The Great Dane

Appearance

The Great Dane combines in it’s appearance, dignity, strength and elegance with great size. It’s powerful well formed body comes in six recognized colours:
Fawn, Brindle, Black, Blue, Harlequin ( a white dog with even torn black OR blue patches) and Mantle (Black and white with a solid, black blanket extending over the body. Ideally- black skull with white muzzle, white blaze optional, whole white collar preferred, a white chest, white on part or whole of the forelegs and hindlegs, white tipped black tail. Nose always black, eyes and nails preferably dark).
All six colours can be registered on ‘Main’ register, all other non-standard colours have to be registered on ‘Limited’ register

History

The Great Dane was officially named in 1880, prior to that it was referred to by numerous names including Boarhound and Deutsche Dogge. Great Danes were bred in Germany to hunt wild boar and bears, they were also used as farm guard and draft dogs and were more Mastiff looking than the present day Great Dane.

Temperament

Happy, outgoing. can be slightly aloof.
The Great Dane is a loyal and trusted companion, a house dog with an excellent disposition who enjoys being with you. If you want a dog to leave in a backyard and don’t intend to interact with it…this is not the breed for you.
Temperaments vary so check with your breeder.

The Great Dane has all the virtues of man with out the vices. ( quote: Lord Byron)

Care / Grooming

Great Danes have a short, thick, glossy coat that requires grooming weekly and bathing when required. It is important to keep their nails trimmed and to give them a bone to clean their teeth from time to time.
It is very important to take you new puppy to Puppy School followed by some basic obedience/manners training – socialization and leadership is very important .

Health

Ensure that purchases are made from a reputable breeder, who guarantees against possible breed defects [cardio-myopathy, hip and elbow defects and wobblers] and who is prepared to offer ongoing assistance/advice and supply a dietary sheet for correct feeding of the puppy. Make sure that your puppy has been well handled and has been kept in clean conditions, check to make sure that it has had the required vaccinations (C3 or C4), has been wormed and micro-chipped and vet checked.
It is always wise to view the parent dogs and check for happy dispositions and good temperaments. Be wary of backyard breeders and puppy’s being sold with out registration papers from NON registered breeders….remember:
No papers … No Guarantee … No Good.
See more information about Great Dane health here.

Other information links ...

• Hip and Elbow Scores


• Double Digit Club


• Litter Registration Statistics

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