The Great Dane, Danish Hound, or German Mastiff, is a breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) known for its giant size and gentle personality. The breed is commonly referred to as the "Gentle giant" and the "Apollo of all breeds." Great Danes are considered one of the tallest dog breeds along with the Irish Wolfhound. More recently, Great Danes have been in the Guinness World Records for tallest dog. The Great Dane was named the state dog of Pennsylvania in 1965.

Appearance

In the United States, the breed standard for the Great Dane is described on the American Kennel Club website. The male should appear more massive throughout than the female, with larger frame and heavier bone. In the ratio between length and height, the Great Dane should be square. In females, a somewhat longer body is permissible, providing she is well proportioned to her height. Coarseness or lack of substance are equally undesirable. The male shall not be less than 30 inches (75 cm) at the shoulders, but it is preferable that he be 32 inches or more (>80 cm), providing he is well proportioned to his height. The female shall not be less than 28 inches (70 cm) at the shoulders, but it is preferable that she be 30 inches or more (>75 cm), providing she is well proportioned to her height. Danes under minimum height must be disqualified. Males must weigh a minimum of 120 lbs (54.5 kg).

In August 2004, a Great Dane named "Gibson" from Grass Valley, California was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's tallest dog, measuring 107 cm (42.2 in) at the withers. It is not in the best interest of the breed to attempt to achieve the "tallest" dog. Breeding for height will sacrifice structure and confirmation in the Great Dane and produce dogs that are unsound.

Coat colors

There are six show-acceptable coat colors for Great Danes:

• Fawn: The color is yellow gold with a blue mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears and tail tip.
• Brindle: The color is fawn and black in a chevron stripe pattern. Often also they are referred to as having a tiger-stripe pattern. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable and considered faults.

• Blue: The color is a pure steel blue. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable and considered faults.
• Black: The color is a glossy black. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable and considered faults.
• Harlequin: The base color is pure white with black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over the entire body; a pure white neck is preferred. The black patches should never be large enough to give the appearance of a blanket, nor so small as to give a stippled or dappled effect. Eligible, but less desirable, are a few small grey patches (this grey is consistent with a Merle marking) or a white base with single black hairs showing through, which tend to give a salt and pepper or dirty effect.
• Mantle (in some countries referred to as Bostons due to the similar coloration & pattern as a Boston Terrier): The color is black and white with a solid black blanket extending over the body; black skull with white muzzle; white blaze is optional; whole white collar preferred; a white chest; white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs; white tipped black tail. A small white marking in the black blanket is acceptable, as is a break in the white collar.