Great Dane

The Great Dane is a large dog breed originating in Germany. They are known for their muscular build, large head and strong jaws. They are affectionate, friendly and self-confident, making them popular as family pets and companion dogs.

General details

The Great Dane is a large dog breed, weighing between 50 and 82 kilograms, and measuring between 71 and 90 centimeters at shoulder height. Its life expectancy is 8 to 10 years. According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the Great Dane belongs to Group 2, which includes Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs, Molosser and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.

Breed history in brief

The Great Dane originated in Germany, where they were bred as hunting dogs for wild boar, bear and deer. In the middle of the 16th century many European noble families, mainly French and German, imported large English dogs and crossed them. Its precursor is thought to have arisen from crosses made by the German nobility in the early 17th century. Over time, their function evolved and they became famous for their strength and size, which made them valuable as guard dogs. By the 19th century, the Great Dane was a popular breed in Europe and, in the early 20th century, was first introduced in the United States. Today, they are bred primarily as family pets and companion dogs, but still retain their strong guarding instincts.

Breed characteristics

The Great Dane has a distinctive appearance with a muscular and athletic build. He has a large head, strong jaws and a deep chest, which contributes to his imposing size and presence. His friendly and confident disposition is reflected in his expression, which is often described as friendly and alert. His dark eyes are medium-sized and almond-shaped, and his ears are pendulous and medium-sized. The coat is short, smooth and soft, coming in a variety of colors, including black, blue, fawn and harlequin. The Great Dane is a friendly, affectionate and confident dog. They are known for their love of family and adapt well to life as a family pet. They tend to be calm, but also have a playful side, making them good companions for families with children. They generally get along well with other dogs and animals, but can be wary of strangers. They are very energetic dogs that require a great deal of daily exercise, up to a couple of hours.

Common health problems

Like all dog breeds, the Great Dane is susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common health problems in the breed include volvulo-gastric dilatation, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy and Wobbler's disease. In addition to the above conditions, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends a cardiac and eye screening exam, as well as a test to assess for autoimmune thyroiditis.