Great Dane

Breed Snapshot

• Weight: 50-90kg
• Height: 71-90cm
• Lifespan: 6-8 years
• Breed size: Large
• Breed group: Working dog

Description

The Great Dane has its roots in Germany during the 16th century, bred to hunt wild boars. They were also used to guard estates, and as companion dogs for nobles. The breed's size and strength made them perfect for these tasks, and before long, they became all the rage throughout Europe.

Characteristics

Despite their giant size, Great Danes have a gentle and friendly nature, which is why they make such great family dogs but early socialsation is important to ensure they are well-behaved around people and other pets.
Great Danes are known to be good with kids. They're super gentle and patient, which makes them great family pets. But, because they're so big and strong, it's important to keep an eye on interactions between kids and Great Danes to avoid any accidents.
They have a short and smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, such as black, blue, fawn, and brindle.

Living Environment

Great Danes are generally known as one of the largest dog breeds, but surprisingly, they can be quite suitable for apartment living. This is because they have a calm and laid-back personality, which means they don't need a lot of exercise or space to run around.

Exercise

Great Danes need a moderate amount of exercise, such as daily walks or runs. They're not high-energy dogs, but they do need enough activity to stay healthy and maintain their weight. It's important not to over-exercise them, especially when they're puppies, to avoid joint problems.

Grooming

Great Danes have short and smooth coats that are easy to maintain. Regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush will help remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny. They are average shedders, but let's be honest, with a dog this size, there's bound to be a lot of hair floating around. Occasional baths and nail trimming are also necessary.

Health Problems

Great Danes can be prone to certain health issues. These include:

• Bloat: This is when the stomach fills with gas and twists, which can be life-threatening. If you notice any signs of bloat in your Great Dane, take them to the vet immediately.
• Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that can cause pain and lameness in the hips. To help prevent this, make sure your Great Dane has their hips evaluated by a vet and choose a breeder that performs hip screenings.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy: This is a type of heart disease that can lead to heart failure. Great Danes are more likely to develop this condition, so regular heart screenings are important.
• Osteosarcoma: This is a type of bone cancer that can cause pain and swelling in the limbs. It's more common in large breeds like Great Danes.
• Hypothyroidism: This is when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, which can cause weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.

It's important to choose a reputable breeder that screens their dogs for health conditions and take your Great Dane to regular vet check-ups to catch any potential issues early on.

Did you know...

Great Danes hold the world record for the tallest dog ever recorded. The tallest dog ever was a Great Dane named Zeus, who measured 1.118 meters from paw to shoulder. That's basically a shetland pony!