The Great Dane
Very muscular, strongly though elegantly built with a look of dash & daring, of being ready to go anywhere and do anything. Alert expression, powerful, majestic action displaying dignity. Kindly without nervousness, friendly and outgoing. He has a kindly disposition, affection for children and is devoted to his family
The Great Dane is properly called the Deutsche Dogge or German Mastiff; a name often eschewed by fanciers in English speaking countries. However, there is no evidence that the dog developed anywhere but Germany and there is no reason for it to be named after the country of Denmark. The breed originated from dogs of the mastiff type for size with the influence of the greyhound type for speed, and was developed to hunt wild boar, guard castles, pull carts and participate in battle.
The Apollo of the dog world, the Great Dane was used by the German nobility to hunt wild boar and stags. To contend with the swift, savage, powerful European boar, a real superdog was required - and this is exactly what a well-bred Great Dane is! - A massive dog, spirited and courageous, with a proud dignified bearing, it is little wonder the Great Dane is considered the king of dogs. Aloof in the company of strangers, the Dane is nevertheless the gentlest and kindest of dogs with his own family and friends. Ultra loyal, dependable and devoted in the extreme, he is generally a very gentle playmate for children. Despite his size, he makes a well-behaved housedog and thoroughly enjoys his (and your) creature comforts.
“There is nothing like a Dane” is often heard from fanciers of this breed. And while size alone makes him unique, the Great Dane’s personality is the quality that most find so appealing. The Dane is a ‘people dog’ - a sensitive and affectionate companion. They can be elegant and dignified one moment, and ‘then playful and silly the next. They do not make good ‘yard’ dogs or “home alone’ dogs because when segregated from human companionship, they can become very unruly and destructive.
Regular and frequent controlled exercise and training is essential for the Great Dane, as is special care and feeding for a growing puppy. Help and advice from an experienced breeder is invaluable
Very minimal grooming is needed for a Great Dane; They get by with a bath, nail trim and teeth cleaning and a much appreciated brushing when doing what little shedding they do.
The Great Dane is unfortunately not a long-lived breed. Their lifespan is generally 7-10 years. Longevity can be promoted by breeding healthy individuals whose ancestors were long-lived and by practicing good health management and this is one area Apollodane Great Danes have become successful in. Even though the Dane is not long-lived, lovers of this breed would agree that they’d rather have seven years with a Dane than fifteen with another breed.
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denise brooks said,
February 14, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
I’m 28 yrs old and I have owned danes my entire life! I have had many breeds and handled many dogs since I am a dog trainer and nothing has ever won my heart like a dane. I was even bitten by an abused rescue dane and that didn’t even deter me! I have great dane things all over my house. My kid’s room is all scooby doo ! I even have a tatoo of a harl dane on my arm! I am dane crazy! One of the most fun things about danes is being stopped in public people love to see danes, I’ve had people stop me to take pictures of my dogs. A trip to petsmart takes me about 3 to 4 hours because I have so many people stop to talk about danes! Danes are so loyal, they love kids and will protect their family to the end! Even though they are large they are so careful around smaller animals and people. Once you have a dane you always will have a dane! I think god every day for great danes!
miike said,
February 13, 2009 @ 6:33 am
my family has raised great danes for about 12 years so natrually i had to get a huge handsome harliquin when i moved out now im in to pitbulls but i will always have me a dane or two
janet said,
January 31, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
I agree with everything said about the nature of the dane. I’m interested in anyone who has reared and trained a deaf dane.