Great Dane.
Compiled and researched by Izelle de Klerk (BSc) - Dodgy Dogs & Crazy Cats
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Pic from Great Dane Rescue SA. I looking for a Great Dane, please do consider adoption. Details of rescue below, and if not in your area, do search on line for other rescue centres in your area. https://www.greatdanerescue.co.za/
The Great Dane is a very old breed, known as the "Apollo of all dogs”. Dogs resembling the Great Dane have appeared on Greek money dating back to 36 B.C. There are also drawings of these dogs on Egyptian monuments from roughly 3000 B.C. The earliest writings of dogs that sounded like Great Danes were in Chinese literature dating back to 1121 B.C.
The Great Dane originated in Germany (407 A.D.), where they are known as the ‘Deutsche Dogge’. Breeds in his background are thought to include the Irish Wolfhound, from whom he gets his height, the Mastiff, who contributed heft, and the Greyhound, responsible for his sleek physique. Although they originated in Germany they spread throughout Europe and became popular in Denmark where they became known as ‘Great Danes’. "Great" meaning "large" and "Dane" meaning "from Denmark".
Besides being used as a hunter, they were also used as estate guard dogs and some of their other talents include tracking, watchdog and carting.
Great Danes have tall, powerful yet elegant frames. They have long, narrow heads with large nostrils and erect ears. Their eyes are dark, round and have an alert gaze. They have long necks, straight legs and chiseled bodies, medium-length tails and round feet. Their coats are thick, glossy, close fitting and can come in fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin (white with black patches),mantle and merle.
Personality
The Great Dane has a good disposition, often called a "gentle giant". They are charming, affectionate, playful, reliable, trustworthy, dependable, courageous, loyal, dignified, lovable, easygoing, gentle, friendly, docile and peaceful.
Although big in size this dog breed is never overtly aggressive - however they can have a stubborn side.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
Despite their large size they can do well in an apartment - as long as they get sufficient exercise. This is due to the fact that they are not very active dogs as well as their calm nature. Although puppyhood may be a challenge in an apartment and they will do best with at least a large yard. They make great pets for almost anyone but due to their size and strength they are not recommended for the elderly or families with small children.
These dogs are very people-oriented and love nothing better than to hang around the house with the family. They are definitely indoor dogs and can become destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
They are brave, loyal, devoted, and are often reserved towards strangers. They do not bark a lot but they will let you know of any danger and they only become aggressive when the circumstances require it. This along with their intimidating appearance makes them good guard- and watchdogs.
They don’t need a huge amount of exercise and will be fine with a daily long walk, they can also be taken to dog parks where they will be able to romp around off lead. 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. If they don’t get the exercise they need they can develop obnoxious levels of barking, digging, counter surfing and other undesirable behaviors.
One thing to keep in mind is that - even though they have gentle personalities - these are huge dogs. As puppies, they can knock over small tables and large children and as adults they can clear a coffee table with a swipe of a tail. They eat a huge amount of food and mess just as much. It can be quite a mission to get them to the vet if they are injured or ill and can’t walk by themselves. And to top it all they have a tendency to drool.
In a nutshell a Great Dane is for you if you:
The Great Dane originated in Germany (407 A.D.), where they are known as the ‘Deutsche Dogge’. Breeds in his background are thought to include the Irish Wolfhound, from whom he gets his height, the Mastiff, who contributed heft, and the Greyhound, responsible for his sleek physique. Although they originated in Germany they spread throughout Europe and became popular in Denmark where they became known as ‘Great Danes’. "Great" meaning "large" and "Dane" meaning "from Denmark".
Besides being used as a hunter, they were also used as estate guard dogs and some of their other talents include tracking, watchdog and carting.
Great Danes have tall, powerful yet elegant frames. They have long, narrow heads with large nostrils and erect ears. Their eyes are dark, round and have an alert gaze. They have long necks, straight legs and chiseled bodies, medium-length tails and round feet. Their coats are thick, glossy, close fitting and can come in fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin (white with black patches),mantle and merle.
