Great Dane

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Breed Details

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Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

Back to 36 B.C., the image of a dog similar to the Great Dane appeared on Greek money. The Great Dane is considered as the ‘Apollo of dogs’. In 407 A.D., Asiatic people (the Alans) invaded part of Italy and Spain and German Gaul. The Alans brought big mastiff dogs (especially in Germany) with them. They were considered the dogs of royalty and were very high prized and regarded.

These giant dogs were able of overcoming bears and other wild beasts. They were admired for this reason and that’s when the breeding begun. These dogs were crossed with Irish Greyhounds and the result of this cross is the Great Dane that we have today.

Color

The Great Dane has a high variety of colors:

Fawn: The color is yellow gold with a black mask. Black appears on the eye rims and eyebrows, and also on the ears.

Brindle: The color is fawn and black in a chevron stripe pattern. They are often referred to as having a tiger-stripe pattern.

Blue: It is a pure steel blue. Some white markings at the chest and toes are not acceptable and are considered faults.

Black: It is a glossy black. Some white markings at the chest and toes are not acceptable and are considered faults.

Harlequin: The base color is pure white with black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over the entire body; a pure white neck is preferred. The black patches should never be large enough to give the appearance of a blanket, nor so small as to give a stripped or dappled affect. A few small grey patches are accepted or a white base with single black hairs showing through, which tend to give a salt and pepper or dirty effect.

Mantle: The color is black and white with a solid black blanket extending over the body; black skull with white muzzle, sometimes with white blaze. Whole white collar is preferred, a white chest, white on part or while of forelegs and hind legs, and white tipped black tail. A small white marking in the black blanket is acceptable, as is a break in the white collar.

Coat

Its coat is very short and dense. It is also smooth, glossy, fine coat and is very close to the body.

Personality

The Great Dane is a proud, kind and affectionate; it loves anybody and always wants to be around people. It is playful and sweet with children. However, some children might receive an accidental tail whip! It doesn't bark much except when it's required. It is responsible, courageous and loyal; effectively it is a good watchdog. If it is not used to be with other dogs, it can be aggressive with them, especially if they are of the same sex.

Care

This dog prone to hip dysplasia, bloat and have slow metabolism.

This breed is moderate shedder. Grooming once in a while is sufficient. However, to avoid the major chore of bathing this dog, daily brushing is preferable. Nails should always be trimmed. Bathe only when necessary.

Training

These breeds is typically very easy to train. Obedience training is highly recommended fo this type of breed. These large breeds should be taught not to lean against people, especially to children. They should be kept on a fenced yard or on leash when taken outdoors.

Activity

The Great Dane will need at least one long daily walk. They can be very adaptable. They can even live in a large apartment and can adapt to being left alone during the day provided that they are given enough exercises and humane companionship in the morning and evening.