The Great Dane, often the gentlest giant among domesticated canines, is revered for its sheer size and affable nature. But what happens when a dog doesn't quite fit this mold? Enter the "Not Great Dane".
While not a purebred term recognized by kennel clubs, the "Not Great Dane" refers to dogs that share some similarities with Great Danes but fall short in size, typical features, or breed standards. These dogs may be mixed breeds or even purebreds from other giant breeds that are often mistaken for Great Danes.
The Misconception
Size can often be the primary shaping factor for this misidentification. Great Danes are expected to reach heights of 32 inches at the shoulder, with males generally taller than females. However, not all big dogs are Great Danes.
Mistaking a dog as a Great Dane simply because of its large size bypasses the breed's distinct physical traits. Great Danes have a specific body shape, head structure, and coat pattern that set them apart from other giants like Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, or even Mastiffs.
Brindle vs. Solid Colors
Great Danes often display a distinctive brindle coat pattern, with tiger stripes of various colors over a base color. This varied brindling or even the rare harlequin pattern is less common in other large breeds.
While some dogs from other breeds might have brindle coats, the unique brindle of a Great Dane typically has a specific arrangement and intensity. Moreover, Great Danes can also have solid colors like fawn, blue, or black, but these are often mistaken for different breeds like Dobermans or Rottweilers.
Head and Body Structure
The Great Dane's head is long and narrow, with a distinct "wedge" shape when viewed from above. This feature is less pronounced in other large breeds, which often have broader heads or different muzzle lengths.
Great Danes also have long, slim bodies, with a deep chest and straight, strong legs. Other giant breeds may have muscular, stocky bodies, or longer, more massive legs, contributing to the mix-up.
Potential Giants: Commonly Confused Breeds
Differentiating between actual and "Not Great Dane" breeds involves understanding these other large and majestic dogs. Familiarizing oneself with their distinct features helps unravel the Great Dane mystery.
For instance, Saint Bernards often have a stocky, muscular body, a broad head, and a distinctive curved tail. Newfoundlands, on the other hand, have a massive, strong body, a square head, and ausuallufluffy, heavy coat.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are not only larger than Great Danes in terms of weight but also have a different body structure. They have a broad chest and a shorter, stouter muzzle than Great Danes, with a coat that comes in several colors aside from brindle.
They also have distinct facial features, including a deep furrow between the eyes and a pronounced "Roman" nose. Great Danes, while having a distinct "Dane" nose, do not have as deep a furrow.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are generally stockier than Great Danes, with a muscular, heavily boned body and a broad head. Their size can reach that of a Great Dane, but their muscularity and distinctive thick, long coat mark them as different.
Newfoundlands also have a shorter, broader muzzle than Great Danes. They typically sport one of three color patterns - black, gray, or black and white - none of which are the brindle common in Great Danes.
In the end, discerning a "Not Great Dane" from an actual one involves careful consideration of size, coat pattern, head shape, and body structure. The more familiar one is with these criteria, the better equipped they are to spot the gentle giants that are Not Great Danes.