Enormous yet gentle, Great Danes are a truly great and noble dog breed that loves spending time with their families. They are tall and imposing-looking, but in reality, they’re very sweet and moderately affable dogs.
Also known as gentle giants or Apollo of dogs, this regal breed combines great size and power with elegance. Great Danes are calm and playful. They’re also a good breed of dog to have around children. They are lovable dogs, and the joy of owning one is imposing. If you’re planning on getting one of these dogs and want to know all about this breed, you’ve landed in the right place. Here are 10 fun Great Dane Facts and all that makes them a truly special dog breed.
1. Great Danes Were Used For Hunting And Guarding:
In the early days, owners weren’t seeking out a dog that would lie around and act milquetoast; instead, they needed a functional dog that helps put food on the table and protects their owners. So, Great Danes were originally bred to pursue large prey and to guard their owners which is why their size was significant for breeders. Although they are currently popular as friendly companion dogs now, their first duties were as working dogs.
Great Danes were especially used to hunt boars so they needed to be physically strong as well as brave. They are not as intense as they once were and are more tranquil which is demonstrable by their disposition. Today, they may bark and raise a fuss but are not very aggressive like their ancestors.
2. Great Danes Hold World Records:
Great Danes are tall dogs with colossal demeanors who reach some staggering heights. Whenever they stand up on all fours, these dogs can measure over seven-foot tall. It’s hard to imagine that there are actually taller dog breeds in the world. Yet there is a breed that grows taller than them. Great Danes come in second in height only to Irish Wolfhounds.
Nevertheless, the tallest dog ever was a Great Dane named Zeus. Zeus held the Guinness World Record for being the world’s tallest dog. This mammoth dog was described as a “gentle giant” and stood 44 inches tall.
3. Great Danes Make Great Cartoon Dogs:
You may have probably heard about the famous cartoon dog Scooby-Doo. Well, did you know Scooby-Doo was actually a Great Dane? There is a reason for Scooby-Doo being a Great Dane as well. Scooby-Doo was the perfect companion for those meddling kids because great Danes were thought to chase away ghosts and evil spirits. Although that may not be the intention of those cartoonists while they were developing characters, Scooby’s breed was hotly debated during the show’s inception.
Other famous cartoon dogs like Marmaduke, the Great Dane detective, and Jetson’s dog Astro were all Great Danes that won millions of hearts over the world.
4. Great Danes Have a Deceiving Appearance:
People who don’t know much about Great Danes may be scared of their size. People often believe that they are vicious, bestial dogs that are to be feared and avoided. While Great Danes are typically enormous, they are calm, and most of them are kind and gentle in spirit. They might appear to be brutal, but they aren’t in any way. It’s true that maybe once in a while, you’ll find one that’s mean or disagreeable, but in general, they’re not usually a bother and prefer to chill rather than create a fuss.
5. Great Danes Prefer to be Lap Dogs:
It may sound absurd judging by their size, but Great Danes are big fans of cuddling and they would love nothing more than being a lap dog. Despite their great stature even as puppies, they’re so cute and loveable that it’s easy to let them sit on your lap for some snuggle time. As they start to grow, it’s not long before the dog is bigger than you and doesn’t fit in your favorite chair. When this happens, it’s better to have a full-sized couch for cuddle time or to just give in and roll on the floor with your Great Dane.
Training your Great Dane from a young age is probably a good idea if you don’t want them to behave this way. It’s best to avoid indulging them in it while they’re still young rather than depriving them of pleasure later.
6. A Great Dane Dog Was Enlisted in the Navy of the U.S.A:
A Great Dane named Just Nuisance is the only dog enlisted in the Navy. The dog was born in the late 1930s and grew up in the United Services Institute. By befriending the Navy sailors that commanded the base, Just Nuisance liked taking the train with new friends, but the train conductors were less than pleased to have a dog on the train especially a Great Dane since it’s not easy to hide one.
The dog could have been put down by the railways if that continued but the Navy loved this traveling pooch so much, that they enlisted the pooch. As a US Navy man, The Just Nuisance was able to ride for free without fear. The dog never went to sea, but did hang out with sailors on their off-hours and attended promotional events.
7. Great Danes Have The Shortest Lifespans:
If you’re a fan of great Danes, you know the advantages of welcoming these affectionate pooches into your life. However, the worst thing about pet parents is they only live a short time. Their lifespan is typically about 7-10 years. This will give you enough time to fall in love with your pet, just to say goodbye too quickly.
This is only one of the most tragic aspects of owning larger dogs but most owners agree that in the long run, they are willing to sacrifice some sadness in order to have the experience of being loved unconditionally. If you think you wouldn’t be able to deal with something like that, then perhaps a Great Dane might not be the right choice for you.
8. Great Danes Are Iconic Dogs:
Great Danes have been showcased and loved by many important people throughout history. If you visit the Governor’s office in Pennsylvania, you’ll see a portrait of William Penn with his Great Dane. He was the founder of the territory of Pennsylvania. In 1967, Pennsylvania named the Great Dane as the official state dog. Penn was very enthusiastic about the attributes of this dog that made them so fond of the breed. He pointed out that all of these characteristics are admirable and good traits for any dog to have. It appeared as though he was fully convinced of Great Danes being the best dogs on the planet.
Not to forget, the Great Dane became the national dog of Germany in 1876. It’s quite obvious that Great Danes are seen as noble and worthy creatures all over the world.
9. Great Danes Don’t Come from Denmark:
Many people assume that Great Danes must have Danish origin but this is far from the truth. In fact, they actually come from Germany where the breed was developed. It’s a mystery how these non-Danish dogs come to be called one. However, one explanation is that it comes from the French name Grand Danois, which means “Big Danish.” This story is also believed by the American Kennel Club but for those of us incapable of comprehending the jumbling concept, one thing that is certain is that they are a great breed.
10. Great Danes Make Amazing Family Dogs:
Expected for their gentleness and serene demeanor, Great Danes are often cherished for being amazing family dogs. They can be playful too, with an even temperament. They have a solid track record for being dependable and loyal. They are easily trained and are usually great with children. However, it is strongly recommended that you monitor the children at all times, even when they are around them. They’re so big that they can easily knock kids down accidentally when they walk. They can even send a grown man running to the hospital.
This is one of the reasons why it’s important to begin training and socializing Great Danes while they are very young and smaller in size. These dogs are not purposefully hurting you, but they’re unaware that they are too big. However, if you can tackle this and train them from a very young age, they can be great house dogs and a lovely addition to your family.
Having a special pet like a Great Dane may sound great. However, owning a strong and powerful dog as this one is a commitment that should not be taken lightly. So, make sure to learn all about them and consider them wisely before getting one.
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Do you have a Great Dane? What is living with your Great Dane pup like? Share your experience with us in the comment section.