About Great Danes

The largest breed of dog in the world is the Great Dane (also known as the Deutsche Dogge or the German Mastiff). They are so big they look like you should saddle them. Despite the huge size, they are incredibly gentle dogs. Sadly, like all giant breeds of dogs, they are short lived, often dying by the time they are 9 years old. To take on a Great Dane is to not only take on a huge dog, but also large food bills, large vet bills and large responsibilities.

  1. History

    • It is unknown just how old a breed this is. The oldest confirmed reports of Great Dane-like dogs were from Germany in the 1800s. Many Great Dane lovers insist that the breed was depicted in Egyptian art, but the claims for the breed being that old are dubious. Great Danes are thought to be the descendant of the now-extinct breed the Molossus, a dog used for war, and the Irish Wolfhound, the Greyhound and the English Mastiff. It is unknown how the Great Dane breed got its name.

    Size

    • Great Danes average between 102 and 120 pounds. They can reach an average size of 30 inches tall at the highest point of their shoulders. The tallest dog in the world is a purebred Great Dane named Gibson who stands at 42.2 inches.

    Identification

    • Rangy, deep chested, tucked up waist and gentle eyes, there's no mistaking the Great Dane for any other dog when they are full grown. They naturally are born with floppy ears and a long, slim tail. They are short-coated and are easy to brush. They come in a wide variety of colors, including one color that is unique to Great Danes--the harlequin.

    Misconceptions

    • In the United States, the ears of the Great Dane are often cropped to make them look pointed. Even cartoon Great Danes Marmaduke and Scooby Doo are shown with pointed ears. This practice is illegal in many countries.

      Great Danes need less exercise than many other dog breeds, but still need at least a brisk half hour walk once a day.

    Warning

    • Great Danes are prone to many health problems, including bloat (much like colic in horses), bone problems, hip displasia, tumors and heart disease. They also tend to drool a lot and are very flatulent (gassy).

    Function

    • Originally, Great Danes were bred to be hunting dogs, especially for wild boar. However, modern day Great Danes would prefer to hunt a warm bed. They make excellent pets for people willing to take on the challenges of giant dogs.