GREAT DANE
It is known in Europe since the XVI century. It receives its name, mostly among the Anglo-Saxon, from its careful breeding in Denmark, but is also known as the German dogge, because that was the country several types of dogs where gathered under a single classification under the term Dogge, applied to exceptionally large and strong breeds. This dogge once was the most preferred dog amongst the central European nobility. As an acknowledgement if its qualities, Otto von Bismarck named it “The Empire Dog”.
PHYSICAL TRAITS of the GREAT DANE
The Great Dane is considered a standard of beauty and elegance. It has a tall, strong and very well proportioned body, which gives it its distinguished look. It is a very tall dog, the males are at least 80 cm to the cross and the females are 72 cm, with a robust torso and a tucked belly. The head is narrow and very well proportioned; its eyes are dark, round and lively. The nose is bulky and black, and the ears are large, these should be cut erect and finished in an angle. The fur is very short, shiny, thick and well attached. There are five color varieties: harlequin (white with black spots), tabby (transversal black stripes over a tone ranging from toast yellow to a very bright tawny), red, black and blue.
TEMPERAMENT AND ADAPTATION of the GREAT DANE
Although the Great Dane can seem aggressive due to its size, its behavior proves exactly the opposite. It is a docile, good and loyal dog. It integrates to the family environment easily, showing special interest towards children. But we must be careful since it is a very strong animal and may not be aware if it while playing with small children and knocking them down. It has no trouble socializing with other animals as long as these present no threat to the owners, something that its protective spirit would not tolerate.
Nowadays, some federations admit specimens with uncut ears.
Federations consider as behavioral mistakes things like lack of confidence, nervousness or easy response to provocation.
EXERCISE AND CARE required for a GREAT DANE
The Great Dane needs a soft bed to avoid “support calluses” in the joints and sternum. It is also recommendable that it sleeps inside the house since it shouldn’t be exposed to air drafts. Being this a dog that demands large amounts of food, it should have a daily run to avoid undesirable overweight.
