There is a new king of the dog world, and his name is Zeus. This Great Dane was officially declared the tallest dog in the world by Guinness World Records.
At 44 inches tall, Zeus the Great Dane towers over all other breeds of dogs. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this giant breed and find out what makes them so special.
Who is Zeus the Great Dane?
Zeus is a Great Dane from Otsego, Michigan. He was born on November 24, 2011. His owner, Denise Doorlag, says that Zeus loves to play fetch and go for walks.
He may be huge, but he’s still just like any other dog!
Zeus was recorded by the Guinness World Records as the tallest dog in the world on October 11, 2011.
He stands 44 inches tall at the shoulder and is seven feet four inches from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail.
That means he is taller than many humans! In fact, Zeus is so big that he has to sleep in a queen-sized bed.
The answer to this question is largely due to genetics, however, environmental factors are also likely at play.
Great Danes are a very old breed, and their large size is likely due to years of selective breeding.
Zeus may have come from a breeder who was not diligent about choosing parents to continue the pedigree and thus may have received certain genes that encouraged fast, explosive growth and his excessive height.
Incorrect nutrition in Great Danes can lead to orthopedic issues including low bone density, too-fast of growth, knuckling, dysplasia, and more.
In other words, oversized puppies (including ‘Euro’ pups) are often the result of backyard breeders who are not knowledgeable about the proper care and nutrition of Great Danes, let alone the actual breed standard.
Early spay and neuter (prior to 18-24 months) can also contribute to excessive height and structural problems in Great Danes!
Studies have shown that waiting to spay or neuter large and giant breed dogs can positively impact their future health.
Today, many people choose to breed Great Danes for show or competition, which means that the dogs must meet certain standards in order to be competitive. This standard helps ensure that future Great Danes are robust, healthy, and correct in stature and size.
Zeus is a loved family pet, however, he is outside of the breed standard for Great Danes.
It is important to appreciate him for the amazing dog that he is, but NOT to wish for all Great Danes to experience his stature.
It is unhealthy and unfortunately will be devastating for him, and his loving owners.
While Zeus may be the tallest dog in the world, he is certainly not the only giant breed of dog out there. Other popular giant breeds include the Mastiff, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Scottish Deerhound.
Here is an image of a healthy, well-bred black Great Dane:
Zeus the Great Dane eats 12 cups of food each day! Male Great Danes like Zeus require a lot of quality food to thrive, especially if they are active.
Diet is an important part of keeping any dog healthy, but it is especially important for giant breeds like the Great Dane.
When choosing a diet for a Great Dane, we recommend looking for a large or giant breed food from an established company that has a boarded Veterinary nutritionist on staff.
Do you love big, lovable dogs? If so, a black great dane puppy may be the perfect addition to your family! These gentle giants are known for their sweet personalities and calm demeanor. They make great pets for families with children and other animals.
IS A BLACK GREAT DANE PUPPY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Great Danes are different from most other dogs. Great Danes are large breeds who can reach up to 180+ lb when they are full grown. (Great Dane Lifespan)
Off standard colors include Double Merle Great Danes, which areWhite Great Danes with predisposed health conditions. Off standard colors that are not approved to be in the show ring are typically bred without health testing. (OFF STANDARD GREAT DANES)Read more about the colors of Great Danes here. Did you know you can also get a miniature Great Dane? Read more here.
Great Danes are a tremendously gentle breed and generally friendly with all dogs, humans and kids. They start off as clumsy puppies but your playful pup will not stay small for long. A Great Dane will grow quickly and continue growing until they are over 24 months of age.
If you signed up for a gentle giant and are surprised when your puppy is counter surfing and knocking over trash cans, you are not alone. Great Dane puppies are often expected to grow up faster than other breeds of puppies simply because they begin to look more like a dog at a younger age.
It is so important for owners to begin to train their dog early, practice socialization skills from a young age and make sure that their dog is getting around new noises, children, people and other dogs.
Early socialization and training does not mean that you have to take your dog to a dog park. Some ideas for healthy dog socialization could be:
Introducing your puppy to children, but not allowing the children to be overbearing or encroaching.
Walking your dog in different neighborhoods so they can get use to new sounds, smells and people.
Finding a local group or organization that wants to do group dog walks for daily exercise and that will allow your dog to get used to walking nearby other dogs
Mental stimulation like food puzzles, training classes or learning new tricks
Black Great Dane puppies are a lot of work but if you are prepared for the challenge, they can quickly turn into family and will be an owners best friend in no time.
