Great Dane

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Germany.

MOST SUITED AS Previously hunting dog for large game, now watchdog, and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is a minimum of 80cm (311/2in) for dogs and 72cm (281/2in) for bitches. There is no maximum standard and generally people like the dogs to be well over the minimum height. These dogs weigh 50kg (1101b) and upwards, depending upon the size and sex.

COAT
They have short smooth-haired coats which have three accepted colours: yellow (which can be streaked) with a black face; black, perhaps with a little white, or white with black spots (known as harlequin and the only variety per­mitted to have blue eyes and partially flesh-coloured muzzle); and blue. Two other colours are accepted in some coun­tries. These are the "Mantel" which has a black coat covering almost all the dog like a mantel, with white showing on just the chest, neck, blaze, belly, legs, and tip of the tail; with the other variety, this mantel is broken with white. Both are considered as black in some coun­tries. The different colours are not interbred.

CARE REQUIRED
The Great Dane's coat requires very little atten­tion. During moulting it is best to remove dead and loose hairs with a rubber brush. The Great Dane must always be allowed to lie somewhere soft to avoid causing pressure marks. Fast-growing breeds like the Great Dane require care during the growing stage. The first essential is the right nutrition. The other point to watch is to limit exercise, avoid pressurizing and over-tiring, which can cause serious prob­lems for the development of bones, joints and muscles. They do not belong in a kennel and are rather fond of comfort.

CHARACTER
These are affectionate, calm, and intelligent dogs that are sensible, sensitive, very loyal to the handler and family and not easily led astray by "bribes"these curious dogs. Despite the fact that they do not bark much, these dogs make excel­lent watchdogs.
It is said that a housebreaker can easily get into a house watched over by a Great Dane but can never get out. Like other Mastiff types, the Great Dane is not very susceptible to pain and so it is possible that an illness or injury may be overlooked for some time.

TRAINING
The Great Dane grows in a very short period into a very large dog. You must therefore teach it as a very young dog that it must not pull on the lead. Train it with understanding in an harmonious manner and with great consistency. They are very sensitive to the intonation of the voice and your friendly request is often sufficient to get them to do what you require.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Generally Great Danes get on perfectly well with their own kind, other household pets, and children. Most of them are rather uncertain of stran­gers but friends of the family will be warmly greeted.

EXERCISE
These strong and elegant dogs require signifi­cant levels of exercise. They will enjoy being able to run free and romping, off the lead, in open country or woodland. They can also be exercised running alongside a cycle provided they stay strictly to heel.