Great Dane

The Great Dane is the largest of all the breeds of dog. The tallest of the working breeds, with males standing at least 30 inches (76 cm) at the top of the shoulders and females at least 28 inches (71 cm); it weighs 120 to 150 pounds (54 to 68 kg). It's size and weight qualify it as one of the giant breeds, but a well-bred Great Dane is so well-proportioned and fluid in motion that it never appears ungainly.

It's easy to see why the Great Dane is frequently called both the most elegant and majestic of dogs.

Classed as a member of the 'working group 'by the Kennel Club (Great Britain) and as a 'working dog' by the American Kennel Club, its name is derived from "the old Fench designation, grand Danois, meaning Big Danish".(ref Great Dane in The Complete Dog Book page 271). George Buffon, an eighteenth century French naturalist, used this name in describing the breed, and the English speaking world has since used its translation. "The German, however, use the name Deutsche Dogge (German Mastiff), which is closer to the truth, because the present day dog was developed by German breeders during the nineteenth century. The Great Dane was first displayed at a Hamburg dog show in 1862."( Great Dane in Book of Dogs page 162

External links

The American Kennel Club's website: Great Dane page [1]