Origin

It is said that the Great Dane evolved in Greece, Rome and Egypt. In the 36th century their picture was also in the currency of Greece. The medieval Boarhound and the mastiffs which were transporten by Alans to Germany were the ancestors of this breed. This breed is about 400 years old and they because of their great power they were used for hunting beers etc.

General Description

The Great Dane has a giant size and it is very muscular and strong. They always have an intelligent and gentle expression on their face. this breed is very high and it is also great in length as well. It looks like a bull. They have a wide and big head which is flat at the top and they also have a large, broad and square shaped muzzle with a big black nose at the tip. the Great Dane has a long and muscular neck sloaping down and a wide and broad chest which touches the elbows. Great Danes have a beautiful fat less body and an almost level backside slightly curved up towards the tail. This breed has strong, muscular and straight limbs and legs. They have a long tail slightly curved at the tip and cropped ears.
The Great Dane has a short shiny coat which is found in black, fawn, steel colour.

Character

Great Danes prove to be very good companions of human beings. Just don’t go by their size. They are really well to children and other pets. They are very sweet in nature and love to be attended by their family members. The Great Danes are very powerful and strong and they prove to be great guard dogs. Generally they are not aggressive but they may be bad towards the same group dogs. They would not deliberately knock someone down but as they are large in size they might do this mistake so they should be trained properly. They should never be challenged otherwise they can become dangerous and they are also great hunters.

Temperament

If you go by the size then they are monsters but to tell the truth they are one of the most gentle dogs. The Great Dane is very sweet by nature and they are too much devoted to their family. Sometimes they can become a bit stubborn so they are not recommended for novice owners. Early socialization and training is required. The Great Dane is large in size so it people may get knocked down. In that case training is really required. They are excellent to children and other pet but sometimes they may be too aggressive to dogs of the same breed. They love to be with the family and should not be left alone. An eye should always be kept on them as they can be very mischievous when they are young. If challenged they can be dangerous.

Training

As they are large sized dogs and can be stubborn at point of times a strict training is required for them.

Health

They can be affected by bloat, heart problems, tumours etc. Generally they should be alive till 13 years but it has been seen that their average living rate is below 10.