Greetings to all readers of the site "I and the World"! What epithets come to mind when you see an adult Great Dane in a photo or live? Strength, become, grace and other beautiful words. Today we will talk about the Marbled Dog - this is one of the colors of the German breed of dogs.
These German dogs are quite large, one might even say gigantic. Otherwise, dog breeders also call them Royal. They reach 90-100 cm in height at the withers. In 2013, the largest Great Dane in the world died. Its size was 110 cm, and on its hind legs - all 220.
Dogs have a variety of colors: white and black, fawn and brindle (fawn, but with black spots), blue (dark gray with a blue tint). Another name for the blue color is marble gray. Great Dane of marble color is very beautiful - it combines white color with black spots and is considered the largest of the whole breed of royal dogs. These are real aristocrats who prefer to relax in comfort, lounging on a sofa or armchair.
Describing the breed, we can say that real king dogs have a wide and rectangular muzzle, a large and black nose, triangular ears, and eyes are usually brown, but blue-eyed are also found. The whole body is quite strong and muscular.
How long do the "Germans" live? Usually 7-8 years old. But if you do not monitor their health, dogs will not be able to live even that much. It is imperative to pay attention to the gastrointestinal tract, it is these organs that are quite problematic. After eating for half an hour, do not let the dogs play actively, and you need to visit the veterinarian as often as possible.
Despite their frightening growth, these dogs are very good-natured and sweet. Their character can be defined as gentle and affectionate. Loyalty to the owner comes first. They try to always be in front of our eyes and, whenever possible, settle at the feet of a person.
And the rest of the family is always friendly. They get along well with children, but you need to follow their games: while running, they can bump into a child and knock him down with all his rather big weight. Then injuries cannot be avoided!
Yes, adult mastiffs also love to play, so when going for a walk with a dog the size of a calf, choose places where there are almost no people. In order not to frighten anyone and so that your dog does not attack anyone, protecting you. Dogs themselves are not the first to show aggression, but they can injure the offender quite easily.
When buying a small puppy, you should know that you need to start raising him as soon as he crosses the threshold of your house. Treat them like you would your little children, never hit or shout at them loudly. If you notice that the puppy has begun to gnaw on the legs of tables or chairs, immediately give a special hard toy. If you cannot cope on your own, contact a specialist trainer.
It will not be difficult to answer the question: how much does a marbled or marbled gray puppy cost. If you just want a family friend and companion, then the color and the number of spots will not matter to you. The price of such puppies is from $ 500 to $ 700. If in the future you want your "baby" to take prize-winning places at exhibitions, the choice must be approached carefully. Watch all the characteristics of the breed much more carefully. Then the puppy will cost you $ 1000-3000.
Great Danes are not only bred in Germany. There are breeds among the British, in Argentina, in Tibet, Canary, Bordeaux, Brazilian. The English ones are slightly less than the German ones, but in weight they are almost 2 times higher - from 90 to 110 kg. One of the living representatives of this breed weighs about 150 kg. Such a "dog" suddenly decides to play with you! Probably difficult to get out from under it later. By the way, Great Danes are also called Danish, although this is very little connected with Denmark. The breed began to be bred in this country, and then improved in Germany.
Handsome mastiffs of marbled color are wonderful representatives of the German breed. How noble they look in pictures and photographs. It is not difficult to acquire such a dog, if desired. But if you are not sure that you can cope with such a "dog", it is better to get another breed.
Great Danes are proud, stately handsome men who never go unnoticed by those around them. Appearing on the street, they attract admiring glances, but they do not cause fear. Indeed, dogs of impressive size, however, do not have an evil temperament, which makes them attractive to keep. What is known about these extraordinary animals?
The ancestors of Great Danes once lived not on the territory of European countries, but in the east - in Tibet and served the aboriginal peoples as shepherds. Many modern breeds originated from them, including the Asiatic Shepherd and the Great Dane, which were later used to breed Great Danes.
From Central Asia, Great Danes penetrated the territory of India, China and Mesopotamia. In the most ancient states, they were depicted on the walls of architectural buildings and houses. There is historical evidence that in those days these giants were used not only for hunting and grazing, but also as war dogs. And this indicates that then these dogs were distinguished by a rather vicious and ferocious disposition.
In the first century of our era, the Great Danes were real fighters who participated in the military campaigns of the Romans, Greeks, Scythians and Germanic tribes. It so happened that in Germany there were more of these dogs than in other countries. At that time, the Danish Great Danes were distinguished from various types of Great Danes, and they were subsequently taken as a basis for breeding German Great Danes. They had a more graceful constitution than the mastiffs, dry and graceful. Danish Great Danes were used as guard dogs and for baiting wild animals.
When they cooled off to this breed at home, the main gene pool of the Danish Great Dane ended up in Germany. German breeders appreciated the quality of the dogs and began work on improving the breed. Breeding work was carried out to cross the Danish Great Dane with Great Danes that live in the southern lands of Germany.
The result was "Ulm" dogs, named after the city of Ulm, whose breeders have made a huge contribution to the improvement of the breed. But in the northern part of the state, dogs of this breed were actively bred, so two varieties of mastiff-like dogs participated in the exhibition - the Ulm mastiff and the "improved" Danish mastiff.
