| Name: | German Doge / Great Dane / Deutsche Dogge. |
| Origin: | Germany. |
| Life expectancy: | 8-10 years. |
| Color: | Fawn and brindle, harlequin and black, and blue. |
| Fur: | Self-confident, calm, and very loyal. |
| Size: | Giant. |
| Height: | Minimum 80 cm (males), 70 cm (females). |
| Weight: | 50-70 kg. |
| Temper: | Families with children, active owners, and those looking for a loyal companion. |
| Needs: | Daily exercise for physical and mental development. Training and socialization from puppyhood. Requires space to move and play. |
| Skills: | Excellent as a therapy dog and guard dog. |
| Perfect for: | Families with children, active owners and those looking for a loyal companion. |
General characteristics of the Great Dane or German Mastiff
The Great Dane , also known as the German Mastiff, stands out as a true giant among canine breeds.
Originally from Germany and belonging to a group of giant breeds, this majestic dog, which can weigh between 50 and 70 kg, has a minimum height of 70 cm. Its imposing stature is complemented by a very short, smooth, and thick coat, which adds a touch of elegance to its presence. Likewise, the Great Dane’s coats can offer a varied palette of colors that highlights its unique beauty.
Establishing itself as one of the most beloved giant breeds in the world , the Great Dane conquers the hearts of dog lovers with its grandeur and distinction.
Discover its origin and history
The origins of the Great Dane date back to ancient times and similar representations can be found in Egyptian funerary paintings. However, its development as a breed was consolidated from the 5th century onwards when the Alan people introduced it to Europe.
In the Middle Ages, these giant dogs were known as “Alans” in honor of the people who introduced them to the continent. At that time, two different types were distinguished: the Gentle Alan, agile for hunting and famous for its nobility, and the Butcher’s Alan, used in fighting shows.
At the end of the 19th century, these varieties were unified and, after crossing with English mastiffs and greyhounds, the Great Dane breed was consolidated.
Types of Great Dane or German Bulldog
The Great Dane comes in a variety of coats and colors. You can find fawn and brindle specimens, harlequin, black and blue. This diversity of coats adds a touch of uniqueness to this majestic breed.
Great Dane puppy stage
The puppy phase is crucial in the life of the Great Dane, requiring specific care to ensure its proper development.
Introducing your Great Dane to leashed walks from puppyhood is an essential practice. These walks not only promote physical activity, but also contribute to the puppy’s mental development.
Walking on a leash teaches your dog to walk without pulling or sudden changes in direction, encouraging calm and controlled behavior .
In addition to walks,
early socialization is also very important. Exposing your dog to a variety of situations, people and other animals from a young age will help to form a balanced and sociable adult.
Character of the German Mastiff
Without a doubt, one of the breed’s strong points is its good nature. So much so that many Great Dane lovers refer to this big guy as the “gentle giant”, and they are not wrong, because, despite his imposing appearance, he is nothing more than a good-natured guy who loves to live with his family and his family is what he appreciates most.
The Great Dane is a furry dog that needs contact with people and, if there are children at home, it will end up becoming another accomplice in games and mischief. In fact, it is a sociable dog that adapts very well . In addition, it is brave and an excellent guard.
| His work as a therapy dog |
|---|
| If there is one thing that they excel at, it is as a therapy animal. The Great Dane, due to their charisma and kindness, is often used in activities with children, who they win over from the first moment. That is why we love that our animals show us every day how important they are in society and we will never tire of admiring them. Thanks to them, many people manage to overcome barriers, become more independent, and integrate. |
What is the best diet?
It is essential to provide him with quality feed enriched with essential nutrients and adapted to his giant size and age.
Choose foods that stimulate muscle growth and help strengthen bone structure. In some cases, you can use dog supplements after consulting your veterinarian.
Either way, keep an eye on the amount your Great Dane eats, as being overweight increases the risk of hip dysplasia. Also, avoid feeding him before going out to exercise and control his anxiety about eating, as these behaviors increase his chances of suffering from gastric torsion.
| The transition from puppy to adult diet should be done gradually, around 18-24 months . |
Health
Like any breed, the Great Dane requires regular health care. Visits to the vet should include deworming and an appropriate vaccination schedule. Given its large size, certain pathologies may affect this breed more frequently:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia.
