Photos > Pets > DogsApril 12, 2006

Breed Information: Great Dane

By Ellen Brown

Breed Description: The Great Dane is often called the gentle giant. This breed combines an enormous muscular body with both elegance and dignity. The Great Dane is very affectionate and displays loyalty to its master, patience with children and cautious restraint around strangers.

Group: Working group.

Purpose of Breed: Hunting large game

Country of Origin: Germany

Average Size: Great Danes range from 30 to 32 inches and weigh from 100 to 120 pounds.

Color(s): Typically black, fawn, brindle, blue or harlequin.

Coat Type: The Great Dane's coat is short, thick and glossy.

Grooming: The short, flat coat on this breed requires minimal grooming. Standard care is required for eyes, ears, pads and nails.

Exercise Needs: This breed needs a substantial amount of exercise and physical space to live comfortably. A fenced yard and daily exercise are essential.

Temperament: Great Danes are well-known for their clean habits and tolerance toward children. Due to their size, however, they should not be left around young children unsupervised. This dog makes an excellent family pet for those who have the space and can afford to pay for the dogs food bill. This breed is loyal and affectionate and makes a good guard dog.

Common Ailments: Susceptible to gastric torsion, hip dysplasia, heart disease and tail injuries.

Life Expectancy: Averages 6-8 years

Trivia: Despite their name, there is no known reason for connecting Denmark with the origin or development of the Great Dane.

More Information: Great Dane Club of America

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By
01/18/2008

This is Santo.He is a great dane mixed with what we think is a lab.He is about 9 months old and very loving.You would usually think that the great dane is this big mean dog, but my dog is a big teddy bear a very strong one.He never gets tired of playing fetch and wresting with you.If you are ever looking for a dog I suggest that you get a Great Dane.They are so much fun to watch grow up.

RE: Breed Information: Great Dane

By
04/14/2006

This is a great breed. We have a Great Dane mixed with English Mastiff. She is just shy of being 2 years old. She weighs 167 and stands about 38" at her front shoulders. Her name is Squirt. She is a big baby. Squirt surprisingly does not like children outside of her family and sheds nonstop but we love her. My only regret is her short life span. I can't imagine a day without her in it.

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