Great Dane
Temperament:
Great Dane is both one of the largest and most popular dog breeds in the world. This is especially due to their majestic appearance. Their overall appearance is imposing. These four-legged friends are very affectionate and build a strong bond with their masters. They have an endearing and incredibly friendly, good-natured nature.
Also, they are particularly suitable as a family member for families with children. Keeping a Great Dane is suitable for anyone who has a lot of space and love to give.
Characteristics
The Great Dane is a breed recognized by the FCI, which is assigned to group two. Visually, these animals stand out first and foremost by their impressive height on. This can reach a considerable size of 80 to 90 cm on average. Also the striking head and the strong physique of the animals are well-known features of the popular four-legged friends.
Another typical feature are the high set ears. The faithful dark eyes are also considered a true trademark of the dogs.
The Fur of this popular dog breed is smooth, very short and tight-fitting. Here, as a rule, a distinction is made between three different colorations. The golden yellow hues and the black and white spotted coloration are very distinctive. The latter usually occurs with evenly distributed spotted markings. Black to dark blue/dark gray coloration may also occur.
Another striking feature of this dog breed is its elegant, proud gait. This ideally harmonizes with the appearance of the animal. It looks sublime and intimidating.
Great Danes have an enormous friendly and affectionate nature. They do not show any aggressive traits in their behavior. On unknown new situations the animals often react shy and reserved. Mistrust and uncertainty quickly spread. In addition, Great Danes are basically very sensitive and often seek the proximity of their owners.
Among dog lovers, these animals are also often called "big lapdogs" referred to. This is due to the enormous need for cuddling of the giants. Great Danes are usually very balanced animals. Complications in dealing with other dogs are therefore very rare.
Because of their impressive appearance Great Danes own especially good as guard dogs. Through their appearance they gain respect without being aggressive. Also, the quadrupeds develop a pronounced protective instinct. This is due to the close emotional bond with their owners.
The animals observe their environment closely and can quickly detect dangerous situations. However, they only do this when they are trying to protect their owner. With a Great Dane you are therefore safe from attacks.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
In general, Great Danes should have a balanced and healthy diet get. It is important that the animals can absorb all important nutrients and vitamins. Deficiency symptoms should be prevented in this way.
Of course Great Danes may also occasional treats and chews get. However, it does not have to be exclusively dog biscuits or treats. Other additions are also well suited.
In principle, attention should be paid to the composition of meals. Good, fresh food does not harm the animal. Vegetables, meat and healthy cereals are a good approach here. However, sugary foods of all kinds should be avoided. These are harmful to the health of the dogs and should be avoided at all costs.
The considerable physique of the animals is absolutely to be considered with the feed dosage. The dosage of the respective meals depends on various factors. These include size, weight, age of the animal and its daily exercise requirements. All these points play a decisive role.
Also, it is imperative to note that Great Danes have a strongly slowed metabolism possess. For this reason, the animals tend more easily to Overweight than other breeds. However, overweight should be avoided at all costs. Potential overweight can put additional pressure on the joints of the animals. This pressure carries the risk of possible diseases and discomfort.
The physique of Great Danes also makes the animals prone to stomach twisting. This disease can be very unpleasant for the faithful four-legged friends. It is associated with severe pain, often even life-threatening. In most cases, such a disease can be eliminated only surgically.
The correct dosage of feed is therefore of extremely high importance. A veterinarian can also be consulted here. Together with him, a "diet plan" can then be drawn up for the animal. The amount of food that has been tailored to the dog should be adhered to. This can reduce complications and health complaints.
Great Dane Care
Despite its enormous size and the high weight of the animals, the Great Dane is a quite easy to care for dog breed. Especially the coat care of the animals is simple. Due to the smooth short coat, regular brushing or even trimming is completely unnecessary.
From time to time, the animals should only be groomed with a soft brush. In addition, Great Danes shed comparatively little hair. This has the positive side effect that the house remains largely clean.
As is known, the dogs have a lot of weight. Their bones often struggle to carry it. It is therefore important to have a particularly soft and well padded berth. This provides relief for the bones during periods of rest.
It is also important that the animals sufficient movement and exercise get. In general, Great Danes have a pronounced urge to move. In the house or an apartment, this can not be lived out very well. Thus, it should definitely be taken for extensive walks every day.
In addition, it should be noted that the dogs are quite not suitable for kennel keeping. Already due to their size, the animals need sufficient space. This is necessary for a free development and evolution.
Suitable accessories
To be able to give your four-legged friend a suitable habitat, you need space. Cramped rental housing is not a solution for such an animal. Great Danes should also be as climb few stairs. Especially suitable would be a private garden or a large plot of land to run free.
It should also be noted that Great Danes have a lot of strength. To be able to lead such a dog in a controlled manner requires a lot of strength and assertiveness.
Great Danes are extremely inquisitive Animals. It makes sense to give them a task to keep them busy. Not infrequently, these animals are used as Protection or guard dogs used. It is advisable to let the animal run free for a few hours a day on a fenced property. In this case, the four-legged friends are given enough space to run around. At the same time, they are also given a task with the guarding of the terrain.
Great Danes love to play for their lives. For this fit dog toys of all kinds, suitable for large breeds. Small parts and tiny toys should be kept away from the animals at all costs. Otherwise there is a risk of swallowing. Ball and fetch games love the animals especially. Here they can run a lot and let off steam.
Great Danes react when dealing with other dogs very sociable and friendly. It is therefore helpful, regularly seek contact with other dogs. Here, for example, the animals can really let off steam on a large meadow. Also the dog owners can exchange a little on the occasion.
However, it should be noted at such meetings that Great Danes should meet with dogs that also belong to medium to large breeds. When romping with small breeds of dogs, the risk of injury to the quadrupeds is high.
Origin & History
The history of the Great Dane goes back to the 16th century back. According to reports, this breed originated in England. There it is said to have originated as a cross between Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds. In its time, Great Danes were kept as scary and respect-producing dogs. They were supposed to keep away uninvited guests and protect the property and its inhabitants. Also, the possession of such animals stood for prosperity.
In Germany in the year 1888 the Great Dane Club was founded. This was the oldest breed breeding association in Germany. This has made it to the task to perfect the animals. Against this background also developed the current name of the breed.
