Bhuvan Kennels

Great Dane

The Great Dane breed is as lovable as it is big. Despite their great size and their original purpose of hunting large boar, Great Danes are quiet and delicate, and have been called "Gentle Giant." The Great Dane dog breed is a hunting breed developed in--no, not Denmark -- Germany . The breed's name is one of dogdom's enduring mysteries. In French and German, the breed is simply called "German Mastiff."

The Great Dane's Behaviour

Recommended for: Pet
The Great Dane breed is widely considered protective and loyal, gentle and delicate without being timid. Great Danes are thought generally easy to train and not requiring great maintenance. The Great Dane dog breed is a hunting breed and as such needs plenty of outdoor time and physical activity.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behaviour. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Great Dane's Physical Characteristics

Here are the characteristics of the Great Dane breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Size: Males 30+ inches; females 28+ inches

Coat: short, thick, smooth, glossy

Colour: brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin, mantle

Eyes: medium-sized, deep-set, dark.

Ears: high-set, medium-sized, moderately thick, folded forward

Skull: rectangular, long

Muzzle: long, not pointed

Nose: black, except in the blue Danes, which have dark blue-black noses

The Great Dane's Origins and History.

Country/Region of Origin: Germany
Original purpose: hunting boar
Name: The "Dane" name's origin is unclear. It is almost certain the breed did not originate in Denmark . In German and French, the breed is called "German mastiff." Nicknamed, "Gentle Giant," "Apollo of Dogs."
Historical notes: In North America , the Great Dane has had two famous cartoon incarnations: the characters Scooby Doo by Hanna-Barbara and Marmaduke by Brad Anderson.

Go to ListI<< PreviousINext >>

Top