Posted by Administrator on February 17th, 2006 — Posted in Great Dane Origins
by Gale Renz
One of the giant breed of dogs, the Great Danes, is going to be fully discussed in this article. Among the major topics, there are the general descriptions of the great dane. First, we must examine the size of this dog, as well as its attitude towards people.
Great danes are tall dogs even though they are not very heavy. Their popularity and beautiful physique have gained them the title of the “Apollo of Dogs.” Danes are loving, friendly, and affectionate when treated accordingly.
According to AKC standards, male danes are not less than 32 inches and are usually 34 inches tall. The average Dane is close to three feet tall in height. Duration of development of your great dane’s body largely depends on his or her gender. To illustrate, a male can complete his development in three full years where females can be adults in a year or less. Puppyhood usually lasts for 18 months and over the course of these first 18-28 months, an owner will witness their great dane mature mentally and physically.
Diet and proper exercise are very important to your great dane’s health. Your great dane’s daily diet should be consistent, and the amount of food should be measured according to their age and weight. It’s important for your great dane to maintain a healthy weight. An underweight great dane can be vulnerable to sickness and disease, whereas an overweight dane increases its chance of bloating and heart disease.
Because great danes are such large dogs, they need plenty of room to run and play. Throughout puppy hood, this breed of dog needs exercise and mental stimulation. Taking walks, playing fetch, and rewarding a dane’s positive behavior are all essential tasks to developing a strong healthy bond with your pet.
The relationship between great danes and children is one of the most powerful connections that can occur between any type of human and animal. Like children, great danes are very trusting and curious. It’s important to teach children how to handle your great dane. Fortunately, these dogs have a wonderful temperament and do not become feisty unless provoked.
With proper care, a healthy great dane’s lifespan is approximately eight years of age. Nevertheless, many great danes continue to life a full life of ten to twelve years. These loving companions become additional members of our families and we should cherish every day they share with us.
Article by Gale Renz.
Gale Renz is a great dane lover and professional qualified Great Dane Breeder and owner / founder of Dynamite Danes. You may publish this article only if you do modify it in any way.
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Posted by Administrator on February 19th, 2006 — Posted in Great Dane Breeding Information
Among numerous types of dog species, great danes present a significant feature. This distinct feature can be seen, as Danes have many different kinds of color patterns on their body. Generally speaking, three gene series are responsible for assigning the patterns to which great danes will exhibit. These series are called M-series, H-series and S-series and they this article will examine these genes.
In order to understand these genetic traits, we must first understand genes and alleles. For those unfamiliar with the term “allele,” an allele is any one of a number of feasible DNA codings of the same gene. In the case of the great dane, M-series genes, have two alleles: namely, merle and not-merle. If two dominant merles run into one another in a locus, the dog’s color changes its state to purely white [except for some regions in head and tail]. Nevertheless, when one of the genes are recessive, the coat color is turned into shaded blue with irregular patches of black.
A Herlequin gene, [otherwise known as H-series] is an incomplete dominant and carry two alleles. If a dog has recessive genes in her locus, the dominant gene will have no effect on the great dane’s appearance. There may be some irregular black patches, but shaded blue areas become fully white.
S-series accounts for white spots on a great dane’s body. When two dominant S-series genes come together in a locus, white in the body is likely to diminish, about 5% or less, and there remains a little white at chest and feet. The fact that one of the genes is recessive results in the increase in the amount of white on the chest, face, feet and neck. The dog will have approximately 25% of it‘s hair appear white in color.
There are three more possibilities that occur when the alleles come together abnormally. For instance, SSI (Sporophytic Self-Incompatibility Systems) alleles commonly label a great dane as having “pet-marked-blacks.” This odd name is derived from the appearance of the coat’s white color — which appears as a black hue. Dogs carrying SSW alleles tend to resemble Irish marked dogs. Perhaps this is because their gene type is exactly the same as those of the Irish marked dog. Ironically, SISW alleles lead to a completely dominant white color in dog’s body. The result is typically that of a white great dane having the appearance of a Boston head.
Article by Gale Renz.
Gale Renz is a great dane lover and professional qualified Great Dane Breeder and owner / founder of Dynamite Danes. You may publish this article only if you do modify it in any way.
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Posted by Administrator on February 20th, 2006 — Posted in Great Dane Origins
The Great Dane, also known as the Deutsche Dogge, is a huge dog whose power is one of the most important features it possesses. It has straight legs and a long neck. Its head is in a special form that has a narrow shape, which makes this intelligent animal dramatically striking. With its dark and round eyes, it has the capability to control its environment even in the darkest moments of the night. The great dane’s ears can be seen in two entirely different states, naturally long and floppy, or cropped. Cropping, although unnecessary, can be performed by a veterinarian in the first six months of your puppy’s life.
A Great dane may have a coat in very different colours, namely, black, blue, fawn and brindle, which are rarely found in the ancestors of the dog family. In addition, blue danes can have lighter eyes which contribute to the dog’s speciality. Its height and weight can change according to the type and age of the dog. For instance, a full grown male dog is 30-34 inches in height where an adult female is at most 32 inches tall. There are also taller dogs but they can be considered as the members of the minority.
