Great Dane

This enormous dog earned the nickname "Gentle Giant" by being a completely sweet-tempered dog after being originally bred to hunt vicious boar in Germany. Even people initially intimidated by Great Danes will be won over by their majestic carriage and warm personalities.

They enjoy playing unsupervised in fenced-in, open backyards and going for walks. Great Danes are brave and obedient, but they also exhibit lap dog characteristics, such as a need to be close whenever you are at home. Due to their size, they must be closely watched to avoid mishaps like tipping over house decorations or little family members.

Weight

• Male: 140-175 lbs
• Female: 110-140 lbs

Height

• Male: 30-32 inches
• Female: 28-30 inches

Lifespan

• 6-10 years 

Appearance 

German Mastiff, or Deutsche Dogge, is another name for the Great Dane. The Great Dane is a  very large and strong dog. Male Great Danes may weigh up to 170 pounds and stand about 32 inches tall, while Great female Danes can weigh up to 140 lbs.

Their enormous skull is flat and slender, and they have prominent brows and ears that protrude. They have straight front legs, a long, powerful neck, and a thick, medium-length tail.

Great Danes can be brown, fawn, chocolate, white, brindle, or double merle. Some Great Dane patterns, like the Harlequin, are so beautiful they have their own names.

Due to the significant daily stress these huge animal's circulatory system is put under, the heart muscle of Great Danes tends to weaken with age. This condition is known as cardiomyopathy, contributing to the regrettable fact that they live shorter lives than smaller canines.
Even while they may still appear robust, the elderly tend to lose muscle in their legs due to inactivity, making them appear wasted and eventually making it difficult for them to stand, particularly if they get arthritis as they age.

Temperament 

The Great Dane, commonly called the "Gentle giant," is a kind dog. It is endearing, tender, fun, and understanding among kids. It needs to be around people and they like everyone. Great Dane does not bark frequently and only acts aggressively when necessary. 

They are dependable and trustworthy. It is a good watchdog since it is brave and devoted. The Great Dane does not remain a puppy for very long; therefore, continuous training and guidelines should begin as soon as possible. 

Please do not assume that since this breed is enormous, it also has an imposing attitude. In reality, Great Danes have pleasant personalities, are loyal, and wish to be close to their owners. You can never forget about cooking or eating alone since they will keep you in their line of sight!

Although Great Danes often appear timid, distant, or reserved, they aren't typically aggressive animals. Early socialization will help your Great Dane puppy feel more at ease around strangers and other dogs. Visitors may find their strong, commanding bark alarming; however, it truly is worse than the bite in this instance.

Great Danes were initially developed as hunting dogs. They mostly serve as "lovable family members" today. And if your Great Dane tries to be a lap dog, don't be shocked; the results can be funny.

Living Conditions

Great Danes are gregarious canines who would rather be with people and other animals than alone themselves. They may stretch their ponderous legs as much as they like in the big, enclosed yard. However, a large yard is not a deal-breaker as long as they get the required activity — we're talking about two or three walks each day. They'll need to go outside and run around a bit since they're so big, but they're not these energetic dogs.

However, they also love relaxing before a fire and taking advantage of other amenities. During the growing stage, these dogs should only receive a small amount of exercise because excessive activity can seriously damage their bones, joints, and muscles.

Care

While the Great Dane's great stature necessitates a few extra precautions to keep them safe when it comes to exercise, caring for your Great Dane is similar to caring for other short-haired breeds of smaller sizes. To develop a well-rounded dog that behaves well as an adult, it's crucial to train this breed in basic obedience training from an early age.

When young, Great Danes are playful and active. Wait until they are at least 18 months old before letting them jump or taking them on activities like jogging to protect the health of their developing bones and joints. Most of these dogs still have considerable energy as they mature. Daily walks are a good example of a routine activity that may keep your dog fit and healthy. Most Great Danes can play safely in a fenced-in yard because they don't tend to jump fences.

The Great Dane must receive proper obedience training and socialization with other people and animals. If not properly trained, this breed's enormous size makes it quite difficult to handle. Because these dogs are so big, it's important to pay close attention to preventing jumping, leaning, and leash pulling.

Great Danes are simple to house train and would rather be inside with the family than outside alone. Training big-breed dogs using a crate designed for them is advised.

They normally only require weekly brushing and simple care due to their short, dense coats. The spring and fall are when they shed the most. Great Danes require regular bathing, typically once or twice a month.

Natural (floppy) ear-bearing Great Danes should get routine ear examinations and cleanings. Although some people like to have their ears surgically cropped, this technique is declining in popularity and is even prohibited in some nations.

To keep your dog's nails healthy and to avoid splitting or tearing, you should trim them every two weeks. For optimal dental health, brush your dog's teeth at least twice weekly. This will lessen the risk of gum disease.

