The origin of Good Danes, like that of numerous other varieties of dogs, is so obscure that all researches have only resulted in speculative theories, but the undoubted antiquity of this dog is proved by the truth that representatives of a breed sufficiently related to be deemed his ancestors are identified on some of the oldest Egyptian monuments.
A handful of years ago a controversy arose on the breed’s right designation, when the Germans claimed for it the title “Deutsche Dogge.” Germany had quite a few varieties of significant dogs, such as the Hatzrude, Saufanger, Ulmer Dogge, and Rottweiler Metzgerhund but contemporaneously with these there existed, as in other nations in Europe, a further extremely significant breed, but significantly nobler and a lot more thoroughbred, recognized as Good Danes.
When following the war of 1870 national feeling was pulsating extremely strongly in the veins of reunited Germany, the German cynologists had been on the lookout for a national dog, and for that goal the Good Dane was re-christened “Deutsche Dogge,” and elected as the champion of German Dogdom. For a lengthy time all these breeds had, no doubt, been indiscriminately crossed.
The Good Dane was introduced into this nation spasmodically some thirty-5 years ago, when he was normally referred to as the Boarhound, or the German Mastiff, and for a time the breed had to undergo a probationary period in the “Foreign Class” at dog shows, but it quickly gained in public favour, and in the early ‘eighties a Good Dane Club was formed, and the breed has given that turn out to be one particular of the most well-liked of the bigger dogs.
The Kennel Club has classed Good Danes amongst the Non-Sporting dogs, most likely since with us he can not obtain a quarry worthy of his mettle but, for all that, he has the instincts and qualifications of a sporting dog, and he has proved himself especially worthwhile for hunting significant game in hot climates, which he stands extremely properly.
Respecting the temperament of the Good Dane and his suitability as a companion writers have gone to extremes in praise and condemnation. In his favour it should be stated that in organic intelligence he is surpassed by extremely handful of other dogs. He has a most imposing figure, and does not, like some other significant breeds, slobber from his mouth, which is a especially unpleasant peculiarity when a dog is kept in the residence. On the other hand, it should be admitted that with just about the strength of a tiger he combines the excitability of a terrier, and no doubt a badly educated Good Dane is a extremely risky animal.
It is not adequate to teach him in the haphazard way which could be productive in finding a tiny dog below manage, but even as a companion he ought to be educated systematically, and, contemplating his marked intelligence, this is not hard of accomplishment.
