The gentle of a giant that is the Great Dane

When we think of famous dogs on TV and in movies, we think of Labs and Poodles, maybe even the occasional Chihuahua. However, one of the most known characters in Pop Culture, Scooby Doo, is a very gentle breed known as the Great Dane.

The oldest known ancestors of the German-borne Great Dane are the Bullen Beisser and a non-extinct German breed of dog used for hunting wild boars. These dogs were crossed to create different types of bulldogs, from which the Great Dane was eventually bred. They’re known to be a large, powerful, elegant dog, despite its large size. It is well proportioned and has an aristocratic appearance.

The Great Dane is a large breed of dog, with a height at the withers of 80 centimeters for males and 72 for females. They typically weigh between 55 and 90 kilos for males, and 45 to 60 kilos for females. Despite their large size, Great Danes are known for their gentle and loving nature. In general, these dogs are very friendly and affectionate with their owners but can be shy with strangers. Socializing them when they are young is important to help them feel more comfortable around new people. When properly socialized, these dogs get along well with people, dogs and other animals- even children. However, Great Dane puppies can be awkward with younger children. 

Occasional brushing is usually all that’s needed to take care of the Great Dane’s coat. Just use a rubber brush to remove any dead hair. You’ll only need to bathe them if they get dirty, but because of their size it might be easier to just take them to a professional groomer. These dogs need moderate exercise and are much more active outdoors than when indoors. They will need a soft bed to rest comfortably due to their relatively calm temperament. They may be able to adapt to an apartment, although their size may make excessively small spaces unsuitable. The size of the dog should be taken into account when considering food costs, as larger dogs require more food than smaller dogs. 

A Great Dane puppy should learn the same things as other members of its species, such as urinating outside, chewing on toys, and walking without pulling. As we have pointed out before, it is also very important to socialize them correctly to avoid fearful or aggressive behaviors in adulthood. We must introduce people, dogs, other animals, and environments of all kinds early on to socialize them correctly. It is important to begin training early with these dogs, and to incorporate it into play sessions. The basic orders include sit, lie down or come. Because of their large size, obedience practice is especially important. Finally, it should be noted that these dogs need frequent companionship and stimulation; they can become destructive if left alone for long periods of time. 

It is essential that we follow the dog’s vaccination schedule and carry out regular deworming. We will also provide them with quality food and appropriate care to ensure their health. We recommend veterinary visits every six months, something which helps us to identify diseases quickly. Great Danes are prone to various canine diseases, the most common being gastric torsion, cardiomyopathy, wobblers syndrome, cataracts, elbow dysplasia and osteosarcoma. Their life expectancy is around 6 to 8 years.

Gentle giants like the Great Dane are perfect pets for the family, they’re sure to capture your hearts with their big hearts as well.