer a price that is too good to refuse. There are always hidden costs. We wish you all the best in your search for a Great Dane.