Great Dane - gentle giant

The Great Dane is a modern version of a breed that looked completely different some time ago. This is a very ancient breed, and for all the time it was kept in artificial conditions she showed her good side.

This breed is ideal for those who have not previously kept dogs at home. If you find it difficult to decide on your future pet due to a lack of knowledge about their contents, choose a Great Dane, and you won’t go wrong.

Great Dane: photo, character

The main character traits of the Great Dane that clearly describe this breed are: big, kind and loyal.

A distinctive feature of the Great Dane breed is its calm nature. It may even seem that by the type of nervous system they are phlegmatic. However, in case of danger, not a trace remains of this type of character, and it immediately turns into a formidable and ferocious dog. Great Danes do an excellent job of guarding the house and the people living in it. But this dog can be used not only as a guard. He's also great suitable for those who is looking for a friend and companion. In this case, you will not be disappointed, because you can go play with him or take a walk in the park.

Upbringing

A special place in the maintenance of the Great Dane is occupied by education, which needs to be done from puppyhood. If you are not ready to spend enough time on an English or American Dane, then it is better to give up on her and get a cat. Regardless of the breed, the dog requires appropriate training. It is wrong to think that you can do the same with a Great Dane as with a dachshund. Still, this animal has more impressive size and strength, so if it does not obey you well, it will be fraught with big troubles for you.

Before you get a Great Dane, English or American Dane, know that this very slobbery animal. Therefore, if your pet wants to caress and even lick you, be prepared for the fact that you will have to take a shower afterwards. You may have difficulties with the Great Dane's coat, which gets dirty very quickly.

Great Dane puppies never sit still and love to play. They are also curious, so they will try to get to the farthest corners of your house. If the puppy finds even a small loophole, he will definitely try to find out what’s inside. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that your apartment will be a mess, but you are unlikely to be able to do anything about it. All you have to do is be patient and wait for your pet to grow up. Over time he will become calmer.

Adult dogs differ little from English or American Great Dane puppies and love active games. And to make it convenient for you to do this, it is advisable to go for walks in places where there is enough space so that you can let your pet run around without a leash. It is advisable to choose as deserted places as possible, otherwise you may encounter a lot of trouble. It’s good if your dog will only scare a random passerby. The situation will be much more unpleasant if there is a fight between your dog and someone else’s dog, which dies. In this case, you will have to deal with its owner.

Although dogs of this breed do not show aggression without good reason, like the English and American Great Danes, if they are angered, they will respond to an attack with dignity.

Great Danes easily establish friendly contact with children, they can even try on the role of their guardian and caring parent. And your child will be happy to be in such company. However, you need to be very attentive to your pet if your child is too young. We should not rule out the possibility that the dog could inadvertently injure the baby, since this is a fairly large animal. Although Great Danes have different personalities, they behave warily when a stranger approaches. But one should not be surprised at this, because they are ingrained in them from birth. guard qualities.

You should not refuse to purchase a Great Dane puppy just because you already have other pets. There will be no problems with this, because the Great Dane will become a good neighbor for your other four-legged and feathered inhabitants. But you will avoid many problems if you immediately adopt a Great Dane puppy and a cat at a young age. Although it won't be a problem if there is a relationship between them a big difference according to the age.

Having finally decided for yourself that you will have a Great Dane puppy at home, you immediately need to prepare to care for him. First of all to you you will need a special brush for brushing a dog. Your pet will create problems for you already during the first molt: although at this time the amount of fur shed is small, but this happens throughout the year. To maintain your pet's coat in good condition, you can use:

• brush;
• a special glove that you can purchase at your nearest pet store.

You need to be especially careful when bathing your Great Dane: this is often not recommended, otherwise the dog may develop skin diseases and lose a significant part of its coat. If you feel that a subtle odor is coming from your dog, it is advisable to completely avoid bathing, and instead wash it using special dry shampoos. Don't forget about claws that need to be trimmed regularly.