BLACK GREAT DANE BREEDING
When buying a Great Dane, choosing ethical breeders is one of the most important things you can do for your dog and the breed.
The National Great Dane Club of America (GDCA) has a list of ethical people breeding Black Great Danes by state. You can find that list here. In order to become apart of the GDCA list of breeders, the breeders must prove that their puppies are healthy with vigorous health tests, free of hip dysplasia with x rays, and check for other health issues like healthy eyes / heart / and temperament.
If you are looking to bring home a new Gentle Giant you should investigate the Great Dane Club to find a breeder who is apart of the National Breed Club as it will ensure the health of your dog.
THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB (AKC)
Finding a Great Dane that is ‘AKC’ Certified, is not enough to prove that your dog will be healthy.
Unfortunately, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not require that breeders health test their puppies prior to breeding.
Therefore, even if your dog is ‘AKC’ certified, it can be rattled with health issues like hip dysplasia, hip / joint issues, temperament problems, or more.
Do not rely on the AKC paperwork that some breeders offer for their puppies. As a new owner, do your research to ensure that your puppy is OFA Health Tested before you bring it home.
Some breeds get their ears cropped when they are puppies. Great Dane dogs were originally bred as boar hound. Boar hounds were used to hunt wild boar. When Great Dane dogs were doing the hunting, their ears were often ripped off by the wild boar.
Danes that had their ears cropped were more likely to survive in the hunting field.
CROPPED EARS TODAY
Today, an owner might choose to crop their dogs ears as an aesthetic preference.
Some people believe that cropped ears give the dog a regal look or make them appear more intimidating.
The process of puppy ear cropping should not be painful for the puppy but must be done by an ethical and experienced surgeon.
If you have a growing Great Dane you should do your research on their diet before bringing them home, as switching up their food too many times can cause issues.
You can find large breed puppy kibble at your local pet store.
We have linked resources below for larger breeds and diet:
Bloat is a condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, which is called Torsion.
It is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Bloat itself cannot be prevented, but you can help to prevent Torsion (the twisting of the stomach in Great Danes) with a surgery called the Gastropexy surgery.
This surgery can be conducted on your Great Dane at the same time that they get spayed or neutered, at around the age of 24 months.
Long nails can make arthritis, joint disease, etc significantly worse.
Dogs with untrimmed and long nails are also more likely to slip and fall on hardwood or tile floors, which can cause serious injury.
We recommend that you trim your Great Danes nails frequently. By keeping their nails trimmed regularly, you are helping your dog with not only their comfort, but also their health.
Great Danes are an affectionate breed that are known for their large size. But did you know that they are also one of the most popular family pets?
Great Danes are gentle, loving and protective of their families for life. But because of their size, it’s important to socialize them early and make sure they get plenty of exercise. And when it comes to treats and bones, choose wisely! A healthy diet is essential for any dog, but especially for Great Danes.
The Black Great Dane is a German breed of dog that is also known as the Dog Grand Danois. Black Great Danes have a long and proud history.
The breed was first developed in the early 19th century, and it quickly became popular among German nobles. Originally bred as boar hounds to hunt wild boar, they quickly became beloved by German breeders for their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle temperament.
In 1887, the first Great Dane Club was founded in Germany, and the breed soon found popularity all over Europe. However, the Black Great Dane was not officially recognized as a separate breed until the late 19th century.
The most notable difference between the Black Great Dane and other Great Danes is the color of their coats. Black Great Danes are entirely black.
Today, when solid black, Black Great Danes are considered to be one of the rarest colors of the breed, and they are highly prized by dog enthusiasts. Thanks to their noble history, Black Great Danes will always be considered one of the most prestigious breeds around.
Temperament of Black Great Danes
Black Great Danes are known for their laid-back, calm temperament.
These dog’s have long been prized for their easygoing nature and even disposition, making them the go-to canine choice for families with young children.
Unlike other dog breeds, which can become easily excitable or territorial, Great Danes tend to be naturally gentle and non-confrontational.
In addition, these dogs grow to be very large in size, but they retain a very puppy-like energy level throughout their lives.
Whether frisking around the dog park with other playful pups or cuddling up at home on the couch with their favorite humans, Black Great Danes always seem to be just a tiny bit calmer than their counterparts of other colors.
Who says competitive sports are just for humans? Canine sports have been around for centuries and are a great way for a Black Great Dane to stay active and have fun. In the early days, canine sports were used as a way to train hunting dogs.
