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Great Dane Facts
- Group
- Working
- Affiliations
- UKC, CKC, AKC
- Height
- 28" - 32+"
- Weight
- 100-180 lbs.
- Lifespan
- 10 years | Add yours
- Exercise Requirement
- Training Requirement
- Grooming Requirement
- Colors
- Breed Characteristics
Alternate Names
Apollo of Dogs, Deutsche Dogge
Origin
Despite the fact that these dogs are called Danes in English, they have nothing to do with Denmark. The Great Dane was developed in Germany.
Date Of Origin
It is widely believed that the Great Dane originated in the 1800's.
History
Most believe that the Great Dane originated in the 1800's, however it is believed that we can trace their origins back to 36 b.c where there is an image of a dog very similar to today's Great Dane incised on Greek money. Historians now claim that there are drawings of dogs that resemble the Great Dane on Egyptian monuments from roughly 3000 B.C. The earliest written description of a dog resembling the breed can be found in Chinese literature of 1121 B.C. The breed traces its origins back to the massive Alaunt, mentioned by Chaucer in the 1200's. These dogs were used by the Alans, an Asiatic people, to invade German Gaul and part of Italy and Spain in 407 A.D. The dogs were admired and a selective breeding program began by crossing them with the Irish greyhound. This produced the Great Dane we know today.
The Great Dane is the official dog of Germany and also of Pennsylvania, USA.
Description
The Great Dane is a very large, muscular and squarely built dog with a big, rectangular head and drop ears that can be cropped erect or left natural drop. The dogs dark eyes are almond shaped and its tail is long and tapered. The breeds short, smooth coat is fawn, blue black, harlequin, brindle, or a mantle pattern ( black with a white collar and chest, a white muzzle, and white on all or part of its legs).
Temperament
This is a friendly and playful dog that is extremely good natured and affectionate.
Uses
In its long history, the Great Dane has been a battle dog, a hunting dog, a cart dog, a watch dog, and a body guard. Today it is still used as a watchdog but due to its beauty and good nature, it is sought after, above all, as a decorative companion.
Health Concerns
Bloat, hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, wobbler syndrome
Additional Information
This dog requires a fenced yard, training and socialization. Be sure to teach your puppy young so that when it is full grown you have a solid command over your dog.
Sources
The New Encyclopedia of the Dog
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 2000
Website: http://www.dk.com
Author: Bruce Fogle
Simon & Schusters Guide to Dogs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster inc, 1980
Website: http://www.simonandschuster.com
Author: Elizabeth Meriwether Schuler
Dog Bible
Publisher: BowTie Press, 2005
Website: http://www.bowtiepress.com/bowtie/
Authors: Kristin Meuh-Roe, Jarelle S. Stein
The Howell Book Of Dogs
Publisher: Wiley Publishing Inc, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Author: Liz Palika
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