The Great Dane isn’t Danish, nor does it have Danish roots. The breed comes from Germany where it’s called the Deutsche Dogge (German Mastiff). The early Danes were used to hunt ill tempered boars which is why ear cropping was adopted as a means to save dogs from shredded ears suffered at the razor sharp tusks of the wild boars. Early cropped ears were originally cut far shorter and pointy, unlike the longer cuts seen in the show ring today. And no, this isn’t the time or place to debate ear cropping.
The Great Dane was so iconic to Germans. in fact, that in 1876, the Deutsche Dogge was elected the Country’s National dog.
“Gracie” in Acrylic by Dee Dee Murry
www.deedeemurry.com/