Country of Origin: Germany
Group: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid Breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Section: Molossoid breeds
Original Function: guardian, hunting large game
Todays Function: companion
Dimension Male: 76-86 cm
Dimension Female: 71-81 cm
Weight Male: 54-90 kg
Weight Female: 45-59 kg
Litter Size: up to 15 puppies, average 8
Life span: 6-8 years
Other Names: Deutsche Dogge, German Mastiff
Colors: Solid black, solid white, black with white face and legs (mantle), irregular black patches (harlequi
Living: The great dane is an amazingly adaptable large breed of dog that can tolerate smaller living spaces
Recognized: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR
Description
The Great Dane is a giant dog that combines nobility with robustness and power with elegance. It has a long narrow head with an accentuated frontal stop and a rather large nasal canal. Its neck is long and muscular and its front legs are perfectly straight. It has muscular thighs 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 a lively intelligent expression. Its ears are either cropped rather long, pointed, and carried erect, or left natural. Its well developed white teeth must close in a scissors bite. All Danes have short, thick, shiny, close-fitting hair. The color of the coat indicates the variety, fawn, brindle, black, blue, mantle harlequin and sometimes merle. Although not a recognized color, chocolate does occur in a recessive gene. Merle is a common result of harlequin breeding, but it is not a recognized color. Black coats and dark eyes, while blue Danes may have lighter eyes.
Temperament
The Great Dane is gentle, loving, easygoing and sensitive. It is generally good with children (although its friendly overtures may overwhelm a small child) and usually friendly toward other dogs and pets. It is powerful but sensitive and responsive to training. It makes a pleasant, well-mannered family companion.
Excercise
The Great Dane needs daily moderate exercise. Its needs can be met with a good walk or romp. Despite its sturdy appearance, it is not well-suited to living outdoors and is best suited to dividing its time between indoors and out. Inside, it needs soft bedding and sufficient room to stretch out when sleeping. Some tend to drool. Coat care is minimal.
Grooming
The smooth short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush and dry shampoo when necessary. Bathing this giant is a major chore, so it pays to avoid the need by daily grooming. The nails must be kept trimmed. This breed is an a
Health
Major concerns: gastric torsion, CHD, cardiomyopathy
Minor concerns: CVI (wobbler"s syndrome), cataract, elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, OCD, HOD
Occasionally seen: glaucoma, vWD
Suggested tests: cardiac, elbow, hip, eye, blood
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