Today, they’re popular all over the world and there are even canine sports competitions sanctioned by the American Kennel Club.
A Black Great Dane makes a great competitor in dog sports because of their size and athleticism.
If you’re looking for a fun activity for your Black Dane, consider signing up for a dog sport class or competition. Your dog is sure to have a blast – and you might even end up taking home a trophy!
One striking color is the blue great dane, which gets its brilliant blue coloring from a special blue gene known as the “merle” gene, which can range anywhere from blue to black. For that reason, there can be ‘blue’ merle or ‘standard’ merle.
Whether you favor black dogs or another color, one thing is certain – there is no denying the beauty of a Great Dane!
Breed Standard for A Black Great Dane
A glossy black coat with moderate white markings and a short, dense fleece coat are the standards for the Black Great Dane.
Black Great Danes are often noted as the ‘softest’ and ‘silkiest’ of all Danes.
One of the largest breeds, they weigh between 100 and 130 pounds as females and 130-160 as males on average. They stand 28 to 36 inches at the shoulder.
The glossy black coat is the result of selective breeding and should be free of any rust, brindle, or other colors.
Although many people believe that cropped ears are an essential part of a Great Dane’s appearance, there are pros and cons to both sides (crop or not).
What is Ear Cropping?
Cropping a dogs ears consists of cutting off a portion of the ear and then taping them to stand erect.
Some people believe that cropping makes these breeds look more intimidating and ‘guard-like.’
What are the pros and cons of ear crops?
It is worth considering the pros as well as the downsides of this procedure for large breed dogs.
For one thing, despite controversial conversation, cropped ears do not cause any pain and discomfort for the dog. Cropping your puppies ears does require surgery to remove a portion of the ear and must be done before 8 weeks to remain ethical.
However, when done ethically by an experienced surgeon, it will be as painless as getting their dewclaws removed.
Posting Ears
On the contrary, ears that are cropped are difficult to maintain, requiring pet parents to post the ears for months after surgery in order to keep them upright.
Despite these pros and cons, cropped ears remain popular among owners of Black Great Danes due to their association with this specific breed.
Some people believe that cropping a dogs ears helps to eliminate health issues such as ear infections, but many state that has been disputed.
Health Issues for Black Danes
Black Danes can be prone to a number of health issues.
One of the most common problems is hip dysplasia, which occurs when a dog’s hip joint fails to develop properly. Arthritis is also very common.
Other common health concerns include cancer, heart conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders.
That being said, with proper care and attention, a black Great Dane can live long, healthy life.
In fact, many great Danish dogs have flourished well into their teens and beyond!
Whether it’s through regular exercise and healthy diets or regular veterinary visits and breed-specific supplements, Black Danes can thrive if we put in the effort.
Obedience Training a Black Great Dane
Training a Great Dane begins in puppyhood and continues throughout the entire life of your dog.
As a breed who were originally bred to be a boar hound (a hunting dog to herd/hunt boars), pet parents should know that their dog’s temperament very well could be energetic and NOT a couch potato.
And since they are a large breed dog, it’s important to start socialization early on as well – getting them used to different people, animals, and environments.
This will help reduce the likelihood of your Dane developing fear-based or aggressive behaviors.
We put together a socialization guide for dog owners. You can find that guide here:
Personality of a Black Great Dane
Great Danes are very gentle, and black Great Danes are no exception. These dogs are known for their even temperaments and loving nature. Black Great Danes are often referred to as the largest lap dog. Even though they are a giant dog, they love their owners and often think they are teeny.
Like all Great Danes, black Great Danes need plenty of exercise. They also require a lot of space due to their large size.
Black Great Danes are intelligent dogs and can be easy to train if you use positive reinforcement methods such as treats or praise.
Black Great Dane Puppy
If you have spent any time with any Great Dane puppies you will know that these large breeds are some of the most gentle and goofiest dogs around.
Take your pup on walks around the neighborhood, introduce them to new friends, and enroll them in puppy obedience classes.
Breeding a Black Great Dane
Several different cross breeding combinations of Danes will produce black offspring.
If you are looking for a solid black Great Dane, you will want to look for Black/Black breedings. With a Black/Black breeding, you might also see Blue puppies in the litter (if the parents carry for blue).
Many black Great Danes have moderate white fur including white on their chest or toes (this is very common). These Danes often come from pairings of Harlequin and Black breeding or Mantle/Black.
