Dogs are black. Great Dane - characteristics of the breed

The Great Dane is familiar to everyone since childhood. This giant dog has become a symbol of dignity and aristocracy - not for nothing that eminent people became the owners of Great Danes.

Height at withers: males minimum 80 cm, females minimum 72 cm
The weight: 45-90 kg

Color:

• Pale yellow. Shades of yellow, from light sand to bright red-gold in color without white markings and shades of brown, white, gray or blue. A black mask on the muzzle is desirable.
• Brindle. The main color is shades of fawn, and vertical stripes of black are scattered across it. White markings should not be, but a black mask on the muzzle is welcome.
• Marble. The main color is white, and torn black spots are “scattered” over it. Marble gray (black spots on a gray background) is acceptable, but not desirable, as are brown or gray spots.
• Black color. A kind of symbol of the breed, because many represent Great Danes in black. There may be white spots on the chest and legs. The raincoat also belongs to the black color, when the hair on the head and body is black, and on the chest, stomach, paws, tail, neck - white. It turns out that the dog is as if "dressed" in a black cloak.
• Platten is a color belonging to the black group. The base is white, and rounded black spots are scattered over it.
• Blue. Gray-blue color with a hint of steel. There may be white spots on the chest and legs. There are no black or fawn shades on the blue coat.

General form

• The coat is short, tight, pleasant to the touch, smooth, shiny.
• According to the format, the torso fits into a square - this is important for males, in females stretching is allowed.
• The head is large, harmonious, clearly defined to the smallest detail.
• The muzzle is not sharp, with a pronounced upper lip.
• The lips are dark in color, flesh-colored or spotted are allowed in the marble color.
• The nose is black, but the color also depends on the color of the dog: in marbled dogs, the nose is spotted or flesh-colored, and in blue dogs it is anthracite ("wet asphalt").
• The eyes are expressive, intelligent, medium-sized, almond-shaped.
  The darker the eye color, the better, amber is undesirable. Great Danes may have eyes of different colors or lighter than those of dogs of other colors.
• The ears are drooping, set high and, hanging down, lie close to the cheeks with the lower edge. In Russia, ears are still cropped.
• The tail tapers to the tip, long (reaching the hock). In motion or in a state of excitement, the dog carries a tail in the form of a saber at the level of the back or slightly higher.

History of the breed

According to one version, the ancestors of the Great Dane, Asian fighting dogs, came to Europe along with the nomadic tribes of Asia. Crossing with local dogs, they gave rise to the formation of the breed. The second legend says that this giant appeared due to crossing old english bulldog and hunting boar dogs.

Over time, the sire branches split and produced different types of dogs. One type of medium size was intended for hunting predators such as a bear, a wolf. The second type - huge dogs with remarkable strength, were intended for protection. At the same time, the term “dog” used to mean any large and strong dog.

The second type of dog was later infused with greyhound blood to make it lighter and more agile. This is how the dogs appeared, which received the name “Great Dane” in 1878.
The first standard and description of the breed appeared at the dog show in 1880, and 8 years later the first club of breed lovers was organized.

Over time, the exterior standard has changed and supplemented. Germany has been and remains the main center for the development and improvement of Great Danes: the best breed lines are represented there.

Previously, representatives of the breed were used as service dogs, today they are companions and family friends.

Interesting fact: twice representatives of the Great Dane breed became the largest dogs in the world - they were Giant George and Zeus. These males reached a height of 110 cm and 111 cm, respectively. So far, no one has outgrown them.

Behavior and temperament

The Great Dane is an amazing dog. He inspires respect and demonstrates authority, but inside he is a devoted friend and meek neat man who rarely loses his temper. If necessary, he will protect his family members to the last breath, but this is a peaceful dog and does not seek adventure.

• friendly;
• devoted;
• balanced and reasonable;
• good guard;
• obedient;
• fearless;
• not aggressive.

Surprisingly, the owners of Great Danes and those who dealt with them do not note the disadvantages of this breed of dogs in behavior and character with proper training.

The representative of the breed is a faithful companion, a nanny for children and a vigilant protector. In a word, universal dog. He is suitable as a pet both in a large family and a single person.

it calm dog who behaves with dignity. But a physically weak person should not start such a dog - the great danes are strong, and during the game, not feeling their size, they can drop a person.

With children, a well-bred dog is patient and caring. These qualities are innate, but if desired, they can be developed by persistent training.

The German gets along easily with other pets, but you should not keep him on the same territory as the dominant male, otherwise a showdown cannot be avoided.

Nickname choice

Great Dane is the king among dogs, even a child knows or guesses about it intuitively. Therefore, the name of such a dog should be beautiful, proud, domineering.

Nicknames for males: Caesar, Grand, Dar, Zeus, Neptune, Duke.
Nicknames for bitches: Hera, Athena, Astra, Juno, Selena, Glory.

Despite the size, the dog feels great in a city apartment. He loves soft beds, and if you do not provide him with one, then he will take the sofa or bed. This dog does not require a lot of space. He is not intrusive and can lie in one place for a long time.

