GREAT DANE Breed Standards
Perhaps the most famous misnomer in dogdom, the Great Dane is not Danish at all, but German. The Great Dane’s oldest relative is probably the Molossus dog, which was used in warfare in ancient times, but the dog we know today has almost certainly been influenced by several other breeds. Beginning as long as one thousand years ago, the crossing of various breeds including the Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound and English Mastiff began the breed that would one day be called the Great Dane. Taking its size from its wolfhound and mastiff forebears and its sleek appearance from the Greyhound, the Great Dane had established itself as a competent hunter and guard dog by 1300, and was particularly popular as a boar hunter.
When and for what reason the breed was given the name Great Dane is something of a mystery, but in 1880 the Germans attempted to staunch the inaccuracy by insisting that the dog be called the Deutsche Dogge. English speakers were unmoved, however, and the name Great Dane stuck outside of Germany. The dog was brought to the United States in the late 19th century, and the Great Dane was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887. Today, the Great Dane is among the most popular of breeds in the US, and is the largest dog that consistently ranks in the top 25 in AKC registrations. The Great Dane’s imposing height and elegant appearance have led fanciers to give it the nickname Apollo of Dogs.
SKILLS: The Great Dane combines, in its regal appearance, dignity, strength and elegance with great size and a powerful, well-formed, smoothly 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. It is always a unit-the Apollo of dogs. A Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, never timid; always friendly and depend-able. This physical and mental combination is the characteristic which gives the Great Dane the majesty possessed by no other breed. It is particularly true of this breed that there is an impression of great masculinity in dogs, as compared to an impression of femininity in bitches. Lack of true Dane breed type, as defined in this standard, is a serious fault.
SIZE: The male should appear more massive throughout than the bitch, with larger frame and heavier bone. In the ratio between length and height, the Great Dane should be square. In bitches, a somewhat longer body is per- missible, providing she is well proportioned to her height. Coarseness or lack of substance are equally undesirable. The male shall not be less than 30 inches at the shoulders, but it is preferable that he be 32 inches or more, providing he is well proportioned to his height. The female shall not be less than 28 inches at the shoulders, but it is preferable that she be 30 inches or more, providing she is well proportioned to her height. Danes under minimum height must be disqualified.
COAT: The coat shall be short, thick and clean with a smooth glossy appearance. Color, Markings and Patterns. Brindle - The base color shall be yellow gold and always brindled with strong black cross stripes in a chevron pattern. A black mask is preferred. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears and tail tip. The more intensive the base color and the more distinct and even the brindling, the more preferred will be the color. Too much or too little brindling are equally undesirable. White markings at the chest and toes, black-fronted, dirty col- ored brindles are not desirable. Fawn - The color shall be yellow gold with a black mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears and tail tip. The deep yellow gold must always be given the preference. White markings at the chest and toes, black-fronted dirty colored fawns are not desirable. Blue - The color shall be a pure steel blue. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable. Black - The color shall be a glossy black. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable. Harlequin - Base color shall be pure white with black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over the entire body; a pure white neck is preferred. The black patches should never be large enough to give the appearance of a blanket, nor so small as to give a stippled or dappled effect. Eligible, but less desirable, are a few small gray patches, or a white base with single black hairs showing through, which tend to give a salt and pepper or dirty effect. Any variance in color or markings described above shall be faulted to the extent of the deviation. Any Great Dane which does not fall within the above color classifications must be disqualified. Mantle - The color shall be black and white with a solid black blanket extending over the body; black skull with white muzzle; white blaze is optional; whole white collar preferred; a white chest; white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs; white tipped black tail. A small white marking in the black blanket is acceptable, as is a break in the white collar. Any variance in color or markings as described above shall be faulted to the extent of the deviation. Any Great Dane which does not fall within the above color classifications must be disqualified. (Note: This paragraph refers to all the color/pattern descriptions, not just mantle).
CARE REQUIRED: The smooth short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush and dry shampoo when necessary. Bathing this giant is a major chore, so it pays to avoid the need by daily grooming. The nails must be kept trimmed. This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: The Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or aggressive. The Great Dane is a gentle giant. Dignified, kind, sweet and affectionate, it is playful and patient with children. It loves everyone and needs to be around people. The Great Dane does not bark much and only becomes aggressive when the circumstances require it. A steady dog, responsible and dependable. Brave and loyal, it is a good watchdog. Because of his giant size, the Great Dane should be thoroughly obedience trained when young so it will be manageable when fully grown. Teach this giant dog not to lean against people, especially children. Some individuals are dog-aggressive, especially with same sex dogs. It is good with other dogs if it is raised with them from puppyhood. This breed may be slightly difficult to train
EXERCISE: The Great Dane needs plenty of exercise, at the very least a long daily walk.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: These dogs were used as fierce hunters and were feared as war dogs. They were highly prized for their strength, boldness, and loyalty.
TRAINING: Today the Great Dane fills a variety of roles. As companions, show dogs, protectors or working dogs, the Dane's versatility, intelligence and adaptability make him extremely popular; just as his size, elegance, symmetry and carriage result in the beautiful animal we call The Apollo of Dogs.
