Dog Breeds - Great Dane

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a dog breed shows towards family members or people they know well can vary depending on the breed's temperament and individual personality. While it's important to remember that each dog is unique, there are general tendencies that certain breed’s exhibit. Some breeds are known for being naturally affectionate and warm towards their families and close acquaintances. They may enjoy being close, seeking physical contact and often demonstrate their love through cuddling, licking, and wagging their tails. These breeds tend to form strong bonds with their owners and are generally friendly towards others they know well. Examples of affectionate breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Beagles.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
It’s crucial to always supervise interactions between dogs and young children, regardless of the breed. However, certain breeds are generally known to be more tolerant, patient, and family-friendly, making them potentially better suited for households with children. Family-friendly breeds typically have a gentle and patient nature that allows them to tolerate and interact well with children. They often have a high level of adaptability and can handle the sometimes unpredictable behavior of kids. These breeds are typically known for being affectionate, playful and protective of their family members. Some examples of family-friendly breeds include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Boxers, Bulldogs and Collies.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it's important to supervise any dog's interactions with other dogs, certain breeds are often more predisposed to being sociable and getting along well with their canine counterparts. Some breeds are naturally friendlier and enjoy the company of other dogs. These breeds tend to have a social mindset readily engage in play and have a higher tolerance for the presence of other animals. They may be more likely to exhibit friendly behaviors and have a lower tendency for aggression or reactivity towards other dogs. Examples of breeds known for their friendliness towards other dogs include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bichon Fries

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur or hair a breed sheds can vary significantly. Some breeds have minimal shedding, while others shed more profusely. It's important to consider the shedding level of a breed when making a decision, especially if you or your family members have allergies or prefer a lower-maintenance grooming routine. Breeds that shed less often have hair that tends to grow continuously, similar to human hair. This means they may require regular haircuts or grooming to maintain a neat appearance. Examples of low-shedding breeds include Poodles, Bichon Frises, Portuguese Water Dogs and Yorkshire Terriers. These breeds typically have a curly or wavy coat, which means that any shed hairs often get trapped in the curls reducing the amount of loose hair in the environment.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
Consider the grooming needs of a breed, specifically the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming or other forms of coat maintenance. Make sure to take into account the time, patience, and budget you can allocate for this level of care. Additionally, note that regular nail trimming is essential for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Assess the drooling tendencies of a breed. If you are fastidious about cleanliness, dogs that tend to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or large wet spots on your clothing may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
Assess the breed's inclination to be receptive towards strangers. It is notable that some breeds tend to be reserved or cautious when encountering unfamiliar people, regardless of the circumstances, while other breeds may enthusiastically greet new humans whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
Assess the extent of a breed's enthusiasm for play, even beyond their puppyhood stage. While some breeds will maintain a keenness for activities like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their adult years others will generally prefer a more relaxed approach, enjoying couch time with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Evaluate how likely a breed is to alert you about the presence of strangers. These breeds tend to be more responsive to any potential threat, be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, they are likely to become welcoming towards strangers entering the house if they are accepted by the family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
Evaluate the breed's ability to handle change, encompassing modifications in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other aspects of daily life. Certain breeds demonstrate a higher degree of adaptability and are more equipped to navigate these variations seamlessly.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Take into account how easily trainable your dog is and their willingness to learn new things. Some breeds have a strong desire to please their owners, readily absorbing new information, while others may exhibit a preference for autonomy, choosing to act according to their own desires regardless of expectations or rules.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise requirements and mental stimulation levels differ among breeds. High-energy breeds exhibit a constant enthusiasm and are always raring to embark on exciting new ventures. They utilize their time engaging in extensive running, jumping, and indulging in playful activities throughout the day. Conversely, low-energy breeds can be likened to contented couch potatoes as they derive joy from simply lounging around and enjoying a leisurely snooze.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency at which this breed vocalizes, whether through barks or howls, varies. While certain breeds may bark at every person passing by or bird spotted through the window, others reserve barking for specific situations. It's worth noting that even barkless breeds may still communicate through other sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The level of mental stimulation required for a breed to maintain happiness and good health varies. Purpose-bred dogs often engage in tasks that necessitate decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise these dogs may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds occupied and these activities may not align with your preferences.

