What if you could meet scooby doo in real life? Yes, you can – meet the Apollo of dog, the Great Dane. This one of the tallest dogs in the world is equally lovely in its nature. If a chihuahua is a compact little friend, the Great Dane is an affectionate, friendly roommate with a heart bigger than its size.
As the largest dog breed, many people are intimidated by its size; however, when you know this dog a little closer, you surprisingly find them to be gentle giants. If you are a dog lover, Great Dane is surely going to stand out from the pack for you with its affable character and genial temperament. If you have a hard time believing this, let’s connect with this best of the bunch through our crafted read solely dedicated to this furry friend for life and dive into the facts surpassing its intimidating size.
History of Great Dane
The history of Great Danes goes beyond four hundred years when, in the sixteenth century, the German nobility imported them from England and Ireland. They were called Englische Docke or Englische Tocke, but in Germany, they were spelt as Dogge—or Englischer Hund.
Great Dane was initially bred by the nobility as they were used to hunting boars, wild bears and deers, given their speed, agility and stature. They were also used to guard the lords and princes. However, as the hunting customs changed with the development of firearms, all dogs used for such purposes disappeared and were later used as companions or pet dogs.
The Great Dane got their name when in 1878, a committee in Berlin changed the name from Englische Dogge to Deutsche Dogge – laying the foundation for this breed refinement. Some German breeders who wanted to market the breed as a luxury dog tried to rename it as German Mastiff or German Dogge but the name could not be adopted, given the increased tension among France, Britain and Germany. This eventually gives this breed the name Grand Danois, which is the French translation of Great Dane.
Physical Characteristics
The Great Dane dog is one of the tallest breeds in the world, with height in males reaching up to 35 inches. Females are no way behind in this impressive feature, with the height reaching 33 inches. They are also the tallest living dog record holders in the world, with many Great Dane dogs having their names in the Guinness World Records. The current one is the black Great Dane named Zeus from the US, with a remarkable height of 44.0 inches. But their enormous size in no way undermines their grace, showcasing a perfect lean muscular build.
Weight
The weight of Great Dane male dogs ranges up to 180 pounds, while in females, it can go to 140 pounds.
Coat and Colors
This is a short-haired breed with a sleek coat. It is mostly found in fawn, but other colors are also common, such as black, blue, brindle, and harlequin.
Great Dane Lifespan
The life expectancy of Great Dane dogs is around 10.6 years. This is a relatively short lifespan due to their large size.
Great Dane Puppies
Great Dane puppies are the cutest things, with big paws, floppy ears and a very affectionate nature. They grow extremely fast, reaching their full size in eighteen months. This stresses the need for proper socialization and training in the early stages. Owners should also take care of proper diet given their highly active metabolism. Accurate intake of nutrition at an early age can help them grow well without overexertion; otherwise, straining of joints can happen.
Final Thoughts
Great Danes are not only impressive in height but also extraordinary in their affectionate nature, friendly character, and loyalty. If you are wondering whether they are suitable pets for you, consider their requirements due to their large sizes. They require large food budgets, regular vet check-ups, and daily exercise, which are requisites of their great size. If you can manage the space, resources, and time to care for them, then they will be the perfect furry friend for you.
All in all, Great Dane dogs are full of love spirit, equally passionate about returning the affection as they receive it. So, if you get this four-legged family member, you get a lifetime loyal companion by your side.