Personality
The Great Dane has a good disposition, often called a "gentle giant". They are charming, affectionate, playful, reliable, trustworthy, dependable, courageous, loyal, dignified, lovable, easygoing, gentle, friendly, docile and peaceful.
Although big in size this dog breed is never overtly aggressive - however they can have a stubborn side.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
Despite their large size they can do well in an apartment - as long as they get sufficient exercise. This is due to the fact that they are not very active dogs as well as their calm nature. Although puppyhood may be a challenge in an apartment and they will do best with at least a large yard. They make great pets for almost anyone but due to their size and strength they are not recommended for the elderly or families with small children.
These dogs are very people-oriented and love nothing better than to hang around the house with the family. They are definitely indoor dogs and can become destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
They are brave, loyal, devoted, and are often reserved towards strangers. They do not bark a lot but they will let you know of any danger and they only become aggressive when the circumstances require it. This along with their intimidating appearance makes them good guard- and watchdogs.
They don’t need a huge amount of exercise and will be fine with a daily long walk, they can also be taken to dog parks where they will be able to romp around off lead. 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. If they don’t get the exercise they need they can develop obnoxious levels of barking, digging, counter surfing and other undesirable behaviors.
One thing to keep in mind is that - even though they have gentle personalities - these are huge dogs. As puppies, they can knock over small tables and large children and as adults they can clear a coffee table with a swipe of a tail. They eat a huge amount of food and mess just as much. It can be quite a mission to get them to the vet if they are injured or ill and can’t walk by themselves. And to top it all they have a tendency to drool.
In a nutshell a Great Dane is for you if you:
- Want a dog that will go anywhere and do anything with you
- Want a large dog that is not aggressive and gets along well with other people and pets
- Don’t mind having a large dog indoors
- Are willing to spend the time and money training and socializing them
- Dont mind having a dog where its head it on par with your table and does not need to jump up!
- Want a good guard/watchdog
- Can give them the exercise they need
- Want a dog that is easy to groom
- Are willing to spend a lot of money on food
Where do I get my pup from?
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available or contact a KUSA affiliated breed club.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Great Dane?
If well socialized they will get along with any other breed of dog.
A good choice however will be another larger dog so they can play together without worrying that the one will get hurt, a larger active dog will be perfect like a Labrador, Golden Retriever, Setter, Pointer, Spaniel, etc.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble - (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. That is very unlikely to happen with dogs of the opposite sex.
Do they get on well with other animals?
These big dogs can get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets, especially when they are raised with them.
Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly on how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
The friendly and playful nature of these dogs makes them excellent around children, they are very patient and loveable towards children but they must learn how to be gentle around them. A six-month-old Great Dane puppy will outweigh a six-year-old child and one swipe of that wagging tail will knock a toddler over. For this reason they are recommended for families with older children and it is important to supervise them if there re small children around.
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available or contact a KUSA affiliated breed club.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Great Dane?
If well socialized they will get along with any other breed of dog.
A good choice however will be another larger dog so they can play together without worrying that the one will get hurt, a larger active dog will be perfect like a Labrador, Golden Retriever, Setter, Pointer, Spaniel, etc.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
- Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble - (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. That is very unlikely to happen with dogs of the opposite sex.
Do they get on well with other animals?
These big dogs can get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets, especially when they are raised with them.
Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly on how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
The friendly and playful nature of these dogs makes them excellent around children, they are very patient and loveable towards children but they must learn how to be gentle around them. A six-month-old Great Dane puppy will outweigh a six-year-old child and one swipe of that wagging tail will knock a toddler over. For this reason they are recommended for families with older children and it is important to supervise them if there re small children around.
Training requirements and grooming
Training
Start training your puppy the day you bring him home, if you wait too long it can get difficult to train them owing to their size
They are easy to train and do well in the competition ring. They are also quick to housetrain.
