Great Danes

The Great Dane is a domestic bred dog known for its gentle personality and large size. They have also been nick named the "Gentle giant"; also called a German Mastiff. The Great Dane has recently been placed in the Guinness book of world records as the tallest dog and is known as the state dog of Pennsylvania.

Descriptive Appearance

Great Danes are giant, powerful, yet very elegant and noble animals. They can weigh in between 120-200 pounds as a male, and the females can weigh between 100-150 pounds. Their coat is usually kept short and is thick and soft with close fitting hair. The color of the fur can vary somewhat from fawn, brindle, and sometimes black. You will recognize a Great Dane by its long narrow head and large nasal canals. Their faces are expressive and also somewhat chiseled. Their eyes are generally set deep in their head and can have an intelligent expression on them; and depending on the dog and its owner the ears can be long and natural, or pointed and erect.

Depending on what Kennel Club you are talking about and referring to will depend on the requirements for Great Danes being used as show dog. As already mentioned the female will generally weigh between 100-120 pounds and its minimum height must be between twenty eight and thirty two inches at the withers.

Temperament

According to the American Kennel Club the Great Dane must be spirited, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or aggressive. If you are not a member of the American Kennel Club and just want to know how a Great Dane behaves you will be happy to know that even though they are large in stature and their appearance can be somewhat intimidating, they are gentle and loving animals. They are referred to and known as "gentle giants." They are usually very sociable towards other dogs and pets, wild animals and humans; this includes strangers and children. So although these animals are the tallest breed of dog in the world they will not make very good watch dogs, as they are friendly to everyone, including strangers. They do however make great family pets because they are so friendly and gentle with children.

Health Issues

Like most dogs, Great Danes also have a slow metabolism which can result in less energy and less food consumption. They do have some health problems that as an owner you will need to be aware of before you decide to purchase one:

Bloat- this is a painful condition of the stomach also formerly known as Gastric volvulus. This condition can affect Great Danes and unfortunately will result in death in not quickly diagnosed and treated. Some things that may help prevent this condition are elevated food dishes that can regulate the amount of air that is inhaled while eating. Refraining form physical activity right before and after meals can also help reduce the risk.
Hip dysplasia- this is another common health problem that can affect Great Danes. It can be found by performing a simple x-ray of the parents which can serve as a helpful guideline for whether or not the animal should be bred and will produce healthy pups.
Dilated cardiomyopathy and other congenital heart diseases are also found in many Great Danes.
Yeast Infections- this can occur if they are not given all their needed nutritional requirements.

If you are looking for a friendly, dependable pet that will be a constant companion then Great Danes are a great choice. They love companionship and are great in families with or without children.

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