Nutrition

You need to be very careful when choosing food for your Great Dane puppy. At this age, the dog’s body especially needs calcium. A feature of physiology is that these animals grow very quickly and their limbs elongate. Therefore, the body must have enough calcium, otherwise deviations in the development of joints may occur. Also you should monitor the condition of the Great Dane's ears and eyes. At the first sign of inflammation, you should immediately see a veterinarian.

• it is advisable to trim them in such a way that after cutting the claws do not touch the ground;
• It is important to correctly determine where to cut the claws so as not to injure sensitive areas.

At first glance, Great Danes look very slender, but they are big eaters, and if you do not plan their menu correctly, this can lead to the problem of excess weight. There are cases where overeating caused the death of dogs of this breed. This is not the case with Great Dane puppies, so you should be attentive to your pet once he is old enough.

During the growth period, puppies of this breed start gaining weight much faster how their ligaments and muscles develop.

• therefore, to avoid problems, refuse to play active games;
• Before going for a walk, it is recommended to bandage your dog’s paws with an elastic bandage, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the joints.

But paying attention only to the appearance and stomach of the animal is not enough. Also, you should not forget about his upbringing. By nature, Great Danes are very noisy and curious animals. Therefore, to prevent them from causing you big problems, start raising them when they are puppies. After a couple of years, not a trace will remain of the noise, and then you will see a dog that will unquestioningly carry out all your orders.

Conclusion

If you are thinking about getting a Great Dane puppy, know that this is a big step and you need to be aware of the responsibility you are taking on. The Great Dane is one of those dog breeds that absolutely needs to be given enough attention. Keep in mind that these dogs present potential threat for others, therefore, if their behavior is not controlled, your pet can bring you a lot of trouble.

Therefore, from childhood, you need to teach him to obey his owner. In principle, if you are ready for this and are able to allocate the necessary time, then you will not have problems with this. Not only you yourself, but also your household members will be satisfied with the choice you make. After all, this dog will not only become very attached to you, but also behave well towards other animals that live in your house.

Great Danes

These giants are so smart and self-confident that you can easily entrust them with the protection of any object, be it a house, a car or your family. Despite a certain detachment in behavior, Great Danes simply adore their owner and are ready to give their lives for him. Naturally, the most important thing when raising a Great Dane is its early socialization and proper upbringing. The authority of this big dog there must be an owner, and an indisputable one. Great Danes have a very strong and fearless character, so the owner needs to build the correct hierarchy in his “pack” from the first days the puppy appears in the house. The dog must unquestioningly obey all family members and respect everyone - this is the only way your union with a representative of this breed will be strong, reliable and happy.

Types of Great Danes

The word “Dog” has long been associated with the German or, as it is also called, the Great Dane. This was a popular breed of service dog in the Soviet Union. Over time, when the “Iron Curtain” fell, a stream of the most unusual varieties of the dog tribe poured into our country. Moreover, the more exotic a dog’s appearance was, the faster it gained popularity among dog lovers. So we learned that in addition to the Great Dane, there are various other representatives of this breed: in England, and in France, and in Spain, and in Argentina, and in Brazil - almost every country can boast of its own “Apollo” dog world. MirSovetov will tell you which dogs are the most popular today.