In the apartment, dogs are phlegmatic, but on the street they like to run and play, so long and interesting walks are needed. The level of load is selected depending on age: puppies and young dogs should not jump and run a lot, as Great Danes are prone to diseases of the musculoskeletal system. You need to walk with an adult dog 2-3 times a day, one of the walks must last at least an hour. In cold weather, dress your dog in warm overalls.

It is important to feed the Great Dane with small portions of a balanced high protein or super premium food. Include in the menu lean meat, fish, cut into small pieces. Per day, an adult dog is given no more than 800 gr raw meat. Be sure to give your dog vegetables and fruits, except for potatoes, pumpkins, legumes. Don't forget dairy.

To avoid problems with joints, it is important for puppies to give vitamins and chondroprotectors, as well as to maintain the correct balance of calcium in the body.
Dogs should not be overfed, given pasta, bread, porridge to avoid digestive problems.

There are no problems with short and smooth hair: 1-2 times a week clean the dog with a rubber glove brush, wipe with a damp cloth. Nails are trimmed as needed, teeth are brushed 1-2 times a week. Monitor the condition of the eyes and ears: remove excess secretions with cotton or gauze swabs.

Education and training

Dogs are smart and quick-witted, so it is easy to teach them the correct behavior in society and commands. Training is important to start from puppyhood because it is difficult to subdue an adult dog. The German can be a little stubborn, but the patience and perseverance of the owner will surely overcome difficulties. Do not punish physically or treat the dog rudely.

So that the dog does not get bored, practice and learn new commands. On a walk, play ball, go to the forest - but limit young dogs in activity due to joint problems.

Health and longevity

Great Danes live on average 6-12 years old, while they mature only by 2.5 years. This breed is prone to the following diseases:

• bloating;
• hip dysplasia;
• osteochondrosis;
• osteodystrophy;
• eye diseases (glaucoma, cataract);
• hypothyroidism;
• dermatitis;
• demodicosis;
• deafness.

How much and where to buy

The Great Dane is not a cheap dog. The National Breed Club is registered in Russia, and you can buy a puppy through it.

Puppy price: 40-70 thousand rubles.

Photo of the breed

A selection of photos of dogs of the Great Dane breed.

Video

The Great Dane is a service dog breed recognized as the highest in the world. This is a real aristocrat of the dog world, often called the "Apollo of dogs." Sometimes it is incorrectly called the Great Dane, although this breed has nothing to do with Denmark. The error is explained by a mistranslation of the works of the French naturalist Georges Buffon, who described this dog as Grand Danois.

The Great Dane belongs to the group of Molossian dogs, which unites mainly mastiffs. His ancestors were stocky, heavy and vicious dogs that accompanied the tribe of the Alans, who settled on the ruins of the dying Roman Empire in the III-V centuries. The Alans settled in the territory of the modern north of Italy, Spain and the south of Germany. The tribe itself sank into oblivion without a trace, but its dogs remained. In subsequent centuries, the blood of a large and lanky Irish wolfhound and a lean English greyhound was added to them, which is why part of the livestock became noticeably taller and more elegant than other mastiffs. In 1878, a committee of seven breeders from southwestern Germany was formed in Berlin to breed dogs of this type. By universal agreement, their wards were given the name "Great Dane". Two years later, the standard of the new breed was approved, and in 1888 the first club of Great Dane lovers appeared.

It should be noted that over its long history, the breed has undergone a number of changes. At first, the ancient ancestors of the Great Danes were used by the Alans for protection and warfare, they were truly fighting dogs. The influx of the blood of the wolfhound and greyhounds made these dogs more mobile, so in the Middle Ages they were used to drive game. Despite the lightness of the physique, the ancestors of the Great Danes retained the main feature of the mastiffs - a square muzzle with strong jaws, so only large animals were hunted with them: wild boars, bears and deer. Since such hunting was available mainly to the nobility, the breed was considered noble. Aristocracy was given to her by short hair - a luxury that in those days could only boast of dogs living in heated chambers of hunting castles. Living with people in the same room developed devotion and poise among Great Danes. As hunting became a thing of the past, these dogs were increasingly bred simply as companions. Now the Great Dane, remaining a typical service dog, is often used as a decorative one.

The Great Dane is a dog of powerful and harmonious build, with an expressive head, well-developed bones and muscles, and a noble posture. Representatives of this breed should not be too rough or too refined. Great Danes have a well-defined sexual dimorphism: the body of males should fit into a square, while females may be slightly stretched in format. The height at the withers for males is 80-90 cm, for females - 72-84 cm.

The head is large, long, in no case wedge-shaped. The length of the muzzle is equal to the length of the skull, while the upper lines of the muzzle and skull are strictly parallel to each other. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is clearly defined, the bridge of the nose is as wide as possible. The upper lips are well developed, pendulous, with an obtuse angle. Scissor bite. The ears are set high, with the lower edge adjacent to the cheek. It should be noted that in past centuries, the ears of Great Danes were cropped, so that during the hunt it would be more difficult for the beast to grab the dog. Until the end of the 20th century, the standard recognized erect ears of a triangular shape. Many developed countries now have animal rights laws prohibiting ear and tail cropping in dogs, so the current breed standard only allows floppy ears with a rounded edge. The neck is long, muscular, high-set, but without a deer bend. The withers are muscular. The back is short, broad and straight. The chest is wide and deep (descends to the elbow joint), together with a moderately tucked up abdomen, forms a smooth line of the bottom. The limbs are strong, muscular, straight. Paws are strong, round with fingers gathered in a ball ("cat's paw"). The tail is set high, gradually tapering to the tip, which is at the level of the hock. In a calm state, the Great Dane keeps the tail down; when moving and excited, the tail takes on a saber bend and rises to the level of the back.

