Breed breakdown: An in-depth look at the Great Dane
The vet’s office
By Dr. Beth Engelbert, DVM
Wildwood Animal Hospital and Clinic LLC
Great Dane owners may call them friendly, loyal and goofy. Others probably just call them big.
The breed standard uses terms like “regal,” “dignity,” and “strength.” With the Danes’ “great size” and “well-formed, smoothly muscled body,” the breed is called “the Apollo of dogs.”
Drawings of Dane-like dogs have been around since about 3000 B.C. in places such as Egypt, Babylonia, and China.
The Danish did not actually influence the Great Dane. The name was derived from a statement by a French naturalist. The Great Dane we know today started development in Germany in the late 1600s, and historians believe that the actual ancestors are Tibetan and English mastiffs. Irish wolfhounds and Irish greyhounds may also have been used, helping give them height and long legs. These large, athletic dogs were used to hunt boar, bear, and deer.
Great Dane ancestors were more tenacious than Danes of today. After importation to Germany, many owners were royalty, and the best dogs were allowed in the bed chamber for protection. Known as chamber dogs, their personalities began to take on the more docile nature seen today. From these dogs the Germans started working to differentiate them from other mastiffs.
Great Danes are tall, muscular dogs, with males being larger and heavier boned than females. The breed standard lists minimum heights of 30 inches in males and 28 inches in females. Originally, the ears were cropped to prevent trauma from boar tusks. Leaving ears “natural” and floppy is gaining popularity.
Ears cropped or not, Great Danes have an impressive profile. Aside from long legs, they also have “chiseled” heads, deep chests, and a defined tuck in the abdomen. Unfortunately, their unique physique can be problematic. While any dog can develop stomach bloat, Danes are prone to stomach rotation causing the potentially deadly gastric dilatation volvulus.
For all their accolades, Danes are not known for long life spans. Genetic conditions such as heart disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, and cataracts can be devastating in this breed. Reputable breeders are striving to help eliminate these. Hypothyroidism can also be seen in Danes, but most dogs do well with supplementation.
Besides dysplasia, Danes can be affected by other orthopedic conditions. “Wobbler’s Syndrome” is abnormal neck vertebra putting pressure on the spinal cord. Fast growing puppies can get inflammation of the bones, known as panosteitis. Great Danes are also overrepresented with development of osteosarcoma, a painful and aggressive bone cancer.
While it is impossible to prevent all afflictions, finding a knowledgeable breeder is important. Look for breeders that do genetic testing as well as ones willing to mentor you as your pup grows. Careful selection will help keep your “120-pound lap dog” happy and healthy for as long as possible.
Wildwood Animal Hospital and Clinic LLC is located at 210 Airpark Road in Marshfield and online at wildwoodanimalhospital.net.
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