The Greatest of Great! The Great Bambino! There are a lot of large breed dogs including the Alaskan Wolf, St. Bernard and the Mastiff amongst other breeds. What is so special about these certain Gentle Giants? Maybe it's the name "Great Dane" or their signature name "Apollo of Dogs", the way they came to be or maybe their personalities. To learn more about these creatures lets step back into the late 14th century when these dogs where being bread into what they are today.

Where do these wonderful creatures come from?

Long ago these Gentle Giants where bread out of Germany. They were bread from a Mastiff and an Irish Wolf hound... Odd mix? You might think, but look at the beautiful face and muzzle they gained from the Mastiff and the sleek toned body of an Irish wolfhound (under all that hair of course). They started in Germany and became more known in America by the end of the 19th century.

What were they breed for?

It was well known that the Dane was very strong, fast and had absolutely no fear... This is unlike the common Dane you see today that will run and hide because your chair fell over and scared him out of his wits. They used the dog to hunt, during those times they made remarkable boar hunters. The Great Dane was known as "Boar Hound" or sometimes "German boarhound". Other names were added as time went on.

What personality does the Breed carry?

As we know today this breed is goofy! Yep, I would say goofy is the biggest personality trait. Among the common traits there are, caring, affectionate, loyal, gentle, sensitive, loving and overall a great family dog. Some use these dogs as watch dogs, my opinion? Not the best idea as I have seen mine run from noisy appliances... HA HA! Back in the day when these creatures were hunting dogs they were also loyal, more aggressive then the Dane you see today... Keeping in mind they were hunters.

These beautiful creatures stand tall! Females stand anywhere from 28 inches and taller, while males stand from 30 inches and taller. Some children claim to see that 10 foot 400lb Dane while we sit and laugh at their imaginations. Adults will say they have seen 42 inch Great Danes, which I believe is the tallest Dane recorded (May have changed since the last I heard). While the tale of tall Danes could be talked about for years the fact is all Danes are very large, hence their signature name "The Apollo of Dogs". Their size captures attention. They walk with nobility. Their sleek appearance gives sight to the strength they carry. The way they stay close to their owner shows their loyalty and protective nature. The gentle way they play with small animals gives off their sensitive side. No wonder these animals are so loved... Being able to get protection, gentleness and obedience rolled up in one massive animal. Cheers! To you the Greatest of Great!