Despite bearing the name Great Dane, the Great Dane dog is from Germany and not Denmark. Their origin goes back more than 400 years when German nobility bred these dogs to hunt wild boar and protect their country estates. They were called different names, including Chamber Dog, Boar Hounds and English Dogges. They were considered royalty and only owned by the very wealthy. Their popularity found its way to the United States, where this dog breed continues to be a beloved family dog.
You don’t have to own a Great Dane long to discover why they’re considered gentle giants. They’re loving and affectionate with a playful personality. Don’t let their large size fool you because they’re like one big teddy bear. Their overall temperament is very laid back. Great Deans are considered one of the best-natured dogs you can own. They’re sweet, affectionate and want to be anywhere his family members happen to be. This dog has a real desire to please its owner and family members. Great Danes like people in general, including visitors to the home. However, if he believes his family is in need of protection, they can be very defending and protective. Great Danes are very good with kids. They’re loving, protective and very gentle with children. They get a real kick out of playing with kids and will follow them throughout the house. Because Great Danes enjoy just lounging around, they make a great companion for children at almost all times. Great Danes have a large head and have a tendency of pushing people with their heads. They don’t mean any harm when they do this, but it can appear intimidating to young children.
The Great Dane is a giant breed that seems to never stop growing. Its weight as an adult dog generally runs from 100 to 120 pounds. Their height at the withers is 30� to 32� with the males generally slightly taller than females. The coat is short but thick. Standard coat colors include fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin mantle and merle. Great Danes have a very thick coat and do shed a lot. Shedding can be kept to a minimum by brushing it regularly with a firm bristle brush. The Great Dane may do alright in an apartment if that’s all that’s available but typically does the best in a larger home. His size alone requires sufficient room to move around freely without bumping into things and people. Despite the Great Dane’s thick coat of hair, he should never be left outdoors in the cold winter because he will get cold.
The Great Dane is such a large dog that it takes many months for its bones to full develop. While the dog may need regular exercise, avoid making him run or job because this can be dangerous for the bones while they’re still growing. You may want to keep the dog in fenced-in yard because they’re not above digging up the yard and destroying your landscaping just for something to do. While inside the house, the dog should have its own crate to enjoy quiet time. Begin crate training him at a young age. Great Danes should be socialized just like any other dog, and it should begin as early as possible. Socialization should include exposing them to as many different sights, sounds, people, and environments as possible. They should also be socialized with other people, children and dogs at an early age and regularly. This ensures the dog will grow up to be a well-adjusted dog. It’s not unusual to see a Great Dane laying on the couch or lounging around the house some place. If it was up to them, they would be perfectly happy doing that all day long, but they do need regular exercise every day. It can be a 20-minute walk or some other form of playtime, but they do need exercise. The Great Dane is kind of a lazy dog by nature but does enjoy playing. He will enjoy a little mental stimulation, such as games that require thought and problem solving.
A good diet is very important to the Great Dane because he is a rapidly-growing dog. It’s vital that the Great Dane have high-quality dog food designed for large breeds. Follow the instructions on the dog food, but make sure your dog has three meals a day until he is about five months old. Great Danes do need to be groomed, and this should come in the way of regular brushing to keep the coat clean, shiny and healthy. They should have their teeth brushed a couple days a week to prevent bacteria, plaque and gum disease. The nails should be trimmed every couple of weeks to prevent accidental tearing and pain. If you can hear their nails clicking on the hardwood floor, they need to be trimmed. The dog’s ears should be checked every week to make sure they’re dry and aren’t infected. If they have a foul odor, redness or black wax, they need to be cleaned. The Great Dane should be bathed every six to eight weeks to keep his coat clean and healthy. It also will decrease the amount of shedding. Great Danes don’t generally enjoy being bathed. Brushing them regularly with a bristle brush may decrease the frequency of bathing.
Great Danes may have development issues or growing problems because they grow so fast and so big. Providing them with a good diet can be beneficial. They don’t have many health issues or diseases they’re prone to developing. Great Danes may have surgical problems if they require surgery. This often stems from the dog’s large size.
