Great Dane: origin, size, health, temperament... learn all about the giant dog breed

 Great Dane: origin, size, health, temperament... learn all about the giant dog breed

Tracy Wilkins

One of the most famous giant dog breeds is the Great Dane, which is also known as the Great Dane. The reason for this is simple: it is the same breed as the famous cartoon character Scooby Doo. But the truth is that the Great Dane goes far beyond its size and robust appearance: it is an extremely loyal, docile and affectionate four-legged friend. Toto know more about the breed, we have separated everything you need to know about the German Dog: personality, physical characteristics, care with the routine and health of the animal and much more! See below.

The origin of the German Dog breed

The story behind the origin of the Great Dane raises many questions. As the name implies, the breed is believed to have emerged in Germany, but as it also bears the name of Great Dane, confusion about the country of origin becomes inevitable. However, what is known is that the dog as we know it today was developed around the 1800s in the German country by crossingof various breeds, the main ones being the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound. Initially created to be used as a hunting dog, the size of this giant dog breed allows hunting wild boar and other large animals. However, this "function" has been lost over the years - which does not prevent them from being great four-legged companions.

Great Dane: it's not just the size that catches the eye

It's impossible for a Great Dane to go unnoticed. With a giant size and a muscular, robust body, its appearance can be a little intimidating. To give you an idea of the magnitude of this big dog, the largest Great Dane ever seen in the world was 110 cm tall and weighed 111 kg, and was registered in the Guinness World Records. But in general, puppies of this breed tend toWith a short and thick coat, they can have different coat colors, but black is usually present - even if only in the form of spots. Brindle is also quite common. In addition, fawn, blue and harlequin (with black and white spots) are also colors that can appear.

German Shepherd: a dog with a docile and friendly temperament

One of the greatest proofs that size does not matter is that behind the appearance of the Great Dane there is a very docile little dog full of love to give. Although they look serious, they are actually puppies with a puppy behavior: they like to play, jump and interact a lot with their guardians. Aggressiveness? They don't even know what that is! The German Dog breed is super calm and quiet, no matter what.In general, so much so that they hardly bark - only in very specific situations, when they are excited or want to draw the guardian's attention to something.

What can happen is that around strangers these dogs tend to be a bit more reserved and shy. But believe it or not: this tough guy pose doesn't last for long. They are easily won over if they receive attention and affection, which can even make them a bit "silly" dogs.

The personality of a Great Dane, in fact, lives up to the character of Scooby Doo: good-natured, gentle and with an incredible sensitivity, the dog of this breed usually gets along well with anyone and with other animals. However, it is important to supervise contact with very young children, as the German Dog dog does not have much idea of its size and is quite stubborn, so some of them may not be able to get along with the dog.jokes can end up hurting unintentionally.

But another positive point in all this is that they are easily trained and super obedient, which makes the training process even easier. But it is worth mentioning that it is recommended that both training and socialization take place with the German Dog puppy, not an adult.

Basic care for the German Dog breed

- Bathing and brushing

With a short, thick, smooth and shiny coat, the Great Dane sheds a lot of hair and needs to be brushed frequently, especially during the fall and spring. Ideally, brushing should take place at least three times a week with a specific accessory (gloves or dog brushes). This way, you can remove dead fur and keep your friend looking healthy.

Bathing a German Shepherd can be a challenge, but it is important that it happens at least once a month. As German Shepherds are very large and can become very agitated when they come into contact with water, the owner can seek a pet shop to do this.

- Teeth, ears and nails

Regarding the dog's teeth, the guardian should brush them at least three times a week to combat oral problems such as tartar, gingivitis and even bad breath. Cleaning the Great Dane's ear is also very important to avoid infections and inflammation in the area - the guardian should do this with the aid of a cotton. The nails need to be trimmed between once or twice a month,The ideal is not to leave them too long, or the puppy may end up hurting himself and other people as well.

- Food

Taking care of the diet of the German Dog breed is a task that needs attention: each stage of the animal's life requires a different type of food. In addition, being a giant dog, these dogs are more prone to overweight, which can significantly compromise their quality of life. Therefore, it is also important to be aware of whether or not your puppy is at weightIf your pet is diagnosed with obesity, you should consult a veterinary nutritionist to monitor the case and see what needs to be changed in the pet's diet.

- Physical exercise and creative space

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As already mentioned, the Great Dane is not very aware of his immense size, which makes him a very clumsy dog. Therefore, it is recommended that this animal be raised in a more spacious environment, preferably with access to a yard so that he can move around a lot. But beware: he should not be totally exposed outside the house - ideally he should be able to sleep in aA comfortable corner, but can also go out from time to time. Especially because physical exercise is a fundamental part of the German Shepherd's routine. As these animals are naturally large, it is important that they are physically stimulated every day to avoid physical and psychological problems.

What do you need to know about Great Dane health?

Despite being strong and quite healthy overall, the German Shepherd dog breed is more prone to some diseases. Coxofemoral dysplasia is an example of this, as it is a condition that tends to affect mainly dogs of larger breeds. In addition, gastric torsion, canine obesity and panosteitis (a disease that affects the bones) are also problems that can affect dogs of the breed.Therefore, be sure to consult your veterinarian regularly to find out how your pet's health is doing. This helps to detect possible diseases early and is also indicated to keep the pet's vaccination schedule always up to date.

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German Dog: price of the dog can reach up to R $ 7 thousand reais

Even though the Great Dane is not a very common breed in Brazil and not very requested, since they require an adequate space to have a good quality of life, there is no way not to fall in love with this dog. And, for those who have always dreamed of having a great friend (and put big on that) at home, the Great Dane really is a great breed! But, before anything, it is important that the tutorSearch for reliable kennels with good references to make sure that all animals are well cared for and also not to run any risk of getting into "traps".

The price range of a German Shepherd puppy is usually between R$3,000 and R$7,000 - which requires a certain financial preparation, since it is a relatively high cost. The value may vary because of the animal's lineage, and dogs descended from champions may be more expensive than the others. In addition, it is a dog that will demand a high financial cost with food and care.So plan financially before you get a dog of the breed!

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.