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CARING WITH FAMILY Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a dog breed shows towards family members or people they know well can vary depending on the breed's temperament and individual personality. While it's important to remember that each dog is unique, there are general tendencies that certain breed’s exhibit. Some breeds are known for being naturally affectionate and warm towards their families and close acquaintances. They may enjoy being close, seeking physical contact and often demonstrate their love through cuddling, licking, and wagging their tails. These breeds tend to form strong bonds with their owners and are generally friendly towards others they know well. Examples of affectionate breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Beagles.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN Unwise Good With Children
It’s crucial to always supervise interactions between dogs and young children, regardless of the breed. However, certain breeds are generally known to be more tolerant, patient, and family-friendly, making them potentially better suited for households with children. Family-friendly breeds typically have a gentle and patient nature that allows them to tolerate and interact well with children. They often have a high level of adaptability and can handle the sometimes unpredictable behavior of kids. These breeds are typically known for being affectionate, playful and protective of their family members. Some examples of family-friendly breeds include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Boxers, Bulldogs and Collies.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it's important to supervise any dog's interactions with other dogs, certain breeds are often more predisposed to being sociable and getting along well with their canine counterparts. Some breeds are naturally friendlier and enjoy the company of other dogs. These breeds tend to have a social mindset readily engage in play and have a higher tolerance for the presence of other animals. They may be more likely to exhibit friendly behaviors and have a lower tendency for aggression or reactivity towards other dogs. Examples of breeds known for their friendliness towards other dogs include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bichon Fries
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur or hair a breed sheds can vary significantly. Some breeds have minimal shedding, while others shed more profusely. It's important to consider the shedding level of a breed when making a decision, especially if you or your family members have allergies or prefer a lower-maintenance grooming routine. Breeds that shed less often have hair that tends to grow continuously, similar to human hair. This means they may require regular haircuts or grooming to maintain a neat appearance. Examples of low-shedding breeds include Poodles, Bichon Frises, Portuguese Water Dogs and Yorkshire Terriers. These breeds typically have a curly or wavy coat, which means that any shed hairs often get trapped in the curls reducing the amount of loose hair in the environment.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily
Consider the grooming needs of a breed, specifically the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming or other forms of coat maintenance. Make sure to take into account the time, patience, and budget you can allocate for this level of care. Additionally, note that regular nail trimming is essential for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel
Assess the drooling tendencies of a breed. If you are fastidious about cleanliness, dogs that tend to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or large wet spots on your clothing may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Smooth
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend
Assess the breed's inclination to be receptive towards strangers. It is notable that some breeds tend to be reserved or cautious when encountering unfamiliar people, regardless of the circumstances, while other breeds may enthusiastically greet new humans whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop
Assess the extent of a breed's enthusiasm for play, even beyond their puppyhood stage. While some breeds will maintain a keenness for activities like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their adult years others will generally prefer a more relaxed approach, enjoying couch time with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant
Evaluate how likely a breed is to alert you about the presence of strangers. These breeds tend to be more responsive to any potential threat, be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, they are likely to become welcoming towards strangers entering the house if they are accepted by the family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable
Evaluate the breed's ability to handle change, encompassing modifications in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other aspects of daily life. Certain breeds demonstrate a higher degree of adaptability and are more equipped to navigate these variations seamlessly.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please
Take into account how easily trainable your dog is and their willingness to learn new things. Some breeds have a strong desire to please their owners, readily absorbing new information, while others may exhibit a preference for autonomy, choosing to act according to their own desires regardless of expectations or rules.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy
The exercise requirements and mental stimulation levels differ among breeds. High-energy breeds exhibit a constant enthusiasm and are always raring to embark on exciting new ventures. They utilize their time engaging in extensive running, jumping, and indulging in playful activities throughout the day. Conversely, low-energy breeds can be likened to contented couch potatoes as they derive joy from simply lounging around and enjoying a leisurely snooze.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Happy to Lounge Needs a Job or Activity
The level of mental stimulation required for a breed to maintain happiness and good health varies. Purpose-bred dogs often engage in tasks that necessitate decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise these dogs may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds occupied and these activities may not align with your preferences.
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About The Breed

The cheerful and laid-back Great Dane famously known as the "Apollo of Dogs" brings immense joy to any household. However, it is crucial to understand that owning a dog of such impressive size, weight and strength requires a serious commitment. This breed undeniably magnificent is not to be taken lightly.

