German mastiff
cut minimum 80 cm (M), minimum 72 cm (F).
weight 60 to 90 kg.
hair short and dense, smooth and laid flat, shiny.
dress harlequin (white spotted with black), fawn, black, blue (very dark "steel"), brindle (more or less light brown spotted with darker brown)
head Harmoniously proportioned to the whole, elongated, narrow, with clean lines, very expressive, delicately chiselled (especially below the eyes); the superciliary arches (orbital) are well developed, however without being prominent. The distance
eyes Of medium height, with a lively and intelligent expression, as dark as possible, almond-shaped, the eyelids fitting the shape of the eyeball well. In blue mastiffs, slightly lighter eyes are allowed. In harlequin mastiffs, the y
ear Set high, drooping in nature, of medium height, the anterior edge of the ear joined to the cheek.
tail She reaches the hock. Set on high and wide, it gradually tapers to its tip; at rest, it hangs in a natural relaxed position; in action or when the dog is excited, it curves slightly saber-shaped, but without d
federation FCI nomenclature group 2, section 2.1, no 235
introduction
The Great Dane (Deutsche Dogge), is also called Great Dane or Great Dane. These different names illustrate the controversy over its origin. The immediate ancestors of the current Great Dane would be the former "Bullenbeisser" and large males employed in hunting with hounds and in particular, wild boar. These dogs were of an intermediate conformation between a powerful and energetic mastiff and a fast greyhound. The word "mastiff" initially referred to a large, powerful dog, often of indeterminate breed. The first exhibition of the Great Dane was in Hamburg in 1963. The Great Dane is increasingly seen as a companion dog. This mastiff is often nicknamed "the Apollo of the canine race" because of its musculature. This dog needs special care during its growth: it must be provided during the first three years of its life with a special diet and physical exercise. Its food portion must be adapted to its age and changes often - the Great Dane grows very quickly -, it must therefore be established with the breeder or a veterinarian. It is also necessary to avoid the dog slips, jumps and races during all the period when its bones are going to form. It must be monitored and properly fed. In addition, his master must properly educate him from an early age: it is wiser to teach him in particular not to pull on a leash until he is 90 kilos! Rare deafness in harlequin specimens.
temper
He is generally good-natured and sociable with other animals. Nevertheless, his master must take care to give him a firm education to make him a balanced dog and prevent any aggressive behavior, especially towards strangers and children. If well educated, the Great Dane is not more aggressive than other dogs. Generally calm and measured, he also makes a good watchdog and his impressive mass alone is a deterrent. He is the most respectful dog of all the molossers. He is so affectionate that he can defend his master until his death. He is easy to train.