1. German dog. The ancestors of the Great Dane are ancient Molossians and hunting dogs that were brought from England. What is noteworthy is that the appearance of the Great Dane has practically not changed since the 15th century, which is why we can confidently consider the Great Dane to be one of the ancient breeds. Over the entire existence of these dogs, they changed many names - these giants were called the Great Dane (although it is still not clear why, since it has nothing to do with Denmark), the Ulm Great Dane, the Bulenbeiser, the Old German Mastiff. In the end, it was decided to settle on the name “Great Dane”, although over time the breeders abandoned the territorial designation of the breed. Today, the Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds, but despite its colossal size, it is a very affectionate, gentle and, most importantly, devoted pet. A true Great Dane shows aggression in very rare cases when it is really necessary. The rest of the time, this is a phlegmatic animal that best copes with the duties of a companion and “interlocutor”. The Great Dane fits perfectly into any family - he will happily take care of a dozen children or a single person. Representatives of this breed are not pugnacious, although sometimes males are still not averse to sorting things out. These powerful dogs must be taught to obey and walk on a leash from childhood, because it is almost impossible to restrain an uncontrollable young male. Great Danes are easy to train, but they do not tolerate rudeness and cruelty. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to hire a canine trainer (ideally a “dog trainer”) who will help you raise a dog of this breed correctly. Great Danes are not suitable for being chained in a kennel. Firstly, these animals are short-haired and will freeze in the cold season. Secondly, Great Danes are not guard or guard dogs, so they will not bark at passers-by. Thirdly, Great Danes need contact with the owner in order for the dog to grow into a faithful and devoted companion, which will be difficult to achieve if your pet lives in a kennel or even in an enclosure, but in the yard, spending most of its life alone. A Great Dane must be part of the family in which he lives.
2. French Dogue (Dogue de Bordeaux). Currently, only the birthplace of the breed is known - France, but who the ancestors of this dog were is a mystery. There are a huge number of versions: that Molossians were brought to France from Tibet, and that sailors brought exotic dogs as a gift to the royal family, and that large dogs with folded wide muzzles have long been known in the Bordeaux area. Which of these versions is correct, today, alas, no one can say for sure. Dogues de Bordeaux have a rather original appearance: a large and muscular body, a wide and massive muzzle with many folds, thanks to which the dogs have rich facial expressions. Representatives of this breed throughout their existence were constant loyal companions and helpers of humans: they hunted with them, they guarded the home, and helped transport cargo. Dogs have changed a huge number of professions, but in the end they turned into companions - this is what they, as it turned out, do best. “Bordosses” are excellent watchmen, since distrust of strangers is in their blood. Dogs of this breed are most often phlegmatic: they are calm, balanced, but can sometimes be stubborn. A huge disadvantage of this breed (especially for squeamish owners and scrupulous housewives) is drooling. Yes, Dogues de Bordeaux are quite slobbery, so both they and the home where the giants live require special care. Otherwise, these are very smart animals that are able to accept independent decisions. Do not forget that you will have to pay a lot of attention to raising a dog.


3. Dogo Argentino Truly an explosive mixture. The ancestors of these dogs were fighting dogs (now extinct), as well as bull terriers, Great Danes and Bordeaux dogs, bulldogs, Irish wolfhounds and Spanish mastiffs. The birthplace of the breed is Cordoba (Argentina). These large and muscular dogs were used as hunting dogs - they drove down large game (like a wild boar or bear) and held it until the owner arrived. Anger towards the animal is innate in this breed, which is why even today, many years later, the “Argentines” cope well with the role of a hunter. At one time they tried to use the aggression of these dogs in rings, organizing dog fights between them, but this is a long time ago. Today, the Dogo Argentino has truly found itself, thanks to its excellent working qualities, keen sense of smell and learning abilities; dogs are used by the police, to search for people, and as military assistants. Experts note that despite its apparent simplicity and fighting roots, this is a highly intelligent breed. “Argentines” are very affectionate, love children and active games. The main responsibility of the owner is to educate the dog and go through a full course of training with it. Thanks to this, it will be possible to get a faithful and devoted friend who, without hesitation, will rush to protect the owner and his family.


4. Dogo Canario A very ancient breed of dog. The ancestors of the Dogo Canario are fighting dogs that lived on the Spanish islands back in the 3rd century BC. This breed belongs to the aboriginal dogs, that is, no one crossed anyone to create “Canaries” - everything happened naturally, naturally. Since ancient times, dogs have been used as human assistants: as guards, as hunters, as slaughterers. At one time they played the role of gladiators - in fighting rings. Today, Dogo Canarios play the role of working or sporting dogs, as well as active companion dogs. These large and massive animals have remarkable strength and considerable stubbornness, so the owner will need to put a lot of effort into properly raising the Dogo Canario. Otherwise, these are very cute and affectionate pets that require a lot of attention during a walk, but in an apartment these dogs, despite their size, are invisible.



