Why the breed exists
Despite the name, thoroughly German: the boarhound of the German nobility, bred to run down and hold the European wild boar — one of the most dangerous animals on the continent — until the hunters arrived. That required enormous size with genuine speed, and courage without viciousness. When boar hunting faded, the breed's calm grandeur made it the chamber dog of princes. The 'gentle giant' temperament is real and it is bred: a dog this powerful was only ever useful if it was also completely civil.
The official written standard belongs to the breed's parent club.Read the official Great Dane standard →
Choosing a Great Dane on purpose
Every breed has its own list of required health screenings, kept by its parent club and published through OFA. A preservation breeder working in this breed tests to that list and shows you the results — including the ones that didn't go their way.
Carry the messageEvery Bred By Co. piece funds this education work.
Shop Bred By Co.