The coat is short, tight, shiny. The color is black, blue, brindle, fawn (for such dogs, darkening of the muzzle is desirable), as well as marble. In marbled dogs, the main tone of the coat should be white, a gray tone is acceptable, but undesirable, in black and blue dogs, white marks on the chest, muzzle, paws are allowed, but they are unacceptable in dogs of other colors. Eyes, nose and nails should be black. In marbled dogs, light and multi-colored eyes are acceptable.

The paw of one of the largest Great Danes on Earth - Giant George - compared to the fist of his master Dave Nasser.

The Great Dane is not a timid dog, often instilling fear in hooligans by its very appearance. And if it comes to attacking his beloved owner, this handsome man knows exactly what to do. At the same time, among other service dogs and especially various breeds of mastiffs, Great Danes stand out for their calmness, poise, and friendly attitude towards others. Despite their huge size, you can safely walk with them in public places, leave children, there are cases when well-trained Great Danes were even allowed to go for a walk alone, after which they returned to the apartment on their own. When meeting smaller cats and dogs, the Great Dane will not threaten, but will chivalrously look at them from the height of its colossal growth. However, these dogs are moderately active, so they will gladly play catch-up, fetch or start a fun fuss with friends.

In 2011, the world was shocked by the story of two Great Danes: Lily had both eyes removed due to illness, but immediately after the operation, Madison took care of her. Girlfriends are not separated and understand each other so well that a disabled dog moves along with a healthy one.

Who Shouldn't Own a Great Dane:

• living in small housing - the status of the tallest dog in the world implies a sufficient area for sleep and movement. Residents of the north can start a Great Dane only in a spacious apartment, and residents of the south are better off giving him a well-maintained aviary in the yard;
• those who have little time - with a Great Dane will have to undergo a mandatory course of general training, but a well-bred dog also requires regular exercise: you need to walk with him at least an hour a day;
• vulnerable people - the death of a pet for any owner is a strong stress, but we all want this unpleasant moment to come as late as possible. Alas, Great Danes are very short-lived: the normal life expectancy of these dogs does not exceed 6-10 years.

Who should get a Great Dane:

• wealthy people who care about their image - the aristocracy of this breed speaks for itself. A well-bred dog, no matter what he does - walked, defended, or simply lay by the fireplace - will become a decoration of the house and an indicator of the high status of the family;
• people in need of protection - most service breeds require strict management, an instructor and self-discipline are enough to work with a Great Dane on the training ground - success is guaranteed.

When Zeus rose on his hind legs, his height reached 2.23 m!

The Great Dane is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest dog breed in the world. The record holder is a dog named Zeus: his height at the withers was 111.8 cm and weighs 70.3 kg. Before him, the record holder was an equally impressive Great Dane named Giant George (Giant George), his height was only 1.8 cm less with a weight of 111 kg. At the same time, it should be noted that this height exceeds the requirements of the standard, therefore, such dogs should be considered as overdeveloped and it is not worth specifically striving to breed such giants.

The Great Dane is a modern version of a breed that looked completely different some time ago. This is a very ancient breed, and for all the time it was kept in artificial conditions, it showed itself on the good side.

This breed is ideal for those who have never kept a dog at home before. If it is difficult for you to decide on a future pet due to a lack of knowledge on their content, choose a Great Dane and you will not be mistaken.

Great Dane: photo, character

The main character traits of the Great Dane, which clearly describe this breed - big, kind and loyal.

A distinctive feature of dogs of the Great Dane breed is a calm character. It may even seem that by the type of nervous system they are phlegmatic. However, in case of danger, there is no trace of this type of character, and she immediately turns into a formidable and ferocious dog. Great Danes do an excellent job of guarding the house and the people living in it. But you can use this dog not only as a watchman. It is also perfect for those who are looking for a friend and companion. In this case, you will not be disappointed, because you can go with him to play or take a walk in the park.

Upbringing

A special place in the content of the Great Dane is occupied by education, which should be practiced from puppyhood. If you are not ready to spend enough time on an English or Great Dane, then it is better to immediately abandon it and get a cat. Regardless of the breed, the dog requires appropriate upbringing. It is wrong to assume that you can do the same with a Great Dane as with a dachshund. Still, this animal has a more impressive size and strength, therefore, if it does not obey you well, then this will be fraught with big troubles for you.

Before you get a Great Dane, English or Great Dane, know what it is very slobbery animal. Therefore, if your pet wants to caress and even lick you, be prepared for the fact that you will have to take a shower afterwards. Difficulties you may have with Great Dane hair, which gets dirty very quickly.