Later, the breeders decided to join forces and create one of the two types of dogs - Great Dane. This was very symbolic, since at that time the German Empire was proclaimed, and specialists from the north and south began to work together to bring out a beautiful dog. In the 79th year of the 19th century, Great Danes received the status of a national Germanic breed.
However, the foundation of the Berlin breed club took place only in 1888, and the adoption of a single standard two years later. According to him, the dog must have become a beautiful horse, be strong, huge and elegant. It should be noted that a similar description applies to modern representatives of the breed.
Today Great Danes can be found on the territory of various countries, including Russia. Despite their gigantic size, they are excellent companions, as their intelligence, gentle disposition and devotion have no boundaries.
The dog of this breed is large, harmoniously built, proportional, has an expressive head and noble posture. Minimum height males should be 80 cm, bitches 72 cm.
Great Dane dog: photo
According to the standard, Great Dane have the following distinctive characteristics:
- Head the Great Dane is large, the shape is characterized by pronounced angles and parallel lines, with well-defined eyebrows. The forehead is high, flat, the transition from it to the muzzle is clearly marked. The nose is moderately wide, colored with black pigment. The muzzle is distinguished by its impressive volume and depth. The upper lip is pendulous, dark. The jaw apparatus is powerful, with large white teeth that form a scissor bite.
- Eyes medium in size, with a dark brown iris and tight-fitting eyelids. The look is expressive, intelligent. In dogs with blue coats and marbled, the standard allows for a slightly lighter eye color. In the latter, heterochromia is possible, although this is an undesirable phenomenon.
- Since 1993, amendments have been made to the standard and a previously mandatory procedure has been canceled. Modern Great Danes have medium-sized ears with a high set, drooping and slightly sloping forward. Creases are a disadvantage. In countries where ear cropping is not prohibited, this operation is performed based on the size and shape of the pet's head.
- Neck in dogs it is long, with developed dry muscles, the scruff and withers are well pronounced, especially in males. The back is widened, there is a smooth transition into a short convex lumbar region. In dogs, the croup, which has powerful muscles, is slightly sloping.
- Tail Set on high, plump at the base and tapering gradually towards the tip. In length, it reaches the tarsus (also called the hock) joint. When the dog is calm, the tail hangs down, during movement or when the pet is excited, the tail is kept at the level of the back.
- Rib cage oval, has a decent width and depth, the ribs are voluminous. The abdomen and groin area create a smooth line with a beautiful gentle curve.
- Limbs(both back and front) are parallel to each other. Have muscular shoulders. They end in short, arched, rounded paws, and the toes form a tight lump. The Great Dane moves easily, freely, springy, while its limbs move in a straight line, without wobbling.
The skin is distinguished by elasticity and tight fit to the body, does not form folds and does not sag. Due to the fact that Great Danes do not have sweat glands, the dog smell characteristic of other breeds is absent. The coat is very short, glossy, and has no undercoat.
Great dane colors
Several types of colors are recognized by the standard:
Great Danes training
It will seem strange to many that it is extremely rare to meet the owner of the Great Dane with a pet on the training grounds. Yes, these dogs have natural intelligence, but this does not exempt them from training and socialization. The owner of a puppy of this breed should take into account that an uncontrollable giant strong dog will create more significant problems than a poorly bred Yorkshire terrier.
If the puppy ends up with an inexperienced dog breeder, then it is worth attending the lessons of a professional one, and the presence of the owner himself is mandatory. This will allow you to find the right approach to your pet, and the dog will learn to listen to the owner. Learning will take a lot of patience, and any manifestations of cruelty are prohibited. Physical methods can cause the dog to be overly fearful or aggressive.
The Great Dane can be influenced with a voice, since pedigree representatives are very sensitive to intonational changes. A Great Dane puppy can be trained from 2 months. First of all, the kid must learn a set of obligatory commands, and this happens quite quickly. A few days are enough for a pet to understand what is required of him, and he will diligently do everything, trying to please the owner. After that, you can proceed with more complex commands. It is important to use a variety of rewards - treats, praise, and approving glances can stimulate your pet to learn.
The nature and characteristics of Great Danes
Dogs of this breed are very large, gentle and loyal. Their patience can only be envied. Thanks to their good nature, they are recommended as family pets. They are very loyal to their owners and the best leisure for them is being with family members. Dogs do not like loneliness, they need someone from the household to be at home.
Dog breed dog photo
But experts warn that Great Dane are able to show stubbornness and willfulness, therefore they need a master with leadership qualities. In order for the dog to be balanced and self-confident, it must be socialized as early as possible. Great Danes must be dealt with, given them a sufficient amount of time. And this should be taken into account when purchasing a puppy. In addition, Great Danes salivate and shed profusely.
Young dogs of this breed are noisy and can be dirty, so they should be constantly watched. Dogs need regular exercise. It is necessary to let your pet run without a leash, and this will require a safe area. The Great Dane will get along well with younger family members, but if there are very young children in the house, problems can arise due to the large size.
As for other pets, you cannot predict the attitude of the Great Dane to them in advance. They can coexist well with other pets, but sometimes dogs take a dominant position. In this case, timely socialization of the dog is required. Dogs can treat strangers with indifference, or they can show a certain kind of feelings.
Great Danes can make excellent watchmen, although they do not bark very often. The main weapons against intruders are large size and power, even the sight of a giant can cause fear. Generally speaking, Great Danes are devoid of aggression and do not seek to dominate, but need training. In addition, it is important that the pet learns who is in charge of the house.
