Great Dane - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Not from Denmark
The name of the Great Dane can be little bit confusing, since it can makes you think, that it is a Danish dog breed. This breed was developed in Germany from mastiff like dogs and they were probably around since the 17th century.

2) Purpose
The original purpose of the Great Dane was to hunt wild boars and protect the German nobility and its property. They were used to catch and hold the boar until the hunter arrived and killed it. When the hunting style changed, because of the firearms, they started loosing their purpose and today, they are mostly kept as companion dogs.

3) Tallest dog
The tallest dog who hold guinnes world record is a Great Dane named Zeus with height of 43 inches, which is 110 cms. But on average, there is one breed that tends to be little bit taller than a typical Great Dane. You probably know what breed i am talking about, yes, the Irish Wolfhound. The average Great Danes height is between 28-34 inches which is 70-86 cms and weight between 100-200 pounds which is 45 – 90 kgs.

4) Mascots

Great Danes are popular so its no wonder some states and organizations chose them as their mascots. The Great Dane is the official state dog of Pennsylvania, since it was a dog of the Pennsylvania founder, mr. William Penn. The University of Iowa and University of Albany have Great Danes as their mascots and McGruff the Crime Dog is a mascot of the US National Crime Prevention Council.

5) Coat
The Great Dane does shed quite a lot, but it is pretty to keep their coat in top condition. Only regular brushing is needed. You can find the Great Dane in 6 colors and color combinations, which are fawn, blue, black, brindle, harlequin and mantle.

6) Fast growth
If you decide to bring a Great Dane puppy to your home, prepare, that they will be very large very fast. The newborn Great Dane weighs only something around 1 pound, but when they 6 month old, they can weigh up to 100 pounds. Prepare to have a giant dog with puppy like mentality for at least 2 years in your home.

7) Lapdogs
It is funny, but this really is the largest lap dog you can get. A lot of Great Danes love to climb on your lap and stay there. Other than that, this is extremely gentle, affectionate, eager to please and trainable breed. But dont forget about their origin, they are still hunters, so they will try to follow every interesting scent outdoors and you should have good fence around your property, so they can not escape when they smell something interesting.

8) Celebrities
Many people all around the world fall in love with the beautiful Great Dane and celebrities are no exception. The list of famous people who owned or still own a Great Dane includes Amy Winehouse, Jim Carrey, Bon Jovi, Wilt Chamberlain, Bruce Lee or Olivia Newton John.

9) Exercise

Great Danes requires daily longer walks, but they are pretty calm and quiet indoors. It is important to not over do it with the walks and exercise, when the Great Dane is young and growing, since it puts them at risk of joint and bone problems.

10) Health
Just like all the giant dog breeds, even the Great Dane has pretty short lifespan, between 7-10 years. This is pretty healthy breed, but of course, they are prone to some health issues, most commonly to hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, gastric torsion, entropion and myotonia.