Can you imagine having the biggest dog in the world as your guard dog? In this post we are going to talk about the biggest dog that is used as a guard dog. Let’s talk about some characteristics of the Great Dane breed and the main care to keep these animals healthy.
Biggest guard dog
The Biggest dog in the world is the Great Dane and this breed can also be used as a guard dog. Great Dane dogs due to their size and physical characteristics can scare any stranger in addition to their strong and loud barking.
The great danes are dogs that bark only when necessary and are good alert dogs. However, the Great Dane breed does not show aggression.
Even though it is not an aggressive breed, it can be used as a guard dog. It is an extremely faithful dog and companion to their tutors. They are good dogs to warn if there is something wrong in the house with its strong bark that can scare any strangers.
About the Great dane
The Great Dane is a breed originally from Germany, the breed has strong and powerful appearance, but it is a very obedient and gentle type of dog.
Physical characteristics
The Great Dane has very robust physical attributes for being a large dog. It has a long body, with a well-defined and proportional silhouette. It is a super resistant and muscular dog, with long and strong legs and paws.
Head elongated, narrow, striking, but not wedge-shaped; expressive, finely chiseled. With drooping ears when not on alert. The eyes are oval and dark in color. On the muzzle, the thick lips are quite apparent.
The Great Dane’s coat is short, thick, smooth, and shiny. It can be found in three color varieties:
- Golden and Brindle;
- Harlequin and Black;
- Blue.
Behavior/temperament
Affectionate to your tutors, they can be reserved in front of strangers. When required it is self-confident, courageous, easy to handle and a docile companion and family dog, with a high threshold of excitement and no aggressive behavior.
The Great Dane dog requires many daily activities to stay healthy. Therefore, physical exercises are essential. This breed needs walks two to three times a day.
Health care
In general, the Great Dane is a very healthy and hardy breed. Genetically, this breed may have hip dysplasia, bone malformation. Their physical composition can lead to bone changes that result in a lot of pain, in addition these dogs can feed very quickly and in large amounts which can result in stomach diseases. As it is a slightly clumsy dog, it can end up injuring its tail from hitting it on furniture so much.
Genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia and bone malformations make it necessary to regularly evaluate the animal with a veterinarian. Animals with these pathologies should not breed. And tutors who want to buy an animal of the breed, must buy from kennels that seek genetic improvement.
As for reproduction, few reproductive problems are reported. Before having an animal of the breed, it is essential to consult the veterinarian and regularly accompany the animal with exams and consultations.
Breed care
Great Danes should only be brushed once a week. Their short coat does not need to be clipped. It is not a breed that has a constant shedding so it doesn’t get too dirty in the house with its fur
Baths in this breed are indicated with specific shampoos for dogs and neutral shampoos. Bathing should be done very carefully, especially to avoid getting water into the ear. The animal must always be very dry after bathing to avoid the growth of microorganisms that can lead to dermatitis.
As for nail clipping, it is indicated to cut the dog’s nail once or twice a month. Cutting the nails prevents the animal from getting hurt or even hurting the tutor.
Dogs of this breed must brush their teeth every 48 hours with a dog specific toothpaste. Constant brushing of the dogs teeth helps prevent tartar from forming and the resulting problems.
Benefits of owning a Great Dane dog
Great Dane dogs have many qualities for people looking for playful, sweet and affectionate dogs. Below we will talk about some qualities of the breed.
- Playful and affectionate;
- Large Dog;
- Intelligent;
- It is an active dog and can be used as a guard dog.
They are excellent family dogs and a good breed for families. Because they are very playful and docile, they can get along well with children, but you must be careful because their giant size can end up hurting the child in some games.
The Great Danes are very intelligent, they easily learn new commands, it is indicated that they start training the dog from the puppy stage.
They are very intelligent and energetic dogs, so they need daily physical activity. They are dogs that don’t bark much but can show furniture destroying behavior.
The Great Danes are dogs that socialize easily with their tutors and are reserved with visitors. Which makes them good companion dogs and good guard dogs.
Conclusion
In addition to being used as companion dogs, Great Dane dogs can be excellent guard dogs, as they put fear in any stranger. They are dogs that are docile and faithful to their tutors and will do anything to defend them. In addition, it is a healthy dog and needs little care to be healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Biggest guard dog
How big is a Great Dane dog?
The size of the dogs is measured by the height of the withers, to the Great Dane’s males the minimum is 80 cm, not to exceed 90 cm. And females at least 72 cm, must not exceed 84 cm.
What is the lifespan of a Great Dane?
The Great Dane usually lives between eight and 10 years, depending on its genetics and care.
Does the Great Dane bark a lot?
No. Dogs of this breed only bark when it’s really necessary because of their gentle and calm nature that makes them very silent, and when they do, they bark with great majesty.
Reference
CBKC – Brazilian Canine Cynophilic Confederation, 2015 Official Breed Standard: Great Dane. Available at: https://cbkc.org/application/views/docs/padroes/padrao-raca_44.pdf, Accessed 11th Feb 2022.
Picture from pxhere.com
