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Great Danes are the largest breed of domesticated dog. They can grow to be up to 36 inches tall! That's a big dog.  Though they are large, they are well known for being great house pets & family companions. Even if you have small tots running around. Is a Great Dane right for you?

 Origin of the Great Danes: Great Danes have thought to come from Asia, many zooligists seem to believe. It's also believed that the Dane came from some type of breed of Mastiff. Mastiffs, are also a large breed of dog.  The Great Dane has been seen in artifacts & monuments of Egypt; it being seen that they walked along side people as hunting dogs. Then, it came to pass that the breed was shipped to places such as England & Britain,as goods, where they were cross-bred with other breeds. It's believed that the great breed is descendent of Tibetan & English Mastiff breeds. The dogs were also used for sports. But their sports consisted more of blood-battles & arena fights. This dog has also thought to come from ancient Russia & many European countries.

How Big can a Great Dane really get? Great Dane males typically grow larger than the females. Weighing in at 115-200 lbs. Their height reaching up to 36inches. Females grow smaller, weighing around 115-130 and reaching heights of 26-34inches. Some Danes are larger than others, and some taller than others, they all come in a wide variety. Just like any other dog, they need love, attention, & people interaction. The most crucial for such a large breed is acheiving a pack leader status.

Why is this so important? It's important, not only for the dog, but also for you. Dogs are pack animals. In the wild, wolves live in packs. There's an alpha male & alpha female. Ranks & specific roles a dog takes. This is similar to your dog and you. Your dog, in order to stay in line, needs to understand his or her role in the pack. When you bring a dog into your home, you are now his/her pack. You must now show you are alpha & let the dog know he/she is below.

If this order, especially in such a large breed as Danes, isn't initiated early in life, it can cause serious issues. The dog may act out in agression towards adults, children, and even other dogs. They can cause injuries. For instance, if you do not teach your dog to not jump on people, he/ she may harm a child or adult by lifting his/her 100+ pound body onto their shoulders. Disobedients in such a large breed is NOT an option.

What's a Great Danes Grooming bill? $0.00 Great Danes have a thin, short coat. The only grooming required of them is a bristle brush & dry shampoo. Giving this dog a bath is a chore & not fancied. Nails need trimming often, just as any dog.

Where Can I have a Great Dane? Great Danes can live in apartments, but the exercise is a must have. If your Dane is in a small enclosure, he/she will need daily long walks. It's preferred that a Dane have a large yard to roam for exercise, but if that can't be, walks do well, too. Even living in a house, your Dane will need daily long walks.

How Long does a Great Dane Live? Great Danes can live to be as old as 13 years of age, or as young as 8 years of age. Because the dog is so large, their life expectancey isn't much compared to having a smaller breed. But just like any dog, they have health issues.

What are some Health issues I may come in contact with? Hip-Dysplasia, tumors, Heart Disease, & tail injuries. Great Danes are a big breed & require a careful & experienced hand.

What's the Temperment of a Great Dane? Great Danes are considered the Apollo of dogs. They're Gentle Giants & great family companions. Known for being calm, well-behaved, & tolerant of children. They make great family pets. Their sweet & affectionate nature makes them needy to human hands. They need to be interacted with on a daily basis. Not a dog to put in your backyard and forget about.