What Were Great Danes Used For?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Originally Great Danes were bred for

hunting

; specifically to hunt Boars. Although since they were big dogs they were also used for protection of country estates. They were bred from a English Mastiff and a Irish Wolfhound to result in a powerful and huge dog.

What were Great Danes originally used for?

Great Danes were first bred as

boar-hunting dogs

in the 1800s in Europe. They are known as the “Apollo of dogs” due to their stately grace. Like other large breeds, they can be susceptible to health issues.

What breeds Make a Great Dane?

The Great Dane is huge, and that's no accident. Most agree that his pedigree is a

combination of English Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound

, though we do know what the Great Dane is a very old .

Is a Great Dane a good family dog?

Often called gentle giants, Great Danes are loved for their joyful spirits and loving companionship. Great Danes bond closely with their owners and make wonderful family pets. A

well-trained dog

will thrive in most households.

Why are Great Danes banned?

There are a few main reasons why. According to the article “14 Dog Breeds Restricted by Insurance Companies” in Psychology Today, Great Danes are commonly restricted by insurance companies

because of the risks and dangers they can pose to others

.

Are Great Danes protective of their owners?

While Great Danes are typically patient and gentle,

they can be protective when they need to

. A Great Dane's characteristics are what make the breed an excellent option for a family guard dog. Even the gentlest Great Dane can scare off people who may try to invade your home or harm you or your family.

Are male or female Great Danes better?

Compared to males, many find

female Great Danes easier to

train. Perhaps it is their calmer natures or their better focus, but you can generally expect females to be easier to work with. While males are known for being bolder and more aggressive, females can still be very protective of their homes.

What is the rarest Great Dane color?

The rarest color a Great Dane can come in is

white

. This is due to the color causing health problems for the pup. The most expensive gentle giant you can get is the harlequin. This is another that's a popular color and easily recognizable.

How smart is a Great Dane?

So, are Great Danes smart? Great Danes are

average intelligent dogs

. And according to Stanley Coren, they're ranked the 88th smartest dog breed for their obedience & working intelligence. … Many people believe Great Danes aren't as smart as most dog breeds.

Are Great Danes high maintenance?

Despite their towering size, Great Danes

are comparatively low maintenance pooches

. Their size can actually be a benefit, making them one of the few low maintenance outdoor dog breeds, as opposed to small dogs that may need to be kept indoors for safety reasons.

Can a Great Dane be left alone?

All Dogs should always be supervised when around children. Most of the time Great Danes are couch potatoes and have short periods of activity and require a couple of short walks a day along with a period of off leash time to run and play in the yard. However,

some Danes can be destructive when left alone

.

At what age do Great Danes calm down?

When a Great Dane reaches one year old, you should expect them to calm down a lot over the subsequent

6 to 12 months up to the age of 2

. Although your Great Dane may continue to be hyper after two years, it will never be to the same extent of them in their adolescent age.

What owning a Great Dane says about you?

Owners of Great danes

are good-hearted and responsible

. They tend to work hard and put one hundred percent into everything they do.

Are Great Danes OK in apartments?

Despite their massive bulk,

great Danes can live happily in apartments

. They require less exercise than many large breeds and are known as gentle giants because of their peaceful, affectionate personalities.

Why do insurance companies not like Great Danes?

Insurance companies seem to

be wary of dogs who are roughly the size of Seabiscuit

. Great Danes surely fit that description, and due to their size, they are often considered dangerous. A Great Dane can easily overpower children and smaller adults, though they rarely attack.

Are mastiffs illegal in the US?

In fact,

some cities ban mastiffs altogether

, ignoring their good nature and friendly disposition. One city in Washington state — Wapato — specifically bans all mastiff types.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.