Did you know?
Great Danes have been immortalized in the media by “Marmaduke” in the comic strips, and by “Scooby Do” on TV and in the movies.
Great Dane
So many get reformed through religion. I got reformed through dogs. – Lina Basquette
Ch Chanoz Amadeus Huntergreen
“Amadeus” (at 15 weeks old)
Known as the “Apollo of Dogs”, the Great Dane is not from Denmark as his name suggests, but is actually the national dog of Germany where he is known as the “Deutsche Dogge”. Since the Middle Ages, he has been used to hunt boar and other big game.
Great Danes have also been used as war dogs and to patrol large estates where their size, along with their regal profile and aristocratic demeanor would be sure to intimidate even the bravest intruders. Buffalo Bill Cody owned a Great Dane.
This is a giant breed, standing up to 32 inches (81 cm) tall at the shoulder. He has a short, smooth coat that comes in four varieties:
Solid: fawn (golden yellow to deep golden yellow with a deep black mask), glossy black, or pure steel blue
Brindle: base colour ranging from light golden yellow to golden yellow always brindled with strong black cross stripes
Harlequin: white with black patches
Boston: black with white trim
In North America, the ears are typically cropped erect while in Europe they are left in their natural fold. Grooming requirements are minimal.
Photos displayed courtesy of Donna Ames, Werock Reg’d, Alberta
Strong, elegant, and well-muscled, this is nevertheless an affectionate, loyal, and gentle breed. He prefers to live with people and is not really happy living in a kennel.
The Dane is lively and alert, yet patient with children especially when he’s raised with them. However, due to his great size, he should always be supervised with children.
This is truly a giant breed. A Great Dane holds the record for the tallest dog. “Zeus” measured 44 inches (111.8 cm) from paw to shoulder. He needs a lot of physical space. Since he is happiest as a house dog, he should live in a larger home.
In spite of his aristocratic bearing, this dog has a very friendly nature. They are known for seeking physical affection with their owners, and are generally accepting of other dogs, household cats and other pets, and familiar people.
Ch Ravendane Toy Story
“Cree”
Ch Chanoz Amadeus Huntergreen
“Amadeus”
Great Dane puppies grow very large, very fast, so their exercise should be more restrained while they are still growing to avoid joint and bone problems. Great Danes also continue to grow longer than other dogs and are still developing and gaining weight past their first year. Since the Great Dane is known for being a “couch potato”, once he’s an adult it is important that he be given plenty of exercise including at the very least a long daily walk. He must have a fenced yard.
The magestic Dane is highly intelligent and trainable. Early training is important as you will have a very large puppy on your hands fairly soon! As he is a sensitive breed, harsh training methods are inappropriate.
Great Danes, like most giant dogs, have a fairly slow metabolism and will eat less per pound than other smaller breeds.
Potential owners should be aware that again, like other giant breeds, the Great Dane is relatively short lived with an average lifespan of 6 to 8 years although he may live 10 years or more.
CKC Breed Standard
