Recognized as one of the giant dog breeds, the Great Dane is a dog that commands respect and admiration for its exceptional beauty and stature. These dogs are almost instantly recognizable due to their large size, although they are not particularly heavy dogs, as one might expect. Their handsome 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 kindness they provide to their family.
Statistically, a male Great Dane will be at least 34 inches tall, with the average Dane standing close to three feet tall. How your physique develops depends primarily on your gender; for example, a male Dane can complete all phases of his development in three years, while a female Dane will complete her development in 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 huge change in their Danes’ mental and physical maturity over the next 10 months.
As with all dog breeds, it is imperative that a Dane receives a healthy diet and regular, proper exercise. His diet should be consistent, measuring and monitoring dog food portions, according to his current age and weight to promote good health. It is essential for a Great Dane to maintain a healthy weight, as underweight Danes can become vulnerable to illness and disease, while an overweight and unhealthy Dane will be at higher risk for heart disease and uncomfortable bloating.
Due to their large stature, Great Danes require a lot of room to run and play. As a puppy, a Dane requires plenty of exercise and stimulation to keep fit and help eliminate boredom. Taking him for long walks, playing games like catch and fetch and providing him with various dog toys and dog chews will help him develop and keep himself busy. These types of activities are also great for helping to teach your Dane obedience, good behavior, and will also help strengthen the bond between owner and dog. Because they can interact well with children, Great Danes make an ideal family pet. Like children, Great Danes possess curious and trusting characteristics, which means they welcome children into the home. If you have children, it is important that you teach them how to handle your Dane properly, but due to his great temperament, this type of dog will not become aggressive unless provoked.
Given lots of love, affection, and a combination of regular exercise and a great diet, a Great Dane can live up to 8 years. However, if a healthy lifestyle is followed, some Danes can live up to 12 years. With the right love and affection, these dogs can become a loving addition to your family, a fantastic companion for children and adults alike.
