History of the Great Dane
Danes descend from the hunting dogs of the Middle Ages era in Europe. Large, strong, fearless, they were used to hunt wild animals and protect property.
The very “Danishness” behind the breed label originated as a curious misnomer. There’s no known connection between the country of Denmark and the roots or the development of this dog, which is a 100% “Made in Germany” product.
Tremendously popular with European elites, at one point the cost of a particularly awesome Dane equaled that of a thoroughbred stallion.
The “Deutsche Dogge” standards were introduced in 1878. Chancellor Otto von Bismarck fell in love with this delicate giant and helped to promote its breeding. Some historic accounts though are less than complimentary to the future founder of the modernized German Empire. The legend has it that Bismarck used his parents’ grand dog to intimidate his school’s headmaster to extract favors.
The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1887. This imposing dog has made a mark across industries and services. Scooby-Doo is a male Great Dane. The state dog of Pennsylvania is a Dane.
The Great Dane Review: Outgoing, Enduring, Reliable
Belonging to working canines, Great Danes are among the biggest dogs in the world. The breed is famed for sheer sizes, stylish and elegant appearance, restraint, high intelligence and endless devotion to the owner. This is where the best qualities of brave guardian dogs and friendly family companions meet.
The Great Dane are in fact so big that, standing on hind legs, will be higher than almost any human. Some members of the breed are the tallest dogs on record. A black Dane named Zeus stood 44.0 in at the shoulder.
Danes are sometimes dubbed the “Apollo of dogs” for their ideal conformation and galloping figure. A powerful, expressive head, a proportional body contour, and a regal posture make this breed instantly recognizable.
Great Danes starred in Schindler's List, Foreign Correspondent, The Patriot and other Hollywood classics.
“Harlequin” is what would likely spring to mind when one says “Great Dane”. The base color of this trademark pattern is pure white, with black patches irregularly distributed over the entire body.
Everything Great Dane: Breed Characteristics in Brief
Great Danes are very active in puppyhood and are fully balanced in adulthood. For all their relatively short lifespan, mature dogs can display temperamental throwbacks to earlier days up to the age of two.
Some core features of the German-made Dane would include:
- Male Great Danes stand 30-32 inches high and weight 140-175 pounds. Females are a tad shorter, but significantly lighter.
- The life expectancy for the breed is 7 to 10 years, which is about average for grand canines, male or female.
- Danes do look imposing, but inside this giant lives the kindest and most devoted heart. These dogs are very affectionate and responsive, showing exceptional tenderness towards children.
- A Dane will choose one owner for life, but treat all family members with respect. These monoamorous dogs would find it incredibly hard to part with the owner. Feeling betrayed can severely affect the dog’s psyche.
- This canine spends its energy wisely. Great Danes prefer long, relaxing walks. They need two hours of walking a day. Danes excel in dog agility and weight pulling. Historical hunting skills and instincts have been largely put to rest here.
- Great Danes never bark for the sake of barking and throw themselves at strangers, but will always stand up for the cause without extra stimulation.
- Training? This friendly breed can be stubborn. Don’t be surprised if your buddy refuses to perform the command for the umpteenth time, and in an open unequivocal manner at that! It's very typical for Danes - they simply may not see the point and let it be known.
What Kind of Health a Great Dane Has
The sturdy breed has its weakness in a specific condition met in big, wide-chested dogs. Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) strikes canines who are fed large portions in one go, like once a day.
Coupled with a significant water intake and heavy physical exercise right after meals, it leads to the stomach becoming overstressed with gases and deforming in a twisted fashion. This is where the dog is no longer able to relieve itself from the trapped digestion products. Blood supply is disrupted, pressure abruptly drops, and the dog falls in coma. Rapidly progressing to a life-threatening state, GDV requires urgent medical attention.
Some Great Dane puppy breeders recommend preventive gastropexy surgery done on a healthy dog to see off the dangerous condition developing in the future.
A number of less immediately worrisome heart and eye issues is registered with the Dogge. Autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism are met from time to time.
What Health Tests Are Recommended for the Great Dane
Testing new litters for the core set of DNA mutations is a shrewd way to address major potential disorders in later life in Great Dane puppies. This would enable early detection of serious conditions that can be alleviated or rectified through prompt treatment.
These screenings are recommended for Great Danes:
- Ichthyosis
- Inherited myopathy
- Malignant hyperthermia
- CaniLine breed identity analysis
- Canine herpes virus (a qualitative PCR test)
- Molecular analysis of B- and T- lymphocyte clonality
- PCR analysis of c-KIT mutations
DNA checks allow breeders to drop parent dogs with mutations from mating, making for a healthier bloodline within a given pool. Robust pairs produce offspring not loaded with hereditary ailments detectable in advance.
Great Dane Puppy Price
A top ranking granted to the breed is a proof thousands of high-quality GD pups are sold and bought every year in the United States. Brisk trade means price of Great Dane puppies, an adult dog or baby, stays within reach for many families. State-to-state variations for this loyal, staunch defender may occur.
Buy a Great Dane Puppy from a Breeder
One may be tempted to go on the budget side when buying a Great Dane puppy with All In Pets. This way you’re sure to land a pup and save hundreds. Some drawbacks are likely to surface though. An opportunistic one-time seller won’t invest heavily in quality, as regular breeders casually do, or address inherited genetic concerns.
Following industry-approved protocols for timely medical procedures, vaccinations and dewormings is within the reach of established kennels only. Ordering extensive DNA screenings to clear the breeding stock of potential mutations proliferating is another hefty investment few outsiders would make.
Do you homework, pay more upfront to save down the road when looking for a “Great Dane puppy for sale near me”, meant to join you in a long healthy union!