Great Dane Care
On average, Great Danes live for 8 years, but can increase this period by 4-5 years. Since dogs do not have an undercoat, they are kept in a private house or apartment, given their need for a spacious room. The coat is short and requires little maintenance. You can wipe it 3-4 times a month with a damp cloth, removing dirt, dust, and this will be enough. It is recommended to wash your pet or apply dry shampoos only if it is heavily soiled.
Great Dane puppies: photos
Dogam is quite rare, as in most cases they are grinded naturally. The eyes should be examined regularly, and the existing discharge should be removed with a cotton swab, which should be pre-moistened with chamomile broth, furacilin solution.
If the pet has uncropped ears, then it is necessary to examine and clean them with special means. under the age of 7 months. Great Danes do not like fast running, but long walks will benefit the pet.
How and what to feed the Great Dane
There are two options for feeding Great Danes - natural food or prepared food rations. Choosing ready-made feed, it is worth purchasing premium and professional products. These dogs require food for large and giant breeds. With natural feeding, the basis of the diet is lean meat (it is pre-scalded with boiling water) and boiled offal.
You can give sea fish, boiled and boneless, poultry meat 2-3 times a week. Also, the pet's menu includes fermented milk products, vegetables (except for potatoes and legumes), cereals (except for corn, pearl barley and millet groats).
Great Dane video
Great Dane puppy cost
You can buy a puppy of this breed without documents from random breeders for an average of 12,000-16,000 rubles. But in this case, there are no guarantees about the purebredness and mental stability of the pet. All the necessary qualities are possessed by puppies that are sold by professional breeders, but, of course, their cost is much higher and varies from 40,000 to 60,000 rubles.
Great Dane is not only attractive, beautiful and stately dogs, but also a great responsibility. This must be remembered when choosing such a giant as a pet.
Great Dane is rightfully considered the Apollo of the canine world. A powerful giant with a wonderful character simply cannot but arouse admiration. Unlike other breeds, Great Danes do not depend on fashion trends. They are always popular. Great Danes not only combine all the best qualities of other breeds, but also often surpass them. Despite its frightening size, the Great Dane will become a great friend even for a very young owner.
To date, scientists have not been able to agree on this issue. The only thing that does not cause controversy is that the ancestors of modern Great Danes are the ancient Molossians. The origin of molossians still causes a lot of controversy.
German scientists claim that dogs of this breed are the descendants of dogs in the ancient Germanic tribes. In support of this, cave paintings of some tribes depicting giant dogs resembling the modern Great Dane are cited.
According to another version, accepted by most of the world's scientists, molossians came from ancient Tibet. This version is also supported by the fact that during excavations in the territory of the Middle East, evidence of this was found everywhere.
Mention of doglike dogs dates back to the 7th century BC. From the territory of ancient Tibet, the breed quickly spread throughout the world. Giant dogs were used to protect territories, as well as excellent hunters. It was not difficult for a huge animal to knock down a wild donkey or even a boar.
The ancestors of Great Danes participated in battles, thanks to their size and aggressiveness, they easily won the victory. Later, due to their inherent aggressiveness, molossians began to be used in battles. By its very appearance, the huge dog was already instilling fear. Armored giants swept across the battlefield, ripping open the horses' belly, easily knocking them off their feet, and slaying the rider. In the first century AD, Molossians were the most popular "fighters". They participated in battles with the Scythians, Greeks and Germanic tribes.
Over time, most of all dog-like dogs became in the territory of modern Germany. It was there that they were most actively engaged in the classification of Great Danes and the development of new breeds.
Reference. Historians claim that the modern Great Dane is a descendant of the Tibetan Great Dane, crossed with the English greyhound.
The Germans were very active in breeding and improving the Great Dane. Special kennels were created for breeding dogs. The Great Dane was very popular. During the Second World War, the popularity of these dogs began to decline, the kennels were mostly closed. Later, work with the breed was resumed.
During the Second World War, the number of dogs declined sharply, but then breeders began to actively work with the breed. The famous German Chancellor Otto Bismarck adored Great Danes. This breed is still considered the pride of Germany.
Great Dane appearance, standard and photos
At first glance, it is striking that this breed combines elegance, grace, strength and power. An adult dog at the withers reaches 80-90 cm (male) and 70-80 cm (female). The weight of an adult mastiff is about 70-85 kg. Despite their more than impressive size, these dogs are incredibly graceful and agile.
Photo. German dog
Great Dane in the photo
The muzzle is elongated, thinner and more graceful than that of a mastiff. Wide, well-developed jaws, long movable neck. The ears are small, drooping (if not cropped), and a long, thin tail. Skin pigmentation depends on the color.
Great dane colors
The breed standard allows the following color options:
- Pale yellow. The range of shades from golden yellow to deep brown. The muzzle can be painted in one dark color.
- Tiger. Black stripes stand out on the fawn color.
- Marble. The Harlequin is also called. The color is white with small black spots.
- Black. Allows one or more white patches on the chest or feet.
- Blue. Light gray color, few white spots are possible.
According to international standards, no deviation from color is allowed.
Even if you have absolutely no experience with dogs, it will not be difficult for you to make friends with a Great Dane. This breed is distinguished by its friendliness and highly developed intellect, it is perfectly trainable.
