History
Great Dane history takes us back to the 14th century, where the breed's ancestors were powerful hunters known for their speed and swift attacks. They were a combination of the Greyhound's speed and the English Mastiff's strength, with some canine historians suggesting a link to the Irish Wolfhound as well. These early Danes were developed primarily in England and Germany.
The primary purpose of these dogs was to tackle Europe's formidable Wild Boar, known for their power, savagery, and formidable tusks. To successfully confront this animal, the Germans bred a dog that possessed exceptional speed, agility, strength, and toughness. Thus, the early Danes became known as super Boar Hounds.
Ear cropping soon became a common practice as a means to protect the dogs' ears from the razor-sharp tusks of the Wild Boar. Initially, the ears were cropped short and pointy, differing from the longer show cut seen today. However, ear cropping has now become a controversial subject and is illegal in Europe.
Early Danes differed in size and structure from the Great Danes we know today. They were shorter, heavier, stockier, and more muscular, resembling Mastiffs more closely. Around the mid-1600s, these impressive hounds were bred in significant numbers, with German noblemen selecting the largest and most intimidating dogs to keep at their estates. These selected dogs, referred to as Kammerhunde or Chamber Dogs, enjoyed the privileges of noble life and marked the transition of the breed from mighty hunter to companion and protector.
In 1880, a meeting was held in Berlin where judges and breeders agreed that the German breed had developed distinct characteristics. They became taller, leaner, and more chiseled than the imported English Mastiffs. With time, the importation of Mastiffs ceased, and the Germans focused on their own newly recognized breed. This breed, more similar in appearance to today's Great Dane, was named "Deutsche Dogge" or "German Dog." The Deutsche Doggen Club of Germany was founded, and the new breed name spread across Europe. In 1876, the Deutsche Dogge was elected Germany's national dog.
Interestingly, the name "Grand Danois" was given by the French naturalist Comte de Buffon during his travels in Denmark. The French also referred to them as "Dogue Allemand" or "German Mastiff." Although the Danish did not contribute to the breed's development, the name "Grand Danois" persisted for some reason.
Over time, through selective breeding, Great Danes underwent a transformation from the fierce hunting dogs depicted in their history to the regal, well-mannered giants we know and love today. While they are classified as a working breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Great Danes primarily serve as companion animals. They are renowned for their calm and respectful demeanor, even in bustling environments such as classrooms.
Beyond being companions, Great Danes excel in therapy and service work. Their gentle confidence allows them to remain calm and comfortable in the presence of large groups of people, making them ideal assistance dogs. With their well-mannered personalities and sturdy build, Great Danes are well-suited to aid individuals with mobility problems.
