Great Dane

General: The Great Dane combines a regal appearance, dignity, strength and elegance with great size and a powerful smooth muscled body. It is one of the giant working breeds, but is unique in that its general conformation must be so well balanced that it never appears clumsy, and shall move with a long reach and powerful drive. A Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, never timid; always friendly and dependable. This physical and mental combination is the characteristic which gives the Great Dane the majesty possessed by no other breed.

Origin: Germany.

History: The Great Dane is one of the most elegant and distinguished of the giant breeds. It is believed that the breeds origins can be traced to Irish Wolfhound with mixture of old English Mastiff. It is also believed that the greyhounds (fleet hounds) were also extensively used. The breed itself having existed for over 400 years to serve as a Boar Hound in Germany. Europe's wild boar was savage, swift, powerful and well armed requiring a special dog to handle the hunt. In 1891, the Great Dane Club of Germany adopted a standard, or official description of the breed.

Temperament: The Great Dane must be spirited and courageous, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or overly aggressive.

Size: 90-115 pounds.

Today's Uses: Most are Show and Pet dogs. Dane breeders and enthusiasts are starting to work their Danes to retain its fantastic qualities and keep it the dog it once was and is today.

Please send us a photo!

Dane ""

Owned by

Visit the Great Dane Photo Gallery to see more photo's

Back to Pull Dog Breed Index