Great Dane Skull

The Great Dane is known as the “Apollo of all breeds,” a fitting name for a dog of its stature.  At up to 7 feet tall standing on its hind legs, the Great Dane is one of the world's largest dogs.  Despite its intimidating size, the Great Dane is also known as the “Gentle Giant” for its friendly nature.  Originally bred in Germany to hunt boar, a ferocious animal, the Great Dane was quickly adopted as an estate guard dog and finally as a domestic companion.  Great Danes can have any of six distinctive colorings: yellow-gold with a black face, tiger striped, uniform steel blue-gray, glossy black, pure white with black patches or black with a white chest and face (like a Boston Terrier).  Great Danes tend to live short lives because their immense size makes them prone to many health risks, like hip dysplasia and heart disease.