GreatDanes Online

Shadow · Site Admin Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Posts: 26

The Great Dane was developed in Germany where it has been known since the Middle Ages. Called the Deusche Dogge, the Dane has been used to hunt big game (wild boar), patrol estates and as a war dog. The earliest written description of a dog resembling the breed may be found in Chinese literature of 1121 B.C. (an article by Dr. G. Ciaburri, Great Dane Club of Italy publication, 1929).

The breed was introduced to this continent in the mid-19th century and the first exhibited under the breed name Siberian or Ulm Dog. It is reported that these early specimens were a bad-tempered lot and that Amercan breeders are credited with transforming the Dane into the dependable, even-tempered breed it is today. The name of the breed (in the English language) is a translation of an old French designation, grand Danois, meaning "big Danish." This was only one of half a dozen names which had been used for centuries in France. Why the English adopted the name "Great Dane" from the French is a mystery.

In 1891 the Great Dane Club of Germany adopted a precise standard, or official description of the ideal specimen.

Fanciers call this the "Apollo of dogs because of its handsome outline and aristocratic bearing. Males measure 30-32 inches or more at the shoulder, females about 28 inches or more, but no less.

The short, smooth coat may be brindle, fawn, blue, black or harlequin (white with black patches), mantle, and merle. Little grooming is required.

High-set ears may be cropped to a point or natural, in which case they fold about on a level with the skull.

Danes are slow to mature and have special nutritional needs during the critical growing months.

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. It is always a unit-the Apollo of dogs. A Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, never timid; always friendly and dependable. This physical and mental combination is the characteristic which gives the Great Dane the majesty possessed by no other breed. It is particularly true of this breed that there is an impression of great masculinity in dogs, as compared to an impression of femininity in female.
They enjoy a run outdoors but should never be exercised strenuously immediately after feeding.

The breed adapts well to either city or country living.