| Wild boars used to roam in the wilds of Europe many | | | | years last at least until the dog is a two year old. |
| centuries ago. In those days the titled land-owners | | | | Puppies of course can be more rambunctious than |
| cherished the large dog known as the "Boar Hound" | | | | adults so there is a period of time when the |
| which had the courage, the agility, the speed and the | | | | youngster can do good deal of damage to the |
| strength to hunt these beasts and bring them down. | | | | household in the absence of supervision. Early training |
| It is believed that the magnificent dog that we know | | | | is a must since by the time they are six months old |
| of today as the Great Dane is descended from the | | | | they could weigh nearly 60 pounds and be quite a |
| original "Boar Hound". One can readily see that the | | | | handful if not taught basic manners in the house. |
| Great Dane would have the ability to perform this | | | | Their excessive height allows them to check out |
| task admirably. They have the length of leg for the | | | | counter tops nicely by the age of six months.Danes |
| speed, the chest and lungs for the endurance and | | | | come in nearly every color, even Harlequin (white |
| great strength of jaw.It is a mystery why this dog is | | | | with black spots). The most beautiful of the Danes |
| called the Great Dane since there is no actual tie in | | | | are perhaps the Blues, which can range from a light |
| history that relegates this dog to the country of | | | | gray to a steel-blue coloring. However, Dane lovers |
| Denmark as its origin. It was known early as the | | | | will profess that they all are a delight to own, |
| "Deutchse Dogge" in Germany and is believed to | | | | regardless of color. The head of the Great Dane |
| have been developed in that country. They were | | | | appears quite regal in nature, the jowls should not be |
| prized by the land-owners not only for their abilities | | | | loose and there should be no hint of drooling. The |
| as a dog for the hunt, but their beauty and passive | | | | jaw is rather square in appearance and the muzzle |
| tranquility as dogs which could reside in the manor | | | | should be as long as the backskull. The look of the |
| and be a part of the household. They are indeed | | | | dog should be clean and when moving he should |
| quite nicely attuned to being a dog that lies quietly in | | | | balance well and be "light on the feet". A good Dane |
| front of the fireplace, while at the same time being a | | | | will move with such grace that one could not imagine |
| fearless and active hunting dog of great stamina and | | | | that in reality he weighs more than 140 pounds! A |
| power. They also do well at the job of guard dog | | | | male Dane should be 32 inches at the shoulder and a |
| while at the same time being a gentle family pet, | | | | female 30 inches. Less than 28 inches is a |
| allowing children to climb on them and tug on them | | | | disqualification in the A.K.C. show ring.Probably the |
| without a hint of aggression. For the most part, the | | | | most important aspect of the Great Dane should be |
| Great Dane is quite happy to just lie around the | | | | the temperament, which must be one of |
| household and sleep. Owners need to be aware that | | | | dependability and never aggressive. Aggression in |
| to keep this giant dog in good health, they should | | | | such a large breed could have disastrous |
| give it plenty of exercise, it will not choose to do so | | | | consequences and breeders of today should be |
| on its own!Great Danes, like most of the giant | | | | commended that they have made a great effort to |
| breeds, take a long time to mature, and the puppy | | | | maintain the gentle nature of this dog. |