All About Great Dane
The Great Dane is not so heavy or massive as the Mastiff, nor should he too nearly approach the Greyhound type. Remarkable in size and very muscular, strongly though elegantly built; the head and neck should be carried high, and the tail in line with the back, or slightly upwards, but not curled over the hind-quarters.
TEMPERAMENT–The Great Dane is good-tempered, affectionate, and faithful to his master, not demonstrative with strangers; intelligent, courageous, and always alert. His value as a guard is unrivalled. He is easily controlled when well trained, but he may grow savage if confined too much, kept on chain, or ill treated.
HEIGHT–The minimum height of an adult dog should be 30 ins that of a bitch, 28 ins.
WEIGHT – The minimum weight of an adult dog should be 120 lbs that of a bitch 100 lbs. The greater height and weight to be preferred, provided that quality and proportion are also combined.
HEAD–Taken altogether, the head should give the idea of great length and strength of jaw. The muzzle, or foreface, is broad, and the skull proportionately narrow, so that the whole head, when viewed from above and in front, has the appearance of equal breadth throughout.
SKULL–The skull should be flat rather than domed, and have a slight indentation running up the centre, the occipital peak not prominent. There should be a decided rise or brow over the eyes, but no abrupt stop between them.
NECK–The neck is one of the chief characteristics. It should be long, well arched, and quite clean and free from loose skin, held well up, snakelike in carriage, well set in the shoulders, and the junction of head and neck well defined.
FORE-LEGS AND FEET–The fore-legs should be perfectly straight, with big flat bone. The feet large and round, the toes well arched and close, the nails strong and curved.
BODY–The body is very deep, with ribs well sprung and belly well drawn up.
BACK AND TAIL–The tail is strong at the root and ends in a fine point, reaching to or just below the hocks. It should be carried, when the dog is in action, in a straight line level with the back, slightly curved towards the end, but should not curl over the back.
COAT–The hair is short and dense, and sleek-looking, and in no case should it incline to
coarseness.
COLOUR–The colours are brindle, fawn, blue, black, and harlequin. The harlequin should have jet black patches and spots on a pure white ground grey patches are admissible but not desired but fawn or brindle shades are objectionable.