Despite their impressive size, Great Dane dogs are very friendly and sociable dogs. Thanks to these qualities, the Great Dane will easily get along with all household members. The dog is not vindictive at all and is a little phlegmatic. She will gladly lie on the sofa or accompany you on a bike ride. The main thing for him is to spend time with the owner. Thanks to its calm and kind nature, the Great Dane can be an ideal nanny.
Despite his easygoing and calm nature, he is an excellent guard. In case of danger, historically inherent aggression is manifested, and the Great Dane uses all its power to protect the owner. It is interesting that the command "let the stranger in, but not let out without the owner" is manifested even if he was not trained to do so.
The Great Dane is too noble to get involved in petty squabbles with other dogs. Probably the main character trait of the Great Dane is self-esteem. He will not fuss stupidly under his feet.
Great Danes rarely come into conflict with other dogs, but they prefer to stay away from their offenders. Despite his peaceful nature, he perfectly remembers everyone who offended him. He does not try to take revenge, tries to stay away from the offender.
A Great Dane puppy must be taught to wear ammunition. Despite their peaceful nature, due to their size, Great Danes are no less in need of training than others. Training can begin as early as three months. At this age, it is not yet a question of full-fledged training in commands, but it is simply necessary to teach the rules of behavior to a puppy.
The puppy must understand its place, be able to, know not to bite (even in the game). It is necessary to immediately wean the puppy from jumping on people. An adult dog can playfully knock down a strong man.
Great Danes love to sleep on the couch or on the bed with the owner, so if you don't want to share the bed with him for the next few years, you need to stop such inclinations as a puppy.
At the age of six months, you can already teach the dog commands. The Great Dane is easy to learn, but the team is not an indisputable dogma for him. That is, if he considers the execution of the command harmful or unreasonable, he simply will not react to it.
Great Dane cannot be forced to execute a command against his will; if he gets tired of communicating, he will turn around and leave. Great Danes are quite characteristic dogs. If you force him to execute the same command for a long time, he will just get bored and he will leave. Whatever you do later, you will not be able to attract his attention.
It is best to start training after an active walk. The dog will waste a little energy and will be focused on the activity.
Care and maintenance rules
For a mastiff, first of all, a lot of space is required. If you have a dog in an apartment, you need to take time out for regular walks.
Hair care
The dog is bathed no more than once a month. Human shampoos are not suitable for this, as they will cause dryness and flaking of the skin, which will lead to. It is better to use products for dogs, they are sold in any veterinary pharmacy.
For bathing the mastiff, you can only use shampoos intended for dogs. After bathing, you can grease the wool with mink oil. The Great Dane is not very fond of water, so if possible, it is better to use dry shampoos. Brush out the coat once a week. The dog's coat is short and the brush should be used carefully so as not to scratch the dog's skin.
Cleaning the ears and eyes
It is carried out approximately once every 2 weeks. Using a cotton pad moistened with oil, carefully remove accumulated dirt from the auricle. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or other aggressive agents for these purposes without the appointment of a veterinarian. Discharge in the corner of the eye is removed daily with a cotton pad soaked in purified water.
Paws and claws
Dogs' nails wear off naturally during walks. If this is not enough, and the claws grow back and interfere with the pet, you need to periodically trim them with wire cutters. After each walk, the paws are washed with warm water and wiped with a soft, clean cloth.
The Great Dane's claws are trimmed as they grow, but they usually wear off on their own during walks. Oral cavity care
Teeth can be cleaned with a child's toothbrush by shortening the bristles on it. Pieces of bone stuck between the teeth are removed with tweezers.
It is better to feed the Great Dane with natural food; there should be a lot of meat in the diet. A puppy under 4 months old needs to be fed 6 times a day. Then gradually reduce the number of feedings. An adult dog is fed 2 times a day.
It is best to use organic food whenever possible, avoiding dry food.
For the full development of the Great Dane, its diet must contain:
- raw or scalded meat;
- porridge (buckwheat, rice, wheat);
- cottage cheese (especially important for puppies);
- eggs;
- vegetables.
Life expectancy and health
Dogs of this breed, unfortunately, live an average of 7-9 years. This is the shortest life span among dogs. Under good living conditions, some live up to 12 years, but these are isolated cases.
The average life expectancy of the Great Dane is 7-9 years. Here are the diseases inherent in the Great Dane breed:
Photo. Great Dane puppy
Great Dane puppies in the photo
There are several areas worth paying attention to:
- Health. The puppy should not have mucous discharge from the eyes and ears. The puppy must be vigorous and active.
- The weight. The puppy should not be thin, rather the opposite. The weight of a month-old puppy is 3.5-4.5 kg.
- Tail. The longer the tail, the taller the adult dog will grow.
- Paws. Must be large. The longer and thicker the puppy's paws, the more powerful it will grow.
Cost of puppies and famous kennels
You should buy a Great Dane puppy only in a professional kennel. The average price for Great Dane puppies is $ 1,000. You can buy a puppy with a marriage, such a dog will cost about $ 300.
