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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Great Dane
The Great Dane is a strong, muscular giant of a dog. They have long narrow heads
with an accentuated frontal stop with rather large nasal canals. Its neck is long
and muscular with perfectly straight front legs. The jaws are strong with a perfect
scissor bite. The eyes are dark and medium-sized. The ears have been docked in the
past but it is not unusual to see them set high and folded down. Docked ears should
stand erect. Great Dane colors include fawn and brindle with a black mask, black,
blue, and white with black patches (harlequin). The body length is approximately
equal to the height. The tail should be thick at the base and come to a point.
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Temperament
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Known as one of the Tallest Dogs in the World, owners of this breed should understand
the financial undertaking with this breed. Danes are intelligent and affectionate
dogs. They become very close and loyal to their families. They get along well with
children and other pets in the home. They should be socialized and trained at a
very early age and taught not to lean against people and children. They are known
as the Gentle Giant, but they are quick to alert the family of any strangers approaching
their territory, making them excellent guard dogs.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 30-34" ; Weight: 120-200 lbs.
Female Height: 28-32" ; Weight: 100-130 lbs.
These dogs can stand over 7 feet on their hind legs!
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Health Problems
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The most common health concerns in Great Danes are hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy,
hypothyroidism, cataracts, bloat, cancer and Cervical Vertebral Instability also
known as CVI or Wobblers. Make sure that you purchase from a reputable breeder and
from OFA certified stock. Do not allow your Dane to jog until after the age of one.
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Living Conditions
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Danes will do fine with apartment living if given regular exercise. They will do
best with a large yard.
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Exercise
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This breed needs plenty of exercise and would be happy with a long daily walk.
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Life Expectancy
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Usually under 10 years
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Grooming
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Danes are easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and dry shampoo when needed.
Bathing this giant dog is a huge chore. Keep nails trimmed. This breed is an average
shedder.
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Origin
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Dogs of Dane or Alaunt type are depicted in drawings in the tombs of Beni-Hassan,
dating about 2200 BC. Some of these dogs are shown as harlequins. Other pre-Christian
replicas appear on coins and in paintings. His name is the only thing about him
that is Danish. He is all German, used long ago by Germanic and Celtic tribes as
a war dog, and is called Deutsche Dogge by the FCI. Only in English-speaking countries
is he still a "Dane". The breed was declared the national dog of Germany in 1876.
They are recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Working, UKC Guardian Dog
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