Great Dane
A large breed of canine originating in Germany.
Physical Description
The Great Dane is one of the world's tallest domestic dog breeds with heights that range from 28 to 44 inches at the shoulders. The breed has held the title of the tallest dog breed since early 2000. The Great Danes weight ranges from 120 pounds to well over 200. Great Danes grow quickly, most reaching full height at 1 year of age, and fill out to their full weight at a year and a half. The dog’s lifespan is between 5-8 years.
Great Danes naturally have floppy triangle shaped ears, that are sometimes cropped for traditional or cosmetic purposes. When cropping the ears, a veterinarian will cut the pinnae (the visible flaps or soft more malleable part of the ear) off of the ear, the results will have the ear stand upright. Cropping of the ears served a safety purpose when the practice first came around, but has since decreased in popularity. They have large rectangular heads with a narrow muzzle where jowls hanging below. The Great Dane’s body has deep chest and muscular appearance. Their height coupled with their long legs and tail, makes the breed long as well as …show more content…
This accelerated growth rate causes health problems in regards to bone health. One common health problem is hip dysplasia (malformation of the hip joint, resulting in mild cases as lameness to severe cases as paralysis). Another common health problem in the breed due to bone health is arthritis in the joints. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy is a condition in large breed dogs due to the accelerated growth in which decreased blood flow to the joints and bones results in bone death. Consequently this causes lameness, pain and a reluctance to put weight on affected bones. If a Great Dane puppy is fed too much protein during early development bone development will be affected in quick growth with weak
A large breed of canine originating in Germany.
Physical Description
The Great Dane is one of the world's tallest domestic dog breeds with heights that range from 28 to 44 inches at the shoulders. The breed has held the title of the tallest dog breed since early 2000. The Great Danes weight ranges from 120 pounds to well over 200. Great Danes grow quickly, most reaching full height at 1 year of age, and fill out to their full weight at a year and a half. The dog’s lifespan is between 5-8 years.
Great Danes naturally have floppy triangle shaped ears, that are sometimes cropped for traditional or cosmetic purposes. When cropping the ears, a veterinarian will cut the pinnae (the visible flaps or soft more malleable part of the ear) off of the ear, the results will have the ear stand upright. Cropping of the ears served a safety purpose when the practice first came around, but has since decreased in popularity. They have large rectangular heads with a narrow muzzle where jowls hanging below. The Great Dane’s body has deep chest and muscular appearance. Their height coupled with their long legs and tail, makes the breed long as well as …show more content…
This accelerated growth rate causes health problems in regards to bone health. One common health problem is hip dysplasia (malformation of the hip joint, resulting in mild cases as lameness to severe cases as paralysis). Another common health problem in the breed due to bone health is arthritis in the joints. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy is a condition in large breed dogs due to the accelerated growth in which decreased blood flow to the joints and bones results in bone death. Consequently this causes lameness, pain and a reluctance to put weight on affected bones. If a Great Dane puppy is fed too much protein during early development bone development will be affected in quick growth with weak