A great dane will average between 28"-36" in height and anywhere from 100-200lbs.
We breed to meet the GDCA standards for correct conformation of the Great Dane. Keeping the breed balanced and majestic.
When choosing a bloodline or even this breed, it is best to understand how large of a dog you are going to be getting. Their proper physique is a tiny bit of rib showing, but not where you can see every bone. The Great Dane will grow to its potential height before filling out.
The Great Dane can be a variety of colors. The kennel clubs in the U.S. recognize Fawn, Brindle, Black, Blue, Mantle, and Harlequin. And recently the Merle.
Merles were recognized in Europe first. Recently (2016) the merle has been accepted as a show color. Hopefully there will be more to come in the upcoming years.
Information taken from the GDCA(www.GDCA.ORG):
A bit of Danish History:
As early as 3000 BC, carvings of dogs on Egyptian tombs depict the Great Dane. Archeological evidence exists of a Dane-type dog used for hunting and to fight bears and bulls. However, the Great Dane as we know it today was developed in Europe during the 1800s and declared the national breed of Germany in 1876. As a boar hound, the Dane of yesterday was very different, both in structure and temperament from the Dane of today. When no longer used for hunting, the breed changed to one of a companion and estate guard dog
Care of the Great Dane:
Today, correctly-bred Great Danes have gentle and loving dispositions that make them wonderful family companions. Although their primary asset in training is their desire to please, it is imperative that your puppy be well socialized from the time you bring it home; kindergarten puppy classes for puppies three to six months old are strongly recommended. These classes should be followed with a basic obedience class.
Your puppy will grow as much his first year as a child grows in fourteen years. It is vital that you provide it with the basic structure and consistent training that every puppy needs to make it a happy and well-adjusted member of your family.
Great Danes should be raised in the house as family members; they do not do well as yard dogs, although they do need a fenced yard for exercise and playtime. Just as you would not leave older siblings alone with a baby, young children should never be left unattended with your puppy or dog. Because a puppy is not a toy, children must be taught the correct way to interact with a puppy; fair play and respect are a must. Puppies often think of toddlers as other puppies since they are close to the same size and make similar sounds. As the parent, you must teach and monitor correct behavior on the part of the child and the puppy. Puppies chew on each other, wrestle, and growl to determine their pack structure. With correct and consistent training, your puppy will learn that your children are not puppies, but small humans. Quick movements and high-pitched squealing will excite a puppy or dog, while loud, harsh corrections will confuse and intimidate it. Dogs learn through consistency and repetition with love and positive reinforcement. The adults in your household must assume the role of pack leader in order for your puppy to grow up secure and confident.
We also recommend crate training your puppy. The crate, when placed in the living area of your home, will become your puppy’s “den.” Keep soft, washable bedding and toys in the crate; newspapers just inside the crate door can help with the baby accidents. The crate door should be left open while you are at home with the puppy so that it can go to the den at will. Children should be taught that they are never to bother the puppy when it is in its den – this is the puppy’s safe place. The puppy should also sleep in its crate until it is old enough to sleep through the night without accidents. If you do not have room for a crate in your bedroom, be sure to leave soft music and a large stuffed toy for it at night so it does not feel completely alone. You should also use a crate or seat belt harness in your vehicle for the same reasons that your child rides in a car seat.
As you have probably come to realize, prior to approximately four months of age, puppies eat, sleep, and potty a lot! The initial three to four meals each day can be reduced to two meals per day by six to nine months of age. The last meal and water should be approximately two hours before bedtime with one last play period and potty break just before going to bed. while still a puppy, it will need to potty immediately after a nap, after coming out of its crate after eating, and after (if not during) a good round of play. Accidents in the house are not the fault of the puppy. If you take the puppy out often, stay with it, and give soft praise, it will soon be housebroken. Your Dane should continue to eat twice each day its entire life. Follow your breeder’s advice on feeding and nutritional supplements.