The Great Dane belongs to the second group of this classification: Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoid type dogs and Swiss mountain and cattle dogs. The dogs in this group are guard and defense dogs. They are physically powerful, muscular and deterrent. They also have a strong character. The Great Dane belongs more precisely to the category of Molossoids of the Mastiff type.

The Great Dane is a large mastiff which descends from the Tibetan Molosser introduced into Europe first by the Phoenicians and then by a nomadic Persian people, called the Alans. During the Middle Ages, two varieties stood out among these Molosses: the “gentle Alans” hunting wild boar, wolves and bears in packs, physically powerful, agile, slender and the “butcher Alans” whose heavier and compact appearance suited their role as guardian.From From 1878, these varieties were brought together under the name “Great Dane”. The breed standard would be set four years later in Germany. And in 1923, the Doggen Club de France was born.

The Great Dane is one of the giant breeds with its minimum 80 cm for the male and 72 cm for the female for a weight between 50 and 70 kg. He is large, powerful but nevertheless harmonious. Its robustness and strength are balanced by its elegance, nobility and regal bearing. Nicknamed the “Apollo of dogs”, he is quite proud of it! This dog with pigmented skin moves with a harmonious and supple gait. Its body is in a square shape. Its neck is long, lean and well muscled with a curved profile. Its chest is pronounced, its ribs well arched. Its back is short, almost straight. Its loins are broad and slightly arched. Its rump is also broad and somewhat sloping. Her stomach is well lifted. The Great Dane's limbs are strong and muscular with round feet (called "cat's feet"), its toes are arched and tight. Its tail is of medium length reaching up to the hock. Set high and with wide roots, it is slender and thin at the tip. It curves a little into the shape of a saber when the dog is in action. The head of this hound is finely sculpted, elongated, narrow and very expressive. He always wears it high. His eyebrows are well developed. Its muzzle, rectangular in shape, is high. Its nose is black or lighter in the harlequin. Its eyes are of medium size, round, as dark as possible with the exception of the Blue Mastiff for whom blue eyes are allowed as well as for the Harlequin Mastiff for which light or different colored eyes are also tolerated. Its ears are set high and naturally drooping. There are several coats in the Great Dane standard. The brindle coat has a light or intense golden yellow background color with very clearly defined black transverse streaks and a sophisticated black mask. The fawn coat is satisfied with the light or intense golden yellow color and the black mask. The black coat may also have some white markings. The blue coat corresponds to the pure steel blue color with white markings on the feet and chest permitted. Finally, the harlequin dress is characterized by a pure white background with black spots of lacquer with jagged outlines, of variable dimensions but above all well distributed over the entire body. Its hair is very short, dense, smooth or even shiny and lies flat.

The Great Dane requires a lot of attention from a health point of view. This is mainly due to its size and rapid growth. During its first three years of life, which represents its growth phase, you must ensure that you provide it with sufficient exercise without overdoing it because their bones are fragile during this growth stage. This will help to avoid as much as possible joint and ligament problems that could arise subsequently. As it grows very quickly, its diet must be adjusted regularly. From the point of view of the pathologies to which this breed can be subject, hip dysplasia constitutes the most common risk, especially if the parents are affected. It is therefore essential to go through a breeding facility carrying out adequate tests and selecting breeders with full knowledge of the facts. This breed is also susceptible to stomach torsion and eye problems related to entropion and ectropion. The Great Dane has a relatively short lifespan, rarely exceeding 9 years. His coat must be brushed regularly.

The Great Dane has the reputation of being the most peaceful of all Molossers. Contrary to what its size might lead one to imagine, it is indeed a kind, tender, gentle, sensitive and affectionate dog, particularly with children. He is balanced, calm and barks little. Signs of aggression can only occur when circumstances really require it. Both vigilant and with an instinct for territory and protection, it remains quite wary and keeps its distance from strangers. He is also incorruptible and as a deterrent dog, he excels in the art! Even if it may seem surprising, the Great Dane can adapt very well to life in an apartment provided that he benefits from daily outings. He is an athlete, so he needs a minimum of space and exercise. Be careful, despite his many qualities as a companion dog, his education should not be neglected. It must be early and carried out with firmness but also patience.