Great Dane puppies never sit still and love to play. Also, they are not interested in curiosity, so they will try to get to the farthest corners of your house. If the puppy finds even a small loophole, then he will definitely try to find out what is inside. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that your apartment will be a mess, but you can hardly do anything about it. You just have to be patient and wait for your pet to grow up. Over time, he will become more calm.

Adult dogs differ little from English or Great Dane puppies and love mobile games. And to make it convenient for you to do this, it is advisable to go for walks in those places where there will be enough space so that you can let your pet run without a leash. It is advisable to choose as deserted places as possible, otherwise you may run into a lot of trouble. It’s good if your dog only scares a random passerby. The situation will be much more unpleasant if there is a fight between your dog and someone else's dog, which will die. In this case, you will have to deal with its owner.

Although dogs of this breed do not show aggression without good reason, like the English and Great Dane, however, if they are pissed off, they will adequately respond to the attack.

Great Danes easily establish friendly contact with children, they can even try on the role of their guardian and caring parent. And your child will be happy to be in such a company. However, you need to be very attentive to your pet if your child is still too young. You should not exclude the possibility that the dog may inadvertently injure the baby, because this is a fairly large animal. Although the character of Great Danes is different, however, when a stranger approaches, they behave wary. But this should not be surprising, because they have been laid in them since birth. guard qualities.

You should not refuse to purchase a Great Dane puppy just because you already have other pets. There will be no problems with this, because for your other four-legged and feathered inhabitants, the Great Dane will become a good neighbor. But you will avoid many problems if you immediately take a Great Dane puppy and a cat at a young age. Although it will not be a problem if there is a big difference in age between them.

Having already finally decided for yourself that a Great Dane puppy will appear at your home, you immediately need to prepare to care for him. First of all, you you need a special brush for combing the dog. Your pet will create problems for you already during the first molt: although at this time the amount of wool shed is small, but this happens throughout the year. To keep your pet's coat in good condition, you can use:

• brush;
• a special glove that you can purchase at your nearest pet store.

It is especially necessary to be careful with bathing the Great Dane: it is often not recommended to do this, otherwise the dog may develop skin diseases and lose a significant part of its coat. Feeling that a subtle smell emanates from the dog, it is advisable to completely abandon bathing, but instead it should be washed using special dry shampoos. Do not forget about nails that need to be trimmed regularly.

Food

Very carefully you need to approach the choice of food for a Great Dane puppy. At this age, the dog's body especially needs calcium. A feature of physiology is that these animals grow very quickly and their limbs are extended. Therefore, there must be enough calcium in the body, otherwise deviations may occur with the development of the joints. Also you must monitor the condition of the ears and eyes of the Great Dane. At the first sign of inflammation, you should immediately see a veterinarian.

• it is advisable to cut them in such a way that after cutting the claws do not touch the ground;
• it is important to correctly determine the place of cut of the claws so as not to injure sensitive areas.

At first glance, Great Danes look very slender, but they are big eaters, and if you make the menu for them incorrectly, this can lead to an overweight problem. There are cases when overeating caused the death of dogs of this breed. This is not the case with Great Dane puppies, so you should be attentive to your pet when he is old enough.

During the growth period, puppies of this breed start gaining weight much faster than they develop ligaments and muscles.

• therefore, in order to avoid problems, refuse to conduct active games;
• before going for a walk, it is recommended to bandage the dog's paws with an elastic bandage, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the joints.

But paying attention only to the appearance and stomach of the animal is not enough. Also, you should not forget about his upbringing. By nature, Great Danes are very noisy and curious animals. Therefore, so that they do not cause you big problems, start raising them as a puppy. After a couple of years, there will be no trace of noise, and then a dog will appear before you, which will unquestioningly carry out all your orders.

Conclusion

If you are thinking about getting a Great Dane puppy, know that this is a serious step and you must be aware of the responsibility you are taking on. The Great Dane is one of those dog breeds that needs to be given enough attention without fail. Keep in mind that these dogs pose a potential threat to others, therefore, in the absence of control over their behavior, your pet can bring you a lot of trouble.

Therefore, from childhood, you need to teach him to obey his master. In principle, if you are ready for this and manage to allocate the necessary time, then you will not have problems with this. With the choice you make, not only you yourself, but also your household will be satisfied. After all, this dog will not only become strongly attached to you, but also behaves well in relation to other animals that live in your house.

Great Danes

Brief description and breed standard Great Dane

• Other possible names: Alano, Great Dane (Deutsche Dogge), Grand Danois.
• Adult growth: male - from 80 cm, female - 72-81 cm.
• The weight: 50-80 kg.
• Characteristic color: brindle, fawn, harlequin (white with black spots), bluish-gray, black (cloak).
• Wool length: short, smooth
• Lifespan: 7-10 years old.
• Breed advantages: smart, strong, disciplined, adaptable, loyal, graceful, good companion, loves children.
• Breed Difficulties: proud, vindictive, sometimes quick-tempered, short life expectancy.
• Price: Great Dane costs from $400 to $1300.