- Gastric torsion.
- Certain types of cancer, such as tail cancer.
- Skin problems.
- Deafness in Harlequin Coat Dogs.
| How to help prevent gastric torsion? |
|---|
| -Avoid playing after meals. -Try to prevent your dog from drinking too much water at once. -Divide the food ration into several meals. -Choose a highly digestible feed. -Use interactive or anti-gluttony feeders. -Do not exercise just before or after meals. |
Essential care
Play and physical exercise
Despite its imposing size, the Great Dane adapts easily to life in any home. However, it requires daily exercise to properly develop its muscles and keep its robust skeleton in good condition.
It is essential to provide your dog with moments of controlled freedom in safe spaces, where he can enjoy running and participating in recreational activities, such as collecting frisbee-type toys. Let’s play!
Training and Education
Although the Great Dane generally does not present any notable behavioral problems, its size can make it difficult to handle, especially in everyday situations. For this reason, to achieve good results in terms of education, it is most sensible to start training it at an early age, when it is still small. This will allow you to better capture its attention and make the process easier.
As with almost all guard and defense breeds, you must focus their education on correctly marking their place within their pack, in this case, their family. In this way, the Great Dane must assume that their owner is their leader, in the same way, that the rest of the cohabitants occupy a position in the hierarchy superior to them. The trick is to be methodical and consistent.
Hygiene
The Great Dane, with its imposing presence and short coat, requires specific care to maintain its hygiene and well-being. Below, we give you some tips related to its grooming:
- Regular brushing: Despite their short coat, the Great Dane benefits from regular brushing to remove dead hair. We recommend using a soft-bristled brush to avoid irritating their sensitive skin.
- Bathing: Great Danes do not need to be bathed frequently; one bath a month is enough to maintain their hygiene without affecting their skin and coat. Due to their size, bathing them in a large space will make the process easier.
- The Great Dane’s ears and eyes should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
- The Great Dane, being a large breed, can naturally wear down its nails during exercise, but it is important to trim them if necessary.
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also give your dog dental toys and treats to promote good oral hygiene.
- Schedule regular deworming and use anti-parasitic products to prevent infestations.
- Finally, schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian.
Adopt a Great Dane
The decision to adopt a Great Dane or German Mastiff involves several key considerations that must be carefully evaluated before taking the plunge. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:
| Space and Housing: The Great Dane can adapt surprisingly well to indoor life, but it’s important to have enough space at home to accommodate this giant comfortably. |
| Training and Socialization: Consider your ability to devote time to training and socialization from puppyhood. |
| Feeding and associated costs: Great Danes have specific nutritional needs and may require a special diet for large dogs. Also, consider the costs associated with their size, as they are dogs that consume large amounts of food. |
| Specific health conditions: As a giant breed, the Great Dane may be prone to certain health conditions. Make sure you are informed about these potential conditions and are prepared for any care they may require. |
| Specific health conditions : As a giant breed, the Great Dane may be prone to certain health conditions. Make sure you are informed about these potential conditions and are prepared for any care they may require. |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Breed
What is the life expectancy of the Great Dane?
The Great Dane has a life expectancy that generally ranges between 8 and 10 years.
Giant breeds tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to smaller breeds. However, it is possible to find dogs that are 10 years old or older that can still be active and in good health.
How much does a Great Dane weigh?
The average weight of the Great Dane or German Mastiff varies between 50 and 70 kg for both males and females. It is important to maintain proper weight control to ensure their health and well-being throughout their life.
Does this breed get along well with other animals in the home?
Yes, in general, the Great Dane is known to be friendly with other animals, especially if exposed to positive behavior from a young age. However, initial supervision is essential when introducing him to other household companions.
Is the Great Dane suitable for families with children?
Yes, this breed is known for its gentle nature and love of children. However, due to its large size, it is important to teach children to interact in a respectful and supervised manner with the dog.
