What’s to know about Great Danes? A lot, actually.
Their origins are thought to date back to ancient Egypt, where they were bred as hunting dogs. In the 17th century, Great Danes were brought to Europe by Danish noblemen, who bred them for size and strength. By the 19th century, the breed had become popular in Germany, and it was soon recognized as a national treasure.
Today, the Great Dane is one of the most popular breeds, and its friendly demeanor makes it a popular choice for families.
Great Danes Are Among the Largest Breeds
One of the largest dog breeds in the world, adult male Great Danes stand up to 32 inches and can weigh a whopping 175 lbs. according to the American Kennel Club. Females are slightly smaller, albeit no less impressive standing up to 30 inches at the shoulder and weighing about 150 lbs.
A Great Dane’s appearance is commanding and elegant. They have a long head, which is rectangular in shape, and a strong jaw. Their eyes are dark and expressive, and their ears are floppy. Some people choose to crop their Great Danes’ ears, but this isn’t necessary – and many people are adamantly against it.
Great Danes’ coat is short and dense and comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, and brindle. They have long legs and a deep chest that makes them prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition when the stomach fills with gas and turns on itself. Thankfully, with slow feeders and scheduled exercise sessions, you can avoid bloat and other health problems.
Some Great Danes Have Merle Coats
Great Danes are one of the breeds that commonly carry the merle gene. Other merle breeds include Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Catahoula Leopard Dogs, and Dachshunds.
The merle gene is a dominant gene that causes the coat of a dog to have mottled patches of color. A merle puppy that has one merle parent is not unlikely to be any different or less healthy than a solid-colored puppy. However, a puppy with TWO merle parents is very likely to have numerous health issues, like complete blindness and deafness. This is known as a “double merle” dog, and it’s a sign of irresponsible breeding practices.
If you want a merle Great Dane, be sure to only conduct business with reputable breeders. An ethical breeder would never breed two merle parents and would eagerly let you meet the puppy’s parents upon purchase.
Great Danes Have Low Grooming Needs
A Great Dane has modest grooming needs, as their short, straight coats are easily maintained by regular brushing to remove fur and dander. Like any dog, you’ll need to clip their nails, clean their eyes and ears, and give them an occasional bath. Great Danes aren’t usually prone to skin conditions, but if you notice bald patches, flaky skin, or blisters, schedule a visit with your vet.
Great Danes Are Intelligent, Calm Dogs
They don’t call them “gentle giants” for nothing! Great Danes are loving, affectionate dogs that make excellent family dogs and pets. Protective and loyal, they thrive on human companionship. They are also very intelligent and can quickly learn new things.
Great Danes are typically not aggressive dogs, but like any other large breed, proper socialization is key. A well-socialized Great Dane has a calm, stable demeanor, while an unsocialized and untrained Great Dane can be a nightmare simply due to its size.
Like any breed of dog, Great Danes can be stubborn and resistant to training if they are not properly motivated. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, Great Danes can be trained to do tricks, obey commands, and walk calmly on a leash. Great Danes can also be service dogs and alert animals with proper training from a young age!
Great Danes Are Prone to Some Health Problems
While Great Danes are generally healthy dogs, they have one thing that many large dog breeds have in common – a short lifespan. The lifespan of a Great Dane is between eight to 10 years, like other giant breeds such as the Rottweiler and Bernese Mountain Dog.
Like many large breeds, they are prone to joint conditions, like hip and elbow dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a condition that can affect any dog, but it is particularly common in large breeds. Great Danes are no exception, and unfortunately, the condition can cause a great deal of pain and suffering. Hip dysplasia in dogs occurs when the hip joint fails to develop properly.
This can be due to genetic factors, but it can also be caused by environmental factors such as poor nutrition or too little exercise. Over time, the condition leads to the deterioration of the hip joint, and this can eventually lead to arthritis.
Treatment for hip dysplasia typically involves weight management and pain relief, but in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Another common condition is canine dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition that results in an enlarged heart, which can eventually lead to heart failure. While the exact cause of the condition is unknown, it is thought to be hereditary. Treatment typically involves medication to help improve heart function and relieve symptoms.
In some cases, surgery may also be necessary. With proper treatment, dogs with canine dilated cardiomyopathy can often live long and happy lives.
Great Danes Make Great Dogs for Families
Great Danes are wonderful family dogs that can suit most households, even those with other pets and young children. If you can keep up with their enormous appetite needs, these gentle giants will give you many happy years of your life!
Not sure about getting a Great Dane but still love big dogs? You may also consider getting an Irish Wolfhound, a Scottish Deerhound, or a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
