History

The ancestors of the Great Dane include British mastiffs and possibly wolfhounds, brought to Europe, first by the Romans and later by German aristocrats seeking to improve their hunting dogs. Despite its name, the Great Dane is a German breed. During the 15th and 16th centuries, German forests were filled with game, and hunting wild boar with dogs was a favorite pastime of German nobility. Each lord kept large numbers of boarhounds, which they carefully bred to improve their size, power, and endurance. When game in the forests began to dwindle, the large breeding kennels disappeared but the Great Dane continued to be a favorite with German aristocrats. Great Danes were exhibited at the first German Dog show in 1863, and the first Danes were imported into the United States not long thereafter. In this country, Great Danes are popular family companions for people who admire their regal appearance and affectionate personalities. The Great Dane was recognized by United Kennel Club in 1923.

General Appearance
The Great Dane combines, in its regal appearance, dignity, strength and elegance with great size and a powerful, well-formed, smoothly muscled body. It is one of the giant working breeds, but is unique in that its general conformation must be so well balanced that it never appears clumsy, and shall move with a long reach and powerful drive. It is known as the Apollo of dogs. A Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, never timid; always friendly and dependable. This physical and mental combination is the characteristic which gives the Great Dane the majesty possessed by no other breed. It is particularly true of this breed that there is an impression of great masculinity in males, as compared to an impression of femininity in females. The male should appear more massive throughout than the female, with larger frame and heavier bone. In the ratio between length and height, the Great Dane should be square. In females, a somewhat longer body is permissible, providing she is well proportioned to her height. Coarseness or lack of substance are equally undesirable. The male shall not be less than 80 cm at the shoulders, but it is preferable that he be more, providing he is well proportioned to his height. The female shall not be less than 72 cm ar the shoulders, but it is preferable that she be more, providing she is well proportioned to her height.

 

The Great Dane has a long narrow head with an accentuated frontal stop. Its neck is long and muscular, and front legs perfectly straight. It has muscular tighs and round feet with short, dark nails. The Great Dane's tail is medium length, reaching to the point of the hock. Its eyes are round and usually dark, with the lively intelligent expression. The hair is short, thick and shiny. The official colours are: fawn, brindle, black, harlequin and blue.

Fawn - The color shall be yellow gold with a black mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears and tail tip. The deep yellow gold must always be given the preference. White markings at the chest and toes, black-fronted dirty colored fawns are not desirable.

Brindle - The base color shall be yellow gold and always brindled with strong black cross stripes in a chevron pattern. A black mask is preferred. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears and tail tip. The more intensive the base color and the more distinct and even the brindling, the more preferred will be the color. Too much or too little brindling are equally undesirable. White markings at the chest and toes, black-fronted, dirty col- ored brindles are not desirable.

Black - The color shall be a glossy black. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable. Mantle - The color shall be black and white with a solid black blanket extending over the body; black skull with white muzzle; white blaze is optional; whole white collar preferred; a white chest; white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs; white tipped black tail. A small white marking in the black blanket is acceptable, as is a break in the white collar.

Harlequin - Base color shall be pure white with black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over the entire body; a pure white neck is preferred. The black patches should never be large enough to give the appearance of a blanket, nor so small as to give a stippled or dappled effect. Eligible, but less desirable, are a few small gray patches, or a white base with single black hairs showing through, which tend to give a salt and pepper or dirty effect. Any variance in color or markings described above shall be faulted to the extent of the deviation. Any Great Dane which does not fall within the above color classifications must be disqualified.

Blue - The color shall be a pure steel blue. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable.

Temperament

The Great Dane is a gentle giant. Dignified, kind, sweet and affectionate, it is playful and patient with children. It loves everyone and need to be around people. The Great Dane doesn't bark much. A steady dog, responsible and dependable, brave and loyal. Because of his giant size, the Great Dane should be thoroughly obedience trainend when young so it will be manageable when fully grown.

Health
The Great Dane puppies are growing very fast. It is very important to feed the Great Dane puppy with a high quality dog food and follow the instructions of the experienced breeder to avoid bone diseases. It is not recommended that the owner jog with a Great Dane until the dog is at least one year old. Owners may also want to take note that exercise after meals is not recommended since Great Danes are prone to bloat. Another way to decrease the chances of bloat is to feed these dogs in several small meals from a raised dish. Other health concerns the Great Danes may face include hip dysplasia, genetic heart problems, tumors, and tail injuries. The average life expectancy of a Great Dane is usually less than 10 years.