Great Dane

About the Breed

The Great Dane is an iconic dog breed known for its immense size, gentle nature, and distinctive appearance. With its regal bearing, the Great Dane has become a symbol of strength and dignity. It is no surprise that this giant of a dog has been affectionately nicknamed the Apollo of Dogs. Temperament The Great Dane is an even-tempered breed that makes an ideal family pet. It is loyal and devoted to its owners and loves to be around people. The Great Dane is not aggressive by nature but can be protective if it senses danger. It usually gets along well with other animals, especially if raised together from puppyhood. Ideal Owner The Great Dane was bred as a hunting dog and guard dog, but today it has become more of a companion animal. With its laid back personality, the breed does best in an environment where there is plenty of human interaction and companionship. The ideal owner should have plenty of patience for training as well as enough space to accommodate this large breeds needs. History The Great Dane originated in Germany in the 16th century and was used mainly for hunting wild boar. Over time it evolved into a gentle giant that was often seen guarding estates or accompanying royalty on horseback hunts as well as being used for protection purposes by law enforcement officers in some countries like Germany during World War II. In 1876 the first German standard for the breed was written which established what we now recognize today as the modern day Great Dane. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1887 when it became one of their founding members under the name German Boarhound before later changing to Great Dane in 1922. Healthy Weight & Important Health Checks As with any other large-breed dog, maintaining healthy body weight through regular exercise and proper nutrition are essential parts of keeping your Great Dane happy and healthy throughout their lifetime. On average adult males can weigh up to 200 pounds while females typically weigh between 120 - 170 pounds. In order to maintain their health status it is important to regularly check their eyesight since this breed can be prone to eye problems such as entropion or ectropion. Additionally regular visits with your veterinarian are necessary so they can check for any signs or symptoms associated with common health issues like hip dysplasia, bloat, heart disease, or skin problems. Conclusion With its gentle nature, loyalty, intelligence, and impressive stature, it's no surprise that so many people love these noble giants! The Great Dane requires patience when training due to their size but they make excellent family pets that provide years of unconditional love once fully integrated into any household!

Healthy weight:

80-120 pounds

Recommended Food

Large breed dog food such as Royal Canin Golden Retriever or Hills Science Diet

Breed Colors

  • Fawn
  • Blue
  • Brindle
  • Harlequin
  • Mantle

Ideal for owners that

  • Patient
  • Responsible
  • Active
  • Confident
  • Consistent
  • Able to Provide Adequate Exercise
  • Able to Provide Adequate Grooming
  • Able to Provide Adequate Training
  • Able to Provide Adequate Socialization
  • Able to Provide Adequate Veterinary Care

Health Considerations

  • Bloat
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Wobbler Syndrome
  • Canine Osteochondritis Dissecans
  • Cataracts
  • Entropion
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Elbow Dysplasia

This breed may be cute, but these are some of their common health issues to be aware of.

Temperment & Skills

FriendlyConfidentOutgoingIntelligentLoyal

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