Great Dane: dog photo, description and nature of the breed

Characteristics

Brief information

History of the breed

It may seem to some that the Great Dane is a breed of European origin, but its historical homeland is Tibet. Initially, these dogs were used as shepherds, over time they began to instill fighting skills.

Tibetan Great Danes gained popularity in Asian countries, and spread to the West, especially to the territory of present-day Germany. The Germans hunted with them for large predators and boars. In the 15th century, representatives of the breed were called Old German Mastiffs, Great Danes, Bullenbeisers. Great Danes were excellent guards and indispensable hunters. From them came the modern Great Danes.

The Germans began to improve the species by crossing Great Danes with local similar breeds. The results of the selection were called Ulm Great Danes (they appeared thanks to dog breeders from the city of Ulm). At the end of the 19th century, the genes of Danish and Ulm Great Danes were combined to develop a new type of Great Dane the German. Soon these dogs were recognized as the national breed of Germany. Today they are popular both in Europe and around the world, not excluding Russia.

Character

The Great Dane is a royal person whose figure and beauty is hard not to be fascinated by: long legs, a muscular body, a high head and a deep look. The nature of this dog corresponds to his appearance: calm, reasonable and attentive. The Great Dane is a great choice for both single people and families with children. This is an excellent companion dog that understands a person perfectly.

The Great Dane is distinguished by its affectionate character and complaisance. He is devoted to his master and tries to please him in everything. However, sometimes he is stubborn and persistent a lot depends on education. By the way, it is not so easy to train representatives of this breed, given the size and strength of the dog. Experts recommend starting it if you have had experience in breeding dogs or you are ready to turn to professional trainers.

Great Dane is a good guard and protector of the family. Its main weapon is a frightening appearance and size. In addition, he is distrustful of strangers, which should be taken into account when raising him. Also, Great Dane puppies are shown early socialization: an adult dog does not always find a common language with relatives, as well as with cats and rodents.

Representatives of this breed, so calm in adulthood, are a real hurricane in childhood: puppies are not averse to fooling around and chewing on wires and furniture. In the upbringing of this dog, in no case should you resort to increased tones and physical strength. Great Danes have a well-developed memory, and even an adult dog is unlikely to forgive a childish offense.

Great Danes get along well with children due to their patient and playful nature, but you should be careful when interacting with a dog and young children. A dog puppy at six months old can weigh as much as an eight-year-old child, so their games must be controlled: a dog can accidentally injure a baby.

Description of Great Dane

These giant dogs look powerful and well-proportioned. The height of the male at the withers from 80 cm, females 72 cm. Males look more square and massive, females seem elongated compared to them.

Great Dane the owner of a powerful body with a wide chest and taut belly. The neck is muscular, slightly inclined forward. Narrow head with developed brow ridges. The lines of the muzzle and forehead are parallel. The nose is wide, with large nostrils and a black lobe. Jaw developed, scissor bite. Eyes of medium size, the color of the iris is as dark as possible (exceptions are allowed for blue and marble color). Triangular ears set high, cropping is optional. Paws are strong, have pronounced muscles. The tail is set high and tapers from base to tip. The coat is very short, smooth and shiny. no undercoat. Coat color varies from fawn to brindle, black “mask” on the muzzle is allowed. Also known are harlequin (dark spots on a white background), black and blue colors.

Care

Great Danes have a short coarse coat. Caring for her is quite simple. It consists in weekly combing the dog, as well as wiping it with a damp towel. Bathing a Giant may be a problem due to its size, but the Great Dane does not require frequent bathing. It is enough to regularly inspect the paws, ears and mucous membranes of the pet, clean them as necessary.

Like many large dogs, Great Danes often have problems with joints and bones, and this must be borne in mind when raising a puppy: you must not allow him to run and jump too much to avoid additional stress on the body.

Conditions of detention

The Great Dane is more suitable for keeping in a private home. This dog needs a lot of space and will not be comfortable in tight spaces.

Representatives of the breed are quite energetic, therefore they require daily walks, the total duration of which should be at least two hours.

Predisposition to disease

Unfortunately, representatives of this breed do not have excellent health and do not have a high life expectancy. Among the diseases characteristic of them, the following are most often observed:

To preserve the health of the pet, the owners should carefully monitor his diet, physical activity and regularly visit the veterinarian.

Strict standards of the breed, such as ears and tail, the features of the color of the wool and others, deprive many puppies of the German dog a chance for an exhibition or tribal career, but do not prevent them from being happy pets in a loving family.