L'Alano: Storia, Caratteristiche, Colori ed Esigenze
1. History and Evolution
The origins of large Molosser breeds date back to antiquity; they are descended from war dogs and hunting dogs used for big-game hunting—such as wild boars, bears, and deer.
From Courts to Salons: Historically kept by European nobility in castles as guards and status symbols (Kammerhunde), these dogs were employed in noble hunting packs.
Modern Breeding: In the second half of the 19th century in Germany, breeders began a rigorous selection process to eliminate excessive aggression and focus on dignified appearance, elegance, and a stable temperament.
Official recognition: In 1878 in Berlin, the various variants were unified under the name Deutsche Dogge (Great Dane), and in 1888 the first official club was founded, gradually transforming the proud hunter into the well-balanced companion dog we know today.
2. Character and Temperament
Universally known as the “gentle giant,” the Great Dane has a deeply affectionate, sensitive, and peaceful temperament.
At Home: He is an extremely calm, home-loving companion who enjoys comfort and develops a deep, symbiotic bond with his family.
Social Behavior: An excellent guard dog by virtue of its presence but free of unwarranted aggression, it is extraordinarily patient and gentle, even with children.
Need for Contact: It suffers greatly from loneliness and isolation in the yard. It needs to feel like an integral part of the family, sharing living spaces and daily life.
3. Recognized Coat Colors
The official standard includes several coat color families, selected with great attention to both ethical and genetic considerations:
Fawn and Brindle:
Fawn: Golden-yellow (from light to deep) with a required black mask on the muzzle.
Brindle: A golden-yellow base with regular black stripes running along the ribs, always with a black mask.
White-based and Gray-based Harlequin, Black, Mantel:
White-based Harlequin: A pure white base with raven-black, jagged, and irregular spots distributed throughout the body.
Black: A deep, glossy black coat (small white spots allowed only on the chest and feet).
Mantel Tiger: The body is covered by a black “blanket,” while the muzzle, neck, chest, belly, legs, and tip of the tail are white.
Gray-based Harlequin: A gray base with black spots distributed across it. Officially recognized, it is by no means rare in rescue organizations to encounter magnificent gray-based harlequin Great Danes—dogs that possess exactly the same balance, gentleness, and dignity as any other Great Dane.
Blue: A dark, uniform steel gray, free of fawn or black undertones (small white spots are tolerated on the chest and feet).
4. Health Needs and Care
Bringing a Great Dane into your home requires awareness and responsible care due to its imposing size and body structure:
Space and Comfort: It needs adequate space in the home and spacious, sheltered beds to prevent joint problems.
Diet and Exercise: They need top-quality food and a proper feeding schedule to avoid digestive problems. Daily exercise is essential for muscle tone, though excessive exertion should be avoided while puppies are still growing.
Veterinary Prevention: As a large-breed dog, special attention must be paid to specific health concerns, including hip dysplasia, heart disease (such as dilated cardiomyopathy), eye conditions (entropion, ectropion, and third eyelid injuries), and the acute risk of gastric torsion, which requires targeted prevention and extremely prompt intervention.
Bibliography
Amelia Murante, Great Dane (from the “Canis lupus familiaris” series), Castel Negrino, 2019
Lucia Casini, Guide to Dog Diseases, Editoriale Olimpia, 2002.
Amelia Murante, The Great Dane, First published: 1988 (with subsequent editions and updated reprints in the 1990s, e.g., 1996/1997)
Filippo Cattaneo, The Great Dane, De Vecchi Editore, 2000.
Marina Salmoiraghi, The Great Dane, De Vecchi Editore, 1993.