15 Facts About Great Danes
Great Danes are known for being the big friendly giants of the pup world, and although their size is the first thing many people notice, these colossal canines have a lot more to offer. Referred to as the “Apollo of dogs”, this pooch breed has gained their status from their beauty, strength and majestic demeanour - much like the Greek god of sunlight the nickname follows after.
For those who want to know more about these lovable giants, you’re in luck! In this blog, we’ll share some of our favourite facts about Great Danes so you can find out how ‘great’ they really are.
The History of Great Danes
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Surprisingly, Great Danes originated from Germany, not from Denmark as the name might suggest! Their name was taken from the French phrase ‘Grand Danios,’ which was inspired by a Frenchman, Georges-Louis Leclerc. In Germany, they were called ‘Deutsche Dogge.’
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They were initially bred from Mastiff-type dogs in the late 1700s to 1800s with the intention of using them for hunting boar. Great Danes then grew in popularity in Germany and were named their national dog in 1876. They were prized by the statesman Otto von Bismarck, who kept them as bodyguards. They were often used to protect country estates from intruders, as in the past they were believed to ward off evil entities.
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In 19th century Europe, the boar hunting lifestyle that Great Danes had been bred for was in decline. However, as they’d gained the hearts of so many, the breed continued to thrive. Along the way, the Great Dane’s hunting nature was tamed, and they became the gentle giants we’re lucky to know today!
Facts About Great Danes and Their Size
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The Great Dane’s size is one of the most talked about topics regarding the breed, and rightfully so! Great Danes are officially named the tallest dog breed in the world. Males can reach up to around 80cm and females up to around 75cm. This means that when standing on their hind legs, they can easily tower over many humans.
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With their larger size also comes a deep and powerful bark. But although their bark and size may be imposing, Great Danes are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. Don’t let their size fool you! When you look past their large presence, they generally really are just big softies.
- Due to the Great Dane’s size, living with them can be costly. They have a higher food intake and need lots of space to move around and exercise. Their size also often contributes to increased medical expenses and a shorter lifespan, as the lifespan of a Great Dane is typically around 7 to 10 years.
Caring for Great Danes
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Even though you’d think that the Great Dane’s size means it needs constant entertainment, they are pretty laid back at home. However, they do need regular activity to stay healthy, as they are natural athletes, even if they may appear to have a laid-back disposition. The general advice is that they should have around 2 hours of exercise a day.
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For Great Dane puppies, introducing them to proper training and socialisation as early as possible is beneficial. This goes for any puppy but is particularly important for Great Danes due to their size and strength. They are intelligent and generally eager to please, with a stubborn streak at times, so training can be fun for humans and dogs alike! Using the ADAPTIL Calm Collar is a great way to create a calm environment for your pup while they’re training outside or inside.
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Great Danes thrive on human interaction and are known to be very affectionate and social, so they can make great family dogs. But always keep an eye out when they’re playing with small children because they don’t always realise their own size. Overall, they are gentle in nature and have even been known to befriend cats!
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As with all dogs, sometimes Great Danes can find new situations challenging. Therefore, it’s important to socialise Great Dane puppies to different experiences, other animals, and people to help them develop into well-rounded canine adults. Their bond with humans also means that they can find spending time home alone an issue, so when they’re a pup, getting them used to being alone sometimes is a good idea. To help ease them into new situations, the ADAPTIL Calm Diffuser is great for helping to create a calm environment for your pup.
Health Considerations for Great Danes
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This breed can be prone to several health conditions, which is largely due to the Great Dane’s size. When adopting a Great Dane, consult your vet who will help advise of potential health concerns and always make sure that they are bred responsibly to ensure they are happy and healthy.
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Great Danes can suffer from bloat. This is where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply, and can potentially be life-threatening. To help prevent this, it’s recommended to feed them small meals rather than one large one and avoid rigorous exercise around mealtimes.
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Great Danes can also be prone to hip dysplasia, which can affect their mobility. You can prevent hip dysplasia by giving them an appropriate diet for their breed, avoiding too much exercise at a young age and having regular vet check-ups.
Facts About Famous Great Danes
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A Great Dane made it into the Guinness World Records. Standing at an impressive 3 foot 5.18 inches, Zeus claimed the title of the biggest Great Dane. The two-year-old American Great Dane from Texas has been confirmed to be the tallest male living dog in the world!
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Some other famous Great Danes include:
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Scooby-Doo – Perhaps the most famous Great Dane, Scooby-Doo is a beloved cartoon character who has been solving mysteries with his friends since 1969.
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Marmaduke – Marmaduke is a comic strip character known for his humorous antics with the Winslow family.
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Just Nuisance – A Great Dane was the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. Just Nuisance ‘served’ during World War II and was commemorated with a statue made in Simonstown, Cape Town.
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Astro from The Jetsons – Astro is the loyal Great Dane of the Jetson family in the popular animated series.
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Would you like to know more interesting facts about different dog breeds? We have plenty more articles to explore online, plus you can sign up to our newsletter to stay in the loop with all our latest tips, guides, and info!