5. Tibetan mastiff. At one time it was the most mysterious breed of dog, shrouded in secrets and shrouded in myths. They talked a lot about Tibetan Danes, and most often they simply did not believe in the existence of these animals, claiming that this breed became extinct several centuries ago. In fact, the pride of Tibet is alive - it has found its continuation in. And although this is no longer exactly the same mysterious “Madnesque”, but a slightly different breed, it conveys not only appearance ancient animals, but also their warlike and fearless character.

The Great Dane has been familiar to everyone since childhood. This giant dog has become a symbol of dignity and aristocracy - it’s not for nothing that famous people became owners of Great Danes.

Height at withers: males minimum 80 cm, females minimum 72 cm
Weight: 45-90 kg

Color:

• Pale yellow. Shades of yellow, from light sand to bright red-gold without white markings and shades of brown, white, gray or blue. A black mask on the face is desirable.
• Brindle. The main color is shades of fawn, and vertical stripes of black are scattered throughout it. There should be no white markings, but a black mask on the face is welcome.
• Marble. The main color is white, and torn spots of black are “scattered” throughout it. The color “gray marble” (black spots on a gray background) is acceptable, but is undesirable, as are brown or gray spots.
• Black color. A peculiar symbol of the breed, because many people imagine Great Danes in black. There may be white spots on the chest and paws. The black color also includes the coat color, when the fur on the head and body is black, and on the chest, belly, paws, tail, neck - White color. It turns out that the dog seems to be “dressed” in a black cloak.
• Platten is a color belonging to the black group. The base is white, and rounded black spots are scattered across it.
• Blue. Gray-blue color with a hint of steel. There may be white spots on the chest and paws. There are no black or fawn shades on blue coats.

General form

• The coat is short, close-lying, pleasant to the touch, smooth, and shiny.
• According to the format, the body fits into a square - this is important for males; in females, elongation is allowed.
• The head is large, harmonious, clearly defined to the smallest detail.
• The muzzle is not sharp, with a pronounced upper lip.
• Lips of a dark color, merle colors are allowed flesh-colored or spotted.
• The nose is black, but the color also depends on the color of the dog: marbled Great Danes have a spotted or flesh-colored nose, while blue Great Danes have anthracite (“wet asphalt”) nose.
• The eyes are expressive, intelligent, medium-sized, almond-shaped.
  The darker the eye color, the better; amber is undesirable. Marbled Great Danes may have eyes that are different colors or lighter than those of other colored dogs.
• The ears are hanging, set high and, hanging down, adjacent to the cheeks with the lower edge. In Russia, ears are still cropped.
• The tail tapers to the tip and is long (reaches the hock joint). When moving or in a state of excitement, the dog carries a saber-shaped tail at the level of the back or slightly higher.

History of the breed

According to one version, the ancestors of the Great Dane, asian fighting dogs, came to Europe along with the nomadic tribes of Asia. By crossing with local dogs, they gave rise to the formation of the breed. The second legend says that this giant appeared thanks to the crossing old english bulldog and hunting boar dogs.

Over time, the branches of producers split and gave different types dogs. One medium-sized type was intended for hunting predators such as bears and wolves. The second type - huge dogs with remarkable strength, were intended for protection. At the same time, the term “Great Dane” used to mean any large and strong dog.

The blood of greyhounds was later added to the second type of dog to make it lighter and more agile. This is how the dogs appeared, which in 1878 received the name “Great Dane”.
The first standard and description of the breed appeared at a dog show in 1880, and 8 years later the first club of breed lovers was organized.

Over time, the exterior standard has changed and been supplemented. Germany has been and remains the main center for the development and improvement of Great Danes: the best breed lines are represented there.

Previously, representatives of the breed were used as service dogs, today they are companions and family friends.

