Despite their considerable size, Great Danes are very gentle dogs, that are very patient with children. They are very strong dogs and it is believed that they were derived from a cross between the Old English Mastiff, the Wolfhound and the Greyhound. They have often been used as guard dogs, and in the past have also been used for hunting purposes. It is often presumed they come from Denmark or have some other affiliation with the country, however this is not the case. As a breed they were officially recognised in 1887.
Appearance
The Great Dane is a very large and strong dog with a deep muzzle and a rectangular shaped head. They have medium sized eyes that are quite deeply set into the head. Their ears are relatively small and are set quite high and in their natural state are folded over and hang close to the head. Their front legs are completely straight and they have a long tail that is much thicker at the base. They come in numerous colours including fawn, black, merle, mantle and chocolate (although chocolate is not a recognized colour of the Great Dane.)
Temperament
They are very calm and charming dogs, and even though they may look intimidating, they are very gentle with children. They don’t generally show aggression, neither do they bark frequently. They would only do this if they felt their pack were in danger. That is why they make good guard dogs. As with many breeds of dogs, early socialisation with animals and children prevent any problems later on. They are very reliable and dependable dogs, as well as being courageous and loyal. They love being around people and don’t do well if left alone for a long period of time. Training should be done from a young age, and with all dogs, it is essential for them to understand who is the pack leader, which must always be the owner or handler.
Working and Tasks
Great Danes do very well with carting, tracking and watching. They are a popular choice for a watchdog as they are very loyal to their pack and their size acts as a natural deterrent. They need a good walk every day and ideally need a back yard or garden to run around in too.