Having discussed the physical aspects of great dane, we can now turn our attention to psychological features. First, the great dane is kind and playful, especially towards children. This dog has been known to be a great protector. Perhaps this is why so many people use great danes as watchdogs. Not only is the dane alert, but it’s size frightens potential intruders and anyone wishing to do harm.
Your great dane does not require any ‘out of the ordinary’ special maintenance. But you should pay close attention to your dane’s diet. A proper routine diet is essential to your pets overall physical and mental health. Why is this dog’s diet so important? The great dane is prone to heart disease, tail problems, and bloat. It’s short life, which averages approximately eight years, can be cut short by any of these medical problems–which are often related to poor dietary habits. Regular veterinarian check-ups are recommended, to decrease the chances of any serious illness.
The great dane is generally a happy dog. It can be content snuggling, playing, walking, or receiving mental stimulation. This is a very intelligent breed of dog that thrives on challenges and rewards. If you start training your great dane as a puppy, you not only have a well-trained pet; you’ll have an obedient and loving companion for years to come.
Article by Gale Renz.
Gale Renz is a great dane lover and professional qualified Great Dane Breeder and owner / founder of Dynamite Danes. You may publish this article only if you do not modify it in any way.
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Posted by Administrator on February 22nd, 2006 — Posted in Health Topics
Gastric Dilation Volvulus, also referred to as GDV, is a serious disease that can dramatically affect a great dane’s life. In this article, we will focus on the causes and treatment of this frightening disease which can cause your Great Dane much pain and discomfort.
GDV occurs when air compresses the stomach of the dog and during dilation the stomach twists on itself. This leads to the stoppage of blood flowing to the stomach and other body organs. The drastic effect of increasing blood pressure makes it impossible for the dog to stay calm. This discomfort is usually accompanied by sharp screeches from the animal, who may display a warranted ’panicky’ state. Unfortunately, most of these symptoms are shrugged off. The results may be fatal, as most great danes die in a few hours if GDV isn’t treated.
Not every breed of dog is susceptible to the risk of experiencing GDV. Usually, large and deep-chested breed dogs like great danes are vulnerable to such a disease as GDV. The most important factors increasing the risk of GDV are overeating, single and rapid daily eating, stress and abnormal water consumption.
According to the foundations of scientists specialized in dog diseases, almost one third of untreated dogs experiencing GDV die. Despite this information, it’s important for people to listen to their pet when he/she is in pain, as GDV is treatable if caught in time. A dog treated for GDV can continue to live a long healthy life.
Two major techniques are used in the treatment of GDV. First, the stomach tube is used to extract the gas from the stomach. Secondly, the stomach is returned to its normal shape through the practice of a surgical procedure. In order to prevent the recurrence of GDV, veterinarian should assess the extent of damage by careful observation. Damage differs from great dane to great dane. Factors that may contribute to excessive damage are: the amount of time the dog suffered, your great dane’s overall health condition, and the age of your great dane.
There are preventive steps that you can take to ensure your great dane maintains a healthy GDV-free life. Be certain to feed your great dane 2-3 times daily. Leave a sufficient amount of water out for your dog(s) while you’re away or at work. Daylight and ‘play time’ is very beneficial for your great dane. Your great dane should follow a strict routine, as you and the members of your family do.
Article by Gale Renz.
Gale Renz is a great dane lover and professional qualified Great Dane Breeder and owner / founder of Dynamite Danes. You may publish this article only if you do not modify it in any way.
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Posted by Administrator on February 25th, 2006 — Posted in Health Topics
Great danes employ significant features. One can infer some information about the eye and coat color, and nose and ear shape from some specifications observed. These features are the well known examples of the effects of a great dane‘s DNA. In order to understand why our great dane’s have these remarkable physical properties, we must first understand their background.
Each great dane carries two sets of genetics. These genetics are passed from the dog’s parents. These sets of genes can be very similar to each other or may be so different that one can be suspicious about the dog’s identity. Physical and emotional properties of the dog in his/her future life is partially determined by these genes: i.e, according to the similarity level in a great dane’s genes, his/her remarkable features possess their role.
Now that we’ve discussed the way in which your dog has received its genetic makings, we can turn our attention to one of the most interesting features of your great dane: it’s coat color. The colors that are most frequently observed on great danes are black, white, mantle and merle. Each color is determined by the genetic properties of the dog and these can be classified in three major groups: A-series, E-series and D-series.
A-series genes have an impact on the dog’s coat color incorporating two forms of melanin. As a result of the different types of melanin pigment in your great dane’s genes, several color ranges can be found: namely, black, brown and saddle. E-series genes employ yellow/red pigment in your dog’s body, and as can be seen in Yellow Labradors and Irish Settlers as well. Now for the curious, but interesting D-series genes: check the existence of recessive genes. When one is found, D-series turn the blue pigment on and provide the body with blue instead of black previously injected by A-series.
Nevertheless, an additional remarkable feature of your Great Dane is his/her ears. Most people are surprised to find that their great dane does not have ears which stand straight up. Actually, in their natural state, your pet’s ears will flop down around his face, much like the ears of a Labrador. Most people decide to have their Great Dane’s ears cropped between the ages of 6-8 weeks old. Despite this information, cropping is not a necessary procedure, as it offers no benefits for your pet.
Article by Gale Renz.
Gale Renz is a great dane lover and professional qualified Great Dane Breeder and owner / founder of Dynamite Danes. You may publish this article only if you do not modify it in any way.
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