Great Dane
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Appearance
| Great Dane Quick Summary | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | |
| Origin | Germany |
| Size | Large |
| Height (at withers) | 30-38in (76-96cm) |
| Weight | 100-200lbs (45-91kg) |
| Hair Colour(s) | Fawn |
| Lifespan | 8-10 years |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Litter size | 5-12 |
| Shedding | Medium |
| Grooming | Low |
| Barking Tendency | Medium |
| Exercise requirements | Medium |
| Ease of training | Medium |
| Suitability for kids | Medium |
| Animal compatability | Medium |
| Aggression levels | Low |
| Distress if left | Medium |
The Great Dane is a regal and strong looking dog, and the tallest of the breeds. The large body is lean and muscular with straight front legs, broad and well-angulated hindquarters and a tapering tail - normally carried straight down. The head has a square muzzle, naturally hanging ears or erect and pointed if cropped, and dark eyes. The coat is short and glossy and the colouring can vary but includes fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin and mantle. One famous Great Dane is the Scooby Doo character from children's TV.
Temperament
Great Danes are spirited gentle giants that are friendly and dependable dogs. Sweet natured and attentive, they love being around people and are both playful and patient and make devoted family pets. They do need plenty of attention and so are not suited to those with little time to commit to a pet. Although intelligent, they can be stubborn and bossy and so are best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership. Any training should be consistent and firm, yet positive. Younger dogs can be destructive and boisterous and will need a good deal of supervision, and early socialisation is important to develop a stable and confident manner. They should be thoroughly obedience trained while still young for greater manageability once fully grown. Great Danes are good with children they have been raised with, but their size mean they are not suitable for small kids. Some will be fine around other pets, whereas others may be dominant, and so supervision and early socialisation are required. As they are sensitive dogs their reaction to strangers can also vary, and some can come across as quite aloof. Their impressive size means they makes an effective watchdogs.
History & Skills
Great Danes originate from Germany, not Denmark as the name may suggest, and enjoy a long history. Descended originally from Molossus dogs, which were used in warfare in ancient times, as long as a thousand years ago they were crossed with various other breeds including Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds and English Mastiffs. By the 1300s they were established as competent hunters, especially for boar, and guard dogs. From where their name orignates is something of a mystery, but it has remained despite the German attempts to correct kit. These days Great Danes are popular family pets and are also used in therapy work and providing assistance to people with mobility problems.
Breed Specific Ailments
Great Danes tend to live between 8-10 years, which is relatively short, and some of the health problems associated with this breed include cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and cataracts. Other health concerns include cancer, wobblers, hypertrophic osteodystrophy and panosteitis and bloat. Care should be exercised in extreme temperatures, as these dogs are sensitive to extreme heat or cold.
Grooming
Great Danes are medium shedders that also shed more heavily on a seasonal basis, and so may not be suitable for those with allergy problems. However, their grooming requirements are quite low, and the coat will just need occasional brushing with more during periods of heavier shedding. Dry shampooing can be carried out when necessary, as this can take time with a large dog, and the nails should be kept trimmed.
Exercise & Environment
Great Danes tend to live indoors, and despite their large size are pretty flexible and will be fine in small homes such as apartments so long as they are exercised. They are not suitable for those that are hous-proud, as they can be very messy and drool. Although fairly inactive while indoors, they do need a fair amount of exercise and plenty of space due to their sheer size. They will need a daily half-hour walk on the leash plus access to play in a secure outside area.