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Breed Feature – The Great Dane
GREAT DANE
There is little doubt that Great Danes are an ancient breed. Evidence of Dane-like dogs have been found among the excavations of ancient Assyrian artifacts. The Assyrian culture was advanced and active in trade with other countries. It is thought that perhaps their dogs were also included in some of the exported goods as their likeness has also shown up in the artifacts of the ancient Romans and Greeks. There is a Grecian coin in the Royal Museum at Munich, which dates from the fifth century BC. It depicts a likeness of a dog which greatly resembles the Great Dane of today.
The Mastiff, Greyhound and Irish Wolfhound have all been credited as more recent ancestors of the Great Dane as we know him today. The evidence for Greyhound ancestry is apparent in the merle coloration associated with the harlequin pattern seen in the breed today. According to Earnest Hart in his book entitled, This Is the Great Dane, “…for the patchy dark-on-awhite-ground colouring of the harlequin variety, is a pattern derived from the Greyhound breeds throughout the Egyptian Greyhound, a direct descendent of the prototype dog, Canis Familiaris Leineri. The early Dane was also sometimes referred to as the “Tiger” dog, which again promoted controversy since some authorities claim the name was derived from the striped effect of brindling and others (particularly German breed historians) see the Harlequin factor as the reason for the ‘Tiger’ title.” Because there was no ‘Colour Code’ in breeding in those days, there was a veritable ‘rainbow’ of colours to be found in these dogs. Fawn and blue, blue, brindle as well as the classical black and white harlequin pattern abounded. The recessive blue colour was wide spread. There were interesting colour patterns produced by a good deal of white which was present in fawn and brindle as well as harlequin and black. This common extension of white led to German breeders disallowing the breeding of harlequins, or dogs with a predominance of white to fawns or brindle so that the white was eventually bred out, with the exception of the occasional white mark on the chest or toes that we see today.
Germany is considered the most influential country behind the modern Great Dane, with England a close second. No one seems to know how this huge dog came to be called Great Dane as there’s no evidence he was ever popular in Denmark. In Germany he was known as Deutsche Dogge. The early German Danes were huge and coarse in appearance. More like the Mastiff than the present-day Great Danes. The early Great Dane was a large and powerful hunting hound, used as an effective war dog, guard and hunter of wild boar. The forests of Germany abounded with hundreds of wild boar and large hunts were a common occurrence. Ears were cropped extremely short to prevent injury as the dog ran through heavy brush and damage from the razor sharp tusks of the boar. Today the tradition of ear cropping continues in America and other countries where it isn’t outlawed. The length has increased dramatically and gives a noble look to the head. However, it is not necessary to crop ears in order to show a Dane.
In 1857, the first record of a Great Dane having existed in the United States was when Mr. Francis Butler shipped his harlequin named Prince from New York to London. Prince was shown in England and a photo of him and his master appeared in the Illustrated News. Having seen this publication, Queen Victoria expressed interest in seeing the dog.
The first time Great Danes were shown in this country was in 1877 at the Philadelphia Grand National Show. They were then shown under the name of Siberian, or Ulm dogs. The Westminster Kennel Club offered a class for “Siberian” dogs in 1887.
The next notable show that included classes for Great Danes was held at the American Institute building in New York. Here the uncontrollable aggression of the breed was seen by all. Fights broke out both among the Danes and the other breeds in attendance.
Because of this they were barred from further showing in this country. Seven years later, in 1888, they were once again allowed into an American show ring.
The Danes of the past were fierce and aggressive and had a temperament very different from the ‘gentle giant’ we know today. The temperament of these early Danes, imported directly from Germany, was so aggressive as to be almost unmanageable. Their use as hunting dogs, war dogs and guard dogs, required this type of temperament. It is a great tribute to the early American breeders to note the tremendous improvement in temperament within about 20 years of the first imports. This was achieved without losing the desired guarding behaviour exhibited today by the modern Great Dane.
Today they are basically the most gentle of dogs. They should be devoted to their families, and willing to accept into their homes anyone welcomed by their owners. In most cases this is the reality. However, the genes that cause the aggression and shyness, do occasionally crop up. It is because of this that breeders
must consistently select their breeding stock for GOOD temperament. Keep this in mind when you begin your own search for a dog whether for a pet or a breeding/ show dog. Characteristics
The Great Dane is a very intelligent canine and displays a graceful, almost human sense and behaviour, but only if he is a typical representative of his breed that has been properly nurtured and reared. He is not a four-legged robot that can be trained by anybody with the use of force, but a quick and positive learner eager to please the teacher(s) he loves and respects: his beloved persons. The Apollo of dogs is a true fourlegged aristocrat, full of heart and generosity, superior spirit and courage; a companion that is protective, gentle, always attentive to his peoples’ wishes and needs, proud and distinguished in appearance, beautiful like a classic statue, a dog that deserves to belong to people as good, civil and decent as himself.
