Great Dane Dogs

The Great Dane is called the 'Apollo' of dogs. The Great Dane is famous for its sheer size, majestic personality and docile nature. These dogs are not in any way related to Denmark in spite of what their suggests. They originate from Germany and were used to hunt wild boar, stags and wolves. The Great Dane has been seen in drawings in Egyptian tombs dating back to 2200 BC. The first Great Dane club was formed in England in 1885 and in America in 1889. .

Great Danes are giant in size. They are the second tallest dogs after the Irish Greyhound. They possess long muscular necks and long narrow heads. They are muscular in built with straight front legs and round dark eyes. Great Danes are born with high set and folded ears. The ears are characteristically large and pointed. There is the practice of cropping its ears though it has been banned in certain countries. Cropping is done when the puppy is less than eight weeks old and in good health. They have a powerful set of teeth.

Great Danes are aggressive only when provoked or threatened. They can become very unruly when denied the company of humans. They are known as loyal and dependable dogs. It is good as a watchdog. It is not so easy to train Great Danes. If one trains them when they are small they will grow into obedient adult dogs. These dogs need lot of exercise. It is advised that one jog with the dog only when it is at least one year old. It generally lives less than ten years.

You have to put efforts to groom Great Danes. They profusely shed hair. One should regularly brush their hair and give baths. Their skin is sensitive. So avoid using harsh shampoos.

These dogs are susceptible to bloating, hip dysplasia, tumors, tail injuries and genetic heart problems. Bone deformities and joint pain may occur because of fast growth. Hypothyroidism in Great Danes can cause many medical problems, and even autoimmune disorders. It can be detected with blood screening. Cardiac screening is done to detect hereditary heart disease and is usually performed by a veterinary cardiologist.

Great Danes can suffer from heat exhaustion. One should not ignore it as it can be fatal. The symptoms are vomiting, darkening of tongue, fast pulse and panting. Take the dog into the shade as quickly as possible. Spray it with cool water. One can give it ice cubes to lick. Take off its collar and leash. Take him to the vet doctor for a thorough medical examination.

The feeding of this dog is immense, both in terms of amount and cost. Avoid giving it high protein foods while it is growing. Supplements should be avoided, unless prescribed by the breeder or vet. Too much, or too little of the wrong types of food can result in growth problems which may not be noticed until the dog is older.