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The Great Dane is sometimes called the King of Dogs. While this may not be literally true, they are certainly among the most elegant and distinctive breeds. Courageous, spirited, and friendly, the Great Dane is not overly aggressive, nor is it overly timid, and this makes it well suited as both a hunting dog and a domestic companion.

Tall and regal, the Dane is a very large dog. Adults usually weight between 100 and 120 lbs, and their impressive height and surprisingly gentility has earned them the colloquial nickname of "gentle giants." Danes have a short, thick coat of fur, with a glossy appearance, are are usually yellow-gold with a black mask around the face. However, their fur may also be steel blue, glossy black, or pure white with irregular black patches.

Despite their large size, Great Danes are sensitive dogs, and need gentle handling. They are social creatures, family dogs, and do not like being confined to a backyard as they need to interact with others. Protective and loyal, Great Danes get along well with humans, dogs, and other animals. They are both courageous and gentle, loyal and independent. Although some Danes have dominance issues, this is not usually a serious problem.

The Great Dane is a very old breed, probably over 400 years, and was originally bred to hunt wild boar. The name is an English translation of the French designation "el grand danois," which may also be translated as "big danish." Why the English use a translation of the French name is as mysterious as why this breed was associated with Denmark, as it is, and always has been, German.

In the year 1880, a meeting of dog judges in Berlin was called. They officially declared that the breed should be known as the "deutsche dogge," and that all other terms, especially the spurious "Great Dane", should be abolished. In general this effort was successful. However, to this day both the English and the Italians still continue to use their own terms for the breed.

As with any dog, when buying a puppy it is important to buy only from certified and reliable breeders. One should make a decision based on the pup's temperament, such as how well it reacts to its prospective owner, and how it treats it's litter mates. It is also important to make sure the breeder has screened it's parents for genetic conditions such as Hip Dysplasia, which is a common illness among Great Danes.

It is a good idea to buy a Great Dane puppy a crate. Having a crate makes house braking much easier, and will give the dog

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