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People always ask if my mutt is part great dane. I was at a dog show in Fargo last weekend and saw black great danes that looked exactly like a large version of my mutt, and now I’m convinced he is part dane. It explains his smooth, shiny coat and long legs. If you haven’t been over to Chelsea Our Dane, check it out. Chelsea is a black great dane who looks almost identical to Ace.
Although klutz is probably a more accurate description, I always hear danes referred to as gentle giants. And these dogs really are sweethearts. They are big dogs with big hearts.
The AKC recognizes the great dane in the following colors: brindle, black-masked fawn, blue (solid gray), black, harlequin (white with random black patches) or mantle (black with white collar, muzzle, chest and tail tip), although there are other color combinations such as the blue merle like my friend’s dog, Piper. Great danes were used in the fourteenth century to hunt big game in Germany, according to the Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds by D. Caroline Coile. They are anywhere from 110-180 pounds.
Advantages to owning a great dane:
1. Great danes have a very mellow personality. They don’t need a ton of exercise.
2. They are generally gentle around kids and other animals.
3. No one is going to mess with you and your 150-pound, huge-ass dog.
4. Their short coats are very easy to maintain. They shed, but they don’t require much brushing.
5. Great danes are beautiful dogs, tall and sleek, and always causing heads to turn.
Disadvantages to owning a great dane:
1. Um, their size. You have to think twice about everything with a dane, from how you are going to fit it in your vehicle, your house, how much food it will eat, the big kennel you will need, etc. Many landlords will not allow a giant breed.
2. They draw unwanted attention. Everyone on the street has to comment on how big your dog is. Everyone wants to touch it. And then there are also kids and adults who are scared of such a big dog.
3. Although danes are not high-energy dogs, they require extra training just because of their power. In my opinion, they are not the smartest breed or the easiest to train.
4. Great danes rarely live past 8 years old.
5. Health issues common with the great dane include gastic torsion, heart failure and bone caner, according to Coile.
Through knowing Piper and reading about other danes like Chelsea and Winston, I am beginning to become more of a fan of this breed, especially if there’s a possibility my mutt has some dane in him. What do you think? Is Ace part dane or not?
If you would like to write a profile of your favorite breed, send me an email at Lindsay@thatmutt.com. I’d be happy to feature any breed! Click here to see all the breed profiles that have been done.
(Image from commons.wikimedia.org)
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June 2nd, 2008 at 11:11 pm
After seeing your last post (the picture) I was shocked.. I thought to myself I didnt know Ace was a dane. There absolutely is quite a lot of dane in that boy’s woodpile!
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June 3rd, 2008 at 9:41 am
We had a friend with a Dane and she was the best dog! I was only a kid and her sweet demeanor let me climb on her like she was a horse!
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June 3rd, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I am a huge fan of Danes, especially Harlequins! I haven’t been around them that much (only when I was working in a vet hospital), but the ones I have knows are quite sweet.
I’ve never had a big dog, but if I do, I’d consider a Dane. The short life span is a deterrant for me - so few years!
Looks to me like Ace might just have some Dane in his background too!
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June 3rd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I just LOVE these big beautiful dogs. There are a couple in agility class and watching them move is such a delight. The only reason I wouldn’t get one is because their life span is so short. Though one of the moms of an Agility Dane is 8 or 9 years old and going strong.
They’re such beauties. I definitely think Ace has some Dane in him. And don’t you dare ever say again that he doesn’t isn’t worth anything. I’d steal him!!! *giggle*
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June 3rd, 2008 at 2:04 pm
As always, your posts are so great and informative! I didn’t know these huge dogs were gentle–what a nice surprise. It’s sad, though, that they have such a short life-span. What a pity.
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June 3rd, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Awe what can I say…Chels is my first Dane and I love her personality… she is gentle, also a one-person dog, inquisitive… but double the cost for most things, food, collars, vets….can be timid if not socialised from young…My cousins slobbers, though Chels doesnt yet…
they are also indoor dogs (a must)… I looked at the shorter life span, but realistically we dont know how long our dogs are going to live no matter what breed, we just love them while they are with us….
And your right, walking Chels can be difficult cause everyone wants to stop you and yak…lol
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June 4th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
My son had a Dane when he was 10 and he was the sweetest dog. I had reluctantly let him have it from his Uncle because I was the only one working and trying to feed 3 down south on waitress tips was a feat since my son dearly loved to eat, but I managed to feed him also. Unfortunately the same uncle while I was at work somehow caught his chain on the bumper of his car and drug him for a mile before anyone beeped a horn to let him know, now how in the world couldn’t you feel something? At any rate it was a very tragic and traumatic experience for us.
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June 4th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Wow, Jude, that’s terrible. I can’t imagine.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
My name is Alicia and I am owned by an almost 3 year old black female Great Dane. Her name is Macy Lou.
She measures in at 39″ tall and weighs in at 160lbs. She is very large for a female.
Macy Lou is a registered licensed therapy dog. She enjoys visiting nursing homes, hospitals, hospice centers, libraries, and schools. When she’s not “working,” she loves to spend time at the local dog park.