Large, tall and elegant frames. They have long narrow heads. Their ears are erect and their eyes are deep-set and almond-shaped. The have chiseled bodies and round paws. They have thick coats which are glossy and close-fitting. The tails are of medium length.
Brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin and mantle.
Strong, gentle and brave. Make good watchdogs and companions. Their size and strength is intimidating. Great with children and other pets. They are mellow and crave human interaction. Require daily exercise but not too much of it.
It is believed that they originated from mastiff like dogs of the Asiatic tribe as early as 400 A.D. Displayed in Germany in the 19th century. Great Danes were made popular in the U.S. by The Great Dane Club of America in 1889.
Gastric torsion, cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma, hip dysplasia, cervical vertebral instability, osteochondritis dissecans, elbow dysplasia and Hypertrophic osteodystrophy.