Great Danes. Rachel Cawley

Socialization

       5. Living with a Great Dane

       Shopping for Your Great Dane

       Talking the (Great Dane) Talk

       Separation Anxiety

       Behavior Problems and Solutions

       The Great Dane Senses

       6. Health and Nutrition

       Genetics and a Dane

       Feeding Your Great Dane

       Choosing a Veterinarian

       Doing a Home Checkup

       Health Concerns

       7. Training and Activities

       Training Tools

       Basic Commands

       Teaching Tricks

       Fun for All

       Danes on Wheels

       The Good Citizen

       Sport Competitions

       Great Danes for Therapy

       8. Grooming a Great Dane

       Big-Dog Bathing

       Hair Care

       Great Danes and the Dentist

       Ear Care

       Pedicures

       Flea and Parasite Wars

       9. The Senior Great Dane

       The Golden Years

       The Aging Body

       Caring for the Elder Dane

       10. The Great Dane Standard

       Why Is There a “Standard”?

       Measuring the Great Dane

       Temperament

       Resources

       Index

      PREFACE

      This book is dedicated to all Great Danes: past, present, and future. Often called the “Apollo of dogs” and a “gentle giant,” the Great Dane leaves a lasting impression on all who see one. It is not just this giant’s size and weight, but their unique mixture of regal appearance, strength, friendly nature, and comic relief that make them unforgettable.

      Those meeting a Great Dane for the first time often comment that “this is a real dog.” They mention how one does not need to bend over to pet a Great Dane. And should the Great Dane lean against them or sit in their lap, everyone, including the Dane, smiles.

      For those hungry to learn more about this “real dog” this book offers a wealth of information with sections on the breed’s history, care, feeding, and more. There are tips for locating your own Great Dane, training young and old, and dealing with specific needs. Along with key information, there are more photos and fun facts than a Great Dane could shake a tail at.

      This is a book you’ll want to fetch again and again.

       Chapter One

       All AboutGreat Danes

      The Great Dane is often referred to as the Apollo of dogs. Apollo, a son of Zeus (king of the gods), was sometimes referred to as the god of the sun or light. He also was linked to truth, prophecy, medicine, and poetry. The breed’s majesty and noble stature certainly gives it the statuesque appearance of the Greek gods.

      In fact, throughout history, mankind seemed fascinated with dogs of great size and strength. Paintings of giant dogs resembling Great Danes have been found on Egyptian monuments dating as far back as 3000 B.C. Artifacts found around Babylonian temples dated to 2000 B.C. have shown men walking a massive dog that resembles a Great Dane. Chinese literature dated 1121 B.C. mentions canines similar in appearance to Great Danes. A painting dated approximately 1200 B.C. shows Egyptians using Harlequin-colored dogs (white with black patches) that resemble Great Danes. An image similar to a Great Dane even appears on Greek money dated from