Dog Breeds: Great Dane

Friday, August 21st, 2009 at 10:34 am

great-dane Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds.

Known as the Apollo of all dogs, Great Danes are very gentle although they are very large.

The Great Dane was used by German aristocracy to hunt wild boar and stags.

FACTS ABOUT THE GREAT DANE

Size	Male: 30-32 in (76-81 cm) Female:28-30 in (71-76 cm)
Weight	Male: 100-125 lb (45-57 kg) Female: 90-105 lb (41-48 kg)
Temperament	A social breed, the Great Dane is gentle, loyal and affectionate. A playful pet that is good with children. Great Danes are not aggressive and their size alone is often a deterrent to strangers. Because of its size, the Great Dane should be started on a training program while still a puppy. Train the puppy not to lean on people. It is disconcerting to be leaned on by a fully grown Great Dane. The breed can be aggressive to strange dogs but will interact well with dogs if it is raised with them
Grooming	Easy to groom using a comb and a firm bristle brush. Daily grooming is required so that bathing is not often required. Bathing is a major event with a dog this size. Dry shampoo when necessary. Keep the toenails trimmed. Great Danes are average shredders.
Exercise	Take your Great Dane for a daily walk. A dog this size requires a lot of exercise.
Living Area	Although the Great Dane does adapt to living in an apartment, it requires a large yard or space to run around in.
Health	Hip dysplasia, bone cancer, heart problems and tail injuries are common. Puppies should be given calcium. It is best to feed your Great Dane 2-3 times a day to help reduce the tendency to bloat
Life Expectancy	The average lifespan is around 10 years although some Great Danes do live 12-13 years
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