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Great DaneGerman Mastiff ~ Deutsche Dogge ~ Gentle Giant

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Canis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Justin Brough

     The Great Dane is also referred to as the 'Gentle Giant', as this sweet tempered dog is known for being the tallest breed of dog.

    The Great Dane is a sweet, affectionate giant. It loves the company of humans, and it rarely barks without good reason. Its bravery and large size make it an excellent watchdog. When selecting a Great Dane, look for family history of hip dysplasia and heart problems. It is said that Great Danes that are white near its eyes will be blind, and those with white near their ears will be deaf.

Common Name(s)     Great Dane, German Mastiff, Deutsche Dogge, Gentle Giant

Breed Type     A working breed, the Great Dane is known for being the tallest breed of dog. The Great Dane is a popular guard dog, but it is gentle enough to be a family pet.

Background     The Great Dane's roots go back to Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Its ancestors purportedly include the Mastiff, the Irish wolfhound and the Bullenbeisser. There is much debate as to whether the breed originated in Denmark or Germany. Popular Great Dane hybrids include the Daniff (Great Dane and Mastiff mix) and the Labradane (Great Dane and Labrador mix).

Description     The Great Dane is a large, muscular dog. Standard colors of its short, thick coat include fawn, brindle, black, blue, and harlequin. Eye color varies with coat color. Ears are medium length, and may or may not be cropped. The head is narrow with a long muzzle. Males are 30-34 inches tall and weigh 120-200 pounds. Females are 28-32 inches tall and weigh 100-130 pounds.

Care and Feeding     The Great Dane's diet should include beef, oats, rye, and potato. Great Danes should be brushed and combed regularly, and should be dry shampooed as needed. Nails should be trimmed. The Great Dane's ears may or may not be cropped as a puppy.
    Annual checkups are important for this breed. Vaccinations should be given as follows:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
  

    Great Danes shed moderately. Regular vacuuming is important if they are to be kept indoors.

Housing Your Dog     Great Danes do surprisingly well in small spaces as long as they get sufficient exercise. It is best if they have a large outdoor space to play in.

Social Behaviors     The Great Dane does well with children, but obedience training is crucial to prevent them from getting too rambunctious with small ones. The breed does well with other dogs if properly socialized when young.

Handling and Training     Training can be somewhat difficult with the Great Dane. Positive reinforcement, however, is usually effective.

Activities     Great Danes need lots of exercise. Daily walks are essential, and regular play sessions are advisable.

Breeding/Reproduction     When selecting a mate for your Great Dane, check bloodlines for hip dysplasia, tumors, and heart disease.

Common Health Problems     Great Danes are prone to hip dysplasia, tumors, and tail injuries. Bloat is also rather common, but it is largely preventable with proper feeding and exercise practices.

Availability     Great Danes are reasonably easy to find. Prices are often in excess of $1,000.

References "Great Dane", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Great Dane", Referenced online, 2008
"Great Dane", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
"Great Dane Puppies for Sale", Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008

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Latest Comments
I have two Danes and they are WONDERFULL. I would not trade them for any other breed in the world. The only thing that makes them a gaurd dog is their size. The only mean Dane I have ever seen was trained to be that way. A mean Dane is not natural. Most do fine with small children but you had better supervise because of thier size. Elizabeth Marks 2009-02-03
Some of the coolest comments:
I have a Great Daniff (Mastiff/Dane). He is 10 months and a huge lap dog. He is 140 lbs. and still growing. As for temperment, he is the greatest giant baby anyone could ask for. They require a lot of attention and love, so if you are not prepared to devote your time to the breeds...don't buy one. For those who choose them...they are perfect family pets if trained properly. Shannon 2009-10-08

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