Great Dane general features, temperament, health

Great Dane dog breed face

FCI # 235, Origin: Germany, Group 2.2 Molossoid breeds.

Height: 28-34 in, Weight: 100-200 pounds

Grooming: Low, Shedding: Medium, Coat: Short without undercoat.

Color: Black, brindle, blue, fawn and Harlequin.

Ease of training: High, Energy level: Low, Span of life: under 10 years.

Breed: The birthplace of the modern Great Dane is, of course, Germany. In the X century the old Germanic tribes developed a set of forest hunting laws - "Geoponika", which describes the seven species of mastiff type dogs, including dogs for baiting a wild boar and a bear.

These distant descendants of molossoids, crossed, according to some historians, with English hunting dogs, suddenly appeared in the XV century as a modern Great Dane. They had many local names: Dane (although this breed got nothing to do with Denmark), Old German Mastiff, Bullenbeizer, etc.

In 1879 Germans decided to put the end to this diversity, and at the meeting of German breeders, chaired by Dr. Bodinus, it was decided to recognize the national dog breed of Germany and, abolishing all previous names, call it The German Mastiff (Deusche Dogge).

The beginning of the systematic breeding of Great Danes coincides with the creation of a National Dog Club of Germany (12 January, 1888) and the publication of the first volume of a Studbook of Great Danes (DDZB). The main center of breeding at that time was the kennel, called "Plavia" owned by Mark Hartenstein, who became famous with his blue Danes Faust-I and Faust-II, inscribed in the studbook.

Very well known is also Mr. Messter and his best dogs: Nero-I, Nero-II, Mentor, Sultan-I, born in his kennel "Nill" in Stuttgart. Nero-I gave a genetically rich heritage. It was a magnificent animal of impressive growth, brindle, with a beautiful head, bulky muzzle, short ears and elegant body.

In the pedigrees we can also find the other, not less glorious names: Minka, Flora, Sara, Riego, Bella, Harras, Tyrus, Wotan. Most of these dogs had a fawn and brindle color, but Sara (p. 1886. Tirus x Bella) was a pronounced stylish Harlequin.

Meanwhile in Germany the fanciers continued to perfect the breed. At the beginning of XX century there were born few animals, obviously, as the result of minor genetic mutations in the direction of the desired standard and recognized as such by German breeders.

Great Dane dog breeds

A new wave of champions was started with the most famous fawn male ??Bosko vd Saalburg (p. 8 August 1921) from the kennel of Karl Farber. Thanks to the work of this breeder was finally formed the type of the modern Great Dane.

This allowed "Loheland" to get, perhaps, the best Great Danes of that time. It is where the champions Fionne and Ferguni were born, and the letter F has become a symbol of the breed. Ferguni in the inbreeding with her father (Bosko) gave a superb litter on N, which has had an extraordinary impact on future pedigrees of Great Danes.

The combination of beauty, balance and health of these dogs was beyond compare. Without it, the Great Dane never would have achieved the title of "Apollo of dogs."

It has historically happened, that up to nowadays the most successful kennels, breeding the best Great Danes are in Germany. As a creators of the breed, the German breeders undoubtedly lead and define the direction of further improvement of a Great Danes, set the criteria for ratings. It is provided by a huge number of a brilliant producers, well developed breeding policies and a special scientific basis.

Very homogeneous are the Great Danes in the UK and the USA. When you look at the rings of the dogs in the UK or the U.S. involuntarily a thought of monozygotic twins comes to mind. American type of dog is very different from European.

American Great Danes are mostly fawn (the most revered color in the U.S.), are usually very high, with longer body, long back and loin. Their heads are long, narrow, dry, with low forehead and a weakly pronounced transition from forehead to the muzzle.

General Features: The Great Dane is a true Apollo of dogs. His majestic appearance, combined with power, elegant lines and the grace of form are expressing pride, strength and beauty. Great Dane makes the impression of chiseled statue. Dogs of this breed are originally calm, with a friendly and affectionate, balanced character, suspicious and reserved with strangers. He is energetic and bold, but not shy. Coat is straight, short, thick, shiny and tight with no undercoat. The dog is calm, dignified, loyal, fearless. Easily trained. As a rule, the Great Dane is getting along well with children and pets. The training of this dog must be started as soon as possible. Poorly managed dog is always the result of a bad parenting.

Great Dane dog breeds photo

Temperament: Great Dane is one of the largest dogs in the world. One can confidently assert that Danes are aware of this. Standard requires that even during the maximum excitation, the Great Dane must not show any overreaction in the emotions - not to the members of his family, not to the outsiders. And it seems that there is no Great Dane, willing to enter into a conflict with the standard.

Do not be surprised by the external indifference which the Great Dane gives to the strangers: he is a great keeper and protector of his property. His teeth are large, jaws - powerful, and his head is big enough to figure out what to do in case of attack on the beloved owner or his property.

Rumors that in the old age Great Danes become some boring grumblers are an obvious slander. Of course, the Great Dane may become aggressive and even dangerous, but the reason for this is always in the wrong upbringing and the mistreatment of him as a puppy. This dog is no different from the small dogs, only his bite is much more painful.

Possessing an innate intelligence, the Great Dane is more than just a dog. This is a dog in the superlative degree. Try, from his early childhood to find a common language with him and then he will be a brilliant companion in all your beginnings.

He can communicate on equal terms (especially since there is no need to bend down to look in his eyes), it seems even that you can talk to a Great Dane - so expressive are his eyes and his "face".

Perfectly trained dog (although it is virtually impossible to retrain a Great Dane), when properly raised up, is capable of almost any kind of service. However, the most suitable job for him is the job of a bodyguard.

In addition, almost every Great Dane, because of their propensity for patronage over the weaker members of his "pack", can be unmatched nurse. Leaving even a small child with the Great Dane, you will never have to worry for his safety - no one would dare to harm him.

Health problems:

Unfortunately, this beautiful breed does not have a long life span. Very often Great Danes are prone to a heart diseases, hip dysplazia and some gastric disorders.



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