European vs American Great Danes: A Comprehensive Comparison for Potential Owners

As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I‘ve had the privilege of working with countless canines of all shapes and sizes. But there‘s just something extra captivating about the Great Dane – a breed that truly lives up to its name in both stature and personality. If you‘re considering welcoming one of these gentle giants into your life, you may be wondering about the differences between the American and European types. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into the history, characteristics, and care requirements of these magnificent dogs to help you make an informed decision.

A Regal History: The Great Dane Through the Ages

Despite its name, the Great Dane is actually a German breed with a lineage dating back over 400 years. As Jill Swedlow, author of "The Great Dane: Embodying a Full Exposition of the History, Breeding Principles, Education, and Present State of the Breed" (1921), notes:

"The origin of the Great Dane, like that of many other varieties of dogs, is so obscure that all researches have only resulted in speculative theories, but the undoubted antiquity of this dog is proved by the fact that representatives of a breed sufficiently similar to be considered his ancestors are found on some of the oldest Egyptian monuments."

Indeed, depictions of giant, Dane-like dogs can be seen in ancient Babylonian temples and Egyptian tomb drawings. In medieval Europe, large boarhounds resembling the modern Great Dane were used by nobles to hunt fierce wild game like bear and boar. Their combination of power, courage, and obedience made them highly prized.

Over time, as firearms made large game hunting less prevalent, these dogs transitioned into estate guardians and símbolos de status for European aristocracy. It‘s said that German breeders aimed to make them resemble "Apollo, the Greek god of light" in their nobility and grace.

The breed was first exhibited under the name "Great Dane" at a dog show in Hamburg, Germany in 1863. Soon after, the "Deutsche Doggen-Klub" (German Mastiff Club) was formed, and an official breed standard was established. Though "Deutsche Dogge" (German Mastiff) remains the official name in much of Europe, the moniker "Great Dane" stuck in English-speaking countries – likely due to the breed‘s popularity with Danish nobility in the 1700s.

From Europe to America: A Tale of Two Danes

The first Great Dane was imported to the United States in 1877, but it wasn‘t until the 1920s that the breed really took hold in American hearts and homes. As the breed club history recounts:

"Although slow to start, the Great Dane captured the interest of American dog fanciers, and by 1917, fifty Great Danes were entered in the Westminster Kennel Club show. By the late 1920s, more than 100 Great Danes were being entered in shows throughout the country. During this time, many wealthy families started keeping Danes in their homes, making these dogs fashionable to own, especially among Hollywood‘s elite."

Famous American Dane owners over the years have included actors like Robin Williams and Greg Louganis, author Ian Fleming, and President Lyndon B. Johnson, among others. The charismatic cartoon character Scooby-Doo further popularized the breed.

But as Great Danes evolved on both sides of the pond, some key differences emerged. Let‘s take a closer look:

As you can see, while both varieties are undeniably impressive, American Danes have been bred more for companionship and tend to have a friendlier, goofier demeanor – sometimes described as a "Velcro dogs" for their people-oriented nature. My own American Dane, Apollo, is a constant source of laughter and affection in our home.

European Danes, on the other hand, still retain more of their working dog instincts. They are typically calmer and more courageous, with strong protective instincts. As veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan explains:

"The European Great Dane is thicker and heavier-boned than its American counterpart. They also have a shorter average lifespan (6-8 years) due to their larger size. European Danes are bred primarily for guarding and protection, while American Danes are bred more as companion animals."

German breeder Ute Scheel-Wilke of the iconic Wilke-Baven kennel emphasizes the importance of temperament in the breed standard:

"A Great Dane must possess size, power, and elegance with a well-formed, well-trained body. It is never heavy or cumbersome, and should never have the appearance of a cross between a Greyhound and a Mastiff. Regal appearance, strength, and elegance should be well-combined with courage and determination."

Living with a Gentle Giant: Care and Training Tips

Regardless of which type of Dane captures your heart, it‘s essential to be prepared for the unique challenges and joys of giant breed ownership. These dogs may be sweet-natured couch potatoes at heart, but their sheer size and strength require special considerations.

Training and Socialization

Early, positive training and socialization are a must to ensure your Dane develops into a well-mannered, confident companion. As cute as Dane puppies are, remember that they will quadruple in size over just a few months! Teaching polite greetings, loose-leash walking, and solid obedience from the start is key.

Puppy kindergarten and ongoing group classes are highly recommended to expose your Dane to a variety of people, dogs, and situations in a controlled setting. Even with their friendly nature, such a large dog can be intimidating to strangers, so it‘s important they learn to accept handling and remain calm in public.

One common behavioral issue in Danes is counter surfing – hard to resist when the kitchen counter is at eye level! Using baby gates, keeping tempting items out of reach, and teaching a reliable "leave it" cue can help curb this habit.

