Referred to as the "Apollo of dogs", the Great Dane combines such impressive physical and mental characteristics as to make it one of the most majestic breeds known. Pictures in Egyptian tombs, dating as far back as 3000 BC, depict dogs resembling the Great Dane; and, Celtic and Germanic tribes used the early breed types as war dogs. Authorities state that the breed was already established in Britain before the Roman Conquest and that Romans took the dogs home with them where they were used as fighting dogs. Refinement and development of the breed, however, started in Germany during the Middle Ages, and not in Denmark as the name might imply. Founding of Great Dane Clubs in Germany and England took place in the late 1800's. The breed, when it was introduced to America in 1877, was markedly vicious. American breeders were credited with transforming the Great Dane into a sweeter, well-mannered breed by the early 1900's. The Great Dane continues to make a good family protector and pet.

Appearance
Height and weight requirements for show dogs vary from one kennel club's standards to another, but generally the minimum weight falls between 100 to 120 lb (46 to 54 kg) and the minimum height must be between 28 and 32 inches (71 to 81 cm) at the withers. Most standards do not specify a maximum height or weight. In August 2004, a Great Dane named "Gibson" from Grass Valley, California was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's tallest dog, measuring 42.2 inches at the withers.
Cropping of the ears of the Great Dane is common in the United States and much less common in Europe. Indeed, in most European countries, in parts of Australia, and in New Zealand, the practice is banned, or controlled such that it may only be performed by veterinary surgeons for health reasons. Ear cropping for looks only was never done in England. The original purpose of Ear Cropping was to cut the ears so that the wolf would not be able to grap hold of the ear in defence. This was also used to keep wild boar (often the objective of Great Dane hunts) from shredding their velvety ears. Now, however, it is used purely for a regal and majestic look in showdogs.

Character
The Great Dane's large and imposing appearance belies its friendly nature; the breed is often referred to as a gentle giant. Great Danes are generally well-disposed toward other dogs, other non-canine pets, wild animals, and humans (including strangers and children). However, some Great Danes have dominance issues, are aggressive with other dogs of the same sex, or chase small animals. Despite its sturdy appearance, the Great Dane is not well-suited to living outdoors and is best suited to dividing its time between indoors and out. Inside, the Great Dane needs soft bedding and sufficient room to stretch out when sleeping. Some tend to drool.
 

Temperament
Although the Great Danes in Germany were often bred and used as estate guards and still maintain a protective instinct, the breed today is a friendly and even-tempered one. Great Danes are spirited, fearless, loyal and dependable. Great Danes make superb family pets.

Exercise/Training
The Great Dane needs daily moderate exercise. Its needs can be met with a good walk or romp. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Great Dane will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
There are six show-acceptable coat colors for Great Danes: Fawn: Yellow gold with a black mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears and tail tip. Brindle: Fawn and black in a chevron stripe pattern. Often also referred to as a tiger-stripe pattern. Blue: The color shall be a pure steel blue. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable. Black: The color shall be a glossy black. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable. Harlequin: Base color shall be 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 the appearance of a blanket, nor so small as to give a stippled or dappled effect. Eligible, but less desirable, are a few small grey patches, (This grey is a Merle marking) or a white base with single black hairs showing through, which tend to give a salt and pepper or dirty effect. Mantle: The color shall be 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. A small white marking in the black blanket is acceptable, as is a break in the white collar.

Other colors occur occasionally but are not acceptable in the show ring. Because they are not valid for show dogs, they are not pursued by breeders. These colors include white, fawnequin, merle, merlequin, fawn mantle, and others. These are sometimes advertised as "rare" colors to unsuspecting buyers. Any coat of the Great Dane that includes "mouse grey" is disqualified from show.

Grooming
The coat of the Great Dane needs only a very little grooming and coat maintenance. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Great Dane as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Great Dane should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.