Great Dane

Great Dane
one of a breed of large, powerful, shorthaired dogs ranging in color from fawn to brindle, blue, black, or white with black spots.
[1765-75]

* * *

Breed of working dog developed at least 400 years ago in Germany, where it was used for boar hunting.

Tallest of the working breeds, it stands 28–32 in. (71–81 cm) tall and weighs 120–150 lbs (54–68 kg). It has a massive, square-jawed head and elegant body lines. Its short coat is black, golden brown, brindle, blue-gray, or white with black patches. It is typically swift and alert and is noted for courage, friendliness, and dependability. There is no known reason to associate Denmark with the breed.

* * *

▪ breed of dog
 breed of working dog developed at least 400 years ago in Germany, where it was used for boar hunting. The Great Dane is typically a swift, alert dog noted for courage, friendliness, and dependability. It has a massive, square-jawed head and body lines that give it an elegant appearance. Its short coat is black, fawn (golden brown), brindle, blue-gray, harlequin (white with black patches), or mantle (white with a black “blanket” extending over the body). The fawn and brindle dogs have a black mask. The Great Dane is the tallest of the working breeds, with males standing at least 30 inches (76 cm) and females at least 28 inches (71 cm); it weighs 120 to 150 pounds (54 to 68 kg). Its name was derived from one of its French names, Grand Danois (Big Danish), although there is no known reason to associate Denmark with the history or origin of the breed. In Germany the breed is called the Deutsche Dogge (German dog).

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Great Dane — Dane Dane, n. [LL. Dani: cf. AS. Dene.] A native, or a naturalized inhabitant, of Denmark. [1913 Webster] {Great Dane}. (Zo[ o]l.) See {Danish dog}, under {Danish} …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Great Dane — n a very large short haired dog …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • Great Dane — Great′ Dane′ n. dch one of a breed of very large, powerful shorthaired dogs with a long, square muzzle …   From formal English to slang

  • Great Dane — ► NOUN ▪ a dog of a very large, powerful, short haired breed …   English terms dictionary

  • Great Dane — n. any of a breed of very large, muscular dog with pointed, erect ears, a square muzzle, and a short, thick, smooth coat …   English World dictionary

  • Great Dane — For other uses, see The Great Dane (disambiguation). Great Dane A Harlequin Great Dane Other names Grand Danois (18th Cent. French: Great Dane the modern French is Dogue Allemand ( German Mastiff ). Deutsche Dogge ( German Mastiff ) Dänische… …   Wikipedia

  • Great Dane — noun very large powerful smooth coated breed of dog • Hypernyms: ↑working dog * * * noun 1. usually capitalized G&D : a breed of smooth coated dogs that is believed to have originated in Germany several centuries ago, that is of massive size,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • great Dane — Danish Dan ish, a. [See {Dane}.] Belonging to the Danes, or to their language or country. n. The language of the Danes. [1913 Webster] {Danish dog} (Zo[ o]l.), one of a large and powerful breed of dogs reared in Denmark; called also {great Dane} …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Great Dane — noun A mastiff known for its great size, bred in Germany to hunt boar and large game. Syn: Boarhound, Danish Hound, Deutsche Dogge, German Mastiff …   Wiktionary

  • Great Dane — noun Date: 1774 any of a breed of tall massive powerful smooth coated dogs …   New Collegiate Dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”