Great Dane

From Pet Encyclopedia

Great Dane

Origin of Breed

Germany

Breed Nick Names

Dane

[edit] Introduction

The Great Dane dog breed is well know for its very large size as well as gentle nature. The Great Dane is one of the tallest breeds of dog along with the Irish Wolfhound. In the UK Kennel Club, the Great Dane belongs to the Working Dog Group of dog breeds.

Great Danes have been in the Guinness World Records for tallest dog. The Great Dane was named the state dog of Pennsylvania in 1965.

Other names: Grand Danois (Old French: "Great Dane" the modern French is Dogue Allemand ("German Dog"). Deutsche Dogge ("German Dog") Dänischer Hund ("Danish Hound") German Mastiff Nicknames: Dane Gentle Giant Country of origin: Germany

[edit] Origin and History

There is evidence of Dane type dogs being around for over 400 years. The Great Dane was created from breeding a large Mastiff type dog (probably the Roman Molossus orginally and later the english Mastiff) with a sight hound such as the greyhound or wolf hound to create a dog that was agile enough to chase wild boar and strong enough to bring them down.

The name Great Dane is deceptive because the breed originated in Germany, however the Danish Royal Family were great admirers of Danes and kept many, hence the name.

[edit] Appearance

Large and has 6 known colours -Brindle -Fawn -Blue -Black -Harlequin -Mantle There is several others but are not recognized as kennel club standards

[edit] Temperament

Known as the Apollo of dogs Danes should be very calm and dignified looking. They are people dogs and like to be with you all the time. If correctly trained and socialised, they are sweet natured, gentle, loving dogs who are devoted to their families, good with children and make excellent family pets. If not correctly trained and socialised they can be an accident waiting to happen, not least because of their great size.

[edit] Health

Great Danes are not a healthy breed and are sometimes known as "the heartbreak breed" because of their short life expectancy.6- 8 years is about average for most unfortunately although increasing numbers seem to be making double figures.

Common health problems for Danes are Hip dysplasia, Dilated Cardio Myopathy and Wobblers Syndrome. They are prone to cancer and other heart problems and also the breed at the highest risk of Bloat and Gastric Torsion which can kill in as little as 30 minutes.

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