Great Dane Dogs are German Mastiffs

Sporting an air of royalty, one breed stands above the rest of the mastiff line. Although  Irish Wolfhounds are considered the tallest breed as a whole, great dane dogs hold the individual records. The tallest dog in the Guinness Book of World Records was a statuesque Great Dane at forty-two and a half inches tall. One of the nicknames for this breed is "Gentle Giant", with a standard height of thirty inches.  The normal weight of a female Dane is around 100 pounds, while a male averages 120 pounds. These are lightweights compared to other mastiffs that can easily weigh up to 200 pounds. Another major difference is the sleek build of the Dane compared to the muscular, thick body of other mastiffs.

 

While popularly called a Great Dane Dog in English speaking countries,  the breed is commonly known as a German Mastiff. Used first as a war dog in Germany, it later became a guard dog for the affluent on their estates. Since they were taught to show violent behavior, great dane dogs were feared when they first arrived in the United States. Later, breeders were able to tone down the aggressive trait. They still make good watch dogs, as far as warning their owners of possible intrusions, but for the most part are too friendly to attack.

 

In fact, their temperament is ironic, given their history of service. Now they are overly sensitive, emotionally hurt by any act of unkindness. Also, great dane dogs are very clingy towards their family. They make horrible outside dogs because they have a need for frequent human interaction. If left alone for long periods of time, they become destructive. A high fence, at least six feet tall, is needed to keep in a Great Dane. They are not roamers by nature, but if left alone may jump a fence to seek out their family.

 

This breed grows extremely fast. Within the first year, a puppy will go from a cute lap dog to a pet that can stand up and look its owner in the face. Even though they are grown, young  great dane dogs  are a bundle of energy. They may be clumsy because of their awkward growth spurt, and having to adjust to the rapid change in height. This is the time period when many owners decide they made a mistake by picking this breed, and decide to dump the huge puppy at the shelter. People really need to consider all the facts before taking a dog into their home.