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Facts about Great Dane Puppies
Are you unsure how to care for Great Dane puppies, or just want to learn more about this breed?
Maybe you are thinking about buying a puppy and want to know if this is the right breed of dog for you?
No matter what your situation may be, you will find the answers to your questions right here!
Great Dane Information and History
The breed, also known as the Deutsche Dogge and the German Mastiff, was developed in Germany in the 16th century.
Dogs that looked very similar to this breed were known in Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. They were brought to today's Germany more than 1500 years ago by Asiatic invaders. These fearless dogs possessed great strength and were used as bear and boar hounds.
It's believed the breed as we know it today was created from a cross of those dogs with the Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound.
Some of the breed's talents include guarding, tracking and hunting.
Physical Characteristics of Great Dane Puppies
This is one of the tallest dog breeds. It's also the most elegant of the large dog breeds.
It has a large and muscular body with a big head, a long neck, and a long tail. The front legs are straight and muscular. The ears can be cropped erect or left natural drop. The eyes are almond shaped and, usually, dark.
It has a short and smooth coat that comes in black, harlequin, blue, fawn, and brindle. Some dogs have a black coat with a white collar, chest, and muzzle.
| Height | Weight | ||
| Male | 30+ inches | 120+ pounds * | |
| Female | 28+ inches | 100+ pounds * |
* There is no weight standard
In 2004, a Great Dane named "Gibson" from California was recognized by the Guiness Book of Records as the tallest dog in the world. How tall is he? 42.2 inches!
Temperament
The Great Dane is a friendly, brave, loyal, playful, and good-natured dog.
It loves being around people and is patient with children.
While some may have dominance issues with dogs of the same sex, most get along well with other dogs and pets. It almost never barks and rarely gets aggressive.
No wonder it's called a gentle giant!
While your pet is still young, teach him not to lean against people.
Best Owner
Great Danes require an active and confident owner who can establish himself or herself as a pack leader.
They can adjust to an apartment lifestyle but, because of their size, will probably do better in a suburban environment.
Some Great Dane breeders will interview prospective owners to make sure this is the right breed for them.
Activity and Exercise
This is an active breed and needs plenty of exercise.
If you have a fenced yard or can take him to a safe area, your pet will enjoy running off leash.
If your yard is not fenced, consider getting an electronic dog fence. There are a lot of systems that are cheap (a lot cheaper than physical fences), easy to install, and will prevent your pet from escaping an unfenced yard.
At a minimum, take your pet for one or two brisk walks every day.
Great gift ideas for Great Dane lovers
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Large selection of Great Dane gifts including shirts, address labels, calendars, socks, jewelry, mousepads, ornaments, mugs and many other dog gifts
Grooming
These dogs are average shedders.
Brush once or twice a week with a firm bristle brush. Bathe only when absolutely necessary.
Health Concerns
Like all dog breeds, the Great Dane is susceptible to complications caused by parasites such as dog ticks, fleas, and puppy worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.
Additional health concerns include hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, heart disease, and bloating. To prevent bloating, instead of one large meal, feed your pet several smaller meals per day.
Visit dog health problems for more information about about dog diseases and health problems.
To reduce the risk of the above and many other health problems, buy only from reputable Great Dane breeders (visit dog breeders to learn how to identify responsible dog breeders).
No matter how small the risk of health problems is, any puppy may get sick or injured. Many health problems will require an immediate attention from your Vet, but there are many others that will not, and you may handle them on your own.
To save time and money, learn how to diagnose and treat dog health problems that don't require your Vet's attention.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy for healthy Great Dane puppies is between 8 and 11 years.
Did you ever consider adopting your next pet?
If this is the breed you are interested in, and adoption appeals to you, consider contacting your local Great Dane rescue. There are thousands of pets waiting for a loving home and, yes, it's possible to adopt a purebred dog.
Not happy with your pet's behavior? Need help with training your dog for obedience? Then check this Great Dane Behavior and Obedience Training Guide.
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