Indeed, when you have a Great Dane, you don’t owe your dog – your dog owns you: he or she will care, love and protect you in a parental fashion, and this adorable tendency the Danes demonstrates with all creatures sharing his/her household; children and pets, especially the smaller and most vulnerable, are in the centre of this benevolent being’s affections. This easy-going attitude enables us to live in a trouble-free co-existence with other peaceful breeds of dogs and companion animals under the Dane’s graceful manners and positive, loving yet unquestionable leadership. The Great Dane has a laid back outlook and an optimistic approach to life. He is a sunny-natured, happy dog that often demonstrates a wise, almost philosophical way of dealing with situations. If others want to pick a fight, the Dane will be unwilling, even forgiving and longenduring, at first.
But as the Great Dane is both magnificent in stature and courage and incomparable in physical and mental strength, the breed’s natural dismissiveness, which comes from self-assurance, should not be mistaken for cowardice: the Great Dane is the embodiment
of quiet power and, regardless of their sex (females are even more naturally protective), know their own strength very well. Indeed, the well-reared Great Dane is a very effective watch dog and his deep, powerful bark is enough to deter any intruder. An angry Great Dane is not something anyone would ever wish to face…If, however, provoked or challenged, especially within their own household, in a situation that might threaten the peace and safety of their beloved ones, they will not hesitate to correct the aggressor in no uncertain terms. Thankfully, one such lesson from a Great Dane is usually enough. So it is useful to remember that it is not such a good idea to keep lesser, quarrelsome canines in the company of Great Danes. They are magnanimous to a fault, but do not tolerate viciousness in their realm...
The stature and looks of a Great Dane are impressive without doubt; combined with a uniquely charming personality and such a deep-understanding mind that caused the grandmother of animal trainers (Barbara Woodhouse) to call them “Almost Human” (in her book so titled), this is a charismatic creature that has understandably become one of the most beloved four-legged companions in the world. But this is definitely not a breed for the superficial egotist who just wants a large dog to show off: because in the Great Dane’s magnificent body beats a sensitive heart, full of unlimited love and affection, to be unconditionally given only to the right recipients; the ones who truly deserve the privilege of living in the company of the brave and the beautiful, the truly kind and thoroughly good and gentle and nice, the one and only true “Apollo of Dogs”. So called not only for his external beauty and classic proportions, but mostly for his outstanding virtues and the radiant brilliance of his multi-talented nature.
Great Danes the world over excel as companions and assistants of mankind in a variety of tasks, from therapy to search and rescue. For so many of us, who are lucky to know them and be loved by them, the world is a far better place because of their kind presence among us...Let us all work tirelessly so
that their legacy of goodness is never betrayed, but continues to shine and warm our hearts and lives, for as long as our species exists, walking side by side with our true best friends...
Are Great Danes Right For You?
There are many dog breeds from which to choose the right one for you. No breed is perfect for everyone and Great Danes are no exception. Just because you think that you want one is not reason enough to have one. In may cases, the beauty and size of this dog is its first attraction.
Sweet and wonderful as they are, Great Danes, as do all breeds, have their drawbacks. First on the list is the normally short life span. Six to seven years is probably on the high end of average, although there certainly are many exemptions.
Unfortunately it seems as though Great Danes have more than their share of health problems. Bloat or gastric torsion, is probably one of the most common causes although bloat does not usually occur in dogs under five years of age.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) is a disease that affects puppies, usually from around four to ten months of age, during the fastest period of growth. Wobblers syndrome or spondylolisthesis is a disease of the nervous system which causes the dog to have problems walking. There are several degrees of severity to this problem. Some dogs can live long lives with it while other must be euthanized at a young age.
Heart problems are quite common in the breed. Most heart problems do not effect the dog until age three or four years or older. Some can be managed, some cannot. Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in dogs and Great Danes are possibly more prone to it than most – especially bone cancer (osteosarcoma). Fibrosarcoma and lymphosarcoma are also causes of death in Great Danes.
A teething Great Dane puppy can do a lot of damage in a short time. You must be prepared to prevent such disasters and to laugh them off when they do happen. If you’re the kind of person who must have an orderly house and a perfect yard, don’t buy a Great Dane.
Why own a Great Dane? First and foremost the joy and love they give. They are such good friends, house dogs and be with those they love come what may. They are normally fearless guards and very clean in the house. Great Danes are very special dogs – there truly is nothing like a Dane!
References:
History: Chapter 2 – The Great Dane’s Ancestry Characteristics: From an article by Maria Ginala, first published in 1999 Are Great Danes The Right Breed For You?
CLUB INFORMATION AND CONTACT DETAILS
The Great Dane Society of Queensland Incorporated was established in 1974 and welcomes all owners and those interested in Great Danes. You don’t have to own a Great Dane to be a member, and you don’t have to live in Queensland.
We are a pure breed club, and most of us compete in conformation shows and/or dog sports, as well as occasionally breeding our dogs. We live and breathe Great Danes!
Dog Showing is a great hobby to participate in and contributes to the betterment of the breed in many important ways. We also welcome new members who are interested in furthering the development of our social program, dog sports and utilities, and health events.
We have our specialty show on the 4th July 2021 judged by breed specialist Frieda Clifton.
For more information contact the Club Secretary, Sally Gough at gdsqinc@gmail.com
