Great Dane (German Mastiff)
Other names
- Great Dane
- German Mastiff (Deutsche Dogge)
History of the breed
The Great Dane, also known as the Danish Dog , originated in Germany, despite its name referring to Denmark. This breed was originally bred to hunt large game, such as wild boar and deer, and later also used as a guard dog and pet. The name "Danish Dog" was chosen by Danish breeders in the 19th century, but the breed's origins lie in Germany. The name "German Dogge" (Deutsche Dogge) is often used in Germany and the Netherlands to refer to the same breed. Despite the different names, they are the same dog breed, one of the largest in the world, known for its imposing size and friendly nature.
Character and temperament
The Great Dane is known for its friendly and calm temperament. Despite their enormous size, they are often gentle, playful, and loving. They get along well with children and other pets, and they generally have a calm and patient nature. However, their protective instincts can make them wary of strangers. They are an intelligent breed, but their size can sometimes make training a challenge, especially for first-time dog owners.
Physical characteristics
- Height at the withers : Males: 80–90 cm, Females: 71–81 cm
- Weight : Between 50 and 90 kg, depending on gender and build
- Coat : Short, dense and close to the body
- Color : The coat comes in a variety of colors, including fawn (golden brown), blue, black, white, harlequin (white with black patches), and merle.
- Distinctive characteristics : The Great Dane has an imposing, muscular body and a large, powerful build. The breed has a broad head and a long neck, with erect ears and a straight back. Despite their size, they have an elegant appearance.
Care
The Great Dane's coat is relatively easy to care for. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair, especially during the shedding season. This breed sheds moderately, but the coat is short and requires little maintenance. Due to their size, their nails should be closely monitored and trimmed regularly. Their teeth and ears should also be checked regularly to prevent infections.
Movement and activity
The Great Dane is a large breed, but despite their size, they need daily exercise to stay healthy. Long walks, gentle jogs, and occasional playtime are enough to channel their energy. It's important to protect their joints, especially during their growth phase, as they can be prone to hip dysplasia and other joint problems. However, they don't have extremely high energy levels compared to smaller, hyperactive breeds.
Health
The Great Dane has an average life expectancy of 7 to 10 years, which is relatively short for a large breed. They can be prone to heart problems, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, and joint problems, including hip dysplasia. Other health issues may include kidney disease, gastric torsion (an acute condition requiring prompt medical attention), and eye problems. It's important to have regular veterinary checkups to detect health problems early.
Power supply
The Great Dane needs a high-protein diet to support its large body and muscles. Because they are a large breed, their diet must be carefully balanced to help prevent joint problems, especially in their early years. They need approximately 600 to 900 grams of high-quality dog food per day, divided into two meals to avoid overloading their stomachs.
Training and socialization
The Great Dane is an intelligent breed, but its size can sometimes make training challenging, especially for inexperienced owners. It's important to provide socialization and training from an early age to ensure they interact well with other dogs, animals, and people. Positive reinforcement and patient training work best for this breed. They can be a bit stubborn, but with consistent training, they will learn to obey.
Suitability for owners
The Great Dane is best suited for experienced dog owners who have sufficient space and are able to care for a dog of this size. They require a calm, patient owner who understands the challenges of owning a large dog. They do well in homes with a garden, but they also need love and attention to stay happy.
Call for interaction
Do you own a Great Dane or know someone who does? Share your photos with us at customerservice@fidello.nl and receive a 10% discount on your next purchase! We're also looking for dog owners to contribute to a video for FidelloTV, where we'll learn more about this impressive breed. Contact us to schedule a video meeting at customerservice@fidello.nl and receive €20 in store credit.