GD Fact Sheet

Beginning Your Research

Before you obtain a Great Dane, please take time and make sure it's the right breed for you. Find out as much as you can about the breed. Talk to as many

established breeders as possible, and visit a variety of Dane kennels. Remember, buying a Dane puppy isn't like going to your corner store; you might have to
do some searching to find a good breeder.

Learn how to recognize a healthy puppy and know what you should expect at time of sale. Time spent in the very beginning of your search will help assure

Dane ownership is pleasant and enjoyable.

If you are considering purchasing a puppy, we would strongly encourage you to purchase from breeders who adhere to the Great Dane Club of America's

"Breeder's Code of Ethics". We feel the points covered in this code are very, very important.

Dane Outreach has been helping find homes for unwanted Great Danes since 1974. We offer information on the breed, are happy to answer questions, and

help in care, diet, and training matters.

We hope that this pamphlet is helpful and wish you good luck in your search for the perfect Dane!

Early History

The Dane as we see it today was developed primarily in Germany and England. The name "Great Dane" is misleading as the breed had nothing to do with

Denmark! Danes were used as Estate dogs and to hunt wild boar. Some Danes still retain their hunting instinct and are not suggested for people who have
pigs!

Why A Dane?

A Dane is an ideal pet for the family wanting a large, indoor dog. Danes are very much "people" dogs and will want to be an integral part of your household.
They are affectionate, protective without being aggressive, have a sense of humor, and are generally docile and have an even temperament. The prospective
Dane owner should be able to spend time with his Dane; the time requirement is far more crucial than the amount of space. A Great Dane CAN live in an
apartment, but only if the owner can take time for the dog.

What Colors Do They Come In?

Danes come in five recognized colors; fawn (tan with a black mask), brindle (tiger-stripped), black (a solid, glossy black), blue (a rich steel blue), and harlequin

(white base coat with large irregular black patches). Mantle Danes (marked similar to a Boston Terrier) are in the process of being approved by the Great Dane

Club of America. Out of the harlequin color family you will often see merle (gray spots on a white base coat or ticking and/or spots on a gray coat), whites,
and blacks with too much white. These colors are termed "mismarks". Other mismark colors, such as a white dog with fawn spots, are indicative of mixed-color

breeding, a practice frowned on by the Great Dane Club of America. While some colors may be more common than others, the is no such thing as a "rare"
color; and it is extremely doubtful that merle will ever become a recognized color. People interested in learning more about the color families should contact an

established Dane breeder or the Great Dane Club of America.

What About Breeding?

All pet Danes should be altered for a variety of reasons. An altered pet will make a much better pet; they will focus more towards their owners and not be
driven by sexual urges to find a mate. Altering increases the life span of your pet; a spayed bitch has a much less chance of breast cancer and no chance of
uterine infections. Many older intact males can be prone to prostate infections. Neutering will avoid this problem. Breeding is best left to those who are
knowledgeable, established breeders and are set up for puppies. These people know how to properly care for puppies and will be responsible for them for life.
Raising a litter of puppies should never be taken lightly.

What Should I Look For?

Whether you want a pet or a show dog, it's important that your new puppy had the best possible start on life. Some of the items considered important in puppy

raising are the following:

Parents should have pre-breeding health clearances, such as hips OFA'd, eyes CERF'd, thyroid tested, current on vaccines and wormings. Do the parents

look like good examples of Great Danes?

Is the kennel clean and well-kept? Do the adult dogs seemed well-cared-for and happy?

Does the breeder appear to be knowledgeable and stand behind the puppies they sale? Are the puppies sold with appropriate wormings and vaccines?

Is all the paperwork in order, such as AKC registrations, etc.?

This article is available in brochure format for educational efforts. For information conact Georgia at DaneOut@aol.com

Georgia Hymmen

What Size Are They?

Big! Even a small Dane is large compared to most peoples' standards. An average adult bitch will weigh between 100 and 140 pounds and be about 30 to 33

inches at the shoulder. An adult male will be larger, weighing in at about 140 to 200 pounds. He so will be taller, ranging from approximately 33 to 37 inches at

the shoulder. A Dane will usually reach their adult height between 12 to 18 months of age. Danes are usually matured, or "bodied out" by 2 to 3 years of age.

How Much Do They Eat?

An adult bitch will eat about 8 to 10 cups of quality dry food per day. A male will eat about 2 to 3 cups more. Many Dane breeders add meat to the diet of their

adults; but never to puppies. Care must be used when feeding puppies, as a diet too "hot can often cause bone and growing problems. Some older or altered

Danes will only eat about 4 to 6 cups. per day. Danes should never have their ribs or backbone showing! The amount of food consumed will vary with the
age, temperament and activity level of the Dane.

How Long Do They Live?

Danes have an average life span of between 7 to 10 years of age. A ten year old Dane is an old dog. Quite often a younger dog will have a sprinkling of gray

around the muzzle, giving the illusion he is older than he actually is. The condition of the teeth are generally a good indication of age. Many people feel the
short life span is a fair trade-off for the wonderful personality.

What Should I Consider?

A person adding a Dane to his household should have a large, well-fenced yard or dog kennel. Danes should never be allowed to roam free or be tied or
chained. Time is a crucial requirement. Your new dog will have to be trained, and Danes simply need o have people time. They do not do well as outdoor
kennel dogs. Puppies and teenagers can be quite active, but adults can become very lazy if you let them. Costs should be a consideration as with a big dog
everything costs more. Vet fees, training c sses, food and supplies all add up quickly. Danes are easy to maintain, needing minimal grooming.

Potential Problems?

Danes are not a trouble-free breed. Danes, along with many other large-chested breeds, can be prone to bloat and torsion. Cancer and heart problems can also

be common in the breed. Care needs to be used with puppies as a diet too high in protein and at causes serious growing problems.