Post by Lexie on May 30, 2008 12:25:45 GMT -5
CKC: Group 3 - Working Dog
Country of Origin: Germany
Purpose: Gaurdian, Hunting Large Game
Build: Large
Weight: Males: 120-200lbs. Female: 100-150lbs
Height: 30-40 Inches
Coat: Short, thick, soft.
Colors: Fawn, brindle, black, blue, mantle and harlequin (merle not recognized)
Head: Long and narrow, with an accentuated frontal stop and a rather large nasal canal, rectangular, distinguished, expressive, finely chiseled.
Teeth: Strong, well-developed, with scissors bite.
Eyes: Medium size, deep set, round and usually dark, with a lively intelligent expression.
Ears: Cropped rather long, pointed, and carried erect, or left natural.
Tail: Medium-length, reaching to the point of the hock.
Limbs: Front legs are perfectly straight.
Feet: Round and compact.
Life span: Median ~10 years
Temperment: Friendly, loving. Often refered to as a 'Gentle Giant'.
Health: Slow metabolism. Can be affected by bloat, hip dysplasia, and congenital heart disease.
History: Ancient Roman, Greek, and Egyptian drawning depict canines very similar to the Great Dane. However it is believed that the modern Great Dane was developed from the medieval boarhound, and of the Mastiff and Irish wolfhound lines. It is also suggested that the Great Dane was developed from mastiff-like dogs taken to Germany by the Alans, therefore the breed may be over 400 years old.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Dane
www.kennel.com/greatdane/index.html