Great Danes - Puppies - Pictures

Great Danes - Puppies - History

Numerous wars and migration of peoples was instrumental for the distribution of massive, mastiff-like dogs across Europe. They were valued for their strength and devotion and served as guard dogs. Famous for their intelligence and steadiness, the ancestors of Great Danes found many fanciers. They were depicted in paintings and caused much admiration.

Since the dogs were valued for their working qualities, little attention was paid to their appearance. However, in the 19th century, people started to give preference to black and white, and pale-yellow dogs. Considerable population of these dogs in Europe was due to the fact that owning mastiff-type dogs became a fashion. Besides, there were a growing number of large estates belonging to the bourgeoisie. Guard dogs were simply indispensable.

In 1876, breeders and owners suggested that the dogs having common features should be treated as a separate breed. Thus, the first standard for the Great Dane appeared. It allowed breeders and owners to have a clear-cut idea of what a dog should look like. They started breeding to the sole standard and improved the population of Great Danes.

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