You can buy a puppy in kennels.
in Kiev:
- "Inner Light" http://www.kennel-dog.com/
- "INDIGOua" http://volson.kiev.ua/rus/main/
In Moscow:
- "Immorteli" http://www.immorteli.ru/cms/cms.php?/pages/kennel_info/rus
- Dalila's Brand http://dalilas.ru/yrellag/seippup/
How to choose a nickname for a pet
The nickname for the Great Dane should be sonorous, correspond to the proud disposition of the dog and be combined with the tribal prefix. For Great Danes, names of precious stones, titles, or ancient gods are suitable.
For boys:
The Great Dane's nickname should be sonorous: a dog can be called Hercules or Pluto, a girl - Athena or Selena. - Agate;
- Hephaestus;
- Hercules;
- Onyx;
- Lord;
- Graph;
- Pluto;
- Duke.
For girls:
- Athena;
- Hera;
- Selena;
- Alexis;
- La Gioconda.
Apollo of the canine world. It is difficult to imagine a more regal breed than the Great Dane. It looks like an antique statue, its appearance is mesmerizing and does not leave anyone indifferent.
The Great Dane breed is not purely European, as the name suggests. Their ancestors lived in Tibet for several centuries BC. NS. Local tribes kept huge dogs to guard livestock, and it was from them that the Tibetan Mastiff-like dog came from - a blood relative of the Great Dane.
From the Tibetan kingdom, along with the goods that were in demand, the dogs were brought to the territory of South Asia and the interfluve of the Tigris and Euphrates. The giant dog was especially fond of the inhabitants of Babylon. They decorated the walls of houses with images of dogs and paid great attention to them in manuscripts. In the ruins of the royal chambers of ancient Nineveh, where Ashurbanipal ruled, drawings were found depicting Great Danes on a hunt. The dogs knocked wild deer and horses off their feet. Later, animals began to be used as war dogs, very strong and relatively aggressive.
In the first years of our era, the giants became famous warriors, they were used in battles by the Germondors, legionaries and Scythians. In the famous ancient encyclopedia "Geoponics", published in the 10th century, 7 varieties of mastiff-like dogs are described. They were called the Old German Mastiff, Danish Great Dane and Bullenbeiser.
Scientists suggest that these representatives of the breed originated as a result of crossing and hunting dogs in England. Actually the Danish mastiffs served as the founders of breeding work. They were bred for a long time in Denmark and had a number of advantages over the mastiff (no sagging lips, grace and mobility).
German breeders began to improve the existing breed, bringing them together with aboriginal dogs of the same type. Breeding of Mastiffs was carried out both in the north of the country and in the south, therefore, at the exhibition in 1863, which took place in Hamburg, 2 types of improved representatives of the breed were shown. Ulmsky - from the south of the country, where breeding work was carried out, and "improved" (from the northern part). Later, the varieties were combined and given the common name Great Dane.
In 1880, a single breed standard was approved, and the Great Danes Club was founded two years earlier.
Appearance
The Great Dane dog breed has impressive size and harmonious structure. This is how the very first standard describes him: “He is stately like a thoroughbred horse, everything in him is proportional and consonant. In his appearance, he combines enormous growth, colossal power, grace. The sluggishness of the mastiff is not observed in him, but there is also no subtlety of the greyhound. The golden mean is peculiar to the Great Dane. "
The height of a dog must be at least 80 cm, a bitch - 74 cm. The weight of an adult dog can reach 90 kg.
- The shape of the body is as close as possible to the square. The back is muscular, straight has a smooth transition to a slightly arched lower back.
- The head is large, but does not seem bulky or heavy. The brow ridges are clearly defined. The length of the rectangular muzzle should be equal to half the length of the skull. The upper lip overlaps the lower one. The jaws are strong with two rows of large teeth. Scissor bite.
- The nose is moderately broad, with black pigmentation.
- The eyes are brown with close fitting eyelids.
- The ears are of medium size, hanging on cartilage. Since January 1, 1993, dogs with cropped ears are not allowed to participate in exhibitions.
- The neck is graceful, strong and well-defined with clearly visible withers.
- The limbs are straight, high should not be too thick or graceful. The hind legs are strong and muscular with a well-defined hock, parallel to each other.
- The coat is short and shiny.
- There are 5 types of Great Dane colors: brindle, blue, red (fawn), marble and black. Slight white markings are possible but not desirable.
When running, the dog moves easily and freely, with a springy, wide step.
Interesting! The largest dog of this breed was entered in the Guinness Book of Records. Zeus at the age of 3 had a height at the withers of 111.8 cm. If he stood on his hind legs, his height reached 2.24 meters.
The largest dog in the world
Character
The Great Dane dog is an intelligent pet. Cold-blooded, self-confident will never bark in vain. In communication with the owner, he is playful and sociable. Sometimes, it seems that he can read minds, his intuition is so well developed. A devoted comrade is in a hurry to predict the desire of the owner, but will not insist on communication if the person is busy.
Thanks to his calmness and friendliness, he gets along well with his fellow tribesmen and other animals. She will not pay attention to the attacks of street dogs, but if necessary, she will be able to stand up for herself.
He treats children with tenderness and patience, sometimes the pet needs to be saved from the baby. In the worst case, the dog will just walk away, but never snap back. When a child communicates with a giant pet, it is advisable not to leave them alone, the dog can inadvertently touch the crumb and knock it down.
The purpose of the dog is protection and he copes with his duties excellently. But, even having overtaken the ill-wisher on his territory, he will not tear him apart. Having knocked him down, the dog will simply hold him with his paw until the owner arrives.
