Great Dane

Breed: Great Dane
Temperament: protective
Cost: $750+
Lifespan: 8 years
Maintenance: medium
Recommended for: active families with older children

"There is nothing like a Dame (Dane)..." the song goes, and a fully-grown Great Dane is an incomparable sight!

Appearance

One of the largest dog breeds in the world, the Great Dane can reach a minimum of 76cm (30") at the shoulder and weigh upwards from 54kg (120lb). It has a sleek, smooth coat in five colours, fawn, blue, black, brindle and harlequin. Within harlequins there are variations such as merle (grey-marle dappled with black), and Boston, mostly black with white socks and chest blaze.

Temperament

Great Danes are territorial and most will bark at strangers on their property, but once introduced, are friendly and affectionate. Owners say they are loving and loyal, and adore human company.

Health

Bone strength is vital for giant breeds such as Great Danes. Start with a balanced diet as puppies and stick to the diet sheet provided by the breeder. Deal only with a reputable breeder and make sure you see certificates with low-risk ratings for hip and elbow dysplasia, both inheritable defects causing degeneration of the hip or elbow. Heart problems are also found in some lines so have your puppy thoroughly checked out by a vet. Also, being a deep-chested breed they are vulnerable to bloat, so don't exercise your dog immediately after eating or drinking.

Breeding

If you breed harlequins or merles together, about 25% of the puppies will either be born dead, or will have to be destroyed because they'll be deaf or blind. In Germany, breeders are minimising the risks by breeding Merle to Bostons (those mostly black Danes with white socks).

Housepet potential

If you have the room Great Danes are good indoors, with little hair shed and usually content to stretch out on the floor or lounge, love lying at (or on) the feet of their owners. They are reliable guard dogs, and few thieves would risk jumping into the yard with a strange Dane! They are inclined to drool, on furniture, clothes, owners. Breeders say it will cost about $25 a week to feed an adult, and the end product is equally large!

Space, exercise & grooming

Adult Danes kept in suburban backyards will need a daily walk of 30 minutes. Many Danes are kept on acreages so will self-exercise. Do not over-exert pups as bone development can be affected. Danes require minimal grooming, although washing them can take some time! A 1.5m (5ft) fence should be adequate.

Ideal owner/training

Much of the success in owning a Great Dane will come with responsible ownership and attention to training. Control of this huge dog is essential at all times in all situations, and most experts say Danes respond well to training. Puppy school is an ideal introduction, and basic obedience is very important. They should not be allowed to jump up at people: it may be cute at six months, but at 24 months will be intimidating to strangers and children.

History

Despite their friendly attitude nowadays, Great Danes have a bloody history as bull baiters and hunters in centuries past. They are the national dog of Germany and have been patronised by the likes of Chancellor Bismarck and Buffalo Bill Cody.

For further information

NSW

Great Dane Club of NSW
Sec: Margo Turnbull
Phone: (02) 4758 7779

Breeder: Denise Bennett
Phone: (02) 4392 2657

QLD

Great Dane Society of Queensland
Sec: Carol Bunkum
Phone: (07) 5546 34 54

VIC

Great Dane Club of Vic
Joan Dowling
Phone: (03) 9754 3014

SA

Great Dane Club of SA
Marg Paynter
Phone: (08) 8388 7613

WA

The Canine Association of WA
Phone: (08) 9455 1188

TAS

Tasmanian Canine Association
Phone: (03)6272 9443

NT

North Australian Canine Association
Phone: (08) 89843 570

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