Interesting fact: twice, representatives of the Great Dane breed became the largest dogs in the world - they were Giant George and Zeus. These males reached a height of 110 cm and 111 cm, respectively. So far no one has outgrown them.

Behavior and temperament

The Great Dane is an amazing dog. He inspires respect and demonstrates authority, but inside he is a devoted friend and a meek neat guy who rarely loses his temper. If necessary, he will protect his family members until his last breath, but he is a peace-loving dog and does not seek adventure.

• friendly;
• devoted;
• balanced and reasonable;
• good security guard;
• obedient;
• fearless;
• not aggressive.

Surprisingly, the owners of Great Danes and those who have dealt with them do not note any disadvantages in the behavior and character of this dog breed with proper training.

A representative of the breed is a faithful companion, nanny for children and a vigilant protector. In a word, general purpose dog. He will be suitable as a pet as in big family, and for a lonely person.

This calm dog who behaves with dignity. But physically weak person It’s not worth getting such a dog - Great Danes are strong, and during play, not feeling their size, they can drop a person.

A well-mannered dog is patient and caring with children. These qualities are innate, but if desired, they can be developed through persistent training.

The German gets along easily with other pets, but you should not keep him in the same territory as a dominant male, otherwise a showdown cannot be avoided.

Choosing a nickname

The Great Dane is the king among dogs, even a child knows or intuitively guesses this. Therefore, the name of such a dog should be beautiful, proud, and powerful.

Nicknames for males: Caesar, Grand, Gift, Zeus, Neptune, Duke.
Nicknames for bitches: Hera, Athena, Astra, Juno, Selene, Glory.

Despite its size, the Great Dane feels great in a city apartment. He loves soft beds, and if you don't provide him with one, he will take over the sofa or bed. This dog doesn't require much space. He is not annoying and can lie in one place for a long time.

In an apartment, dogs are phlegmatic, but outside they love to run and play, so long and interesting walks are needed. The level of load is selected depending on age: puppies and young dogs should not jump or run a lot, as Great Danes are prone to diseases of the musculoskeletal system. You need to walk with an adult Great Dane 2-3 times a day, one of the walks must last at least an hour. In cold weather, dress your dog in warm overalls.

It is important to feed your Great Dane with small portions of balanced food with a high protein content or super premium food. Include lean meat and fish, cut into small pieces, in your menu. An adult dog is given no more than 800 gr raw meat. Be sure to give your dog vegetables and fruits, except potatoes, pumpkins, and legumes. Don't forget about sour milk.

To avoid joint problems, it is important to give puppies vitamins and chondroprotectors, as well as maintain the correct balance of calcium in the body.
Great Danes should not be overfed or given pasta, bread, porridge to avoid digestive problems.

There are no problems with short and smooth hair: 1-2 times a week Clean the dog with a rubber glove brush and wipe with a damp cloth. Nails are trimmed as needed, teeth are brushed 1-2 times a week. Monitor the condition of your eyes and ears: remove excess discharge with cotton or gauze swabs.

Great Danes are proud, stately handsome men who never go unnoticed by others. When they appear on the street, they attract admiring glances, but do not cause fear. Indeed, dogs with impressive size, however, do not have a vicious character, which makes them attractive to keep. What is known about these extraordinary animals?

The ancestors of Great Danes once lived not in the territory of European countries, but in the east - in Tibet and served the indigenous peoples as shepherds. From them came many modern breeds, including the Asian Shepherd and Tibetan Dane, which were later used to develop Great Danes.

From Central Asia, Great Danes penetrated into the territory of India, China and Mesopotamia. In the most ancient states they were depicted on the walls of architectural buildings and houses. There is historical evidence that in those days these giants were used not only for hunting and herding, but also as fighting dogs. And this indicates that at that time these dogs were distinguished by a rather vicious and ferocious disposition.

In the first century AD, Great Danes were real fighters who took part in the military campaigns of the Romans, Greeks, Scythians and Germanic tribes. It so happened that there were more of these dogs in Germany than in other countries. At that time from various types Great Danes stood out among the Great Danes, and they were subsequently taken as the basis for the breeding of Great Danes. They had a more graceful constitution than that of mastiffs, dry and graceful. Great Danes were used as guard dogs and for baiting wild animals.

