<C>Height:</C> over 30 inches (male); over 28 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 135 to 150 pounds (male); 120 to 135 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Very Large.
<C>Availability:</C> Widely available.
<b>History:</> Drawings of a large dog similar to today's Great Dane were discovered on Egyptian monuments over 5000 years old. However, selective breeding of this type of dog began centuries later in Germany when mastiff-type dogs were crossed with Irish Wolfhounds. (Despite the name, the dog does not originate in Denmark.) The Great Dane was a favorite of the great German chancellor, Bismarck. This noble breed has been used in war, as a coach dog, boar hunter, guard and watchdog. Today the Great Dane is primarily a watchdog and companion.
<b>Description:</> A very large, elegant, muscular dog with a short, sleek coat. A height of 34 inches is preferred for males and 32 inches for females. He comes in many colors including fawn and brindle with black mask, black, blue, and harlequin (white with black patches.) The body length is approximately equal to the height, giving an overall square appearance. The head is long and sculpted. The flat forehead is on a plane parallel to the muzzle. The dog can be shown with ears either natural or cropped to a point. The natural ears are triangular in shape and fold down. Cropped ears stand erect. The long tail tapers to a point.
<b>Notes:</> A short-lived breed. Be careful to buy from a conscientious breeder, as some very poor specimens are being sold to the unsuspecting public. Teach this giant dog not to lean against people, especially children. Beware of hip dysplasia, buy only from OFA certified stock. Also prone to bloat, tumors, heart disease, and tail injuries. Costs a lot to feed. Do not jog with this dog until at least 1 year old.
<b>Personality:</> A gentle giant, dignified and kind. Sweet and affectionate. A steady dog, responsible and dependable. Brave and loyal. Can be aggressive if provoked. Some individuals are dog-aggressive, especially with same-sex dogs. Because of his giant size, this breed should be thoroughly obedience trained when young so he will be manageable when full grown.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Loves everyone.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Needs people a lot.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Can be a bit dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Very little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with a large yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Short (under 10 years).
<b>Talents:</> tracking, watchdog, and carting.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> GREAT DANE
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
