History of the Great Dane
How long has the Great Dane been with us? The big fawn dog,
ancestor of the present Great Dane though heavier in build and
more like the Mastiff type, has been known to mankind throughout
the centuries in most parts of the world. It is probable that
the Mastiff and the Great Dane had common ancestors, and only
after decades of selective breeding has the "Apollo of Dogs"
evolved as we know it today. (Jean Lanning, The Great Dane)
A large dane like dog was used in the hunt by the ancient
Assyrians, and again shows up in Egyptian wall paintings. The
Romans used a dane like dog for their blood sports. These dogs
appeared more slimly built than the Assyrian dog. Excavations
have shown that the dane type dog existed in Russia, Poland, and
middle Gremany. During the middle ages the dog was found all
throughout Europe and Great Britian. These dogs were bred by the
Nobles to hunt wild boar. Because of the damage done to the ear
of these dogs during the hunt, cropping first appreared. The
crop evolved to the long artistic crop here and on the
continent. Ear cropping is banned in England. The breed as we
know it today was largely developed in Germany and many fine
specimens were exported.
Why a Great Dane?
The Great Dane has been characterized by many dog fanciers
as the best natured of all breeds. They possess a peaceful
disposition and a love for their family and home, which is
unequalled. Great Danes are dogs for children of all ages. They
are devoted and gentle, in spite of their enormous size and
strength, almost human in their ability to size up a situation
and more than human in sensing danger to the ones they love and
protect. This "KING" among dogs, through their size, power, and
beauty, shows a proud self-confident royal bearing.
Although the Dane is one of the Giant breeds, he does not eat
one out of house and home. The mature Dane eats no more than
any large dog. Another fallacy is that a Dane must have a very
large yard. Many Danes live in limited space and their owners
have benefited by the daily exercise they give their dogs.
Because of their size, Danes are ideal guard, escort and watchdogs.
A light burning downstairs and a small dog to bark is no longer
sufficient protection. The burglar is going to hesitate when he
knows there is a man-sized dog on the premises, therefore proving
that a GREAT DANE"S "bite" is as big as their bark!
Great Dane Club Of America:
Great Dane. Com
Go Back To Main Page