Great Danes

” The gentle giants we know today as the Great Dane started out as a fighter and hunter, and historically is deatiled in several ancient battle scenes.”

The mightly and powerful Great Dane was not always the ‘gentle giant’ that it is often depicted and described as today. In fact, it was a very aggressive fighter and hunter that was terribly feared because of its harsh temperament and combative nature. Fortunately, through excellent breeding programmes and dedicated fanciers, the breed has transformed over the years into a friendly and loving working dog that’s suitable for families around the world.

Reports indicate that a dog resembling the Great Dane might have existed over 2000 years ago. It is believed that dogs similar to the Great Dane first belonged to one of the tribes of Asia called the Assyrians. The Assyrians used this ancient breed for hunting wild boar and other large animals. Then Great Dane’s expert hunting skills allowed them to capture and kill these wild animals.

Although the Great Dane was originally bred for hunting and fighting, it was mainly kept as showpiece for Europe’s ruling class. The breed was valued for its tremendous build, power, boldness and endurance. Today, it still possesses many of the these same qualities. Some other accounts indicate that the Great Dane may have originated from a Mastiff-like dog that was present in England during the 1500s. The Greeks, Romans and Persians also kept these Mastiff-like dogs. Like those of many other breeds, the Great Dane’s origin is not entirely clear. There is no formal documentation that can definitively state its origins and development.