Great Dane

Great Dane

Breed: Great Dane

Description:  Regal and majestic looking, the Great Dane is one of the biggest breed of dogs in the world. Square in built, as tall as long and well muscled and solid. Their hair is short and comes is six different colours- fawn, Harlequin, black, steel blue, brindle and Mantle/Boston.

Characteristics:  The Great Dane is an excellent breed of dog that fits well into almost any environment. They are sweet natured, affectionate and well mannered with loved ones and takes the job of keeping them and their home safe from anyone with bad intentions. This is an intelligent dog and due to their size and strong will, is best suited for someone with experience with dogs. It is a breed that if not properly trained, socialized and exercised, could become a problem. The Great Dane should only be taken on after serious consideration and thought.

With children the Great Dane make a very playful friend who is patient and gentle, but due to his large size he may be a bit much for little children, knocking them over and possibly hurting them by mistake. They also fits well into a home with other pets, though some can be aggressive with dogs they don’t know.

The Great Dane does take some dedication and work but for those willing to put in the effort, they make a fantastic companion for an individual or family. Well suited to the country or city, they do very well in an apartment as long as its big enough to move around freely and they get proper daily exercise.

Origins: Most believe that the Great Dane originated in Germany – though some think they came from Denmark, either way The Great Dane was probably a cross between the Irish Wolfhound and the English Mastiff. Officially recognized as a breed in 1887.

Special needs:  The Great Dane needs early and ongoing socialization and training. They can also be a dominant dog so it is important that all family members establish leadership. This should be accomplished by sharing in his training and care, never through being heavy handed. They also need daily exercise to keep happy and mellow – at least an hour or so a day. Owners need to be careful during the first 2-3 years of life not to over exercise, as they could suffer bone damage. They make an excellent jogging or bicycling companion once fully mature. As with any of the giant breeds, they eat a lot and can be quite expensive to feed and during growing years may need a special diet to ensure they’re getting all the vitamins and nutrients needed to develop into a healthy dog.

Highlights:

- Usual life span is only about 8-10 years but with proper care some can reach 12 years.

- This is usually a quiet dog, not given to nuisance barking.

- The Great Dane is very tall and can look down upon tables and counters, food left unattended may fall victim to appetite. ALso has a long strong tail that can wreak a lot of havoc clearing coffee tables and knocking things over.

- THE giant size can be a problem at times – does not fit well into small cars, or little apartments and may be difficult to take some places because of it.

-   The Great Dane is a healthy breed, only prone to a few health problems. Susceptible to cancer, hip dysplasia, ,tumors,  heart problems and twisted stomach. To help prevent Twisted stomach care should be taken to never exercise right after eating.