Human orientation
Very high rating: friendly and kind, protects the family. Behavior depends on upbringing.
THE PAW CATALOG
Great Dane
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History of the Great Dane breed
Origin: Germany
Bred for wild boar hunting in Europe, Germany gave it its modern form. The breed is considered ancient: similar dogs are depicted on Egyptian monuments. German and English breeders set the standards in the 19th century, and at the first dog show in Germany in 1863, there were already Great Danes.
The Great Dane is a giant (from 71-76 cm and 46-54 kg) with short thick smooth fur of six recognized colors. Calm, kind, friendly and protective, but requires mandatory obedience due to size. Prone to stomach upset, heart and joint problems.
SizeGiant
OriginGermany
Life is nearby
Suitable for a family with a spacious house. A calm domestic dog resting at home after a daily walk. A place to lie down and a reliable fenced yard are needed.
Walks
About 40 minutes of daily activity is enough: walking for half an hour or an hour. Puppies are not overloaded in growth.
Training
Kind and willing to learn. Obedience is mandatory from a puppy age, because an adult Great Dane is too big to force it. Classes are soft, with praise.
Care
Short hair is brushed once a week. Claws are trimmed, teeth are cleaned, ears are examined.
Children
Kind and friendly, protects the family. Due to their size and strength, games with toddlers are supervised.
Other animals
Generally friendly, gets along with other animals with early socialization.
Peculiarities of the breed
Estimates help compare breeds. For zooaggression, 5/5 means less tendency to aggression towards dogs. The behavior and health of a particular dog depend on many factors.
Training
Average score: Willing to learn, but size requires mandatory obedience.
Zooaggression
Average score: generally friendly, needs socialization.
Health and reproductive risks
In the British cohort, the median lifespan of the breed was 10.6 years. Among the described breed risks: dysplasia of the hip joints, thyroid gland dysfunction, bloating or stomach twist; examination of the parents is confirmed with the veterinarian.
Ease of care
High rating: short, smooth coat requires minimal maintenance.
Health
Expansion and twisting of the stomach
Stomach expansion and torsion is a serious risk for Great Danes: painful distension and twisting of the stomach. They feed in small portions, avoid loads before and after meals, and immediately go to the veterinarian at the first signs.
Heart
Heart diseases are detected during routine examinations at the veterinarian. New fatigue, cough or shortness of breath require examination.
Hip joints
Hip dysplasia is hereditary, so puppies are taken from controlled breeding. The results of examinations of both parents are requested.
Thyroid gland
Dysfunction of the thyroid gland is manifested by weight gain, lethargy and changes in the skin. Diagnosed by a veterinarian based on tests.
Photo of the breed
