THE GREAT DANE

 

This regal breed combines great size and power with elegance. It is square-proportioned and well-balanced. Its gait is strong and powerful with long, easy strides. Its coat is short, thick and glossy. The Great Dane is most noteworthy for its majestic carriage and appearance. The Great Dane is sweet, eager to please, people-oriented, easy to house train, and he responds well to training using positive reinforcement. The Apollo of dogs, also known as gentle giants.
 
Despite his giant size, a Great Dane is mellow enough to be a good house dog, which makes this gentle giant suitable for apartment living as long as daily exercise is incorporated. He's relatively quiet indoors, but he needs a long walk at least once a day, or a large yard to play in. An adult Great Dane needs 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, depending on his age and activity level. Puppies and adolescents should be able to have free exercise (where they can play in a fenced area) but should not be taken on long walks or jogs until they are done growing.
 
The Great Dane is gentle, loving, easygoing and sensitive. It is generally good with children (although its friendly overtures may overwhelm a small child) and usually friendly toward other dogs and pets. It makes a pleasant, well-mannered family companion.