Great Dane…
As described by the American Kennel Club: The Great Dane combines, in its regal appearance, dignity, strength and elegance with great size and powerful, well-formed, smoothly muscled body. It is one of the giant working breeds, but is unique in that its general conformation must be so well balanced that it never appears clumsy, and shall move with a long reach and powerful drive. The Great Dane is a short haired breed with a strong galloping figure.
Some of the Colors…
Fawn: The color is yellow gold with a black mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears.
Blue: The color is a pure steel blue. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable and considered faults.
Brindle:The color is fawn and black in a chevron stripe patter. Often also they are referred to as having a tiger-stripe pattern.
Harlequin:The base color is pure white with black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over the entire body; a pure white neck is preferred. The black patches should never be large enough to give appearance of a blanket, nor so small as to give a stippled or dappled effect.
Mantle:The color is black and white with a solid black blanket extending over the body; black skull with white muzzle; white blaze is optional; whole white collar preferred; a white chest; white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs; white tipped black tail.
Black:The color is glossy black. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable and considered faults.
Temperament…
The Great Dane’s large and imposing appearance belies its friendly nature. The breed is often referred to as a gentle giant. A Great Dane is wonderful for small children, although they are unaware they are a large dog and may accidently knock down a small child. They love their human family members! They generally do not exhibit extreme aggressiveness or a high prey drive.
Exercise…
The common perception that Great Danes are “large, mellow dogs” is only half true. Great Danes reach a point in their maturity when they become rather lackadaisical. However, many owners have wondered when their dogs will finally reach that point! Great Danes are spirited dogs, and some of them are quite energetic even to the age of five or six years.
Overall, the Great Dane’s exercise requirements are quite reasonable compared to other dogs. Even younger Great Danes who still have spurts of playful energy are easily satiated with a short game of fetch or tug.