Recognized as one of the giant dog breeds, the Great Dane is a dog which demands respect and admiration for its exceptional beauty and stature. These dogs are almost instantly recognizable due to their great size although they are not particularly heavy dogs, as one would expect. Their beautiful physique has earned them the nickname, ‘Apollo of Dogs’ and the fantastic personality of a Great Dane has made them an incredibly popular dog with many families due to the abundance of love, affection and friendliness they give to their family.
According to statistics, a male Great Dane will be at least 34 inches in height, with the average Dane measuring at close to three feet in height. How their physique develops with primarily depend on his or her gender; for example, a male Dane can complete all phases of his development within three years, whereas a female Dane will completed development within just 12 months or even less. Great Danes will remain as puppies for around 18 months and after this period of time, owners will witness a great change in their Danes’ mental and physical maturities in the 10 months that follow.
As with all dog breeds, it is imperative that a Dane is provided with a healthy diet and regular, proper exercise. Their diet should be consistent, with dog food portions being measured and monitored, according to his or her current age and weight in order to promote good health. It is essential that a Great Dane maintains a healthy weight as underweight Danes can become vulnerable to sickness and disease, whereas an overweight and unhealthy Dane will have an increased risk of heart diseases and uncomfortable bloating.
Due to their large stature, Great Danes require plenty of room in with to run and play. As puppies, a Dane requires a great deal of exercise and stimulation in order to keep him fit and help eliminate boredom. Taking him for long walks, playing games such as catch and fetch and providing him with various dog toys and dog chews will all help him develop and remain occupied. These sorts of activities are also great for helping to teach your Dane obedience, good behavior and will also help to strengthen the bond between master and dog. As they are able to interact with children well, Great Danes make for an ideal family pet. Similar to children, Great Danes possess curious and trusting characteristics meaning that they are welcoming to children in the home. If you have children, it is important to teach them how to handle your Dane correctly but due to their great temperament, this type of dog will not become aggressive unless provoked.
By being provided with vast amounts of love, affection and a combination of regular exercise and a great diet, a Great Dane can live to be up to 8 years old. However, if a healthy lifestyle is followed, some Danes can even live to be up to 12 years of age. With the correct love and affection, these dogs can become a loving addition to your family a fantastic companion for children and adults alike.