about breed

ABOUT THE GREAT DANE, SUBJECTIVELY

Great Dane (also known as the German Mastiff or Deutsche Dogge). Met by chance on the street, it fascinates with its calm, dignity, and monumental posture. But how does it feel during a closer encounter? What does a life with that giant look like?

Well, its isI am sure it is marvellous :). It is full of exciting adventures, surprises, and of unexpected plot twists. It is a life abounding in hair in every possible corner and in snots on the walls (on occasion also on ceilings).

Many would say Great Dane is a breed as any other. In some respect that’s true—above all, the Great Dane is  a dog. However, due to its size and sensitivity—both physical and psychological—it is not a dog for everyone. It is rather a four-legged friend for a connoisseurs naturally disposed towards masochism.

Contrary to its appearance Great Danes have an extraordinary sensitive psyche: fragile, sometimes with fears. They reveal very strong bonds with their masters. Mostly the Great Dane has the only leader, though will manifest an affection and protectiveness to all remaining members of the household. That being said, keeping a Dane in a pen is, in my opinion, a kind of cruelty. To feel good, a Great Dane has to have contact with a human. If we’ll extend ourselves, teach the Dane of basic manners, and establish mutual trust, possibly we’ll gain a wonderful companion: committed, loyal, well disposed toward other animals, great around children, and treating strangers with reserve.

Great Danes need quite a lot of exercise, but are not fond of dog sports. Also, usually, they do not achieve top positions in obedience trials. They work to satisfy their master, but this motivation has its limits, too (how many times one can stand the consecutive „sit!” command? Or which one being sound of mind will lay down in a puddle?). I can say the great activities for Dane’s mind (and nose) are applied tracking and olfactory games.

Walking the Dane, especially in its prime, sometimes is challenging. For many reasons: sudden pursuit of a cat, overwhelming need to greet another canine fellow, necessity of a close encounter with a horrified passer-by, the tempting smell of a pooh or a carcass. Any of these can cause a nervous breakdown and/or a bodily harm of the owner. Many times I glided over the ground (on my belly or back) holding the leash tight. Once I had to bind myself and my four-legged friend to a tree to stop the Dane’s endeavours.

Great Dane is a very ‟unwieldy” breed. It is hardly to imagine picking him up when it is really needed. If the Dane is afraid of something or can’t be bothered to do something, the owner may only use their own charisma and start tough negotiations.

Unfortunately, these wonderful dogs have a rather short life span. They have some health problems that are common to large breeds, including bloat, particular risk for hip dysplasia, certain malignancies, many congenital heart diseases, and ophthalmic problems. A wise and trusted vet should be among friends of a Dane’s family.

Living at Great Dane’s side causes a lot of troubles and worries, but on the other hand it means living with the most wonderful companion. In my case, the love and loyalty of Danes compensate me for all the inconveniences of having the dogs pertaining to the one of the largest breeds in the world. I love them. I would not exchange the 8 years with a Dane for as many as 18 years with another breed.

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