Black Danes can also come from Brindle/Black or Black and fawn color combination or even Blue/Black breedings.
Pet Owner Requirements of Danes and Giant Breeds
A Black Great Dane requires much of the same things as other dogs and other Danes in regards to pet ownership.
Crates:
As large dogs, be prepared to spend quite a lot of money on them for food, treats, supplies (collars, leashes), a kennel/crate, and toys.
You might be surprised to hear that a Danes are definitely kennel dogs- most Danes LOVE to spend time in the comfort of their crate. We have compiled a list of our favorite crates for big dogs here:
Food:
A black Great Dane should be fed a high-quality diet that is formulated for large breeds.
This will help ensure that they grow at a healthy rate and don’t put too much strain on their developing joints.
Amongst a few others, we recommend this food for large breed puppies:
As Dane owners and lovers, we recommend certain foods that we have researched and know well, for the Great Dane breed, some being raw and some being kibble. Here is some of the raw food we recommend, linked for your convenience:
We Feed Raw provides complete mixes in a variety of proteins including Beef, Venison and Turkey.
Bed
An orthopedic dog bed is one of the most important things you can buy for your dog- beginning in puppyhood. Regardless of your dog’s age, they should not be sleeping on hard surfaces with their joints touching the hard floor. As you know, big dogs are predisposed to joint disease such as arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Providing an orthopedic bed will help to eliminate the pressure on their joints that they might experience from laying on a hard surface and will encourage them to get up and move around.
We have an abundance of food and diet resources here on this website for your convience. Dane parents are plagued constantly with an abundance of questions. Here are some of the most asked questions, linked to resources for you to peruse:
The following is a standard feeding chart for growing puppies. Please keep in mind that not all puppies will grow at the same rate, nor need the same amount of food.
Birth
1-2 lbs
1 Week
2-3 lbs
2 Weeks
3-5 lbs
3 Weeks
4-7 lbs
1 Month
5-8 lbs
6 Weeks
10-20 lbs
2 Months
15-30 lbs
3 Months
25-45 lbs
4 Months
45-65 lbs
5 Months
60-85 lbs
6 Months
65 – 100 lbs
7 Months
70-110 lbs
8 Months
80-120 lbs
9 Months
85-125 lbs
1 Year
95-120 lbs
ADULT
Female
110-145lbs
Male
135-170lbs
Where to Buy a Black Great Dane?
If you are looking for a black Great Dane you are going to want to research the Great Dane club of America. The GDCA is a national breed club that provides pet parents with information regarding the breed, where to buy a Great Dane and what to look for in a quality breeder.
The GDCA has a breeder registry that is easy to use with high quality, health tested Great Danes.
America Breeder’s Color Code
The GDCA also has a Color Code within their code of ethics. This means that the breeders will not be breeding off standard colors, or breeding two colors together that will cause harm to the puppies. (Two harlequins or two merles or one of each can cause blind and deaf puppies called Double Merle).
GREAT DANE CLUB OF AMERICA BREEDER’S CODE OF ETHICS
The GDCA actually has a code of ethics for all breeders that states the following: This Code is established in accordance with the objectives of the GDCA to protect and advance the interests of Great Danes and to provide guidelines for responsible ownership and ethical breeding practices.
ALL MEMBERS SHALL:
Maintain the best possible standards of health, cleanliness, safety and care of their dogs.
Breed Great Danes which are temperamentally and structurally sound.
Refrain from further use of a Great Dane for breeding if the dog or bitch has produced any offspring with serious inherited defects.
Not breed to an unregistered Great Dane.
All dogs and bitches to be bred be x-rayed prior to breeding and declared free of hip dysplasia by a knowledgeable Veterinarian or the OFA. It is also encouraged that any and all technology available be used to screen all animals to be used for breeding, according to known problems within the breed (e.g. OFA, cardiac check, thyroid check, vWD, PRA, etc.).
These are just a FEW of the many requirements to be apart of the GDCA Code of Ethics. If you are looking for a Gentle Giant, you do NOT want to simply look on Facebook or Craiglist, but rather do your research and find a breeder willing to actually put in the work to help make your pup into the breed they are supposed to be.
Are Gentle Giants Worth It?
Danes are a big responsibility. They come with a lot of needs such as proper socialization, training, nutrition, exercise, and grooming. Great Danes are NOT for everyone.
But, one thing is for certain: you will fall in love with a gentle giant if you have the opportunity to have one in your life.
