Always an amazing sight to see, the Great Dane is a very large dog that is said to be the breed of the Greyhound and the ancient Molossus war dog. These ancestors helped the Great Dane to become a fearless hunter of big game. By the 14th century, these dogs were widely known for their agility and strength to hunt down wild boar. They proved to have the speed, courage, strength, and stamina to take down these tough, large animals.
Eventually the Great Dane became very popular with the landed gentry because of their hunting ability, combined with its graceful, yet intimidating appearance. These were noble dogs that made the perfect addition to any upper-class family.
The early name for this dog was actually referred to as “German Boarhounds” by the local British people. When and why the name Great Dane came to define these dogs is unknown and remains a mystery.
Interestingly enough, one would assume that the dog’s homeland would be Danish due to its name. However, it is actually a German breed which, in 1880, the German authorities tried to officially name the Deutsche Dogge. However, this name did not stick and by the time these dogs arrived in America during the late 1800s, the name “Great Dane” became official.
Posted under Dog Breeds
Posted on October 21, 2008