Standing as tall as 32 inches at the shoulder, Great Danes tower over most other dogs. In fact, when they stand on their hind legs, they surpass the height of an average person. These majestic giants possess an elegant and well-proportioned physique effortlessly displaying their inherent nobility through their smooth and graceful stride. Great Danes boast a variety of coat colors and patterns with the black-and-white patchwork pattern known as "harlequin" being the most recognizable.

While their gentle and amiable nature is evident, Great Danes remain vigilant and attentive guardians of their homes. The mere sight of these gentle giants is often enough to give potential intruders pause. However, those who mistake their friendly disposition for weakness will soon encounter a powerful adversary imbued with true courage and spirit. Patient and tolerant with children, Great Danes readily make new friends striving to please their human companions.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A GREAT DANE

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Great Dane: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Bloat scientifically known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) poses the greatest threat to Danes and is a leading cause of mortality among them. It is essential for owners to educate themselves about the signs indicating the possibility of bloat and what steps to take if it occurs. Many breeders and owners consider a preventive surgical procedure called prophylactic gastropexy, commonly referred to as a "preventative tack." This surgery can help mitigate some of the more severe consequences associated with GDV. Additionally, there are other health issues that may affect this breed, including eye and cardiac diseases, hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis, as well as hip dysplasia. A responsible breeder will diligently screen their breeding stock for these conditions that can potentially impact the breed's well-being. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Thyroid Evaluation Cardiac Exam Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	Throughout most of the year, the Great Dane's short and smooth coat tends to have minimal shedding. However, due to the dog's large size, this can still result in a significant amount of hair. To keep shedding under control, it is recommended to brush the Dane's coat on a weekly basis using a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool or a hound glove. This regular brushing routine helps minimize shedding. During shedding seasons, which typically occur once or twice a year, the hair loss may be more pronounced, so daily brushing is ideal during these periods. Baths for Great Danes are necessary only occasionally unless the dog gets into something messy. As with any breed, it is important to regularly trim the Great Dane's nails. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort to the dog and may lead to difficulties in walking and running. Regular nail trimming is essential to ensure the dog's comfort and mobility.

Exercise

	Although Great Danes may give off an impression of being calm and sedentary, they still require daily exercise suitable for their age. Engaging in a brisk walk two or three times a day can be sufficient to meet their exercise needs. They can also be wonderful companions for jogs or hikes, but it is important to wait until the dog reaches the age of 2 years to avoid any potential harm to their developing joints. To minimize the risk of bloat, it is advisable to avoid rigorous exercise around mealtimes. Great Danes have a tendency to follow scents with their keen noses, so it is crucial to always keep them on a leash and allow them to roam freely only in securely enclosed areas with tall fences. Many Great Danes find enjoyment in participating in various activities such as agility, obedience, tracking events, weight pulls and sports like flyball. These activities can provide mental stimulation and additional physical exercise for them.

Training

	Engaging in early socialization and enrolling in puppy training classes are highly recommended for Great Danes. Given their substantial size and strength obedience training becomes a necessity. Socialization, which involves gradually exposing the puppy to a diverse range of people, places and situations plays a crucial role in shaping a well-rounded and adaptable adult dog. Great Danes are naturally sociable, friendly and eager to please. They tend to respond well to training methods that are firm and consistent. It is important for them to have regular human interaction, affection and ample opportunities for socializing with other individuals and animals. This helps foster their social skills and ensures their overall well-being.

Nutrition

	To ensure optimal nutrition for your Great Dane, it is essential to provide them with a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their specific age group (puppy, adult, or senior). Table scraps, if given at all should be given sparingly. It is important to avoid cooked bones and foods with high fat content. Familiarize yourself with the safe human foods for dogs and those that should be avoided to maintain their well-being. Furthermore, it is crucial for owners to be aware that the primary cause of mortality in Great Danes is bloat, a condition where the stomach becomes distended and twists. Although the exact causes of bloat are not fully understood experts agree that feeding multiple small meals throughout the day and avoiding intense exercise around mealtimes can help reduce the likelihood of its occurrence. Taking these precautions can play a significant role in promoting the overall health and longevity of your Great Dane.

Historiography

It remains a mystery how or for what reason Great Danes originally a German breed became connected with Denmark. (In Germany, they are referred to as the Deutsche Dog, which means 'German dog.') However, historical evidence suggests that German nobility once employed Danes for hunting formidable wild boars. Subsequently, Danes gained renown as defenders of their households and beloved ones, a duty they still delightfully fulfill today.