Breed of the Month: Great Dane

Commonly referred to as the “Apollo” of dogs or the “Gentle Giant”, the Great Dane is truly a majestic breed. The Great Dane is a very old breed with written descriptions of its ancestors dating as far back as 1121 BC. The Great Dane that we know today originated in Germany about 400 years ago. They descended from mastiff-like dogs and were owned by the upper class for protection and wild boar hunting. As hunting became less popular, the drive to fight and the aggression was bred out of them. The modern-day Great Danes are quite the opposite – gentle, loving, laid back and friendly. The Great Dane is an awesome family dog – they are known to be wonderful with children and other dogs and cats. The Great Dane is a lover, not a fighter and considers themselves as “lapdogs” and will want to lay with or on you. If you have room in your heart and your house for this wonderful loving breed, then the Great Dane may be the perfect fit!

Weight:

Male: 140-175 lbs.
Female: 110-140 lbs.
Height:
Male: 30-32 in.
Female: 28-30 in.

Features:

• Breed Group: Working
• Giant Breed
• 2nd tallest breed next to the Irish Wolfhound
• Athletic, muscular body
• Short, sleek coat
• Coat colours include: brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin and mantle
• Extreme large head, long and narrow
• Cropped or natural “floppy” ears
• Long heavy tail

Expectations:

• Exercise requirements: High – daily exercise – walks 2-3 times daily
• Lifespan: 7-10 years
• Energy Level: High
• Drool Level: Moderate-High
• Bark Level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding Level: High
• Intelligence: High
• Child-Friendly: High
• Cat/ Dog-Friendly: High

Common Health Problems:

• Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)
• Hypothyroidism
• Eye and cardiac diseases
• Hip dysplasia

Written by Kylie, CCR