The Great Dane, a dog breed known for its large size and laid-back personality, is originally from Germany. Despite their imposing stature, they are among the most good-natured breeds out there.
Upright
With a typical shoulder height of 30 to 32 inches for males and 28 to 30 inches for females, Great Danes are among the largest dog breeds in the world. Their regal appearance, grace, and strength have earned them the nickname “Apollo of Dogs.”
More Than Just Size
Great Danes aren’t just important for their size; Jose Ma Ignacio, a Great Dane owner, says, “They love you unconditionally.” They are majestic companions and require minimal grooming, according to Ignacio.
What makes them unique?
Great Danes stand out from other breeds thanks to their unique build. They strike a perfect balance between strength, speed, and courage, avoiding any coarseness or excessive refinement. Ignacio emphasizes that love and care are essential for all dogs, regardless of breed.
Living with a Great Dane
Great Danes get along well with other pets, including ball pythons and cats. Ignacio highlights two major challenges in caring for Great Danes: the high costs associated with giant dogs and their shorter life expectancy. Despite these challenges, Ignacio believes they are worth it.
Caring for your Great Dane
Here are some important tips for caring for a Great Dane:
Get pet insurance to manage the high costs of caring for a giant dog.
Avoid overfeeding growing puppies to prevent skeletal problems.
Do not breed your Great Dane unless you have the knowledge to do so responsibly.
Mythical Protectors
Great Danes are believed to have several mystical abilities. They were once thought to scare away ghosts and evil spirits. Ignacio shared a story about his own experience with his Great Dane’s ghost-busting abilities.
The Scooby-Doo Connection
The popular cartoon character Scooby Doo, known for solving mysteries, is a Great Dane!
Recognizing a Great Dane
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard provides details on what characterizes a Great Dane. Below is a summary of the main physical characteristics:
Head: Long, narrow, and expressive with a well-defined muzzle.
Nose: Black, except for harlequins (white with black spots) which may have butterfly or flesh-colored noses. Blue Great Danes have charcoal-colored noses.
Eyes: Medium-sized, almond-shaped, and with a kind, intelligent expression.
Ears: Naturally hanging, set high on the head, and of medium size.
Neck: Long, clean, muscular, and well-formed.
Body: Strong body with slightly arched back and deep chest.
Tail: Reaching to the hock and tapering to the tip.
FOREQUARTERS: Well-angulated, with strong bones and muscles.
Hindquarters: Strong and well-muscled, broad and round.
Gait: Harmonious, flexible, and covering a lot of ground.
Coat: Very short, dense, smooth and close-fitting.
Colour: Fawn and brindle, harlequin, black and blue.
Size Matters
The FCI breed standard also specifies size requirements for Great Danes:
Males: Minimum 80 cm (31.5 inches) in length, not exceeding 90 cm (35.4 inches).
Also: Minimum 72 cm (28.3 inches) long, no longer than 84 cm (33.1 inches).
Temperament
The FCI breed standard also describes the expected temperament of a Great Dane:
He is kind, affectionate, and devoted to his family.
Can be reserved with strangers, but should be confident, fearless, and easy to train.
Have high resistance to provocation and no aggression.
Feeding your Great Dane
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to feeding a Great Dane. Ignacio advises finding what works best for your particular dog.
Training your Great Dane
Training is essential for handling a large dog. Important training includes learning not to jump on people to prevent accidental injury. Consistent training is recommended throughout their life.
Great Danes: Truly Wonderful Dogs
Great Danes are beautiful, sweet, and protective companions. Their humble nature adds to their charm. With their impressive size, affectionate personalities, and trainability, Great Danes are truly an amazing breed.
World Record Holders
The Great Dane breed holds records as the tallest dog of all time and the tallest living dog. Zeus, a Great Dane from Michigan, USA, held the title of “tallest dog ever.”
