Dogs -Great Dane

The Great Dane is thought to have originated Germany where they were known as "Deutse Dogge." They spread throughout Europe and became popular in Denmark and other countries. They became known as Great Danes later. "Great" meaning "large."   "Dane" meaning "from Denmark."

Great Danes were bred to hunt wild pigs and deer. Later Great Danes were used as fighting dogs and guard dogs. 

Early development of dog breeds

Great Danes are giant dogs and have an intimidating appearance which makes them good guard dogs. They are however friendly, trainable, and good with children. 

Large dogs like Great Danes should be fed two small meals a day instead of one large meal to prevent torsion. They should be allowed to rest after eating. A bloated stomach can be fatal.

The coat is short and smooth. Colours: harlequin, bluish, fawn, brindle, or black.

Don't let a Great Dane puppy sleep in your bed, because he will soon take up the whole bed!

Height: dogs must be at least 76 cms at the shoulder, bitches 71 cms.

Class: Working Dogs

Caldygate Tai-pan, a red brindle great Dane puppy won Best Puppy at 9 months. Owner: Alta Wait, South Africa

A great Dane puppy at 3 months.  Pic taken Aug 2010

Colby, whose markings are called, "harlequin," belongs to Tony & Vicki Reid, South Africa. 

Ceaser aged one year

Maritza Pieterse says, "Here Caeser and my husband (who is 1.9m) are battling to see who is the tallest!  He a placid dog and I would never get another breed if anything should happen to him!  My heart was his the first time I saw him."