Great Dane

one of a breed of large, powerful, shorthaired dogs ranging in color from fawn to brindle, blue, black, or white with black spots.

[1765-75]

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Breed of working dog developed at least 400 years ago in Germany, where it was used for boar hunting.

Tallest of the working breeds, it stands 28–32 in. (71–81 cm) tall and weighs 120–150 lbs (54–68 kg). It has a massive, square-jawed head and elegant body lines. Its short coat is black, golden brown, brindle, blue-gray, or white with black patches. It is typically swift and alert and is noted for courage, friendliness, and dependability. There is no known reason to associate Denmark with the breed.

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▪ breed of dog

 breed of working dog developed at least 400 years ago in Germany, where it was used for boar hunting. The Great Dane is typically a swift, alert dog noted for courage, friendliness, and dependability. It has a massive, square-jawed head and body lines that give it an elegant appearance. Its short coat is black, fawn (golden brown), brindle, blue-gray, harlequin (white with black patches), or mantle (white with a black “blanket” extending over the body). The fawn and brindle dogs have a black mask. The Great Dane is the tallest of the working breeds, with males standing at least 30 inches (76 cm) and females at least 28 inches (71 cm); it weighs 120 to 150 pounds (54 to 68 kg). Its name was derived from one of its French names, Grand Danois (Big Danish), although there is no known reason to associate Denmark with the history or origin of the breed. In Germany the breed is called the Deutsche Dogge (German dog).

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