Everyone knows that Great Danes are massive dogs, but they’re so much more than that. Where does the White Great Dane come from, do they make good pets, and what else should you know about their rich history?

Breed Overview

There’s a lot to go through, and we’ll answer all those questions and more for you here.

White Great Dane Characteristics

The Earliest Records of White Great Danes in History

While the Great Dane has “Dane” in the name, the earliest record of the Great Dane actually comes from Germany, not Denmark. While there’s no indication specifically of a “White” Great Dane, it is one of their classic colors.

The Great Dane has a 400-year-old history, and they originally descended from the mastiff. As such a large and imposing breed, it’s not all that surprising that Germans originally bred the Great Dane to guard estates and hunt wild boar.

While English-speaking countries call this breed the Great Dane, Germans recognize the German roots of the breed by calling them the “Deutsche Dogge” which directly translates to German Mastiff.

Today the Great Dane is popular around the world, and despite their larger size, they’re especially popular among city-dwellers.

How the White Great Dane Gained Popularity

Roughly 400 years ago, the Great Dane was a popular dog in large part because of their large and imposing size. This made them great dogs to hunt larger prey like boar, and their larger size kept other humans away from expansive estates.

While that isn’t a common use for Great Danes today, they still remain popular as guard dogs for homes. This is especially true in cities, and it’s why you can find so many Great Danes in the city.

But while some people get a Great Dane as a guard dog today, the most common reason people get a Great Dane today is for companionship, which is another area where the Great Dane thrives.

Formal Recognition of the White Great Dane

The American Kennel Club (AKC) formally recognized the Great Dane in 1887, and the White Great Dane is one of the formally recognized colorings of the Great Dane. And since the AKC formed in 1884, the Great Dane is one of the first dog breeds they formally recognized.

The White Great Dane is one of ten formally recognized color markings of the Great Dane, and another formally recognized color marking with white is black and white. The AKC also recognizes Great Danes with white markings.

Top 5 Unique Facts About White Great Danes

The Great Dane is a large and beautiful dog breed, and it’s no surprise that they’re full of unique facts. We’ve highlighted five of the most interesting Great Dane facts for you here:

1. Great Danes are the tallest dogs in the world

According to the AKC, the Great Dane is the largest dog in the world with an average height of 32 inches for males and 30 inches for females.

2. They don’t live very long

While Great Danes are massive dogs, their massive size also leads to a shorter-than-average lifespan. A Great Dane has an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years.

3. Great Danes are from Germany not Denmark

While Dane is in the name, Great Danes get their origin from Germany, not Denmark. It’s a bit of a misnomer, but it’s here to stay.

4. Great Danes used to hunt wild boar

To hunt a wild boar, you need a large dog, and the Great Dane certainly fits that description. It’s one of the few dog breeds out there that can match a wild boar pound for pound.

5. They are great family dogs

While Great Danes are giant and physically imposing dogs, they’re also incredibly docile and protective of their families. They’re outstanding family dogs through and through.

Does the White Great Dane Make a Good Pet?

The White Great Dane makes an outstanding pet. They have an extremely friendly and loyal temperament, and they’re protective of their families. Overall, they’re extremely playful and docile though, but they’re large enough to intimidate any potential threats.

However, keep in mind that because Great Danes are much larger than other dog breeds, and this makes them a more expensive dog breed to own. From food to vet bills, everything with a Great Dane costs a bit more.

Moreover, Great Danes require a lot of exercise, so ensure you plan to get them out and exercise them. Still, if you have the time and money to care for them a Great Dane makes an outstanding companion and pet.

Conclusion

With so many great features and facts surrounding the White Great Dane, it is no surprise that it’s been such a popular breed for over 400 years! They are large, stoic, reliable, and make great companions and working dogs, making them a popular pet for people from all walks of life!

See also:

• Blue Great Dane: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)
• What to Do if My Dog Ate Chocolate: 3 Vet-Approved Steps to Follow

Featured Image Credit: TMArt, Shutterstock