The history of the origin of the breed

The original ancestors of the Great Dane are considered to be the now extinct Bullenbeiser breed, crossed with hunting dogs, as well as the ancient fighting dogs, known even before our era. According to another version, they are direct descendants of the great Tibetan Great Danes, and also have a blood relationship with the Greyhounds.

In 1878, in Berlin, a committee of breeders decided to combine the Ulm, English, Danish, German, Hunting, Great Danes and Boar dogs into one class called the Great Dane. BUT in 1880 the first standards of this breed were approved, changes to which are made to this day.

The Great Dane in 1876 was named the national breed of the German Empire. And since 1965, it has been considered the official symbol of the US state of Pennsylvania.

This is my favorite breed. Alexander the Great, Otto Bismarck and Bulgakov's Pontius Pilate from The Master and Margarita. Great Danes often served at court and were revered by high society for their grace, elegance and aristocracy.

The purpose of the breed

Great Danes are a dog of wide application. Initially, they were used as watchmen, mounts and big game hunters. Despite their grace, they are fearless bodyguards and guards.

And they will gladly keep you company when walking or cycling or jogging, because it is unlikely that among dogs there are more devoted companion. And, no matter how strange it may sound in relation to these giants, Great Danes are affectionate sofa dogs.

Characteristics of the Great Dane breed

it unobtrusive and devoted family member, moreover, silent and infinitely affectionate. And any model will envy his gracefulness: a well-tucked belly, smoothly turning into a wide chest, slender muscular legs and a narrow elongated head, always proudly raised on a graceful neck.

The Great Dane is quite tall and ideally suited to the body weight. Sometimes they grow bigger 1 meter at the withers and reach 100 kg. The color of the short and smooth coat can be varied: marbled black and white, pure black or with a white spot on the chest, brindle, fawn. There is even a Great Dane with a blue tint. Such a dog will ideally emphasize the status of its owner.

Representatives of this breed are gentle, peaceful and friendly giants. But at the slightest danger, without hesitation, will come to your defense showing all the strength, power and fearlessness. They are cheerful, loving and balanced, without mood swings.

These dogs treat children with great affection, showing their immense tenderness towards them. They will be happy to play with your child, enduring all his pranks.

Behind these games you better watch out because the dog may not calculate the strength and inadvertently overwhelm the baby. Great Danes, like no other, need to communicate with a person, and also love to sleep and spend time next to the owner on a soft surface.

German dog has a calm personality. They are smart, obedient and ready to understand you perfectly, unquestioningly taking you for a leader. But they also do not hold stubbornness and pride.

These dogs quickly adapt to any conditions and are suitable for keeping in apartments, subject to long daily walking and good physical activity. They are quite wary of strangers. But thanks to a well-developed intellect, they can quickly and accurately determine whether a person is good or not.

Great Dane breed video review

Before making a final decision, watch the video, which tells what you may encounter when choosing this breed. As well as advice on feeding, care and upbringing.

https://youtu.be/ue3Sh_vjOpU

How to choose a puppy

If you nevertheless decided that the Great Dane is your dog, and decided on the desired color of the future pet, then you just have to choose a puppy. Undoubtedly, it is better to entrust this matter to a specialist and contact the nursery. This way you will be sure that you will get a healthy purebred dog with a good pedigree that meets accepted standards.

It is better to start a puppy when he is 3-5 months old. At this age, all possible flaws become noticeable. Great Dane puppies should be moderately well-fed, have a strong skeleton, well-developed muscles and stand on even, parallel legs. Notice the large upper lip and the clear separation between nose and forehead.

When you bring your puppy home, immediately identify a soft spot for him and a toy or old shoes that he will chew on instead of your furniture during teething. And the smell emanating from the shoes will remind you of you, and will help the puppy feel less lonely in your absence.

Dog names

When purchasing a purebred dog, you are handed documents where the name is already entered according to its pedigree. You decide, leave it or come up with a new one. If the choice of a puppy was not a spontaneous decision for you, and you agreed in advance with the breeder or in the kennel, then you can choose this name yourself.

You will be prompted with the first letter of the name, since for all puppies from the same litter, nicknames will begin the same way. This is done for convenient, if necessary, tracking puppies. When choosing a nickname, consider the power and grace of the breed. It would be silly to walk with a dog named Sharik or Topik. Therefore, choose a proud and sonorous name for your pet.

• From an early puppy age, teach your dog to walk when needed.
• These dogs, due to their short coat, are not adapted to being outdoors all the time. In the cold season, they cannot warm themselves. Keep the dog at home or equip him with a comfortable and warm enclosure. For the same reason, shorten walks in adverse weather conditions. Or get your pet special clothes.
• There are some advantages to this wool. Great Danes do not shed and do not need to be brushed. It is enough to walk through the wool once a week with a special brush or glove. But even such short hair should be periodically treated with preparations.
• Also wipe the dog's eyes and keep the teeth and teeth clean.
• If necessary, cut off the tips of the dog's claws, which she does not have time to grind even with very long walks.
• After walking, wash your paws and inspect the pads, which are recommended to be lubricated with a moisturizer from time to time.

Possible health problems

Great Danes, like many large dogs, are prone to diseases of the joints and internal organs. More often than other breeds, there are torsion of the intestines, swelling and flatulence. To avoid this as much as possible, do not allow the dog to actively move for 30-40 minutes after eating and try not to overfeed him. Dogs also often suffer from heart disease.

