Great Dane

Historians say that there are drawings of dogs that resemble the great Dane in Egypt that date back to 3000 B.C., descriptions of them in 1121 B.C. Chinese literature and Greek coins dated 36 B.C. that picture a dog resembling the great Dane. The country of origin is still in debate; however, it was somewhere in Europe or the Netherlands. Its original name and ancestry are also still in debate. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the great dane name and breed was formalized. Great Dane rescues and enthusiasts commonly refer to them as the “Apollo of all breeds.” This gentle giant is one of the tallest and heaviest of dogs.

People are attracted to this working breed’s regal appearance. They have many different colors, some are solid while some are patched, and their short coats require little grooming. Unless you are showing your great Dane, there is no reason to crop its ears. Although they have a slow metabolism and don’t eat that much (compared to their size), they are full of energy and need regular exercise. However, it is cautioned not to jog with great Danes until they are at least one year old. These friendly dogs love people and other pets. However, atypical aggressiveness can arise if not corrected early, especially with same-sex dogs. Great Dane rescues find that it’s not abnormal behaviors that bring a great Dane to them. It’s usually because the owners did not train the dog early enough and then, upon full growth, they became too large to handle properly. Another common problem is the owners did not establish themselves as the leader of the pack.

Many large breeds can suffer bloat (a painful and potentially deadly stomach twisting), and great Danes are not immune to that disorder. They are also prone to hip dysplasia, which is a genetic condition not to be +associated with their size. Congenital heart defects are also common. If you are interested in adopting, great Dane rescues will want to ensure that you have the financial resources that may be required to take care of their future medical needs. One of the advantages to adopting is that the dogs are already spayed or neutered, and are up to date on their vaccinations.

The lifespan for large dogs is shorter than for small dogs. However, the great Dane 8 to 10-year lifespan can be increased with proper breeding and nutrition, so do not let that be a deciding factor when considering adoption. There are several great Dane rescues across the country, so check out one close to you. If you require a loving, dependable dog with quiet elegance, please save a life and adopt a great Dane, a great friend.