Great Dane Puppies Blog

In contrast to the popular notion the dog breed Great Dance came from Denmark, it actually is from Germany where is know as Deutsche Dogge. This statement was also back up by Barbara Stein and also added that this particular breed was from the cross of English mastiff that is responsible for the heft, Irish Wolfhound that contributed the height and the Greyhound to whom it is credited for he breed’s sleek physique.

The belief that this breed is originally from Denmark is still not fully irradiated, other sources still points out that it really is from Denmark that is why it has caused and brought about controversy and remains to be unsettled. Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon coined the name “le Grand Danois” in 1979 for the dog which was translated into its English name – “Great Dane” by William Smellie. During the 20th century, it was known as the “large hound” – this is according to Jaboc Nicolay Wilse. But it was called “Grosser Dänischer Jagdhund” until 1780 which means Large Danish Hunting Hound in English language. During the first exhibition for dogs which took place in Hamburg in July 14 – 20 1863, eight of the dogs were referred to as a “Dänische Dogge” while seven of the dogs are called “Ulmer Doggen.”

The Great Dane was given the recognition of being the National Dog of Germany in 1876 and it was the beginning of its popularity as it also received ample appreciation in other countries which includes the United States of America. At the present, it climbed the 17th rank from its 28th spot in 2000 among the other breeds that is registered and acknowledged by the American Kennel Club. This comes in no surprise as the Great Dane is naturally gentle beneath its monstrous physique that it receives much love and care from the people.

The origins of this “giant” are quite controversial. Some say that its was developed in England, others say Germany, and the third group says Denmark… Doesn’t matter which version we believe, it seems quite true that they were a result of crossing an Irish Wolfhound with the Old English Bulldog (not the one, which exists today) and other breeds. Great Danes were used for boar hunting for over 400 years in Germany.
The standard was published in 1891 in Germany, and the Great Dane Kennel Club of America was formed in 1889.

photo: Wikimedia

Just Nuisance was the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. He was a Great Dane who from 1939-44 served at HMS Afrikander, a Royal Navy shore establishment in Simon’s Town, South Africa. Just Nuisance was entitled to the same benefits as any other Able Seaman, which included a cap. Nuisance had been involved in a car accident which had caused thrombosis which was gradually paralysing him, so on 1 January 1944 he was discharged from the Navy. His condition continued to deteriorate; on 1 April 1944 he was taken to Simon’s Town Naval Hospital where on the advice of the naval veterinary surgeon, he was put to sleep. The next day he was taken to Klaver Camp where his body was draped with a Royal Naval White Ensign and he was buried with full naval honours, including a gun salute and the playing of the Last Post. A simple granite headstone marks his grave, but a statue was erected in Jubilee Square in Simon’s Town to commemorate his life. The Simon’s Town Museum has a room dedicated to his story, and since 2000 there has been an annual parade of Great Danes from which a lookalike is selected.