Strange as it may be, the Great Dane is not of Danish descent but rather German. They are a combination of the Irish Wolfhound, the Greyhound, and the Mastiff, each for their respective qualities. And once they were used for Boar hunting since they could be equally as powerful and fast.
As breeders began to transition them to a family dog, they bred the aggressive tendencies of the Boarhound out and were left with a family-perfect gentle giant. Then they became a great alarm and guard dog for many homes. In fact, their bark is so loud and intimidating, and no one would dare come into the home of a Dane.
The American Kennel Club describes the Great Danes to be:
“The easygoing Great Dane, the mighty ‘Apollo of Dogs,’ is a total joy to live with. But owning a dog of such imposing size, weight, and strength is a commitment not to be entered into lightly. This breed is indeed great, but not a Dane.”
Also, the Great Dane is typically good with other pets and children too. They indeed are great family pets if you can handle the occasional knocked-over glass or vase since they are a bit of a bull in a china shop.
Great Dane Appearance
The Great Dane is known as the Apollo of Dogs, the Gentle Giant, and more. And yes, they are one of the giant breeds of dogs in the world, some reaching heights taller than humans when on their hind feet.
The Great Dane’s coat is short and can be found in a variety of colors. The colors most common are:
- Blue
- Black
- Brindle
- Mantle
- Grey Merle, Harlequin
- And Fawn
Average Height: 28-34 inches
Weight: 100-200 pounds
Life Span: 6-8 years, but some live up to 10 years
Give us a call to find out at The Animal Care Center if you are the right fit for a Great Dane.
Great Dane Care
After one encounter with a Great Dane, you will learn what a loveable and gentle creature these giant dogs are. Interestingly, they don’t even need as much room as you’d think their sheer size would dictate. Since they are relatively docile, they are even well suited for apartment life when walking regularly.
Great Danes are very trainable and love to please their people. And training and socialization are imperative with this breed. Teaching your Dane puppy simple commands will make them so much easier to handle as their size increases.
Nutrition
Keeping your Great Dane around as long as possible is often linked to diet. Feeding them good quality food is essential. Additionally, you may (or may not) be surprised to learn that they will eat about 8 cups of food per day! Now that is a lot of food.
Grooming
Now, you may have wondered whether these giants shed? And they do have a shedding season in the spring and fall, but they are not known for shedding. A nice weekly brushing should keep the shed to a very minimum. Also, Dane owners should bathe them monthly, have nails trimmed when they begin to click on the floor, and ears and teeth should be cared for as well.
One more thing, they tend to drool. So, you may want to keep a drool towel nearby.
Exercise
“A bored dog is a restless dog,” so keeping your Dane exercising is the best way to wear them out and settle them down. Great Danes require a good 30-minute walk daily and some additional time to run around and play. Having a fence over 6 feet tall is ideal for this breed. And, you should know that the puppies are growing at an alarming rate, so vigorous exercise should be avoided for the first year or two. That way, the joints have time to fully develop before taking on the weight of a beast in full run.
Great Dane Health
Like most breeds, the Great Dane is prone to a few health issues. Those include the following:
- Digestive Issues
- Ear Problems
- Lameness
- Cancer
- And Skin Irritation
In addition, they can suffer from Hip Dysplasia and Bloat. But the best way to ensure your Great Dane has the fewest of these conditions is to get one from a reputable breeder. Of course, adopting is an excellent idea too. Furthermore, the best care you can give your Great Dane is to have a fantastic veterinarian to rely on. That is what Animal Care Centers is all about, providing the best care for pets and their owners.
Animal Care Center Loves Your Furry Family Members
From the moment you enter the Animal Care Center, you’ll be among the friendly staff, owners, and pets who prefer Dr. Williams. The total preventative care of your pet is our pleasure. So, you need not worry one bit. What’s more, the team will welcome your pet with open arms putting your loved ones at ease.
The best care for your furry family member is at the Animal Care Center. We provide complete care for your pet’s health needs, including dental care, internal medicine, and emergency care.
Caring for the total pet is our specialty. From eyes and ears to testing and surgery, the people of Smyrna, Georgia, and the Greater Atlanta Area can count on the fantastic staff at Animal Care Center and our own Dr. Williams.