Make sure that the dog does not appear. To do this, take the puppy's feces for verification every two months, and for an adult dog, this must be done once every six months.

Any behavioral abnormalities Don't delay your visit to the vet. After all, many diseases are easier to treat if you consult a doctor in a timely manner. Very important for the health of the dog are preventive, which must be done according to age and schedule.

Puppy and adult dog food

From a proper regimen and a balanced diet depends on the puppy's health and, accordingly, an adult dog. The main components of the dog's diet should be lean meat or offal, which must be boiled along with cereals (corn, buckwheat, rice).

Do not be lazy to rub raw carrots and apples on your pet. Once a week, arrange a fish day for your dog, replacing meat with sea, boiled fish. Just remove large bones from it - they can injure the esophagus and stomach. For the same reason, do not give tubular chicken bones.

Small puppies need to be fed 5-6 times a day. With maturity and growth, gradually increase the amount of food. And, removing one feeding at a time, by the year, transfer the dog to food twice a day.
Neither a puppy nor an adult dog should be overfed. Always clean the bowl after feeding, replacing it with a bowl of clean water.

Of course, ready-made dry high-quality food is ideally balanced for different ages. And here it is up to you to decide what you will feed your big four-legged friend.

Training

You need to start raising and training a dog from the moment you bring it home. This is accustoming to a nickname, walking, as well as to a leash and a collar. And only later, starting from 4-5 months, start learning commands and training.

Of course, it's better if you do it. But if this is difficult for you to do, then it makes sense to seek help from an experienced instructor. After all, from receiving a good upbringing at an early age behavior depends adult dog.

At Great Danes sufficiently developed intelligence, memory and quick wits. With the right tactics, training a dog will not be very difficult. The main thing is to do everything with patience and calmness, as well as confidence in your voice.

Advantages and disadvantages

German dog is a model of grace, strength and elegance. Due to his aristocratic and noble nature, excessive fussiness is unacceptable for him and there is no tendency to aggression.

These are calm and balanced dogs that will not bark for no reason, and even more so rush at passers-by. But behind this calmness hides for a certain time great power and strength which they will instantly use when protecting the owner or home.

If you manage to find a common language with the Great Dane, then you will be amazed at his intelligence and ingenuity. Great Danes quickly adapt to new conditions and they easily undergo socialization processes.
Remarkably take root in families with children - they come out kind and caring nannies.

But such a wonderful dog has, like everyone else, its shortcomings. First of all, all the scarecrows and horror stories that you can read or hear about this breed are related to the wrong upbringing (perhaps even with the upbringing of the owner).

One of the inconveniences of Great Danes is their large size (although they are often turned on for this reason), as well as excessive salivation. And the biggest drawback of this noble breed is that the Great Dane, unfortunately, has a short life expectancy. And it is extremely rare to find such a dog at the age of 10 years.

Great Dane (English Great Dane or Great Dane) is one of the most famous breeds in the world and the tallest. The world record belongs to a dog named Zeus (died in September 2014 at the age of 5), which at the withers reached 112 cm. The English name Great Dane is erroneous, these dogs appeared in Germany, not Denmark.

• Great Danes are cute, try to please, love people, don't mess around and are well trained with the right approach.

• Like other giant breeds, Great Danes do not live long.

• They need a lot of free space, even just to turn around on the spot. There aren't too many places a Great Dane can't reach, and an awkward flick of its tail will sweep all the cups off your coffee table.

• Everything that an ordinary dog ​​needs will cost more in the case of a Great Dane. Leashes, collars, veterinary services, food. And more waste.

• It will take time for their skeleton to stop growing and finally strengthen. Great Dane puppies should not be allowed to jump and run hard until they are 18 months old, this will help preserve their musculoskeletal system.

• In feeding, it is best to follow a special diet for giant dogs.

• Great Danes are not well suited for keeping in small apartments and houses simply because they are large.

• Since they do not differ in good health, then you need to buy a puppy only in a proven nursery, from good parents.

History of the breed

Great Danes appeared long before the appearance of the first stud books. As a result, very little is known about their origin, although there are many legends and fictions. They really appeared in Germany several hundred (or maybe a thousand) years ago and belong to the Molossian group.

This group is characterized by great strength, protective instinct, brachycephalic muzzle structure and ancestors from Rome.

Very large dogs appear on the frescoes of ancient Greece and are inherited by Rome. The Romans develop and improve their dogs and, together with the troops, the Molossians end up in Britain and the countries of Europe.

Moreover, these dogs left a serious mark on history and served as the basis for many modern breeds, including the Great Dane.

However, Molossians that came to Germany are used differently than in other European countries. While they were fighting dogs and watchdogs, in the Germanic tribes they are kept for hunting and herd work. It was common practice in those days to allow livestock to graze freely on communal lands.

Without regular human contact, they were semi-wild animals, practically uncontrollable. So that they can be controlled and used mastiffs. A large, wide mouth allowed them to hold the animal, and physical strength to control it.