Exercise Needs

While Great Danes have relatively modest exercise needs for their size, they still require daily walks and playtime to stay physically and mentally healthy. Aim for at least 45-60 minutes of moderate activity per day, broken up into a couple sessions.

Dane puppies should not be taken on forced runs or marches, as their growing bones and joints are prone to damage from overexertion. Short walks and free play in a fenced area are best until they mature (around 18-24 months old).

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Food puzzles, nose work games, and obedience training help keep your Dane‘s intelligent mind engaged. A bored Dane is prone to destructive chewing – and those powerful jaws can make quick work of your sofa!

Health Concerns

As mentioned earlier, Great Danes are unfortunately prone to a number of health issues related to their size and conformation. Some of the most common include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Cardiomyopathy
• Hypothyroidism
• Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus)
• Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
• Wobbler syndrome (cervical spondylomyelopathy)

According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, 21.2% of Danes screened have hip dysplasia, and 15.8% have elbow dysplasia. The Great Dane Club of America also reports that bloat occurs in about 37% of the breed, with a mortality rate of 24%.

While these statistics can be scary, there are steps you can take to stack the deck in your Dane‘s favor:

1. Choose a responsible breeder who performs health screenings on breeding stock and can provide documentation.
2. Feed a high-quality diet in controlled portions to maintain a lean, healthy weight.
3. Learn to recognize the signs of bloat, and have an emergency plan in place with your vet.
4. Pursue low-impact exercises like swimming to minimize joint strain.
5. Keep up with regular vet check-ups and preventive care.

Pet insurance for a Dane is also highly advisable, as a single emergency surgery can easily cost $5,000 or more. In a 2017 survey, the average annual cost of owning a Dane was reported to be about $3,000-$3,500.

Space and Supplies

As you might imagine, sharing your home with a Dane requires some spatial accommodations. Ideally, they should have access to a securely fenced yard for playtime and potty breaks. Indoors, you‘ll need to Dane-proof by securing fragile items, using baby gates if needed, and ensuring they can‘t reach food on counters or tables.

Because of their height, Danes are prone to "counter cruising" – so it‘s best to keep tempting items like food, medication, and liquor well out of reach. They are also notorious for stealing unattended snacks, as many an unsuspecting picnicker has learned the hard way!

Offering a quiet space for your Dane to retreat from household chaos is important. While most love being in the thick of family life, they also need a safe haven for rest and relaxation.

For bedding, nothing beats an oversized orthopedic dog bed for cushioning your Dane‘s joints. These beds can run from $150-$400 but are well worth the investment in comfort. I also recommend using a raised feeder to reduce neck strain and decrease bloat risk.

In the car, you‘ll need an extra-large crash-tested harness or a giant crate to keep your Dane safe during outings. And don‘t forget a drool towel – these big dogs are champion slobberers!

Is a Great Dane Right for You?

Living with a Great Dane can be an incredibly rewarding experience for the right person or family. These gentle souls have a special way of stealing your heart with their goofy antics, unwavering loyalty, and zest for life. I have never laughed or loved harder than during my years with them.

But as we‘ve explored in this article, Danes are not the dog for everyone or every living situation. From providing proper training and socialization to dealing with potential health issues and hefty food bills, you must be prepared to meet the breed‘s unique needs.

BARK (Benevolent Animal Rescue of the Quad Cities) Great Dane Rescue volunteer Shannon Curry advises:

"Great Danes need room to stretch and play to stay happy and healthy. Fenced yards for potty breaks and exercise are best. While some Danes can adapt to apartment life, two story homes with open lofts are not ideal because many Danes are afraid of stairs. Potential adopters should also consider the short lifespan and high vet bills as Danes are prone to many expensive health problems. And finally, despite their size, Danes are quite sensitive and don‘t do well with harsh correction or being left alone for long stretches. They want to be where their humans are."

If you have the time, space, and financial means to give one of these majestic animals the life they deserve, you will be richly rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime companion. To learn more about our breed I recommend and appreciate for checking out the resources below, connecting with local Dane owners, and reaching out to your veterinarian with any questions.

As a lifelong dog lover and Dane devotee, I‘m thrilled to be able to share my passion and knowledge with potential owners. These incredible dogs have brought immeasurable joy, laughter, and love to my life – and I wish the same for you on your Dane journey!

Further Reading & Resources

• Great Dane Club of America (GDCA)
• Deutsche Doggen Club 1888 e.V. (Great Dane Club of Germany)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: Great Dane Statistics
• "The Ultimate Great Dane" by Dr. Jörg Herbold DVM
• "Living with Great Danes" by Laura Wranik
• Facebook: Great Dane Owners Group