190 GREAT DANES 



This does not refer to the b'rindle, as one might 

 reasonably suppose, but to the harlequin, a white 

 horse with dark spots in Germany being termed a 

 " tiger " horse. Hence the expression applied to a 

 dog. 



Knowing that some people dread such a large 

 animal, thinking that it must of necessity have an 

 uncertain disposition, I asked Mrs. Fielder if this 

 were true. She replied : " Great Danes are the most 

 reliable of companions. They are excellent guards 

 of both person and property, very intelligent, and 

 easily controlled. They are wonderfully nice friendly 

 people, and can be trusted with children and trained 

 to almost anything. I often take out six or seven 

 for walks by myself, all but youngsters running 

 loose." It used to be a pleasure to see Mrs. 

 Horsf all's team at a show, so tractable were they 

 that they would have answered to a thin silken 

 cord. 



The following is the standard aimed at by the 

 Great Dane Club : 



GENERAL APPEARANCE. The Great Dane is not 

 so heavy or massive as the mastiff, nor should he 

 too nearly approach the Greyhound type. Remark- 

 able in size, and very muscular, strongly though 

 elegantly built, the head and neck should be carried 

 high, and the tail in line with the back, or slightly 

 upwards, but not curled over the hindquarters. Ele- 

 gance of outline and grace of form are most essential 

 to a Dane ; size is absolutely necessary, but there 

 must be that alertness of expression and briskness 

 of movement without which the Dane character is 

 lost. He should have a look of dash and daring, 

 of being ready to go anywhere and do anything. 



