GREAT DANE

Great Danes are enormously huge working dogs. They can grow up to the size of a miniature horse. They are considered tallest among all working breeds. Great Danes have a short coat in different colors like a fawn, mantle, blue-grey, and harlequin.

History

Great Danes emerged from Germany. Mastiff-like dogs are the ancestors of this breed. In their hometown, they are named Deutsche dogs. Great Danes were announced as Germany’s National dog in 1876. In 1800, the Great Dane’s breeders shifted their attention to the Great Dane’s hot temperament because Great Danes used to hunt wild swine. Great Danes present nowadays are pretty calm, because of the training given to them in their early life.

Physical Appearance

Male Great Dane’s height ranges from 30 to 40 inches, and in the case of females is about 28 to 32 inches. Males are about 120 to 200 pounds in weight, and females have a bodyweight ranging from 100 to 130 pounds.

Temperament

Great Dane dogs are renowned for their bravery and fearlessness. They are very friendly and warm with the children. Not only with their breed, but Great Dane also enjoy interacting with other dog species and cats. If Great Danes are trained accurately, they will come out to be a very civilized and gracious breed. Great Danes don’t like congested and small spaces. They love different areas and rooms to roam around.

Average lifetime

Great Danes don’t get to spend a long life like other small dog breeds. They usually live up to 7 to 10 years only.

Susceptible to diseases

Great Danes usually have good health and are physically fit. But they can be susceptible to some diseases, so dog owners should vaccinate their dogs to prevent any fatal diseases. Here are some conditions which can affect their health.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus

Gastric dilation –volvulus can be deadly for the Great Dane breed. It’s a condition in which air is filled in the stomach of Great Dane, and it will pressurize other organs and can be fatal. Gastropexy is a surgical procedure that can be done to avoid this condition.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a bone tumor that affects dog breeds. Osteosarcoma is usually found in old dogs, but it’s different in the case of Great Dane. Young ones of Great Dane are also predisposed to osteosarcoma.

Developmental problems

Developmental problems can exist in young Great Danes due to the high amount of proteins and other supplements in their diet. So, dog owners should provide a balanced diet to their dogs.

Care and grooming

Care and maintenance of a dog’s physical and mental health is the responsibility of a dog owner. Great Danes can get cold very quickly in winters. So, dog owners should cover them whenever they go out.

Great Danes are massive dogs, and they need to exercise for about half to 1 hour daily. The exercise time varies with the age and physical conditions of the dog.

The dog’s teeth should be brushed twice and thrice a week to avoid any plaque deposits. Brushing also prevents any microbial infection.