Life Span:	6-8 years
Litter Size:	average of 8 puppies, up to 15
Group:	Mastiff, AKC Working
Recognized By:	CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Color:	solid black, solid white, black with white face and legs (mantle), irregular black patches (Harlequin), solid blue (dark gray), fawn (tan with dark mask and legs). Typically white is not permitted on most patterns unless white is in the color.
Hair Length:	Short
Size:	Extra Large
Shedding:	Moderate Shed
Male Height:	27 to 29 inches (68.58-73.66cm)
Male Weight:	120 -200 pounds (54-90 kg.)
Female Height:	25 to 27 inches (68.58-73.66cm)
Female Weight:	100-130 pounds (45-59 kg.)
Living Area:	The Great Dane is an amazingly adaptable large breed of dog that can tolerate smaller living spaces such as apartments provided they have lots of regular outdoor exercise. They will also do well in a house with a medium to large sized yard.

About this Breed

The Great Dane is a giant breed of dog that is both regal and powerful in appearance. They have oven been considered the Apollo of dogs due to their size, strength and proud carriage. They are solidly build and very athletic although calm and reserved in their behavior. The Great Dane is often called the German Mastiff and even thought they are called a Dane, the breed was actually developed in Germany. The Great Dane is often used as companion dog, cart dog, packing dog and a watchdog. The head of the Great Dane is very noble in appearance and is carried very high on the neck and shoulders. The head is broad and well developed with a pronounced stop and a large, rectangular shaped muzzle. The jaws are well developed and pronounced and the nose is very noticeable and black. The eyes are well set, lively and very intelligent in appearance. They can vary from lighter brown colors in tan and blue coat colors. The ears are either left long and natural and fold over, or are cropped to stand upright. Typically ear cropping is only done in the United States and very rarely in other countries. Overall the head is very refined and chiseled in appearance and while the lips are slightly pendulous they are not extremely loose. The Great Dane can be a drooling dog although in some lines this is not a concern. The neck of the Great Dane is long and well muscled, arched and placed high on the shoulders. The neck tapers slightly to the throat and flows into well developed withers as well as a deep, wide and broad chest. The rib cage is well developed and solid, with a noticeable tucking up at the abdomen. The front legs are straight, well boned and very muscular while not appearing heavy or too small. The brisket extends well down to the elbows and should be proportionate to the overall length of the body. The back of the Great Dane slopes slightly from the withers to a rounded rump. The tail is long and tapers from a thick base through to a point at the tip. The tail is carried close to the hind legs and curls upwards at the hock. The read legs are well formed and the feet and legs are straight when viewed from the back. When viewed from the side they have a slightly crouching appearance that enhances the look of strength and ability. The feet of the Great Dane are round and compact with thick pads. They are well arched with strong nails. The Great Dane moves with an easy flowing stride that is capable of covering great distances with minimal effort. The back should remain level when the dog is in motion and there should be no noticeable rolling or shifting of the weight of the dog through any gaits. The coat is very sleek and short with a natural shine. The Great Dane can have several colorations including Harlequin (white with black irregular patches), solid black, solid white, mantle (black blanket with white markings), fawn with black points and solid blue. Merle is often seen in Harlequin Dane crossings but is not a recognized color.