The Germans called them Bullenbeiser. They were also used for hunting large animals, where strength and a large mouth would also not be superfluous.

Although bullenbeisers could do a variety of jobs, they were not experts in any one. In order to create the ideal hunting dog, the German nobility crosses Bullenbeisers and Greyhounds. It probably happened in the 8th-12th century. This gave the future Great Danes speed and athleticism, increased the sense of smell and the hunting instinct.

For many years there have been disputes, but what breed of greyhounds was used? Most sources lean towards the Irish wolfhound, itself a large one. However, there is no evidence of this, and it is doubtful that such a large dog could have traveled from Ireland to Germany at that time. Moreover, the Great Danes of that time were significantly smaller than the dogs of our time, and are comparable in size to.

The resulting mestizo hunted wild boar so well that it became known as the Hatz-and Sauruden or boar dog and was incredibly popular with the nobility. In those days, Germany consisted of thousands of independent nations, ranging in territory from a village to Austria.

Great Danes were found everywhere, they were one of the most common German breeds. Boarhounds have earned the name Deutsche Dogge which means Great Dane or German Mastiff, depending on the translation.

Not surprisingly, these large, strong dogs could not only hunt, but also successfully protect the owner and his property. Dogs start guarding their owners and even the most daring hitman will think twice before attacking him. Do not forget that in the past Great Danes were much more aggressive and ferocious than they are now.

In 1737, the French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon traveled to Denmark. There he met a breed called the Grand Danois or Great Dane and mistakenly considered it native. He described it in his writings and since then in English the Great Dane is called the Great Dane.

By the end of that century, they were distributed in England, Denmark, came to France and other countries. Through the ocean they got to Cape Town, where they took part in the formation of the Boerboel breed.

As a result of the French Revolution, a wave of social change swept over Europe, including the German-speaking countries. The nobility began to lose their rights and status, lands and privileges.

Lands disappear, hunting ceases to be the lot of the nobility, it ceases to contain packs and large dogs. But, the love for Great Danes is so strong that they are left as watchdogs and guard dogs and their popularity is only increasing. In addition, the lower classes can now afford them, albeit theoretically.

Since the Great Danes were kept for hunting, they for the most part remained purebred for hundreds of years. But at the same time, they did not pay attention to the exterior, only to working qualities. Great Danes reached the peak of popularity and in 1863 took part in the first dog show held in Germany.

Since only wealthy people could afford large dogs, the owners were businessmen, large farmers, owners of butcher shops. One of the first breed standards was made up of butchers, who used Great Danes to transport stretchers with products.

The breed quickly becomes popular in the USA, and already in 1887 it was recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club). Four years later, the first club was created in Germany, and in 1923 the English Kennel Club recognized the breed. By 1950, Great Danes are one of the most recognizable of the large breeds.

They also contributed a considerable share to the development of other breeds, as they combined the size and a large number of individuals around the world. Consequently, Great Danes were used to save other endangered breeds. Often this was hushed up, but they were crossed with, they helped create.

Like many modern breeds, the Great Dane is rarely used for its intended purpose. Today it is exclusively a companion dog, popular all over the world for its gentle nature. They are rarely used for hunting and for protection, more often as therapy dogs, guide dogs.

Despite the size, the popularity of the breed is great. So in 2011 Great Danes were ranked 19th out of 173 breeds registered in the AKC.

Description

The Great Dane is one of the most impressive breeds; large size, athletic build, often magnificent color, regal posture. They are so good that Great Danes are called Apollos among dogs.

It is also one of the tallest breeds in the world, despite the fact that they are slightly inferior to other large breeds on average.

The fact is that it was the Great Danes that for several years in a row were called the highest in the world.

On average, males reach 76-91 cm at the withers, but there are also more than 100 cm. Females are slightly smaller and reach 71-86 cm. The weight of dogs largely depends on the height, build, condition of the dog, but usually from 45 to 90 kg .

Great Danes are considered one of the tallest breeds in the world. The last record was set by a dog named Zeus, who reached 112 cm at the withers, and 226 cm standing on his hind legs. Unfortunately, they only confirmed the sad statistics of the breed and died in the fifth year of life in September 2014.

Despite their large size, the dogs are gracefully folded. The ideal representative of the breed is a balance between strength and athleticism, with equal shares. Although today it is a companion dog, it has not lost the power and muscularity characteristic of working dogs.

Their paws are long and strong, they can be compared with young trees. The tail is of medium length, hanging down when at rest.

The head and muzzle of the Great Dane are characteristic of all representatives of the Molossians, but are significantly longer and narrower.

Along with size, the correct head type is considered a hallmark of the breed and is critical for participation in dog shows. The skull is flat on top and triangular in shape, the muzzle is approximately equal in length to the length of the skull.

The muzzle is not only rather long, but also broad, giving a square expression. Most Great Danes have slightly saggy but dry lips, although some salivate regularly.

The ideal nose is black, but may be partially pigmented, depending on the color.

Ears are traditionally cropped, they take a standing shape. It is believed that this way the dog hears better, but today the standards indicate natural, hanging ears. Moreover, in many countries, stopping is prohibited by law.

