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Animal Calendars
Great Dane Puppies
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Great Dane Breed
The Great Dane is a breed of dog known for its large size (giant) and gentle personality. Great Danes used to be fiesty and aggressive fighters, but today the breed is commonly referred to as the "Gentle Giant". This transformation became possible through careful selective breeding. Typically they are smart, strong dogs who are protective and loyal to their owners. They take to training well and are fairly low maintenance compared to many other breeds.
Multiple historical documents suggest that dogs similar to modern Great Danes were known over 2000 years ago and were used to hunt wild boar and also bring down other wild animals such as wolves and elk.
 The modern Great Dane breed as we know it today was developed in Germany in the 19th century. The name was derived from its French name, Grand Danois (Big Danish). The Great Dane is the tallest of the working breeds and stands 28 to 32 inches and weighs 100 to 137 pounds. He is known for his courage, boldness, endurance and friendliness. Although Great Danes look intimidating because of their massive size and weight, they are very easy-going and gentle with family members including children and have proved to be devoted and loyal companions. Great Danes are not tolerant of cold weather. They are big droolers.
Great Dane Breed Outline
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FCI Official Name: | Deutsche Dogge |
| AKC Name: | Great Dane |
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Other Names: | Dane, Gentle Giant |
| Country of Origin: | Germany |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoid breeds – Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other breeds. Section 2.1: Molossoid breeds, Mastiff type. Without working trial. |
| Utilization: | Companion, watch and guard dog |
| AKC Classification: | Working Group |
| Personality: | Friendly, loving and devoted to his owners, specially to the children. Reserved towards strangers. Required is a confident, fearless, easily tractable, docile companion and family dog with high resistance to provocation and without aggression. |
| Size Category: | Large |
| Height: | 28-32 inches |
| Colors: |
Fawn (grey fawn, blue fawn, isabella (cream) or sooty fawn color); brindle (basic color silver blue or isabella); Harlequin (blue-grey ticked basic color with large fawn-grey or blue-grey parts in the patches); black (fawn, brown or blue-black color); blue (fawn or black-blue color) |
| Average Litter Size: | 8 |
| Life Span: | 7-10 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
Their short, dense coat requires minimum of attention. |
| Shedding: | Despite their short coat, Great Danes shed much more than you might think. In fact, they shed all the time. |
| Social skills: | Great Danes usually are OK with other pets, but supervision is recommended. |
| Suitability for Children: | Very good with children, but do not leave younger children alone with a Great Dane. |
| Exercise Needs: | Although Great Dane can be somewhat active and needs a period of exercise each day to stay fit, the Great Dane is a great house dog. They need less exercise than their size might indicate. |
| Train Ability: | Great Dane can be dominant. A professional trainer is recommended. This dog may be unsuitable for inexperienced or timid dog owners. |
| Health & Behavior Issues: | Hip dysplasia, bloat, bone cancer, heart diseases, and tumors. |
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