Great Dane

Great Dane

General
 

Great Dane , also known as German Mastiff  or Danish Hound , is a breed of domestic dog ( known for its giant size. The Great Dane is one of the world's tallest dog breeds; the current world record holder, measuring 109 cm (43 in) from paw to shoulder; 220 cm (7.2 ft) from head to tail.

The Great Dane is a breed of dog known for its large size (giant) and gentle personality. Great Danes used to be feisty and aggressive fighters, but today the breed is commonly referred to as the "Gentle Giant". This transformation became possible through careful selective breeding. Typically they are smart, strong dogs who are protective and loyal to their owners. They take to training well and are fairly low maintenance compared to many other breeds.

Multiple historical documents suggest that dogs similar to modern Great Danes were known over 2000 years ago and were used to hunt wild boar and also bring down other wild animals such as wolves and elk. The modern Great Dane breed as we know it today was developed in Germany in the 19th century. The name was derived from its French name, Grand Danois (Big Danish). The Great Dane is the tallest of the working breeds and stands 28 to 32 inches and weighs 100 to 137 pounds. He is known for his courage, boldness, endurance and friendliness. Although Great Danes look intimidating because of their massive size and weight, they are very easy-going and gentle with family members including children and have proved to be devoted and loyal companions. Great Danes are not tolerant of cold weather. They are big droolers.

History

According to Barbara Stein, "The breed originated in Germany, probably from a cross between the English mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound." However, other sources maintain that the breed originated in Denmark and still others report the question as controversial and unsettled. In 1749 Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon used the name "le Grand Danois," (translated by William Smellie as "Great Dane"). Up until that time the hound was referred to in England as "Danish dog." According to Jacob Nicolay Wilse the Danes called the dog "large hound," a terminology continued well in to the 20th century. As late as in the 1780 Germany the hound is referred to as "Grosser Dänischer Jagdhund" (English: Large Danish Hunting Hound). At the first dog exhibition, held in Hamburg 14–20 July 1863, eight dogs were called "Dänische Dogge" and seven "Ulmer Doggen."

Appearance

As described by the American Kennel Club, "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." The Great Dane is a short haired breed with a strong galloping figure. In the ratio between length and height, the Great Dane should be square. The male dog should not be less than 30 in (76 cm) at the shoulders, a female 28 in (71 cm). Danes under minimum height are disqualified.

From year to year, the tallest living dog is typically a Great Dane. Previous record holders include Gibson and Titan, however the current record holder is a blue Great Dane named Giant George who stands 43 in (110 cm) at the shoulder. He is also the tallest dog on record (according Guinness World Records), beating the previous holder who was a brindle Great Dane named Shamgret Danzas, who stood 42.5 in (108 cm) at the shoulder.

The minimum weight for a Great Dane over eighteen months is 120 lb (54 kg) for males, 100 lb (45 kg) for females.Unusually, the American Kennel Club dropped the minimum weight requirement from its standard.The male should appear more massive throughout than the female, with a larger frame and heavier bone.

Temperament

The Great Dane's large and imposing appearance belies its friendly nature; the breed is often referred to as a gentle giant. Great Danes are generally well-disposed toward other dogs, other non-canine pets, and humans. They generally do not exhibit a high prey drive. The Great Dane is a very gentle and loving animal with proper care and training. They are also very needy. Some may find them frightening because of their huge structure and loud bark, but they generally have no intention of harming people.They also are very protective.

 

Exercise

Like most dogs, Great Danes require daily walks to remain healthy. However it is important not to over exercise this breed, particularly when young. Great Dane puppies grow very large, very fast, which puts them at risk of joint and bone problems. Because of a puppy's natural energy, Dane owners often take steps to minimize activity while the dog is still growing.
Given their large size, Great Danes continue to grow (mostly gaining weight) longer than most dogs. Even at one year of age a Great Dane will continue to grow for several more months.
Great Danes are prone to bloat. Bloat is a serious condition which can be fatal if not treated almost immediately. It can compromise the stomach, spleen and other organs. There is conflicting information about how the condition is caused. It is often suggested that Great Danes be fed at an elevated level to prevent bloat. Danes should never be allowed to gallop and run for hours on end, as it is thought to cause excess air to become trapped in the abdominal area, resulting in the painful condition of bloat.
 

Health

Great Danes, like most giant dogs, have a fairly slow metabolism. This results in less energy and less food consumption per pound of dog than in small breeds. Great Danes have some health problems that are common to large breeds, including gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) (a painful distending and twisting of the stomach). This is a critical condition that can affect Great Danes and other deep-chested breeds, and which may cause death if not quickly addressed. Drinking large amounts of fluid in a short period of time can provoke GDV in Great Danes, as well as other larger breeds of dogs. It is a commonly recommended practice for Great Danes to have their stomachs tacked (Gastropexy) to the right abdominal wall if the dog or its relatives have a history of GDV, though some veterinary surgeons will not do the operation if the actual sickness has not occurred. New studies have shown that elevated food bowls do not help abate bloating, like first believed. When the bowl is elevated, the dog can eat faster, and therefore swallow more air, so new studies suggest that leaving the food on the ground will help the dog eat slower. Another opportunity could be to spread the food on the ground or on the grass.  Refraining from exercise or activity immediately before and after meals may also reduce risk, although this has not been validated with research. Signs that GDV may have occurred include, but are not limited to, visible distension (enlargement of the abdomen) and repeated retching that resembles repetitive non-productive attempts to vomit. GDV is a condition that is distinct from another condition referred to as bloat; though, bloat may precede the development of GDV. GDV is a surgical emergency; immediate veterinary evaluation should be sought if a dog demonstrates signs of this condition.

Life Span 


The average life span of Great Danes are 6 to 8 years

FCI Official Name:	Deutsche Dogge
AKC Name:	Great Dane
Other Names:	Dane, Gentle Giant
Country of Origin:	Germany
FCI Classification:	Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other breeds. Section 2.1: Molossoid breeds, Mastiff type. Without working trial.
Utilization:	Companion, watch and guard dog
AKC Classification:	Working Group
Personality:	Friendly, loving and devoted to his owners, specially to the children. Reserved towards strangers. Required is a confident, fearless, easily tractable, docile companion and family dog with high resistance to provocation and without aggression.
Size Category:	Large
Height:	28-32 inches
Colors:	Fawn (grey fawn, blue fawn, isabella (cream) or sooty fawn color); brindle (basic color silver blue or isabella); Harlequin (blue-grey ticked basic color with large fawn-grey or blue-grey parts in the patches); black (fawn, brown or blue-black color); blue (fawn or black-blue color)
Average Litter Size:	8
Life Span:	7-10 years
Grooming Requirements:	Their short, dense coat requires minimum of attention.
Shedding:	Despite their short coat, Great Danes shed much more than you might think. In fact, they shed all the time.
Social skills:	Great Danes usually are OK with other pets, but supervision is recommended.
Suitability for Children:	Very good with children, but do not leave younger children alone with a Great Dane.
Exercise Needs:	Although Great Dane can be somewhat active and needs a period of exercise each day to stay fit, the Great Dane is a great house dog. They need less exercise than their size might indicate.
Train Ability:	Great Dane can be dominant. A professional trainer is recommended. This dog may be unsuitable for inexperienced or timid dog owners.
Health & Behavior Issues:	Hip dysplasia, bloat, bone cancer, heart diseases, and tumors.