Great dane

Overall description of the breed

The Great Dane is, as its name indicates, of German origin, but the patronage of the breed has long been disputed by Denmark, which had many subjects on its territory from the beginning of the 20th century, hence its other name of "Great Dane".

According to several specialists, its ancestors are the Tibetan Molosser and the old Bullenbeisser, mainly used as a hunting dog for big game such as deer, bear or wild boar. The rigorous selection of the Great Dane really began in 1878 and its standard was established in 1880 on the occasion of a dog show, a few modifications were made since that time to perfect its atypical morphology. The International Cynological Federation recognized it definitively on November 18, 1961, the last update of the official standard in force was published on October 8, 2012.

It is one of the giant breeds, moreover the largest dog in the world was a Great Dane named Zeus, who died in 2014 at the age of 5 years, he measured 110 cm at the withers and 2.10 m in standing position. He is a noble and particularly proud animal, endowed with extraordinary power, despite his extraordinary size, he retains a certain suppleness of movement and a light gait. Well proportioned overall, his body is square, his lines are nicely drawn and his construction solid.

Broad chest and deep ribcage, he is a tall dog on legs, with a thick neck and a massive head, made very long. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to the tip. The coat of the Great Dane is short, smooth and glossy, the colours allowed by the FCI breed standard are black, blue, harlequin, fawn or brindle.

Don't be fooled by his impressive measurements, he is a giant with a tender heart, extremely close to his owners and his family, he devotes an unconditional love to his social group and could give his life to protect them. His fusional temperament pushes him constantly to seek contact with humans, in permanent demand of care and attention, moreover, it is advised to accustom him to remain alone from his youngest age, because he badly supports solitude.

Intelligent and lively, they also appreciate playtime and recreational activities, although their large size and heavy bone structure do not allow them to engage in sustained sporting activities. Good guardians, Great Danes are often wary of strangers, and their protective instincts are quite strong, especially when in the company of loved ones. In conclusion, the Great Dane is a well-balanced dog, calm and very attached to its social group. It will need you on a daily basis and will return the favour by giving you all its affection and benevolence.

Adult: The Great Dane will weigh approximately 121 to 154 lbs for males and 99 to 143 lbs for females, his height at the withers will be approximately 31.5" for males and 28.3" for females.