Good Exercises For Your Great Dane
The Great Dane is one of the world’s tallest dogs. It was developed in the 1500’s and is believed to be a cross of the Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound. Great Danes were admired for their ability to bring down bear and wild boar. Besides being used as a hunter, they were also used as estate guard dogs. Despite the fact that they are called Danes in English, they have nothing to do with Denmark and are actually the national breed of Germany.
Breed Type
Guardian Dog
Physical Characteristics
- giant, muscular, powerful dog
- minimum 100 pounds as an adult
- short, thick coat
Personality
- friendly, good-natured, a “gentle giant”
- gentle , affectionate, playful
- great with other dogs and other pets and patient with children when socialized
- dependable, loyal, wary of strangers and good watchdogs
Best Exercises
Suggested Exercise Plan
Moderate activity level even with their size. Larger dogs have a slower metabolism and don’t need as much activity. A moderate walk most days will suit your dog. If he or she has a little more energy (younger dogs), play games like Fetch.
Things To Note
Do very little exercise with this breed until at least one whole year of age. Great Danes grow fast and look like an adult dog, but they are not if under a year old. Bones and joints are still developing. Too much stress, or worse an injury, to bones and joints at an early age can do lifelong damage and early onset of joint conditions like hip dysplasia. Prone to hip dysplasia (a joint problem), and wobbler syndrome.
