Facts about Great Dane
- 08
Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly called bloat, is a life-threatening emergency that affects Great Danes at a higher rate than almost any other dog breed.
- 07
Selective breeding for Great Danes in Germany during the 16th and 17th centuries focused on creating dogs with massive frames capable of hunting boar and protecting estates from intruders.
- 06
Heart disease accounts for approximately 40 percent of Great Dane deaths, with dilated cardiomyopathy being the leading cardiac condition affecting the breed.
- 05
Scooby-Doo, the fictional Great Dane voiced by Don Messick since 1969, became the breed's most recognizable cultural ambassador worldwide.
- 04
In 1887, the Great Dane Club of America established the breed standard, officially recognizing the dog as a distinct breed separate from other mastiff types.
- 03
Fawn and brindle coats dominate Great Dane coloring, though the breed also appears in black, mantle, and harlequin patterns with white markings.
- 02
The average lifespan of a Great Dane is 7 to 10 years, making it one of the shortest-lived dog breeds despite its gentle temperament.
- 01
Standing up to 34 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds, the Great Dane breed originated in Germany during the 15th century for hunting wild boar.