Obedience training is very important with this breed, because they get so big, they must learn not to jump or lean on people and how to walk on lead. The best way to train them is by being patient, firm, confident, consistent and by using positive reinforcement techniques. They can become stubborn if harsh training techniques are used.
Grooming
The Great Dane has a short, thick, smooth coat. It sheds moderately but requires little grooming. Brush the Dane weekly with a rubber hound mitt or soft bristle brush to keep the hair and skin healthy. In spring and fall, he will have a heavy shed, known as “blowing out” the coat and will need to be brushed more frequently during that time to get rid of all the loose hair. Bath them only when necessary.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. You also need to clean their teeth about once a week. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
Like with most large breeds common health issues include hip dysplasia, bloat and congenital heart disease. They are also prone to hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand’s disease, cancer, tumors, hypertrophic osteodystrophy and neurological problems.
they are prone to bloat, so two or three smaller meals throughout the day is the best option for feeding.
It is important not to overfeed them as puppies since rapid growth can contribute to skeletal problems including arthritis.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
The average is around 9 years, however some can live to be 12-13 years old.
Interesting Facts
- A Great Dane led the Twilight Bark to get the news of missing puppies into the countryside in the classic movie “101 Dalmatians”
- A black Great Dane named Zeus holds the record for the tallest dog (according Guinness World Records). He stands 112 cm at the shoulder, beating the previous holder - a blue Great Dane named George, who stood 110 cm at the shoulder.
- Fang, Hagrid's dog from the Harry Potter series is a Great Danes. Though in the movie the role was played by a Neapolitan Mastiff.
- English poet Alexander Pope (1688-1744) kept a Great Dane named Bounce. Pope, who was crippled, physically weak and subject to threats due to his frequent lampoons, never left his house without Bounce for protection. His dog was immortalized in his poem, "Bounce to Fop," a satirical address from his dog to the royal dog Fop, and also in the painting "Alexander Pope and His Dog, Bounce" (1718) by Jonathan Richardson.
- Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was nicknamed as "the Great Dane".
- The Great Dane was named the state dog of Pennsylvania in 1965.
- Scooby-Doo, the famous Hanna-Barbera character, was based on a Great Dane by animation designer Iwao Takamoto. Takamoto based his illustrations on sketches given to him by a Hanna-Barbera employee who bred this dog.
- The athletic teams of the University at Albany have been known as the Great Danes since 1965. Damien The Great Dane has been the mascot since that time. In 2003, the school added Lil' D, a smaller Great Dane, to help Damien entertain the crowds.
- Astro, the dog in The Jetsons is a Great Dane
- Brutus in The Ugly Dachshund, a Great Dane raised by a Dachshund mother.
- Marmaduke is a newspaper comic strip drawn by Brad Anderson from 1954 to the present day. The strip revolves around the Winslow family and their Great Dane, Marmaduke.
- In each film version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles", a Great Dane was cast as the cursed hellhound that kills the Baskerville family.
- Ace the Bat-Hound, from the Batman comic series, was depicted as a Great Dane mix.
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
- Start training and socializing when they are still puppies
- Include them in family activities
- Do make sure you can afford to feed this breed of dog a good quality dog food
- Do make this dog part of your family, the love company and need to be with their people.
Don’ts
- Leave them alone for long periods of time
- Let them get into the habit of jumping up - teach from pup to sit when greeted
- Leave then unsupervised with small children
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/great_dane.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Dane
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greatdane.htm
http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/great-dane#grooming
http://www.dogscope.com/great-dane
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Great_Dane
http://www.justdogbreeds.com/great-dane.html
http://www.petsplace.co.za/great_dane.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Dane
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greatdane.htm
http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/great-dane#grooming
http://www.dogscope.com/great-dane
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Great_Dane
http://www.justdogbreeds.com/great-dane.html