When the homeland lost interest in this breed, the main gene pool of Great Danes ended up in Germany. German breeders appreciated the quality of the dogs and began work on improving the breed. Selection work was carried out on crossing Great Danes with Great Danes living in the southern lands of Germany.

The result was the “Ulm” dogs, named after the city of Ulm, whose breeders made a huge contribution to the improvement of the breed. But even in the northern part of the state, dogs of this breed were actively bred, so two varieties of mastiff-shaped dogs took part in the exhibition - the Ulm Great Dane and the “improved” Great Dane.

Later, the breeders decided to join forces and create one of the two types of dogs - the Great Dane. This was very symbolic, since at that time the German Empire was proclaimed, and specialists from the north and south began to work together to bring out beautiful dog. In the 79th year of the 19th century, Great Danes received the status of a national German breed.

However, the foundation of the Berlin breed club took place only in 1888, and the adoption of a single standard two years later. According to him, the dog must become a beautiful horse, be strong, huge and elegant. It is worth noting that such a description also applies to modern representatives of the breed.

Today Great Danes can be found in the territory various countries, including Russia. Despite their gigantic size, they are wonderful companions, as their intelligence, gentle disposition and devotion have no boundaries.

The dog of this breed is large, harmoniously built, proportional, has an expressive head and noble posture. Minimum height for males it should be 80 cm, for females – 72 cm.

Great Dane dog: photo

According to the standard, Great Danes have the following distinctive characteristics:

• Head The Great Dane has a large, shape characterized by pronounced angles and parallel lines, with well-defined eyebrows. The forehead is high, flat, the transition from it to the muzzle is clearly marked. The nose is moderately wide, colored with black pigment. The muzzle has impressive volume and depth. Upper lip saggy, dark. The jaw apparatus is powerful, with large white teeth that form a scissor-type bite.
• Eyes medium in size, with dark brown irises and tight-fitting eyelids. The look is expressive and intelligent. In dogs with blue fur and merle, the standard allows for slightly lighter eye color. In the latter, heterochromia is possible, although this is an undesirable phenomenon.
• Since 1993, changes have been made to the standard and the previously mandatory procedure has been abolished. Modern Great Danes have medium-sized, high-set ears that hang down and have a slight slant forward. Creases are a disadvantage. In countries where ear cropping is not prohibited, this operation is performed based on the size and shape of the pet’s head.
• Neck The dogs are long, with dry, well-developed muscles; the scruff and withers are well defined, especially in males. The back is widened, there is a smooth transition into a short convex lumbar region. The dogs' croup, which has powerful muscles, is slightly sloping.
• Tail set high, thick at the base and gradually tapering to the tip. In length it reaches the tarsal (also called the hock) joint. When the dog is calm, the tail hangs down; during movement or when the pet is excited, the tail is held at the level of the back.
• Rib cage oval, has a decent width and depth, the ribs are voluminous. The abdomen and groin area create a smooth line with a beautiful smooth curve.
• Limbs(both rear and front) are located parallel to each other. They have muscular shoulders. They end in short, arched, rounded paws, the toes forming a dense lump. The Great Dane moves easily, freely, springily, while its limbs move in a straight line, without wobbling.

The leather is elastic and fits snugly to the body, does not form folds and does not sag. Due to the fact that Great Danes do not have sweat glands, there is no dog smell characteristic of other breeds. The coat is very short, glossy, and has no undercoat.

Great Dane colors

Several types of colors are recognized as standard:

Great Dane training

Many people will find it strange that it is extremely rare to meet a Great Dane owner with a pet on training grounds. Yes, these dogs have natural intelligence, but this does not exempt them from training and socialization. The owner of a puppy of this breed should take into account that an uncontrollable giant strong dog will create more significant problems than a poorly trained Yorkshire Terrier.

