Presentation of the breed and the Standard
Meet the Breed and the Standard

Origin

“The Apollo of Dogs” is not Danish as its name suggests. This giant breed was developed in Germany where it had been known since the Middle Ages. In his country of origin, he is called Deutsche Dogge (German Mastiff) and he was initially used to hunt wild boar, patrol large estates and as a war dog. This aristocratic dog was designated Germany's national dog in 1876. The breed was brought to North America in the mid-19th century and one of the first to have a Great Dane was none other than "  ;Buffalo Bill » Cody.

Temperament

It is said that the first subjects imported to our continent were ferocious animals that had been used as attack dogs. The American breeders are to be commended for turning the breed into a friendly, reliable, and even-tempered dog. Today's Dane should be fiery and brave - never shy. He is friendly and reliable.

Activity level

Bold and courageous, the Great Dane enjoys outdoor activities and daily exercise. It adapts well to city or country living, but needs space both indoors and outdoors.

Size weight

The male should not be less than 76 cm (30 in) at the shoulders, but it is preferable that he be 81 cm (32 in) or more. The female should not be less than 71 cm (28 in) at the shoulders, but it is preferable that she be 76 cm (30 in) or more. The male and the female must be well proportioned in relation to their size.

Dress

The coat is short, thick, smooth and shiny.

Color

Danes come in eight acceptable colors:
Brindle: Golden background color with well-defined black stripes arranged in a herringbone pattern (almost tiger-like appearance).
Fawn: Golden yellow with a black mask on the face.
Blue: Steel gray solid color
Black: Solid, shiny black
Harlequin: White ground color with irregular torn black spots distributed over the body. Boston or black coat: This boss is described as being marked like a penguin; it must have a white-tipped tail or it is not considered a true black coat subject.
Merle: Pale gray to dark gray merle ground color with irregular black ragged spots distributed over the body.
Merle Coat: White ground with a merle mantle extending over the body (marked the same as the black mantle, except the mantle is merle with irregular black ragged spots instead of solid black).

Origin

The “Apollo of Dogs” is not Danish as its name implies. The giant breed was developed in Germany, where it has been known since the Middle Ages. In the Fatherland, it is known as the Deutsche Dogge (German Mastiff) and was originally used to hunt wild boar, patrol estates and as a war dog. The aristocratic dog was proclaimed Germany's national dog in 1876. The breed was first imported to North America in the mid-19th century and one of the earliest owners was the famous “Buffalo Bill” Cody.

Temperament

Early imports to this continent were reported to be ferocious animals that had been used as attack dogs. American breeders are credited with transforming the breed into the even-tempered, friendly and dependent Dane of today. The Dane of today must be spirited and courageous – never shy. He is friendly and dependable.

Activity Level

Danes enjoy outdoor activity and daily exercise. They adapt well to city or country living but need room indoors as well as out.

Height/Weight

The males should not be less than 30 inches (76 cm) at the shoulders, but it is preferred that he be 32 inches (81 cm) or more. The female should not be less than 28 inches (71 cm) at the shoulders but is preferable that she be 30 inches (76 cm) or more. Both male and female should be well proportioned to their height.

coat

The coat should be very short and thick, smooth, and glossy.

color

Danes come in eight acceptable colours:
Bindle: golden base coat with defined black stripped laid over as chevrons (almost tiger-striped appearance)
Fawn: a golden yellow with a black mask on the face
Blue: a steel gray solid color
Black: solid, glossy black
Harlequin: a white base coat with irregular torn black patches distributed over the body Boston or Black Mantled: this pattern is best described as marked like a penguin; must have a white tipped tail or is not considered a true Black Mantle.
Merle: a pale gray to dark gray merle base color with irregular black torn patches distributed over the body
Mantled Merle: a white base with solid merle blanket extending over the body (marked the same as the Black Mantle with the exception that the mantle is merle with irregular black torn patches as opposed to a solid black)

Grooming

The coat requires minimal grooming.

 
The dog must be well proportioned to its size.

Grooming

Grooming is minimal.