About the Great Dane
FACTS ABOUT THE BREED
It is not officially known exactly when Great Danes first graced the earth, however, coins dated back to BC have the image of a dog with similarity to the Great Dane. It is commonly believed that the Great Dane originated in Germany, originally bred for hunting purposes.
The "Boar Hound" was one of the names used in the past before the breed was commonly referred to as what we know it to be today - The Great Dane.
There is some debate about whether the breed originated from Denmark or Germany, for most sources agree the Great Dane is a German breed of large mastiff-sighthound, which descends from hunting dogs of the Middle Ages used to hunt bears, wild boar, and deer. They were also used as guardian dogs of German nobility. It is one of the two largest dog breeds in the world, along with the Irish Wolfhound.
Great Dane Facts
Average Life Span
8-10 Years
Average Size and Weight
Bitch: 71cm, 50-60kg
Dog: 76cm, 60-70kg
Temperament
Affectionate, loyal, gentle, compatible with other pets. However bear in mind they have their origins as a hunting breed so some may exhibit prey drive, and due to their size definitely require training and behaviour boundaries.
Exercise Requirements
It is commonly believed the Great Dane requires a lot of exercise, however this is not always the case. Like temperament, energy levels may vary however in general a Great Dane requires a moderate level of exercise when fully grown, and controlled exercise whilst puppies due to their exceptionally quick growth. For breed standards please refer to the For Breed Standards for Great Danes, see here.
When welcoming a new Dane into your there are some things to remember. Of course if you have been given specific information from a reputable breeder, then please refer to those instead.
Danes are Puppies for 18 Months
Remember unlike smaller breeds Danes are puppies until 18 months of age, both mentally and physically.
Learn Basic Obedience
Basic obedience is important – An untrained Dane can be more than a nuisance once fully grown!
Vaccinate Puppies
Consult your vet about worming and heart worming treatments.
Giant Breed Food
Do feed a good quality appropriate for giant breed puppies biscuit/kibble or well researched raw/fresh food diet. Home made diets are rarely suitable.
Fresh Water
Always have fresh water available.
Soft Padded Bedding
Provide soft thick well padded bedding to support your puppies elbows and joints.
Toys
Remember puppies chew. Supply enough safe toys so they are not eating your furniture.
Do:
Great Danes require regular engagement with their family as well as as training and boundaries if you are to live in harmony with a member of your family that is pleasurable to have around. So start as you intend to continue with either a newly adopted adult or a puppy!
Don't:
Forced Exercise
No forced exercise – No jogging or road work until matured and growth plates have closed.
Standard Puppy Food
Do not feed standard ‘puppy’ or performance food as they are high in calories and promote accelerated growth. They are designed for smaller dogs with slower growth patterns. It is important giant breeds grow slowly and evenly, so that the bone develops at the same rate as the muscle. High protein/fat/calorie foods do not mean a bigger dog at the end. A puppy should put on no more than 2kg per week.
Overfeeding
Do not free feed/ overfeed. Dane puppies need to be on the lean side.
Jumping
Do not encourage jumping on your shoulders as it is damaging to the dog's legs and muscles.
Exercising After Meals
Do not exercise immediately after meals.
Chicken Mince
Do not feed solely chicken mince as the main source of protein for the first 12 months because it high in protein. Frames, wings and necks are fine as part of a balanced diet.
Excessive Roughing
Do not excessively rough with your baby puppy, nor allow adult dogs to play too roughly with them. Their bones are more delicate than you would think. In addition, you don’t want to commence behaviours that will be problematic when your dog is 60 kgs!
Climbing
Do not let young puppies climb up and down stairs frequently as it is very hard on their shoulders and can cause injury.
Backyard Dog
A Great Dane is not a ‘backyard dog. They don’t do well if left and forgotten about as they require human companionship and become destructive or anxious otherwise.