Welcome to our Great Dane Breed Information Page

The Great Dane often referred to as the Apollo of Dogs earns its name for several reasons. From his edgy and sculpted facial features to his muscular physique this magnificent breed is structured like no other breed of dog and is simply flawless. With his sheer size and strength this breed demands respect.

The Great Dane also known as a German Mastiff, or Deutsche Dogge with much debate has said by the Germans to have officially originated from there country in the 1800s. However, a large breed of dog resembling the Great Dane was found on Egyptian Artifacts long before the 1800s and at least a couple of hundred years Before Christ.

There is much debate of where this intelligent breed of dog actually originated from and how it actually became what we know today as The Great Dane. Some say that the Irish Wolfhound was bred with a large Mastiff type dog resulting, or having much influence of what is today’s Great Dane. There is also claim that the Great Dane originated at least partially from Tibet and Assyria also being found in early Chinese Literature. Where this Breed actually originated from whether it be from the Tibetan Mastiff, English Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound, or a type of Greyhound the result was an intelligent and supreme breed of dog.

Great Dane Colors

Harlequin: White with irregular torn black patches. They may also have brown, or grey torn patches as well, but is less desirable for show dog owners and may even be a disqualifier.

Mantle: Also know as a Boston Black, should be black with a white muzzle, collar and chest. White can also be found on the feet, legs and tip of tail.

Black: Shiny black color and with possible white markings on tips of toes and chest. White marking on a Black is not preferred by show dog owners.

Blue: Steel Blue in Color and with possible white markings on the tips of toes and chest, which is not preferred by show dog owners.

Brindle: Yellow and Gold in color with black cross stripes. A pure black mask is preferred to the show dog owners as well as a deep brindling color and pattern.

Fawn: Yellow and gold in color with a dark black mask. Possible white markings can also be found on the fawns, but again is less preferred by show dog owners.

Merle: Often aluminum grey, or blue in color the Merles have torn irregular patches in black, grey, or both. There are several different variations in color with the Merle which make them have any possible variations of colors as the other recognized colors. The Merles irregular color is it’s disqualifier as a show dog according to the AKC, so the Merle can not be used as a show dog however, it still can be registered with the ACK.

Characteristics: Large Muscular Breed with sculpted features and Regal in appearance. This is an intelligent breed of dog that learns very well given proper training and opportunity. Female Dogs are an average of 28-32 inches in height and weigh an average of 100-130 pounds. Male dogs are an average of 30-34 inches in height and can weigh between 120-200 pounds. Ears can be carried two ways, either normal or cropped.

Grooming: No worries with grooming the Dane as it is an average shedder. Running a soft rubber brush 2-3 times a week over its short coat is sufficient to remove any loose hair. Giving this large dog a bath can pose a problem for some. Walk-in showers are perfect for bathing the Great Dane as long as you introduce him or her to the shower as a puppy. The nails should also be kept trimmed as to prevent possible injury and damage.

Temperament: The Gentle Giant Name says it all when it comes to the Great Dane. This breed is tolerant of load noises, movement and children. However, due to the Great Danes over powering size and strength small children should be supervised when around this breed. Remember a 100 pound puppy is still a puppy and loves to play. Normally a non aggressive breed of dog obedience training is still recommended as to prevent future problems. Some Great Danes taken in from Rescue Shelters may have aggression issues due to poor treatment and may not be suitable to be around children. Great Danes should be well socialized with other animals, children and friends at birth.

Nutrition: Nutrition is on of the top priorities with this fast growing breed and should be closely monitored. There are lots of criticisms from Dane owners in regards to Nutrition and the Brand of dog food you should feed your Dane. It is best to consult a well educated veterinarian in regards to any nutrition programs for your Dane.

Exercise: This breed requires a fair amount of exercise daily consisting of at least a long walk. A large fenced in area is preferred for this breed as they are easily turned in to couch potatoes in small enclosures. It is recommended that you do not exercise your Great Dane too hard for the first year of growth. This breed should not be exercised after fed.

Life expectancy: Not a very long lived breed, the Great Danes average life expectancy is under 10 years. With today’s ongoing research and better Pet Nutrition some Danes can live up to 12-14 years.

Health Issues: The major health issues that Great Danes are prone to are Hip-Dysplasia, Tumors, Heart Disease and Bloat which is the number one killer of this breed.