Great Dane

The Great Dane did not originate in Denmark; he was developed in Germany where he is known as "Deutsche Dogge" (German Hound) or German Mastiff.  In France he was known as the "Grand Danois"  - "Great Danish" and this is the name that was adopted in the UK.

The Great Dane certainly originated from mastiffs, either brought to Europe by the invading Roman armies 2,000 years ago or Phoenicians traders. The Dane was refined from the Mastiff by breeding to greyhounds which gave them the length of leg and longer, less wrinkled head.  This elegant looking dog was popular amongst the nobility and royals of Germany and other European countries for hunting boar and other large game and he gained the alternative name of German Boarhound. He was also used at one time, presumably when his mastiff properties were more pronounced, for bull-baiting. During the next few hundred years the Dane was further refined to create a dog with greater elegance.  Since 1876 he has been regarded as the national dog of Germany.  Otto von Bismarck, German Chancellor towards the latter part of the 19thC, kept a Dane as a pet to whom he was immensely attached.  The late Duke of Kent owned a dog, Midas, during the 1930s who he made up to a Champion.  He was the first royal since Queen Alexandra to achieve this.

The Great Dane was  introduced to the UK in 1877 and the first Breed Club was established in 1885. He makes a good guard dog with his imposing size and deep menacing bark, but his voice and appearance belie his excellent temperament. He is remarkably laid back, loves his family and home comforts and is excellent with children and the family's other pets, and his short smooth coat is very easy to keep.

He is a very big dog, though and needs careful rearing.  Find a caring breeder who will give you good advice and plenty of support.  Follow the rearing guidelines you are given.  He has a massive amount of growing to do in  a short space of time and you need to get it right. 

A giant breed, his height is measured as a minimum of 76cm at 18 months and a weight of 120lbs, though many dogs are substantially taller.  The picture he presents is a combination of elegance, grace and strength.  A lovely breed, but big; some breeds, especially the hounds tend to take up less space than you would expect.  The opposite is true of a Dane.

Click here to read the Great Dane Breed Standard.

Great Dane Breed Clubs

Great Dane Rescue and Rehoming

Daneline
Mrs S Satterley     01460 52676
Ms L De Figueiredo    0117 9723343
Mr C Warboys        01422 833105

Great Dane Adoption Society
Ms E Howell     0870 7874691   Email

Great Dane Care
Mr and Mrs G Davies     01267 290317
Mrs H Evans   01792 424401

National Great Dane Rescue
Mrs Damale-Newson, Secretary     01249 720881

Scottish Great Dane Club Rescue
Mrs Karen Smith (Co-ordinator)     01333 350444

South Western Great Dane Club Rescue
Mrs Phelan     02920 777629

Great Dane Breeders

Ravendane Great Danes
Leading UK kennel for Harlequins, also breeding Blacks and Blues.  Breeder of first UK Black bitch Champion Great Dane for over 20 years. Champion Ravendane American Pye AI JW (left) is the first AI Dane to be made up. All dogs are hip and elbow scored.  Joanne Walton is a KC Accredited Breeder, breeding for temperament, soundness and substance.  Joanne can be contacted by email or phone 01565 777330. 

The Ravendane Great Danes are located near Warrington in Cheshire. Click on the image to enlarge it, and click on the page to de-select the image. For much more information visit the Ravendane website.

	Jaydania Great Danes Breeding Fawns and Brindles. For more information contact Sue Bishton on 01332 875463 or email The Jaydania Great Danes are located in Derbyshire. For more information please visit their website.
Emaneaz  Graconste  Janriche  Ledingdane  Lisvane

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.