Despite their size, Great Danes are very sensitive. They need full-fledged communication with a person. In the case of a long absence of the owner, they yearn and become withdrawn. This is a faithful companion, for whom happiness is simply to be with the family.
Training
The Great Dane dog breed is smart and intelligent. It is easy to train, but the owner still needs maximum patience and endurance. You will have to spend a lot of time for the pet to obey unquestioningly. But it's worth it.
Any dog training starts with rapport. Very often, newly-made owners go to extremes: either they humanize the pet, or they do not notice its needs and only force it to obey commands by tough measures. In the process of training, the owner first of all learns to understand the animal.
The rules of behavior should be instilled after the baby has adapted a little to a new place. Affectionately, but firmly, like a child, to outline the boundaries of what is permitted.
The socialization of dogs is perhaps the most important aspect of parenting. Walking along crowded streets, communicating with relatives, strangers will make the pet more sociable and self-confident.
The Great Dane is responsive to a loving owner, he is the greatest authority for him. If the dog does not see a leader in a person, then he tries on this role for himself. You always need to ensure that this command is fulfilled, otherwise the pet will think that it is not necessary to obey. And coping with such a giant is not easy.
The teaching method is not based on physical abuse, but on love and trust. After elementary education, you can proceed directly to training. The Great Dane is a good-natured dog, is an excellent companion and bodyguard, it is almost impossible to develop anger in them, and it is not necessary. It is enough to go through the OKD, which includes all the main commands.
Great Dane protection
Important! The reward for completing an order should be quick. And the punishment for unacceptable behavior is lightning fast.
How to choose a puppy
Before purchasing a puppy, you need to find a responsible breeder. There is enough information on kennels and litters on the Internet.
The choice according to the criteria: "he came up himself", "the first was born", disappear immediately. The kid must first of all be healthy, physically and mentally.
Physical health is indicated by the puppy's fatness, activity and good appetite. And:
- Clean eyes without purulent discharge.
- Wet nose without dried crusts.
- Smooth and shiny coat.
- No unpleasant odor from the mouth.
You can assess the mental state by talking to the baby's mom and dad. Temperament is inherited from parents, and it is quite difficult to spoil it at such an early age. Adult kennel dwellers should be socialized, calm and wary and friendly towards strangers.
Great Dane puppies are ready to leave parental home at the age of 45-50 days. By this time, he should gain weight up to 4-5 kg (depending on the number of babies in the litter).
After seeing the entire litter in its entirety, it is difficult to determine the best. Therefore, you need to know some "tricks":
- The marbled color will not get better over time. Small specks will not grow, and light specks will not acquire a rich shade.
- Thick paws are not an indicator of future growth, perhaps the baby just eats well. The hind and forelimbs should be approximately the same height.
- Blue eyes will not turn brown, yellow at best.
Choosing a puppy is not easy, but exciting. A professional breeder will always be able to help, advise a baby that meets the needs.
Great Dane puppies can have a price range of 30,000 to 70,000 rubles. It all depends on the name of the cattery and the merits of the parents.
If the decision to buy a puppy is made, it is worth talking to the owners of the Great Dane breed on the forums, the photos can also tell a lot about the noble animal.
The Great Dane breed is easy to care for, it is enough to wipe the pet's fur with a rubberized mitten to remove dead hairs. The procedure is performed 1-2 times a week. Trim or file your nails every month and clean your ears and eyes.
Dogs of this breed are quite energetic, but physical activity should be limited until 11 months. Intense jogging, pulling weights can lead to improper skeletal formation and even serious injury.
The main difficulty in keeping a giant is feeding. An adult dog eats 30 kg of dry food per month.
Your pet's natural diet should be nutritious and healthy. To consist of
- 60% meat (beef, poultry);
- 15% cereals (buckwheat, rice);
- 15% vegetables.
Important! For full growth, the baby needs mineral supplements and vitamins. Excess or lack of nutrients and trace elements can adversely affect the development of the puppy, spoil its anatomy.
Health and disease
Unfortunately, even with the right maintenance, the Great Dane breed of dogs has a short lifespan. Average 6-9 years.
- The most common disease of the giant is gastric volvulus. To avoid this trouble, you should not allow physical activity after eating.
- Cancer diseases. Oncology can begin at any age, but dogs who have crossed the 5-year mark are more likely to suffer. Regular examinations will help identify the disease at an early stage and begin productive treatment.
- Heart failure. The problem can arise due to the overweight of the animal. Diet and regular ultrasound scans will reduce the risk of death.
- Dysplasia. May be genetic or due to improper feeding.
In addition, Great Danes are often prone to allergies and acne. Eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts) are inherited. Marbled mastiffs with a large volume of white in color are sometimes born deaf.
Photo
A unique Great Dane, whose photos cause only positive emotions, and the representative look - respect.
For loyalty, beauty and intelligence, the Great Dane has become a favorite of the whole planet, Russia is no exception.
The content of the article:
A more majestic dog, perhaps, is difficult to imagine. She is one of the strongest and largest in the world. The distant ancestors of these dogs went to Egypt in armor alongside the infantry of Persia and had great success with Alexander the Great. Today he is the only one who, in grace, has gone farther than all his ancestors and in appearance differs from a mastiff. These canine Apollo, the most beautiful of their kind. They always accompanied noble monarchs, glorious warriors. If you have a desire, a house and a fireplace, then you will not find a better living decoration.
