How Owning A Great Dane Is Effected By Its Personality

There are some breeds that are instantlyanimal. Recognized for their loyalty and calm
recognizable. The Great Dane is one of those: itsnatures, this is a breed ideal for families. The Dane
powerful, yet never clumsy, form makes it theis devoted to his "clan" and takes well to training.
target of much admiration. Of course, it's moreAlso, he is a patient fellow, perfect for children.
than the Dane's robust build that makes it soHowever, standing between 28 to 34 inches and
easy to spot; it's the natural bearing that it carries.weighing between 100 to 200 pounds, the Dane is
This dog has been called the "Apollo" of all breeds,still intimidating to ward off any problems. If he
and with good reason.senses danger toward his family, he will become
Its origins date back to 3,000 BC, where drawingsprotective.
found on Egyptian monuments depict Dane-likeAt a glance, the Great Dane seems to be the
dogs. And then, in 2,000 BC, Babylonian artifactsperfect pet, and he may be... for some. Before
were discovered, some including drawings onchoosing to own a Great Dane, you must
soldiers using the dogs. The term "Apollo",understand the disadvantages. While that powerful
however, reflects the Greek use of the animals.frame may make an excellent protector, it will
Coins dating back to 36 BC have been found,also take up massive amounts of space. And,
inscribed with the Dane's image. It is commonlysince the Dane--affectionate thing that he
believed the Great Dane was used in arena bloodis--needs to be with you, simply locking him
sports, due to its size and power.outside is not going to work. Another aspect of
Throughout history, this massive dog was breedthe breed that you must realize is the need for
for battle and the hunt. Today, we would find thatexercise. This is a dog that, if not given sufficient
strange since the Dane is considered one of theplay, will suffer bloat or other medical
gentlest breeds, but it was not always so. In 407complications. They need, at least, a long walk
AD, an Asiatic race called the Alans invaded partsduring the day. More is recommended. Many
of Italy, Spain and Germany, using these dogs infamilies do not have the time to spend exercising
battle. During the 15th and 16th century, theytheir pet. Or, the extra money to feed it. While
were use to hunt boar, bear and other large prey.this breed is usually slimmer, dogs still eat
It is during this time that the breed seen todaybetween three and six cups of food a day. Some
was started. In Germany, the Dane was admiredfamilies may not be able to afford that, along with
for its abilities and selective breeding began.just the basic expenses that come with having a
Crossing its larger frame (from Tibetan Mastifflarger dog. And the greatest disadvantage to
decent) with the more slender build of an Irishowning a Great Dane--or any larger breed--is that
Wolfhound, the Great Dane of today was formed.they don't live as long. The typical life span is eight
The name "Dane" came from French Naturalistto ten years.
Comte de Buffon. In the 1700's, he traveled toBefore purchasing any breed, you must be certain
Denmark, found a breed similar, but more slender,that it is more than just the one you want: it's
and called it a 'Grand Danois', Great Danish Dog.the one you can handle. Never select a puppy
After that, the name stuck.because it's "cute" or because a friend owns one
The Great Dane is known, today, not for itsand swears by it. Each family has different needs
battle skills, but for its temperament. Its largeand some breeds won't fulfill them.
head and powerful frame could deceive anyoneOwning a Great Dane can be a wonderful
into believing this dog to be a modern monster.experience, if you have the time to devote to it.
This is not true, however. The Great Dane is aConsider this before bringing one of these gentle
gentle giant, a protective, but never aggressive,giants into your home.