Great Dane / German Mastiff, Danish Hound, Deutsche Dogge, Grand Danois, Gentle Giant

Breed history:

 There are many opinions regarding the evolution of this breed. Brehem who was a scientist said that the Great Dane is a mix between the Greyhound and the English Mastiff. The modern Cynology consideres it a Molosser dog. The name Great Dane, that it has been given, is improperly used. In the year 1876 the Great Dane was proclaimed Germany's national breed.

Description:

It is a large-sized dog, with a well-built, square, muscular, sturdy body and an noble and elegant look. The head is long with a square muzzle, equal in length to the skull. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, deeply-set and dark. The ears are medium-sized, drooping but can be cropped to stay erect. The neck is long and brawny. The tail is large and tapers from a broad base to a point at the tip, is kept low at rest and curves when alert. The fur has short, soft hair, close to the body and it can be brown, blue, black, harlequin, striped or with mantle (black with a white collar, chest, nose and feet).

Personality:

It is a watchful, smart, enthusiastic, playful, calm and sensitive dog. It is very devoted and faithful to its family but especially to one person. Friendly by nature, it accepts other animals and dogs. It gets along well with other dogs. It is not very hospitable with strangers but the friends of the family are accepted straightaway. It isn't a very noisy dog. It is a one-owner dog. If alienated as an adult, it will never be the same.

Grooming:

This dog's fur doesn't require too much care. A casual brushing and more frequent during the shedding period is enough. It has a fast growth and requires special care during the growing period. It mustn't be physically challenged during this period in order to avoid problems with the bones, joints and muscle development.

Living conditions:

It is a dog that enjoys the comfort of a house with an enclosed yard where it can move freely. It can also adapt indoors, if it has enough space (it's a large-sized dog) and if it gets daily exercise.

Training:

This dog is easy to train because it is intelligent and understands with ease. Violence and force should not be used, rather a calm, gentle and friendly voice will determine it to respond to its master's wishes. The training must be consistent and should be taught from an early age not to pull when leashed. It needs exercise and daily activity in order to keep its calm the rest of the day.

Usefulness:

 It is an excellent watchdog. It is said that a criminal can brake into a house protected by a Great Dane but it cannot get out. Happy and playfull, it is a pleasant and very faithful companion.