Historical data on the origin of the Great Dane breed
The Great Dane owes its present win-win combination of beauty, poise and nobility to the fanatics of the variety. For several years, experts have been working on perfecting the perfection of the species with the help of meticulous selection work. The pedigree of these Great Danes originates from huge dogs, the roots of which are associated with the oldest progenitors - Tibetan guard dogs.
Versions regarding their breeding and popularization can be found in the works of many famous dog handlers. The guiding principles were taken from the testimonies of ancient and modern authors. Archaeological excavations have played an important role in this matter. Many breeders agree that this species of canines appeared in European countries thanks to the nomadic tribes of Asia, during their conquest operations, constant movements and trading activities with European peoples.
Subsequently, these dogs, uniting with the native dogs, gave a name to the species, which in Latin sounds like "cannies familaris dekumanus". From him the German hunting dog species - "soupaker", comes from. It is them that we can see on many paintings and graphic canvases of the era of that time. It can be seen that their ears are cropped and they are folded tightly. But with such data, they are flexible, graceful and at the same time with dry muscles. Based on this, most researchers consider Great Danes to be a consequence of the combination of greyhounds and guard dogs in the XII and XIII centuries. Of course, not all experts are inclined to consider this version to be correct. Many other dog handlers argue that the ancestors of the Great Dane are sheepdogs, which were used to hunt wild boars.
In various European countries, such dogs were called differently, and only at the end of the 18th century were they separated into an independent breed of Germany. Since then, in most cases, there have been images and descriptions of large guard dogs, which can be considered great dogs. From 1891 and almost to the present time, the variety has experienced a series of stepped external transformations, which marked its leisurely but constant formation.
The golden age for this breed came in the twenties of the XX century. Count Karl Brazovall, one of the first ardent admirers and lovers of the species, popularized and developed Great Danes. His work was invaluable in the formation of "giants". Individuals, which he bred under his brand "Alania", had excellent physical and behavioral data. In 1923, he also created a club of Great Danes admirers. His main task was to preserve this breed. Further time was not so serene for these dogs. The Second World War did a disservice not only to Great Danes, but to all dog breeding in general. After such a difficult period, there were people who stubbornly restored the almost lost heritage. Only by the end of the sixties did the Great Danes deserve to be considered such.
Without the hard work of such worthy people as Count Wiederd de Sankler of Lates am Garda, Great Dane would have disappeared. These amateur breeders have been breeding Great Danes since 1958. They put all their time and energy into their favorite pastime, as well as the desire to give the breed an extraordinary consistency of outlines, at the same time fixing in it such features of behavior that have always distinguished serene and balanced Great Danes. Such dogs are difficult to raise and maintain. But in spite of everything, people continue to love and breed them. Today there are many pets that are as close to the standard as possible and brilliantly demonstrate themselves at national and international competitions.
Characteristics of the appearance of the Great Dane
The dog is physically and harmoniously built. The muscles are dry, the coat is shiny. Can be companions or guards. They are calm and balanced in behavior. According to the criteria, the minimum height at the withers is 80 cm for males and 72 cm for bitches. It is desirable that these values are slightly higher. Weight ranges from 75 kg to 92 kg. The gait is broad and springy.
- Head oblong, narrow, expressive, well-defined, in proportion to the parameters of the body. The cheekbones are well defined. A shallow furrow is visible on the forehead. The occipital protuberance is not very prominent. The brow ridges are distinct but not protruding.
- Muzzle full, rectangular, in parallel with the top line of the skull. The transition from the forehead to the nose (feet) is well defined. The upper lip should be large. Strong, even white teeth form a scissor bite.
- Nose thick, well filled. The pigmentation of the nose is black.
- Eyes Great Dane are small, medium-sized. Mostly dark pigmentation. They have a lively expressive look.
- Ears they are located high enough, have a natural, triangular shape, medium, hanging on cartilage. Their leading edge is adjacent to the cheekbones. In the event that they are docked, they are raised straight up.
- Neck long, dry, with a beautiful smooth curve. Muscular and strong, slightly inclined forward.
- Frame in shape it is close to square. The back line is firm and straight. The rib cage is well developed in width and length. The croup is slightly sloping. The ribs are laid back. The belly is gracefully tucked up.
- Tail is of medium length, slightly raised above the level of the withers. In the resting position, the tail should hang down, when the Great Dane is in motion, it should be slightly raised, but not above the back line.
- Front limbs- strong and muscular. They are ideally vertical. The hind ones are powerful. The thighs are broad, well-muscled, rounded.
- Paws rounded, compact. The toes are short and close to each other. Strong nails, springy pads.
- Coat very short, dense, close to the body, shiny.
- Skin fits the whole dog well.
- Color The Great Dane is divided into five varieties: red, brindle, blue, black and marble. Red-haired individuals should be yellow-golden in color. There should be no white spots on the chest. The presence of a black mask on the face is mandatory, and it goes beyond the line of the eyes. The tiger color consists of bright black stripes, located at a moderate frequency against a red-gold background. The Great Dane is bluish-steel in color, with no yellow or black highlights. Black dogs have a black, shiny, varnished coat. In blues and blacks, white patches on the chest and tips of the paws are allowed.
