S. William Haas

The giant of the dog world, the Great Dane cannot be topped for majesty, nobility, or inches! Gentle and personable, the Great Dane was once known as a fierce hunter and fighting dog, originally known as the German Boarhound. The history chapter that opens this Comprehensive Owner’s Guide gives the reader a peek into the Great Dane’s origins, which may stretch back two millennia to a dog the Assyrians employed to hunt wild boar. From these unexpected beginnings comes the regal Great Dane, a purebred wonder that today graces the homes of loving owners throughout the world. The chapter devoted to the Great Dane’s characteristics is an excellent introduction for new owners, offering advice about the breed’s qualities, requirements, health concerns, and how to search for an ideal breed member.

New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.