If the puppy ends up with an inexperienced dog breeder, then it is worth attending professional lessons, and the presence of the owner is mandatory. This will allow you to find the right approach to your pet, and the dog will learn to listen to the owner. Training will require a lot of patience; any manifestations of cruelty are prohibited. Physical methods may cause the dog to be overly fearful or aggressive.

The Great Dane can be influenced by voice, since purebred representatives are very sensitive to intonation changes. You can start training a Great Dane puppy at 2 months of age. First of all, the baby must learn a set of mandatory commands, and this happens quite quickly. A few days are enough for the pet to understand what is required of him, and he will diligently do everything, trying to please the owner. After this, you can proceed to more complex commands. It is important to use various methods of encouragement - treats, praise and approving glances can encourage your pet to learn.

Character and characteristics of Great Danes

Dogs of this breed are very large, gentle and loyal. One can only envy their patience. Due to their good nature, they are recommended as family pets. They are very loyal to their owners and the best leisure time for them is being with family members. Great Danes do not like loneliness; they need someone from the household to be at home.

Dog breed Great Dane photo

But experts warn that Great Danes can be stubborn and willful, so they need an owner with leadership qualities. In order for the dog to be balanced and self-confident, it must be socialized as early as possible. Great Danes need to be handled and given sufficient time. And this should be taken into account when purchasing a puppy. In addition, Great Danes drool excessively and shed a lot.

Young dogs of this breed are noisy and can cause mischief, so they should be constantly monitored. Dogs need regular exercise. It is necessary to let your pet run around without a leash, and this will require a safe area. The Great Dane will get along well with younger family members, but if there are very small children in the house, problems may arise due to its large size.

As for other pets, you can’t predict a Great Dane’s attitude towards them in advance. They can coexist well with other pets, but sometimes dogs take on a dominant position. In this case, timely socialization of the dog is required. Dogs can treat strangers with indifference, or they can show certain kinds of feelings.

Great Danes can make excellent watchdogs, although they do not bark very often. The main weapon against attackers is large size and power; even the sight of a giant can cause fear. Generally speaking, Great Danes are devoid of aggression and do not strive for dominance, but they do need training. In addition, it is important that the pet learns who is in charge in the house.

Caring for a Great Dane

On average, Great Danes live 8 years, but can increase this period by 4-5 years. Since dogs do not have undercoat, they are kept in a private house or apartment, taking into account their need for a spacious room. The coat is short and does not require special care. You can wipe it with a damp cloth 3-4 times a month, removing dirt and dust, and that will be enough. It is recommended to wash your pet or use dry shampoos only if it is heavily soiled.

Great Dane puppies: photos

Great Danes are quite rare, since in most cases they wear down naturally. The eyes should be examined regularly, and existing discharge should be removed with a cotton swab, which should be pre-moistened in chamomile infusion or furatsilin solution.

If your pet has undocked ears, they need to be examined and cleaned. by special means. up to 7 months of age. Great Danes do not like fast running, but long walks on foot will benefit the pet.

How and what to feed your Great Dane

There are two options for feeding Great Danes - natural food or ready-made industrial rations. When choosing ready-made food, it is worth purchasing premium and professional products. These dogs require food for large and giant breeds. With natural feeding, the basis of the diet is lean meat (it is first scalded with boiling water) and boiled offal.

You can give sea fish, boiled and boneless, and poultry 2-3 times a week. The pet’s menu also includes fermented milk products, vegetables (except potatoes and legumes), porridge (except corn, pearl barley and millet).

Video about the Great Dane

Great Dane puppy cost

You can purchase a puppy of this breed without documents from random breeders for an average of 12,000-16,000 rubles. But in this case there are no guarantees about the purebred and mental stability of the pet. Puppies sold by professional breeders have all the necessary qualities, but, naturally, their cost is much higher and varies from 40,000 to 60,000 rubles.

Great Danes are not only attractive, beautiful and stately dogs, but also a great responsibility. This must be remembered when choosing such a giant as a pet.