Great Dane Facts

A canine the size of a pony, the Great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. However that’s just the beginning, there are many more fascinating Great Dane facts that set this breed apart from all others. And here are some you’re sure to find interesting.

Not Really A Dane

Although we do know where the names of most dog breeds come from, the Great Dane is an exception. Despite the fact that its name indicates that it hails from Denmark, there is no historical evidence for this. And so it remains a mystery. The Great Dane as we know it actually had its origins in Germany and England. In Germany, it’s actually known as the German Dog or Deutsche Dogge.

From Savage To Sweetheart

The original Great Dane’s temperament was very different than it is today. In fact, the breed was too ferocious and aggressive to function as a companion and family dog. Because of this, it was actually banned in the United States from competing in early dog shows.

Through strict dedication to the standard and meticulous breeding of mild-tempered dogs over many years, the personality of the Dane was softened. Nowadays it is a gentle giant.

One Tough Breed

The Great Dane was developed as a war dog, hunter, and guardian. In fact, it was used specifically to hunt dangerous wild boar. While they were often used as boar hounds during the day they functioned as guard dogs by night.

A Shorter Crop

In the past, when they were widely used for hunting boar, the Great Dane’s ears were cropped very short. This was actually done to protect the dog not only from the razor-sharp tusks of the boar but also from being hurt as the dog charged through the thick brush of the German forest.

Well-Known Ancestors

The ancestors of the Great Dane are believed to include some other large and well-known dog breeds. The Irish Wolfhound, Greyhound, and Mastiff are all considered to have contributed to the genetic makeup of the Dane.

White Coat Can Indicate Problems

While an all-white coat may be attractive, in this breed it often goes hand-in-hand with certain health conditions. For example, it’s not unusual for a white Great Dane to be deaf or blind. Taking on such a large dog with such health problems is a major commitment.

Watch Out For That Tail

The Dane is a big dog with a long powerful tail that also happens to be high up off the ground. So when the Great Dane tail starts wagging its tail, it’s often at face height for sitting guests and standing kids.

So it’s not uncommon for them to receive one or more slaps in the face when the dog gets excited. Crotch shots can also be incredibly painful for unsuspecting men who happen to be standing close by to their whip-like tails as well.

Great Dane Lap Dog

Despite their enormous size many Danes don’t seem to realize or care, just how big they really are. They often prefer to sit directly on the laps of owners and guests or take a snooze right on their laps. While it may be a funny image, it’s also a testament to how loving and affectionate the breed is.

Bigger Dogs Bigger Problems

All dogs regardless of breed can be mischievous and sometimes misbehave. However, when a Dane does it, it’s always on a larger scale. Whether it’s digging a hole in the lawn or chewing on household items it’s going to cause more damage and be much more expensive to fix.

High Risk Of Bloat

One of the most dangerous of all Great Dane health issues is bloat, also known as gastric torsion. This is a painful condition caused by excessive gas where the stomach rotates and becomes overstretched. It’s actually the most common killer of the breed. Not feeding your dog just before or right after exercise can help to prevent this potentially lethal condition.

One Tall Pooch

This is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. In fact, a large adult Great Dane when on its hind legs can stand seven feet tall and can reach close to four feet at the shoulder. The Guinness Book of World Record’s title of the tallest dog is almost always held by this breed.

A Short-Lived Breed

One of the saddest Great Dane facts is that similar to other big dog breeds, the Dane does not live very long. The average Great Dane’s lifespan is only about six or seven years. However, that does not mean that they cannot live longer!

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