THE GREAT DANE (GERMAN DOGGE). 



BY PROFESSOR J. H. H. MAENNER. 



>HE noblest of all the canine race is undoubtedly the 

 German Dogge, generally called Great Dane in this 

 country and England. He possesses all the good 

 qualities by which the large breeds are distinguished, and 

 surpasses all others in vivacity, gracefulness of movement, 

 elegance of form, and imposing size. The symmetry of his 

 limbs; his proud carriage; his beautifully shaped head, 

 supported proudly by a long, finely arched, perfectly 

 molded neck; his bright eye, the eloquent index of intelli- 

 gence, fidelity, and courage; his deep, broad chest and 

 long, muscular legs, indicating swiftness and fortitude; the 

 short, glossy coat, displaying his magnificent, muscular 

 frame all parts are so admirably and harmoniously com- 

 bined as to render him the most perfect specimen of the 

 canine race. Affectionate, strongly attached to his owner, 

 and especially fond of children, he is a brave, faithful 

 friend, ever ready, if necessary, to risk even his life in 

 defense of his master' s person or property. 



This breed has been known by various names in different 

 countries and at different times, viz. : Ulmer Dogge, Great 

 Dane, Boarhound, Fanghund, Altdeutsche Dogge, etc. 

 Such a variety of appellations naturally caused much con- 

 fusion and misunderstanding. The German dog-fanciers, 

 therefore, met during the bench show at Berlin, in 1880, 

 adopted a standard of points, and agreed to drop the dif- 

 ference between the heavy and light strains and to call the 

 breed Deutsche (German) Dogge. Previously the Germans 

 had usually called the breed Ulmer Dogge, after the City 

 of Ulm, in Wurtemberg, Germany, because the breeders in 

 Wurtemberg had been most successful in their endeavors 



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