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The Great Dane is one of the most regal, elegant, and imposing dogs in the world. Great Danes are easily recognizable for their tall, pointed ears, and large, muscular bodies. However, these dogs are often unaware of their size and can sometimes behave more like diminutive lap dogs, as demonstrated by two famous Great Danes, the cartoon characters Marmaduke and Scooby Doo.

Short History of the Breed

The Great Dane was originally bred in Germany in the 18th century to hunt wild boars, but many believe the origins of the breed go back several hundred years. The AKC recognized the Great Dane as a breed in the late 1800s.

Physical Description & Size

Great Danes are one of the largest dogs in the world (in fact, in 2004 the Guiness Book of World Records declared a Great Dane from California as the tallest dog in the world, at 42.2 inches), and are usually 28 inches or taller. The average Great Dane should weigh around 100 to 150 pounds, but most standards do not specify a maximum height or weight.

The Great Dane's most distinguishing characteristics are its size and large, pointed ears. The ears are naturally floppy and sit close to the head and must be cropped to achieve the pointed appearance. Many breeders and owners choose to leave ears uncropped, which is a growing trend.

The Great Dane short coat is smooth, thick, and glossy. There are six acceptable coat colors for this breed:

• Fawn -- Yellow gold with a black face (and sometimes tail tip)
• Brindle -- Fawn and black in a zigzag stripe pattern
• Blue -- Solid deep blue-grey
• Black -- Solid jet black
• Harlequin -- Scattered black patches on white background
• Mantle -- Black coat and black face on white background

Temperament

While many people assume a dog this large is mean and vicious, Great Danes are actually quite gentle, docile, and affectionate. They are friendly, courageous, spirited, inquisitive, and dependable, and make great family dogs if they are given adequate attention and companionship.

Dog Care (exercise, grooming, diet)

In general, Great Danes are lower maintenance than most large dog breeds. However, this breed does require a fair amount of exercise but limit jumping and other strenuous forms of exercise until growth plates fuse at about 18 months. Danes do best in a home with a fenced yard for running around. Due to their short hair and lacking body fat, Great Danes are not outdoor dogs and should not be left outdoors for an extended period of time. Most Great Danes get along well with other dogs, cats and children.

Grooming a dog this large can be a constant battle and Great Danes are prolific shedders. It's important to give these dogs a daily brushing and baths on an as-needed basis. Because their hair is short and dense, sand, dirt and mud are easily brushed off. Many Danes have sensitive skin so be sure to avoid foods with common allergens (beef, corn, wheat) and harsh shampoos.

Like other big dogs, the Great Dane's metabolism can be quite slow, and this breed doesn't not require as much food as would be expected. Growing puppies may require 6-9 cups of food per day but as growing slows, food consumption will decrease substantially. Stay away from high protein foods (stay below 24% protein in kibble) while growing; rapid growth can cause major bone deformities and joint pain. Care must be taken to prevent obesity, particularly in older dogs. Giant dogs such as Danes are susceptible to bloat and torsion which, if not acted upon immediately, can lead to death. Free feeding is typically not recommended in order to monitor intake and signs of bloat. Try to limit activity for one hour after meals. Puppies up to one year can be fed 3-4 times daily. Puppies should appear lean; some ribs should be visible but should not appear emaciated. After 1 year they will start to fill out but the last rib should still be fairly visible.

Health Issues, Life Expectancy

As is common with other large dogs, Great Danes can suffer from many genetic health problems. Some common concerns are heart disease, bloat, cataracts, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and cancer. It's essential to give this dog high-quality food, adequate exercise, and proper veterinary care to maintain good health. Many Great Danes can live 8 – 10 years or more, average is 6-9 years. Great Danes have been known to live as long as 13 years.

AKC Group

The Great Dane is a member of the AKC Working group. Other dogs in this group include the Siberian Husky, Doberman Pinscher, and Rottweiler.

Additional Resources

• Great Dane Pictures & Information - PurebredPups.org
• Free Advertising for dog breeders
• Great Dane Online Community - DogBreed.org
• Yahoo! Pets
• AKC
• Great Dane Club of America
• Leans N Slobbers - A Discussion group for Great Dane owners

GREAT DANE ART - Get an original drawing or painting of your loved one - www.agillustration.com

Great Danes on WikiFido

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• Simba's Page
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