Great Dane: dogs of broken hearts (8 photos)

Great Danes are recognized record holders in height. Despite their military past, today they are considered one of the kindest dogs.





The persona of these watchdogs often appears on the Internet and TV. This is understandable: such a colossus is difficult to ignore and not notice! Meet the tallest dog in the world - the Great Dane!



These watchdogs differ from all others by true gigantism. Adult males grow up to 90 centimeters at the withers and weigh up to 80 kilograms. And if such a colossus stands on its hind legs, it will be two heads taller than the average person! But despite their size, Great Danes are considered companion dogs. They live with people not for serious protection or sporting achievements, but solely to become a good pet. And there should be a lot of good dogs!





Many authors try to attribute a much longer history to Great Danes than it actually is. You can find stories about images of dogs on prehistoric Egyptian frescoes that are surprisingly similar to Great Danes. Or how the ancestors of these watchdogs fought in gladiator arenas and in the ranks of the armies of the Romans, Persians and reptilians. And also stories about how one great dane could kill a wild boar, a bear and a pack of wolves for dessert with almost his bare paws.

In fact, the ancestors of Great Danes were the entire large population of large dogs in Germany, such as English mastiffs or Irish wolfhounds. In the 16th century, Bobbiks were brought from wherever they wanted and crossed at their own discretion, because uniform standards would only be invented 200 years later. These dogs were used to hunt big game, but no one, of course, let a bobcat fight one-on-one with a wild animal.



A whole pack was used in baiting: first they released simple little dogs to scare the animal and bring it to its place. And only at the end did the dog’s ancestors appear, who were dressed in special armor so that the dog would not be maimed by an angry wild animal. The Great Dane's task is to hold onto the prey until the hunter himself appears. These dogs were highly valued and bred with special enthusiasm. And those who distinguished themselves in the hunt were even allowed into the chambers of nobles for protection.



Everything changed when guns began to be used more often in the forest instead of dogs: large hunting packs gradually disappeared by the 19th century. Only a select few favorites of the rich remained. Later, Great Danes emerged from these “indoor” dogs. German breeders argued for a long time over a single standard and name for the breed, until on January 12, 1888, the first Great Dane club was created in Berlin.



Such a tygydyk will make your walls and the ceilings of your neighbors below shake.

All the wars and misfortunes did not pass by for these dogs, whose already small population suffered losses. Later, breeders, of course, restored everything, but the low diversity of the gene pool and the desire for “more, taller, bigger” took their toll. Today, Great Danes are rightfully considered the dogs of broken hearts.

This phrase has a double meaning - these animals, firstly, really suffer from various heart diseases. And secondly, due to the huge list of breed diseases and predispositions, watchdogs on average live only up to 6.5 years. Knowing how close these dogs become to their owner, their very early death truly breaks a person's heart.



Many owners call Great Danes man-beasts - these animals are so smart and charismatic. They are also incredibly affectionate, playful and friendly, although, given the size of the Great Dane, their playfulness can sometimes backfire. But a properly raised dog of this breed will never intentionally harm a member of his family and is unlikely to get involved in a dog fight on the street - this is below his aristocratic dignity. But in incomprehensible situations, Great Dane puppies and teenagers can have the “hands-on” mode, just like Scooby-Doo!



By the way, the prototype of a funny dog is precisely a Great Dane dog - only in a cartoon format.

Home complexThe main thing in keeping a Great Dane is its size. He needs more food, space, attention, shampoo and scratches. The owner will have to carefully monitor the walking and feeding regime throughout his life. During puppyhood, long walks and heavy loads can harm fragile joints, and later running around on a full stomach risks provoking gastric volvulus. Despite their gigantic dimensions, these dogs are not suitable for street keeping. They have very short hair, so the dogs cannot stand frost and dampness. You will also have to be constantly vigilant about your health: we remember that the Great Dane is the dog of broken hearts. So if you decide to purchase a Great Dane, get ready for big worries!