The Ins and Outs of Great Danes
*They’re certainly great, but did you know they’re not Danish? Dogs resembling Great Danes appear as far back as ancient Egyptian carvings, but the modern Great Dane was actually bred in Germany in the 1800s as a boar-hunting beast. Today, these gentle giants make beloved family pets, and are often described as “the Apollo of dogs”, thanks to their grace, courage, stature, and beauty. Here’s everything else you need to know about these colossal canines.
*1. Great Danes are the tallest dogs in the world.
A male Great Dane can reach up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh a massive 175 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, at up to 30 inches and 140 pounds — and both males and females can tower over many humans when they stand on their hind legs. Despite their size, Great Danes are elegant, and even regal in their gait and disposition.
>>> Great Danes can be much taller, towering over 32", the world record for tallest dog has only ever been held by a Great Dane. It is fascinating how big these beautiful dogs can really get. Although do keep in mind, size isn't everything. Bigger the size, the shorter the life span tends to be. Size isn't everything.
*2. Despite their daunting size, Danes are highly affectionate and social.
These pups love love. They need lots of affection and socialization with people and other animals, making them great family pets. Thanks to their sweet, gentle, patient dispositions, Danes are even great with kids — though like all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children, and they’ll need to be taught not to play as rough as they would with a puppy.
>>> Great Danes are not only known as the "Apollo of Dogs", they are also quite often referred to as "Velcro dogs". And for the reason you may think when thinking about how velcro works. This breed NEEDS to be with their people. They are the kind of breed that must be involved with their family doings. Just as the dogs needs to be taught how to behave around the children, it is also just as if not more important to teach your children how to behave around the dogs. With out it, someone can get very hurt very quickly.
*3. Daily exercise is a must for this big breed.
You won’t need to run a daily marathon with your Great Dane, but they will need activity. Two brisk walks of decent length should do it, though remember that puppies have more energy and should be exercised accordingly. As adults, Great Danes are happy jogging companions, but it’s important to wait until they’re at least two years old, as running before then can damage their bones.
>>>As puppies, exercise is absolutely important although there is a very important key you must keep in mind with a growing puppy that will grow 100 plus times their puppy size in a year. Moderation is the key for a growing Great Dane puppy! For every month of age your Great Dane puppy is, they are able to safely handle 5 minutes of hard play time. (Example: If your puppy is 2 month old, they are able to safely do 10 minutes per day of hard play like running around as fast as they can and "rough housing". However, letting your growing Great Dane jump up at any age should be greatly discouraged.) They are also a very versatile breed. They are good for a hike, a walk, lounge on the couch to watch movies. A run? (when they are old enough to such strenuous activities). I have even had my Great Danes come on bush whacking rides along side my horse without any problems and something they have always enjoyed. There is very little you can throw at this breed that they will not surprise you with how much they are willing as long as it is with you.
*4. Great Danes tend to follow their noses.
These dogs were bred to hunt boar, and if they get a scent, they’ll want to follow it. Walks should be on-leash, and at home, and any yard will need to be securely fenced.
>>>Although we have never had a Great Dane behave in this manner, does not mean it doesn't happen. They are hunting dogs afterall and even though they are not actively used as hunting dogs, some still have that drive to be a very effective hunting dog. Training is VERY important with any breed of dog of course and even more so with hunting and working breeds.
*5. Proper training is essential with Great Danes.
With dogs this big and powerful, it’s important that they obey commands and are properly socialized. Danes are mostly friendly and eager to please, making training a pleasure (though beware the odd stubborn streak). Buying from a reputable breeder also ensures good socialization in the crucial early months of the dog’s life.
>>>Training these large impressive dogs is absolutely a must. No exceptions. These dogs are very large and very imposing. They must be under control at all times. Voice control is very effective and important to have so no mater where you are with your beloved Great Dane, you know you will be able to keep them safe and those around you safe. You may not be afraid of large and imposing powerful dogs, but keep in mind there are many people who are. It is important to keep everyone safe including yourself, your Great Dane and everyone else.
*6. These outsize athletes love dog sports.
As strong, intelligent working dogs, Great Danes are wonderful competitors in a variety of dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, weight pulls and flyball.
>>>Great Danes are no different than any other working dog. They enjoy having something to do. They enjoy hobbies just as you and your family do! Be sure to check your area and surroundings to see what kind of fun and challenging activates you can do with your Great Dane. This is will also make the bond you have to each other that much stronger.
*7. Big breeds have big needs.
A Great Dane can cost a lot more to feed than a small dog, in addition to incurring higher-than-average medical fees and wear-and-tear to your home and car. If you’re bringing a Great Dane into your life, be aware that owning one will not come cheap.
>>> This is very true for the size a Great Dane can get. Medications are more expensive than for the average sized dog and keep in mind about food.
*8. Great Danes have a relatively low life expectancy.
These gentle giants sadly tend to live just seven to ten years — though they will certainly fill those years with several lifetimes’ worth of love.
>>> Although, it is not unheard of or uncommon for a Great Dane to to live upwards to 12 to 15 years. There are many things you can do while your Dane is young to help ensure and give the best chances of having a longer life.
*Source : AKC website
>>>Source: Our experiences living with, breeding and owning Great Danes
And we wouldn't have it any other way!
Additional Information
*Origin
The “Apollo of Dogs” is not Danish as its name implies. The giant breed was developed in Germany, where it has been known since the Middle Ages. In the Fatherland, it is known as the Deutsche Dogge (German Mastiff) and was used originally to hunt wild boar, patrol estates and as a war dog. The aristocratic dog was proclaimed Germany’s national dog in 1876. The breed was first imported to North America in the mid-19th century and one of the earliest owners was the famous “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
*Temperament
Early imports to this continent were reported to be ferocious animals that had been used as attack dogs. American breeders are credited with transforming the breed into the even-tempered, friendly and dependable Dane of today.
>>>As a general rule, Great Danes are big goofy balls of slobber. However, they are still effective guard dogs. A dog that can be loving and sweet and also intimidating and fierce.
*Activity Level
Spirited and courageous, Danes enjoy outdoor activity and daily exercise. They adapt well to city or country living but need room indoors as well as out.
>>>Great Danes are amazing in a big, country home, suburban living and even apartment living. They are amazing dogs in apartments. They tend to be quiet inside, relatively laid back. They of course need to have exercise and energy spent in appropriate manners, regardless of where they live.
*Height/Weight
Males measure 30 in (76 cm) or more at the shoulders though 32 in (81 cm) or larger is preferable. Females will be somewhat smaller.
*Coat
The coat is short, smooth, thick and glossy.
*Colour
Danes may be brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin (white with black patches) or ‘Boston’ (black with white trim).
>>>Great Danes come in many, many colours naturally and can be registered however, cannot be shown in Conformation shows. None of these "unrecognized" colours cause or are known to have any ill health effects like you can and will find with Double Merles. We do not agree with purposely pairing colours that is known to produce Double Merles (Harlequin x Harlequin / Merle x Merle / Harlequin x Merle), which is an acceptable practice in the Canadian and American Kennel clubs. And is also in the Code of Ethics in the kennel clubs, to cull by euthanasia, of the double merle puppies at no later than 5 weeks of age. If these puppies are to be culled, would it not be more effective to just not produce them at all? Double Merles are 100% avoidable by simply not paring parents together that are Harlequin and Merle. This is not at all ethical and not something I have ever understood or agreed with. I never will.
*Grooming
The coat requires minimal grooming.
*Source : CKC Website
>>>Source: Our experiences living with, breeding and owning Great Danes