Great Dane behavior
Despite such a gigantic appearance, the Great Dane, with proper education, is a peace-loving dog. He is immensely devoted to his master, loves communication very much. Possesses inherent pride and will never condescend to baseness. You can entrust a dog with the most precious thing - your child. They are very loving towards children. You can safely leave the baby in a stroller with a good trained Great Dane, he will be under reliable protection. But dogs not only guard, but also know how to play. As giants, dogs are very calm about food. Pets will never wander through the trash heaps in search of food and are unlikely to follow a command just for the sake of a treat.
Great Dane health
Great Danes are a giant breed of dog, so the main health problems affect their nutrition at a young age. Great Danes grow up to eighteen months of age. Therefore, intense loads can cause great harm to them. In their diet, first of all, attention is paid to complete protein and calcium content. The remaining components of the diet are selected evenly and carefully. This approach will help avoid the problem of rickets.
If a large load is given when training young animals until they reach eighteen months of age, then they have problems with joints and bones. The dog may have hip dysplasia. This disease is characterized by malformation of the joint and causes severe suffering to the animal. Therefore, observation of puppies begins at three or four months of age. The growth and development of the pet is under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Of course, like other dogs, they have a predisposition to certain diseases. They require constant monitoring of their eyes and the condition of the oral cavity. If stones are present, they must be removed by a veterinarian. Also, Great Danes are prone to hypothermia and are prone to colds. It is not difficult to monitor the health of the Great Dane if you start with “young teeth”. Subject to all the rules, it will be possible to watch with pleasure how the dog is gaining strength and beauty.
Great Dane Care
The question that interests many keepers of cleanliness and order is the hair of dogs. With the right attention, even if your dog is a huge Great Dane, your home will be clean.
- Wool such pets shed moderately, so it is not difficult to monitor the external condition. To do this, you need a rubber or natural bristle massage brush. Regular use of cleansing powder, express shampoo, or grooming spray without the use of water is more beneficial for dogs with this hairline and size. Dogs are very large and it costs something to wash such a colossus, and frequent bathing degrades the quality of the coat.
- Ears better not to be ignored. Check and clean them regularly. Special sprays and lotions will help you with the manipulation. When cleaning your ear, do not stick the ear stick far into the ear canal so as not to damage it.
- Eyes inspect. As soon as you notice a slight redness, you need to dampen a cotton swab with a soothing agent and wipe it towards the inner corner. If the procedure does not help, then in order to avoid complications, immediately contact your veterinarian. He will examine the pet, determine the diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.
- Teeth require increased attention. They must be cleaned twice a week. Buy a special brush and edible toothpaste for your pet at the pet store. Give bones from veins and rubber toys for prevention.
- Claws at home, you need to trim regularly. Even frequent walking on the street does not provide the Great Dane with grinding its claws. For such manipulation, special claws are used.
- Feeding large dogs should be special. If you are overweight, you may experience joint diseases. Great Danes often have food allergies. With bulk feeding, there may be a volvulus characteristic of this breed. Therefore, they cannot be fed with food from the human table and anything. It is necessary to clearly balance the diet. With a low-volume portion, it should be high-calorie. If you are not ready to balance your dog's diet and health on a daily basis, it is better to use super premium ready-made foods. To prevent food allergies, choose grain-free or minimal-grain foods. If you strictly follow the recommendations of the manufacturers and give your pet limited portions, then you will avoid problems with his overeating, respectively, with gaining excess weight and joint diseases. Puppies must be given vitamins, chondroprotectors for the prevention of diseases with bone apparatus. Also, do not forget about the intake of calcium into the body. Great Danes should receive twenty percent more nutrients and calories than other large dog breeds.
- Walking must be long lasting. The large size and athletic appearance of this dog requires maintaining good physical shape. Dogs need to run out well, and not just walk imposingly through the park on a leash. Every day, in the mornings and evenings, you need to walk at least two and a half kilometers. Small puppies under five months old are not particularly stressed so that there is no unnecessary stress on their developing ligaments, legs and spine.
Great Dane training
To educate the Great Dane is a responsible task, if only because otherwise the non-hearing will turn out to be very big and strong. However, special difficulties are not required to train such pets. In working with him, it is imperative to apply such principles as love and severity. Indeed, from a small puppy of twelve kilograms, a hundred kilogram dog grows. If you do not set a certain framework, what is possible or not, then you will bring up a real monster and believe me you will not be able to cope with it either by force or by word.
The Great Dane, like any other dog, must be trained consistently and patiently. A person should be aware that the little puppy we love should not be put on his neck. A large large dog will dominate, demand more attention to it and put itself above the owner, especially a male. All family members in working with a pet should behave equally consistently. The education of his habits includes feeding. The fact is that table handouts can seriously harm the dog.
The largest Great Dane was one hundred and eighteen centimeters tall at the withers. When he got up on his hind legs, he reached a height of two meters twenty-four centimeters.
Buying a Great Dane puppy
If you are wondering whether to get such a dog or not, then you must remember that the size of the dog is far from average. Think to what extent you can adjust your lifestyle to suit the little "giant". A growing puppy is not false to be brought up and is alone. For example, if the owner left at eight in the morning for work and came by seven. He needs care. So a physically and mentally healthy dog will not grow up. The cost of a dog can range from $ 600 to $ 1000.
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