HISTORY
Which "type" of Dane is often referred to and most of
us divide them into "US type" and "Euro type".   Even
though it is is a generic statement, it is somewhat
true for the Dane with mostly "US heritage" and we
think of the "US type" as a dane that is of the lighter
or more elegant model and with heads of rectangular
shape that are without excessive skin.  When we
refer to "Euro type" we most certainly cannot speak
in generic terms as if referring to Europe as one
region, but have to understand that it specifically
points to the Danes that we mostly find the French,
Spanish, and Italian region of Europe.  this type of
Dane is often more massive and or bulkier and has a
scull that is more spuare with "excessive" skin.  In
the mid European region including Holland, Germany
and Great Britain for instance we find more of the
"mid range" Dane, they represent a type somewhere
in between the first 2 mentioned.  They are often
substantial and often do not carry excessive skin and
do not have a very elongated muzzle.  Them you have
the Northern European countries, including
Scandinavia and Finaland, that have  a Dane type that
very much resembles the 'US type", but with some
more substance.  As the interchange of blood lines
across borders and oceans has become quite
common, this distinction between "Dane types"
might become less evident.
U.S. AND EURO TYPE
This breed of very large, powerful working dog developed in Europe
more than 400 years ago. It may stand as high as 36 in. (91.4 cm) at the
shoulder and weigh up to 150 lb (68.1 kg). Its short, dense, glossy coat
may be brindle, fawn, blue, black, or the combination of white with black
patches that is called harlequin. Although its origins are obscure, dogs of
similar appearance were depicted in the art of ancient China, Egypt,
Greece, and Rome. Despite the name, the Great Dane in its present-day
form is of German development, and records testify to its use as a
boarhound in the 16th cent. in that country. Today it is raised for show
competition and is also valued as a gentle, devoted pet.
The character, temperament, personality and
unconditional devotion of our Danes has fueled
a passion that inspired this website.
The contrast of intelligence, goofiness, strength
and sensitivity that encompasses this breed is
truly amazing.
If you are considering a Great Dane as a new
addition to your family, you will be blessed with
a true companion. Already care for a Dane?,
then you know how wonderful and special these
giants are.
Once a Great Dane, always a Great Dane". This
phrase was coined by owners who might take on
a dog of another breed additionally but never
instead of their Great Danes. One of the reasons
for this is their excellent character, which makes
them ideal family dogs.  
Great Danes always want to please their owners.
They fit in with the family ‘pack’ perfectly
harmoniously and develop an intensive
attachment to the leader of the pack. They are
therefore not suited to being kept permanently
in kennels. They are always open towards
children and make good companions for them .
Great Danes are extremely sensitive compared
to other breeds. They can read the body-
language of their owners so exactly that it seems
as if their inner attachment to humans is
stronger than anything else. By the same token
Great Danes suffer when separated from their
owners, even if only for a short time. This ability
to form deep attachments is also apparent in
their behaviour; they feel like their owners ‘right
hand’ and are prepared to defend them when in
danger.
According to W. Nouc the name ‘Great Dane’ goes back to the French natural
scientist Buffon (1707-1788). He coined the term because at that time especially
strong dogs were being bred in Denmark. The new term ‘Deutsche Dogge’ was
established at a judges’ assembly in Berlin in1880. Eight years later the
‘Deutsche Doggen Club’ was founded (today called ‘DDC 1888’). The DDC is an
independent thoroughbred dog association which is affiliated to the Verband
Deutscher Hundezüchter (VDH=Association of German Dogbreeders ). The
entries in the studbook can be traced back with only short gaps through both
World Wars to the year of its foundation year, 110 years ago. Certainly the
reasons for the fact that two names still exist for one breed are to be found in
Germany’s not always positive history.
The main breeding base for Deutsche Doggen or Great Danes is situated in
Germany. There are, however, several excellent breeding lines in Belgium,
France, Holland, Italy and Great Britan which are mainly based on German
blood but were further developed with great expertise
You see them but don’t hear them.
they are calm, well-balanced and
do not tend to bark. In type they
are similar to a thoroughbred
horse; the gait is elegant, lightly
bouncing; they are suspicious of
strangers and a devoted friend of
the family. With these lines I am
attempting to describe a breed to
which the very best characteristics
are usually attributed.
Great Danes already existed in Prince Otto of Bismarck’s day; he owned
some himself and there are many anecdotes about them. A closer look at
Bismarck and his Great Danes reveals that they were more than a status
symbol for him. Looking further back in history we find that there have
always been dogs of this kind. It would be pointless, however, to try to
trace the exact lineage of all these dogs to our Great Danes. From the
Assyrians, the Romans, Alexander the Great (who brought the Tibetan
Great Dane to Greece), to the Persians - all these peoples bred and used
dogs of this kind as warrior dogs. The name `Molosser’ was already in
usage at that time.
In the Middle Ages this type of dog was mainly used in big-game
hunting. In the region which is now Germany big heavy dogs were kept
as early as the 7th century; they were called bulldogs, hunting dogs,
bear-catchers, wild boar dogs among other names. In England in the 16th
century several breeds already existed which could be regarded as direct
ancestors of our Great Danes. They include ( according to H. J.
Swarovsky) the mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound. They formed the basis
of the English breed of Great Danes in the 19th century. They were dogs
which mainly belonged to the nobility, used as hunting dogs or personal
watchdogs.
The end of the monarchy and the rise of the bourgeoisie had a direct
effect on the breeding of big dogs of this type. The importance of big-
game hunting lessened. From then on it was big watchdogs and
companion dogs that were in demand.
For more than 100 years the term `Great Dane’ has been used for
Deutsche Dogge , especially at international dog shows. For this reason
it is often assumed that Deutsche Doggen and Great Danes are two
different breeds. In practice on the European continent dogs are mainly
bred according to the standards of the Federation Cynologique
Internationale (also called FCI). This breeding standard is based on the
German standard. There are small regional differences; for example, in
some countries cropped ears are permitted, but basically the same
breeding characteristics are valid. The American Great Dane Club has
some very strict guidelines. In the Harlequin colour category, for
example, only animals with small, roughly palm-sized patches may be
bred. A white throat and white chest are prerequisites for admission to
the breed.
At the first German dog show in 1863 dogs were exhibited under the
names ‘Dänische Dogge’ (Great Dane ) and ‘Ulmer Dogge’. In the past
Great Danes were blue and also isabell-coloured. They mostly came from
North Germany or Berlin. The ‘Ulmer Dogge’ type was usually a little
heavier. At that time there were already dogs with patches among them
which were also called harlequins. There are currently 6 accepted color
coats, they are BLUE, BLACK, MANTLE, FAWN, BRINDLE, AND
HARLEQUIN.  ONLY THESE COLORS CAN BE EXHIBITED AND SHOULD
BE CONSIDERED IN A BREEDING PROGRAM!
THE GREAT DANE
HISTORY