The Great Dane has been seen in drawings dating back to Egypt in 3000 BC, and seen in writing from Chinese literature since 1121 BC. It is believed to have been bred from an Irish Wolfhound and English Mastiff. The Germans used Great Danes to hunt boar and later to guard estates.

Appearance

Elegant and powerful, muscular, rectangular and chiseled head, high set ears

Color and Coat

The coat is short, glossy and thick. Colors of the Great Dane can include brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin and mantle.

AKC Group

Working

Height

Dogs minimum 30 inches, Bitches minimum 28 inches

Weight

100-150 lbs

Activity Level

Low

Tempermant

Called the "gentle giant", friendly, loving, family companion, spirited, courageous, dependable

Other Facts

The Great Danes short coats require minimal grooming. As of 2010, the current Guinness World Record for tallest dog is held by Giant George, a blue Great Dane who is 43 inches tall at the shoulder! The famous Scooby-Doo resembles a Great Dane.

User Comments:

I'd like to mention that the activity level can be much higher than "low", especially with young dogs. Puppies can be VERY active, and if not allowed an appropriate outlet to exercise, can expend that energy in other ways...such as bad behavior, being destructive, etc. A tired puppy is a good puppy.

Posted by: Daynakin Great Danes on 4/2/2011 4:56:46 PM