Health

Great Danes live between 6 to 10 years and are prone to various health problems. Ask your breeder for a copy of the health examinations performed on the parent dogs. Obtain a copy of the wellness check from your veterinarian if you are adopting your dog. Knowing these problems is critical because knowledgeable pet parents can help their dogs live happy, fulfilling lives.

• Heart Problems: Compared to other breeds, the Great Dane is more prone to heart disease. Reputable breeders often do echocardiograms on their breeding dogs to combat this and reduce the possibility that the issue will be passed on to subsequent litters. These examinations frequently take place at ages 2, 4, and 6.
• Bloat: Gastric dilatation volvulus, sometimes known as bloat, is a potentially fatal stomach ailment that is more frequent in large breeds with deep chests, such as the Great Dane. GDV causes the dog's stomach to spin and twist in the abdomen. Symptoms include a swollen belly, confusing pacing, difficulty falling asleep, and mouth foaming because the dog is unable to vomit or urinate.
• Feed your dog smaller meals more frequently, and use a slow feeder to prevent them from wolfing down their food to help prevent this disease. Exercise should not be done an hour before or after meals, and food dishes should not be elevated. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog may be experiencing GDV.
• Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disorder that results in pain and lameness because the hip joint isn't developed properly. Weight loss, exercise limitation, physical therapy, and pharmaceuticals are a few treatments and therapies that are fortunately readily available.
• Elbow hygroma: This fluid-filled, non-cancerous growth may develop on your dog's elbow. Elbow hygromas are frequently brought on by your dog repeatedly lying on hard surfaces.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disorder that affects your dog's heart chambers and, if left untreated, can result in congestive heart failure.
• Wobbler Syndrome (also known as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy or Cervical Vertebral Instability) is a neurological condition that affects your dog. Compression of the spine brings it on in the dog's neck.

History

When images of canines with a similar appearance were found in the Babylonian Temples, which were constructed around 2000 B.C., it is thought that these enormous dogs first appeared around 3000 B.C. According to descriptions of dogs that may be found in 1121 B.C. Chinese literature, it's possible that similar dogs existed in Tibet. The Assyrians are supposed to have traded their dogs to the Romans and Greeks, who would subsequently mix them with other dogs of various types, spreading the Great Dane breed worldwide. They are thought to have Irish Wolfhound, English Mastiff, and Irish Greyhound origins. Boar Hounds were the founding members of this breed because they were developed specifically to hunt pigs. To prevent them from being harmed by boar tusks, they used to have their ears trimmed.

 In the sixteenth century, their name was altered to English Dogges. But later that century, when it was typical for German nobility to keep their big, gorgeous dogs at home, their name was once more altered to Kammerhunde, which is German for "chamber dogs." While exploring Denmark in the 1700s, a French naturalist discovered a distinct breed of boar hound that resembled the greyhound and was leaner in appearance.

He gave these dogs the names Grand Danois and Great Danish Dog. This breed's larger canines were known as Danish Mastiffs. German breeders are frequently credited with improving these dogs. At a meeting with judges and breeders in 1880, it was decided that the breed would be distinct from the English Mastiff and known as the Deutsche Dogge or German Dog. Even though the breed did not originate in Denmark, the name changed to Great Dane and has remained in use ever since. 

In Germany, the Deutsche Doggen-Klub was established, and the dog name spread to many other nations. However, in locations where the term was not adopted, this breed will go by a different name, such as the Great Dane in most English-speaking nations. Even after all of this, the Great Danes were still unlike the canines familiar to us all today. Because they were originally intended to be hunting dogs, they had a more violent and aggressive personality.

The affluent German breeders altered the disposition to produce a more submissive and kind dog. They were successful, and today these big dogs are kept as devoted, sociable companions for families. The Great Dane Club of America was founded in 1889.

The Great Dane was designated as Germany's national dog in 1876, but he also gained popularity in other nations, notably the United States. The Great Dane is now ranked 17th out of the breeds that the American Kennel Club registers, up from 28th in 2000. It is understandable why so many people adore this unusual canine, given his sweet demeanor and enormous size.

Final Thoughts

Great Danes make wonderful family dogs and are a great option for anyone searching for an active dog that doesn't need a lot of physical activity. They are ideal canines for those who already have friendly pets or other youngsters in the house due to their gentle and sweet disposition with family and other animals.

It's important to remember that large dog breeds have limited lifespans. All dogs will eventually break your heart, but Great Danes have one of the shortest lives. However, Great Danes can find that their natural lifespans can end at 5 or 6 years old. Most Great Danes will live to reach 7–10 years old, with a rare handful nearing the 12-year milestone.

It's also important to consider how much food large dog breeds consume. Giant dog breeds can be excessively expensive to keep healthy due to their propensity to develop health issues and increased risk of acquiring canine bloat.

A Great Dane is a fantastic choice for people who can manage their expenses and are searching for a pleasant, active dog that doesn't need a lot of upkeep! They are great for families with young children because they are kind and patient.