Eyes of medium size, almond-shaped. Preferably dark in color, but light eyes are acceptable in blue and marbled dogs.

The coat is short, dense, thick, ideally shiny. Great Danes come in six colors: fawn, brindle, harlequin (white with black spots or harlequin), black and blue.

Great Danes can be born in other colors, including: chocolate, red-white, merle. These dogs are not allowed to participate in shows, but are still excellent pets.

Character

Great Danes are popular both for their bright appearance and for their soft and affectionate nature. Known as soft giants, they have become household companions for people around the world. The breed forms an incredibly strong attachment to the family to which they are loyal and devoted.

The reverse side of such attachment is the desire to be with the family all the time, if this is not possible, then the dog becomes depressed.

This is a classic example of a giant dog that thinks it can lie on its owner's lap. This is somewhat difficult when the dog weighs 90 kg or more.

Properly educated, Great Danes are extremely sensitive and gentle with children. However, for small children, the neighborhood with dog puppies can end in bruises. Those are strong and energetic and can inadvertently knock down a child. However, adult dogs can be clumsy, so don't leave children unattended!

Different dogs react to strangers in different ways. When properly socialized, most of them are polite and calm, however, some lines may perceive strangers as a threat. Aggression towards humans is unusual for the breed, but can be extremely severe given the dog's size and strength.

This makes socialization and training extremely important. Most (but not all) Great Danes are alert guard dogs, barking at potential strangers.

Despite the fact that they are not too aggressive, with proper training they are able to perform well as watchdogs.

They understand when family members are in physical danger, and an angry Great Dane is not the kind of dog you want to face at this moment.

In terms of trainability, this is not a particularly difficult, but not a particularly simple breed. Their intelligence is above average and most dogs want to please their owner.

Representatives of the breed successfully perform in such disciplines as agility and obedience. However, they can be incredibly stubborn and ignore commands.

If the dog decides that he will not do something, then no threats and treats will help. In general, they react extremely poorly to harsh training methods and much better to positive reinforcement.

It will be fair to say that the ceiling of the Great Dane in training is much lower than that of the same and in terms of intelligence they are dogs with average learning abilities.

This is not a particularly dominant breed, but they will take control if given the opportunity. Owners need to be at the head of their hierarchy to avoid chaos.

Despite the fact that it was originally a hunting and service breed, many years of thoroughbred breeding turned it into a companion. Most Great Danes have a low energy level and will be happy with a 30-45 minute walk daily. Moreover, they are couch potatoes that can wallow for days on end.

This leads to obesity, especially if the dog does not receive regular exercise. In addition, the lack of activity can lead to destructive behavior: destructiveness, endless barking, hyperactivity.

Activity is a rather difficult issue in raising puppies, since excess can lead to problems with joints and bones, and after heavy feeding, it can completely kill the dog.

At the same time, some lines of Great Danes still need high activity, but these are the ones that are used for hunting. But the rest have a rather weak skeleton and other problems with the musculoskeletal system, they simply cannot tirelessly rush around the district.

Great Danes grow very slowly and take final shape late. They can be considered fully formed by the third year of life, both physically and mentally.

This means that until the age of three you will own an incredibly large Great Dane puppy.

Potential owners should understand that all the actions of a dog are enhanced by its size. The bark is loud and deep, up to a deafening roar.

Tail wagging is like a whip. A puppy chewing on a chair leg makes half of it in a matter of minutes.

Any minor violation and misbehavior becomes a serious problem. If you decide to buy a Great Dane, seriously consider your options.

Perhaps you need a smaller dog?

Care

Dogs are undemanding in care, do not need the services of a professional groomer. Regular combing is enough, but you need to take into account that it takes a lot of time due to the size of the dog.

Despite the fact that they shed moderately, due to the huge size of the wool there is a lot and it can cover everything in the house.

Plus, each stage of care requires more time than with other breeds.

It is extremely important to accustom a puppy to grooming from the first days of life, otherwise you risk getting a dog that weighs 90 kg and does not like to have its claws cut.

Health

Great Danes are considered a breed with poor health. They suffer from a large number of diseases and their life expectancy is one of the shortest among large breeds. They have a slow metabolism and low energy levels.

Average life expectancy ranges between 5-8 years and very few dogs live beyond 10 years. Irresponsible breeders are to blame for health problems, in the pursuit of profit, they greatly weakened the breed.

The scourge of the breed is a volvulus that kills 1/3 to ½ Great Danes. Among breeds with a tendency to volvulus, they take first place. It manifests itself when the internal organs rotate around the axis and leads to severe consequences and death of the dog. Without urgent surgical intervention, the dog will most likely die. A perfectly healthy Great Dane can die within a few hours if it is not brought to the veterinarian and placed on the operating table.

The cause of volvulus is not entirely clear, but it has been observed that dogs with a wide and deep chest are predisposed to it. In addition, overeating greatly increases the risk of occurrence.

Unlike ordinary dogs, Great Danes are much more expensive to maintain. They need more food, more space, bigger toys and more attention. In addition, they need more medication and anesthesia during treatment, and due to poor health, frequent visits to the veterinarian.

Potential owners should seriously consider whether they can afford such a dog.