The origin of Great Danes, like that of many other
varieties of dogs, is so obscure that all researches
have only resulted in speculative theories, but the
undoubted antiquity of this dog is proved by the fact
that representatives of a breed sufficiently similar to
be considered his ancestors are found on some of
the oldest Egyptian monuments.

A few years ago a controversy arose on the breed's
proper designation, when the Germans claimed for it
the title "Deutsche Dogge." Germany had several
varieties of big dogs, such as the Hatzrude,
Saufanger, Ulmer Dogge, and Rottweiler
Metzgerhund; but contemporaneously with these
there existed, as in other countries in Europe,
another very big breed, but much nobler and more
thoroughbred, known as Great Danes.

When after the war of 1870 national feeling was
pulsating very strongly in the veins of reunited
Germany, the German cynologists were on the
lookout for a national dog, and for that purpose the
Great Dane was re-christened "Deutsche Dogge,"
and elected as the champion of German Dogdom. For
a long time all these breeds had, no doubt, been
indiscriminately crossed.

The Great Dane was introduced into this country
spasmodically some thirty-five years ago, when he
was commonly referred to as the Boarhound, or the
German Mastiff, and for a time the breed had to
undergo a probationary period in the "Foreign
Class" at dog shows, but it soon gained in public
favour, and in the early 'eighties a Great Dane Club
was formed, and the breed has since become one of
the most popular of the larger dogs.

The Kennel Club has classed Great Danes amongst
the Non-Sporting dogs, probably because with us he
cannot find a quarry worthy of his mettle; but, for all
that, he has the instincts and qualifications of a
sporting dog, and he has proved himself particularly
valuable for hunting big game in hot climates, which
he stands very well.

Respecting the temperament of the Great Dane and
his suitability as a companion writers have gone to
extremes in praise and condemnation. In his favour
it must be said that in natural intelligence he is
surpassed by very few other dogs. He has a most
imposing figure, and does not, like some other big
breeds, slobber from his mouth, which is a
particularly unpleasant peculiarity when a dog is
kept in the house. On the other hand, it must be
admitted that with almost the strength of a tiger he
combines the excitability of a terrier, and no doubt a
badly trained Great Dane is a very dangerous
animal.

It is not sufficient to teach him in the haphazard way
which might be successful in getting a small dog
under control, but even as a companion he ought to
be trained systematically, and, considering his
marked intelligence, this is not difficult of
accomplishment.

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