Great Dane

Size: Extra-Large
Other Names: German Mastiff, Danish Hound, Grand Danois, Dogue Allemand, Deutsche Dogge, Dänischer Hund, Dane, Gentle Giant, Apollo of all breeds
Country of Origin: Germany
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Working
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Guardian Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Non-Sporting
The Kennel Club (KC): Working Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Working Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Non-Sporting

Height:

Male: at least 30 inches; Female: at least 28 inches

Weight:

Male: 120–175 pounds; Female: 100–140 pounds

Color(s):

Brindle (strong black stripes in a chevron pattern on a yellow-gold background); fawn (yellow gold with a black mask); blue (pure steel blue); black (glossy black); harlequin (black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over a white background); or boston (solid black blanket extending over the body and skull with white markings on the muzzle, collar, chest, part or whole of the fore and hind legs, tip of the tail)

Coat:

Short, close, thick; smooth, glossy appearance

Description:

Great Danes ancestry includes the English Mastiff and, possibly, wolfhounds.  Despite his name, the Great Dane is a German breed.  There were developed as hunting dogs, and were carefully bred to improve size, power, and endurance.  They were a favorite with German aristocrats.

Temperament:

The Great Dane's large and imposing appearance belies its friendly nature; the breed is often referred to as a gentle giant.  He is spirited, courageous, friendly, and dependable.  He is easy-going, affectionate with family members, and self-confident with strangers.  He is good with children, but due to his great size, is better suited for older children and teenagers.  Great Danes are generally well-disposed toward other dogs, other non-canine pets, and wild animals.

Training:

Great Danes are easily trained, but need consistency.

Care & Grooming:

Although Great Danes have a fairly slow metabolism, they need a moderate amount of daily exercise.  Great Danes, like most giant dogs, have a fairly slow metabolism, resulting in less energy, and less food consumption per pound of dog than in small breeds.  As in other larger breeds of dogs, drinking large amounts of fluid in a short period of time can provoke bloating in Great Danes.  Elevated food dishes are often believed to help prevent bloat by regulating the amount of air that is inhaled while eating, although one study suggests that elevated food dishes may increase the risk.  Refraining from exercise or activity immediately before and after meals may also reduce the risk of bloat, although this has not been validated with research.

Shedding:

Low to moderate.

Health:

Great Danes are at high risk for bloat and may develop cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia.  This giant breed has a relatively short life and should not be run hard after eating.

Lifespan:

7–10 years

Litter Size:

5–10 puppies