Introduction to the Great Dane Breed

Second in height only to the Irish Wolfhound, the Great Dane breed dog is one of the largest dogs known.

Amazingly, with such size and power they are reserved and gentle, well adept to living among people, small children and other small animals.

Tall, muscular yet streamlined, powerful and graceful, the Great Dane breed dog is a real attention getter. A simple walk through town will create quite a stir, be prepared to meet allot of people and answer questions to the approaching awe struck stranger.

We,re often asked about Great Dane history, "What were these dogs bred for?". Certianly, ancient Great Dane history is quite interesting.

And the most common three questions of all, "Is that a horse?", "Where's the saddle?", "How much does he eat?". To the last question we typically reply, "as much as he wants!" :)

The typical Dane will enjoy all the attention and usually lean against its visiting admirers. "If he leans on you he likes you", is always my advice. I stress the word "socialized", this is a giant breed dog, heavier in weight and larger in size than most humans. This is why I constantly stress the importance of training Great Danes and early socialization.

Special attention should be given to your Great Danes diet. This is extremely important for a growing Dane puppy. Your Great Dane will go through many different growth spurts.

Unlike anything you've witnessed before, your giant breed dog will actually "grow like a weed" at certain stages of development. This is absolutely incredible to watch. I recall one month when Bruiser put on 18-pounds of body weight! Due to this rapid growth rate, feeding Great Danes a premium quality, well balanced diet is essential.

Being such a tall dog, a Great Dane can easily clear your counter tops of any food or morsels if left unattended. A full-grown Dane has a mighty tail, a weed whacker that can whip violently when exited. Guess how Bruiser got his name? :) Rest assured, with your guidance and love, your Dane will soon learn "house rules" and be quite mellow, almost lazy when indoors.

The Great Dane breed dog thrives as a family member, always up and alert participating in the families day-to-day routine. Looking for a back-yard beast to keep people away, Great Dane dogs are not for you. The Great Dane breed dog bonds with its human companions, is energetic outdoors and requires minimal exercise. Usually a few times a day in the yard and then back inside to watch TV or lay at a sunny window.

"Possessing awesome power and strength, a confident calm guardian who is yet gentle enough to nuzzle the smallest of creatures."

Great Danes seldom bark, when they are alerted or spooked it's more of a low rumble. Most Danes will accept strangers in the home and can sense if a visitor is okay with its owner. Sensitive to their families moods, Danes have been known to scurry off to another room during a family quarrel. The Great Dane breed dog is very attentive and aware of every situation.

A word of caution

The information provided is based on our experience with Great Danes, discussions and gatherings with other Dane owners. Please remember, a Great Dane breed dog is one of the largest dogs known and can be quite a handful if not raised properly!

The Gentle in "Gentle Giant" is already within the dog, you are the one who will bring it out:)

If you are truly considering this giant companion, please visit our training Great Danes section for important information on things not to teach a Dane.

Again, Great Danes are not created equal, there may be an occasional "bad apple". However, if you purchase a quality Great Dane puppy from a reputable breeder, socialize it, offer basic obedience and give it lots of love, you will be rewarded with a super sized pet and loyal friend.

Great Dane history is quite interesting, did you know Great Danes are not Danish and have nothing to do with Denmark?

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